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Le Partage des terres
?Panique au plus haut niveau de l'État : l'ex-président de la République semble s'être pendu chez lui, juste après avoir échappé à un attentat qui a dévasté l'aéroport d'Orly. Suicide ou assassinat politique ? Pourquoi ses proches, les services de sécurité et même l'Élysée multiplient-ils les comportements les plus étranges ? Que cachait l'ancien chef d'État ? Que trame son entourage ? Qui tire les ficelles ? John Spencer Larivière, un ancien des services secrets français, est chargé de démêler discrètement l'écheveau. Une nouvelle fois, c'est dans une incroyable course semée d'embûches et de coups bas qu'il va se lancer pour aller au-delà des apparences. Guerre économique autour des terres rares sur fond de trading à haute fréquence, corruption internationale, lutte des nations pour contrôler les minerais précieux : dans son style survitaminé, entre Paris et la Malaisie, Bernard Besson nous plonge une fois encore au plus profond des réalités sombres et violentes de notre époque.
- GenresThriller
Paperback
First published October 31, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 2, 2019
3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
This book starts out with a spectacular explosion of an Air France plane at Paris Orly airport. A former French President was supposed to be on this plane. The current French President calls on a private company, Fermatown, to investigate. They uncover corruption in France and Malaysia. This mystery is somewhat complicated but moves along well. The translation was excellent.
Thanks to Le French Book for sending me this ebook.
This book starts out with a spectacular explosion of an Air France plane at Paris Orly airport. A former French President was supposed to be on this plane. The current French President calls on a private company, Fermatown, to investigate. They uncover corruption in France and Malaysia. This mystery is somewhat complicated but moves along well. The translation was excellent.
Thanks to Le French Book for sending me this ebook.
December 8, 2021
Real Rating: 3.75* of five, rounded up because yes thanks, I'll read another one
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: My opinion of this French John le Carré-does-Tom Clancy-esque thriller couldn’t be more tainted with smiles and coos of delight than if Luc himself was here, spread like the glorious buffet of bisexual manliness that he is, for my personal and very intimate delectation. I enjoyed it from giddy-up to whoa.
John Spencer Rivière and his Eurasian wife, Victoire, are parents of a fine young son. Their hawt, bisexual third in this not-sexual (but Luc would, with either one) throuple is Luc Racine. So you’ve got the full picture, their three-person business is assisting French intelligence agencies with those tasks that could, if discovered, become very, very troublesome with the greater French public…say, for example, lying, stealing, running honey traps for malefactors (that would be Luc), using modern high-tech wares in unscrupulous and legally iffy ways…all of which come into play here.
The events that bring this book from zero to sixty start with a supremely momentous, healvy loss-of-life event: A plane at the gate in Orly Airport explodes. The former president of France was supposed to be on that flight, so he is clearly presumed to be the target. There was a twist, however: His seat wasn’t holding him. He is alive and well, he is on the ground at Orly, and he is shown to be deeply distressed. As one would be. Though there’s the small matter of why he wasn’t on the plane, flight 912 from Kuala Lumpur to Orly, yet why he *was* in the airport.
And we’re off! There’s a non-stop ride from pillar to post and back again…there’s a political marriage, a political scandal or five that these three uncover but don’t blab about…why they get paid…travel to Parts Exotic, and a lovely sex interlude for lucky Luc with a blond hottie whose company has done something amazing, truly exciting, and quite surprising that’s caught international sub-rosa players’ attention. These are men who play rough, and true to form, they play very, very rough.
Things end well for those in the righter, lighter shades of grey. Things end poorly for the darker shades of grey. That’s why one reads these sorts of books, to be reassured that ma’at is maintained on the macro level even when the micro looks pretty wonky. If you’re looking for water-tight plotting, not likely to find it here. The reason the president’s upset is believable enough, but what happens as a result isn’t really something I’m prepared to suspend disbelief quite enough to stamp this with the full four stars.
I’d say that the translation’s pretty seamless, it sounds like these characters would sound to me (I did read The Greenland Breach so I knew what to expect), and I think throwing in Britishisms (“full stop” instead of “period” f/ex) left me with the vaguely distanced foreign feeling. A bit like, in films, British accents are used for villains of every nationality because they sound Furrin to Murrikins.
Would I read another of these thrillers with French accents? Mais oui! As soon as I find one, I will Kindle it right up. I’d recommend them to you, adventurous reader, as well.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: My opinion of this French John le Carré-does-Tom Clancy-esque thriller couldn’t be more tainted with smiles and coos of delight than if Luc himself was here, spread like the glorious buffet of bisexual manliness that he is, for my personal and very intimate delectation. I enjoyed it from giddy-up to whoa.
