Notice to the latecomers, to the procrastinating elves who wait until the last moment to do their end-of-year shopping. Because there is nothing more pleasing than an invitation to travel to distant, magical or frightening lands, the editorial team has brought together these recent favorites to please fans of detective novels, fantastic tales or of fantasy. Follow the leader.
For budding investigators
Norferville by Franck Thilliez published by Fleuve Noir (€22.90)
In just a few years, the French author has established himself as one of the most popular in France. In 2024, it is into the great Canadian cold that his pen ventures. In Quebec, the small town of Norferville is known for its immense iron mines which attract many workers from across Canada. This is where Léonie grew up, daughter of a mine worker and an indigenous woman. Although she has since left the small town, she is called back to this white hell when a French tourist is murdered. His father, a collaborator of the Lyon criminal brigade, is determined to shed light on this affair and find his child’s killer.
Captivating and well-documented, this immersion into a Quebec community facing horror is incredibly effective. The novelist proves once again that he has not stolen his title as master of crime fiction in France, that his writing is as confusing as it is striking.
Acheter Norferville
For those who love Christmas (but not too sweet tales)
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, published by Folio Classique (€8.90)
Scrooge is a cantankerous manstingy and who hates effusions. When his partner’s ghost appears one evening, he is taken on a journey through time and space. Following in the footsteps of his past, present and future Christmases, the old man regains his taste for life.
It’s the ultimate end-of-year party story, for those who quickly tire of romantic comedies. Under the formidable pen of Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol stands out as a monument of fantastic literature worn by an equally illustrious character. A classic to discover (before or after watching the Disney animated film) and to accompany the reading of the collection of short stories Ghost storiesby the same author.
Buy A Christmas Carol
For fans of fantasy
Cold Moon over Babylon by Michael McDowell, published by Monsieur Toussaint Louverture (€12.90)
In the 80s, the small community of Babylon is struck by tragedy. A teenage girl has disappeared and the whole town is worried that she will return one day. When a cold, pale moon rises, it blinds everyone, victims and murderers…the fallen of Babylon.
With a very cinematic style, the same sense of description as for Blackwaterand a very beautiful setting, Cold Moon over Babylon is undeniably the novel to offer for all gothic lovers. It is perfect for those who are fascinated by the monsters and curiosities depicted by Burton. We can only advise you to give in to the sirens of Katieby the same author and of the same caliber.
Buy Cold Moon on Babylon
For readers fascinated by haunted houses
Starling House d’Alix E.Harrow chez Hachette Heroes (23,75€)
We don’t forget adolescents and young adults, with a barely disguised rereading of Beauty and the Beast by Alix E. Harrow. After the Ten thousand gates of January et The Time of the Witchesthe American author immerses readers in the dark and humid interiors of a building known to be cursed. With a style accessible to the youngest readers, and an innate sense of description and suspense, the American author has created a “page turner” which is aimed at all fans of fantastic stories.
The story follows young Opale, an orphan who shares her life between her work and her daily life with her younger brother in a shabby Motel room. For several months, she dreams of Starling House. The building fascinates all occult lovers, its reputation is well established. When she is offered a thousekeeper job by its strange owner, she cannot refuse.
Acheter Starling House
For those who like science fiction
The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin published by Actes Sud
After the series on Netflix, why not take advantage of Christmas to discover the work that inspired it? Very different from the adaptation by DB Weiss and David Benioff, The Three-Body Problem is a dense and intense work alongside scientists struck by a discovery that will change the face of the world. Interspersed with scientific documents, reading this work is captivating and promises many surprises.
Wang Miao sees a countdown appearing on the photographs he takes without being able to explain the origin of this phenomenon. At the same time, the particles in the accelerators appear to have suddenly stopped obeying the Standard Model, leading scientist Yang Dong to the conclusion that “physics does not exist”. She has since committed suicide and is one of several scientists in the main character’s entourage to have done so. Something is brewing, and it could all have something to do with the course of a scientist who lived during the Cultural Revolution.
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