John Spencer Rivière and his Eurasian wife, Victoire, are parents of a fine young son. Their hawt, bisexual third in this not-sexual (but Luc would, with either one) throuple is Luc Racine. So you’ve got the full picture, their three-person business is assisting French intelligence agencies with those tasks that could, if discovered, become very, very troublesome with the greater French public…say, for example, lying, stealing, running honey traps for malefactors (that would be Luc), using modern high-tech wares in unscrupulous and legally iffy ways…all of which come into play here.
The events that bring this book from zero to sixty start with a supremely momentous, healvy loss-of-life event: A plane at the gate in Orly Airport explodes. The former president of France was supposed to be on that flight, so he is clearly presumed to be the target. There was a twist, however: His seat wasn’t holding him. He is alive and well, he is on the ground at Orly, and he is shown to be deeply distressed. As one would be. Though there’s the small matter of why he wasn’t on the plane, flight 912 from Kuala Lumpur to Orly, yet why he *was* in the airport.
And we’re off! There’s a non-stop ride from pillar to post and back again…there’s a political marriage, a political scandal or five that these three uncover but don’t blab about…why they get paid…travel to Parts Exotic, and a lovely sex interlude for lucky Luc with a blond hottie whose company has done something amazing, truly exciting, and quite surprising that’s caught international sub-rosa players’ attention. These are men who play rough, and true to form, they play very, very rough.
Things end well for those in the righter, lighter shades of grey. Things end poorly for the darker shades of grey. That’s why one reads these sorts of books, to be reassured that ma’at is maintained on the macro level even when the micro looks pretty wonky. If you’re looking for water-tight plotting, not likely to find it here. The reason the president’s upset is believable enough, but what happens as a result isn’t really something I’m prepared to suspend disbelief quite enough to stamp this with the full four stars.
I’d say that the translation’s pretty seamless, it sounds like these characters would sound to me (I did read The Greenland Breach so I knew what to expect), and I think throwing in Britishisms (“full stop” instead of “period” f/ex) left me with the vaguely distanced foreign feeling. A bit like, in films, British accents are used for villains of every nationality because they sound Furrin to Murrikins.
Would I read another of these thrillers with French accents? Mais oui! As soon as I find one, I will Kindle it right up. I’d recommend them to you, adventurous reader, as well.
February 1, 2017
Complex spy story involving international cybercrimes. Smart, suspenseful, geeky, it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
my full review is here:
https://wordsandpeace.com/2017/01/31/...
my full review is here:
https://wordsandpeace.com/2017/01/31/...
July 3, 2016
I am a devoted fan of Le French Book. I read everything that they translate from French into English. "Everything' is usually good and interesting mystery books. I am always aware that I am reading a translation and not the original text.
That said I was slightly disappointed in The Rare Earth Exchange. The core idea is interesting and very complicated. The characters have to do a lot of explaining in their dialogues. That's ok with me, I am usually more interested in the interaction of the characters and the writing itself. I still am not sure what all happened. A lot of people died except our heroes and heroine, the plot was figured out by people way smarter than me and I think all ended fairly happily (except for the families of the dead and the city of Paris which has a lot of clean up to do).
I have no way to prove this but I think my disappointment comes from the translation and not the original book. There were too many adverbs eg. breathtakingly beautiful and I don't believe a good writer would resort to that. The writing seemed simple and when the plot is so complicated, it felt jarring that the writing didn't match.
This is the second book of what I assume will be a series. The main characters are fascinating and live in a world that is extremely in the present--virtual terrorism. I live in Paris and although we certainly have had our share of terrorist attacks, it hasn't gone that far.. yet. So the terror and death still had the ring of 'unbelievable' to it which makes it easier to read.
One of the fun aspects of the book, for me an American living in France, was seeing the USA and it's covert dealings through the eyes of a french author. It's very different than American authors!!!
If you are a fan of Le French Book, as I am, I would encourage you to read this book. There are many far worse books on the market. I hope, as with another series that I'm a huge fan of, the translations will get better.
That said I was slightly disappointed in The Rare Earth Exchange. The core idea is interesting and very complicated. The characters have to do a lot of explaining in their dialogues. That's ok with me, I am usually more interested in the interaction of the characters and the writing itself. I still am not sure what all happened. A lot of people died except our heroes and heroine, the plot was figured out by people way smarter than me and I think all ended fairly happily (except for the families of the dead and the city of Paris which has a lot of clean up to do).
I have no way to prove this but I think my disappointment comes from the translation and not the original book. There were too many adverbs eg. breathtakingly beautiful and I don't believe a good writer would resort to that. The writing seemed simple and when the plot is so complicated, it felt jarring that the writing didn't match.
This is the second book of what I assume will be a series. The main characters are fascinating and live in a world that is extremely in the present--virtual terrorism. I live in Paris and although we certainly have had our share of terrorist attacks, it hasn't gone that far.. yet. So the terror and death still had the ring of 'unbelievable' to it which makes it easier to read.
One of the fun aspects of the book, for me an American living in France, was seeing the USA and it's covert dealings through the eyes of a french author. It's very different than American authors!!!
If you are a fan of Le French Book, as I am, I would encourage you to read this book. There are many far worse books on the market. I hope, as with another series that I'm a huge fan of, the translations will get better.
July 4, 2016
Rare Earth – a commodity we can’t live without.
Can you imagine and Airbus A340’s computer systems being attacked by a virus? No, I couldn’t either. I thought they would be “hack-free” but unfortunately the pilots on an Airbus who first think that there is a glitz in their computer system, discover on landing at Paris Orly Airport, they sadly find out that the computers have been well and truly hacked when the plane bursts into flames, consuming not just this plane which has returned from Malaysia, but all planes in its vicinity.
The flames and dust have barely settled when John Spencer-Lariviere, his wife Victorie Angagneur and Luc Masseron (who run a private intelligence agency) are called by Hubert de Méricourt, head of the French Intelligence and Counterintelligence. They need to ascertain whether there’s a link between this accident/terrorist attack and the supposed suicide of ex-President Pierre-André Noblecourt
The story moves at a blistering pace with action both in France and Malaysia. However, I don’t think it was the action that held my attention, but the detailed account of a product called Rare Earth and its place in the world of electronics and computers. Because of its uses, even with an international board regulating the production of this commodity, there is still infighting and corruption amongst the nations who produce it.
And to add to this mix; there is the manufacturer of an Atomic Clock, the most accurate time keeping device known but is it being used to allow inside trading?
The combination of the fast-paced search for those responsible for the catastrophic attack on Paris Orly Airport, the unexplained death of the ex-president and the team’s efforts in trying to unravel who is responsible, had me unable to stop reading until the end.
I love it when I come away from a book having gained knowledge on a subject other than just reading a thriller. This book held my interest from the first line until the end. I’d maybe heard of Rare Earth in passing, but had no idea how important it is in our everyday lives.
The other thing about this book is that I obviously noticed the characters involved, but where I’d normally nit-pick as to whether they made an impact on me or not; I hardly noticed them simply because the storyline was so well written.
This book has been translated from French into English. Unfortunately, I can’t find the name of the translator but whoever did it, has produced a translation that is flawless.
Thank you Le French Books for introducing this exceptionally gifted writer’s work for us English speaking readers.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Can you imagine and Airbus A340’s computer systems being attacked by a virus? No, I couldn’t either. I thought they would be “hack-free” but unfortunately the pilots on an Airbus who first think that there is a glitz in their computer system, discover on landing at Paris Orly Airport, they sadly find out that the computers have been well and truly hacked when the plane bursts into flames, consuming not just this plane which has returned from Malaysia, but all planes in its vicinity.
The flames and dust have barely settled when John Spencer-Lariviere, his wife Victorie Angagneur and Luc Masseron (who run a private intelligence agency) are called by Hubert de Méricourt, head of the French Intelligence and Counterintelligence. They need to ascertain whether there’s a link between this accident/terrorist attack and the supposed suicide of ex-President Pierre-André Noblecourt
The story moves at a blistering pace with action both in France and Malaysia. However, I don’t think it was the action that held my attention, but the detailed account of a product called Rare Earth and its place in the world of electronics and computers. Because of its uses, even with an international board regulating the production of this commodity, there is still infighting and corruption amongst the nations who produce it.
And to add to this mix; there is the manufacturer of an Atomic Clock, the most accurate time keeping device known but is it being used to allow inside trading?
The combination of the fast-paced search for those responsible for the catastrophic attack on Paris Orly Airport, the unexplained death of the ex-president and the team’s efforts in trying to unravel who is responsible, had me unable to stop reading until the end.
I love it when I come away from a book having gained knowledge on a subject other than just reading a thriller. This book held my interest from the first line until the end. I’d maybe heard of Rare Earth in passing, but had no idea how important it is in our everyday lives.
The other thing about this book is that I obviously noticed the characters involved, but where I’d normally nit-pick as to whether they made an impact on me or not; I hardly noticed them simply because the storyline was so well written.
This book has been translated from French into English. Unfortunately, I can’t find the name of the translator but whoever did it, has produced a translation that is flawless.
Thank you Le French Books for introducing this exceptionally gifted writer’s work for us English speaking readers.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
December 26, 2016
This French thriller has been ably translated and while mostly set in France, does head off to Malaysia for the later part of the story. I had previously read The Greenland Breach by this author and some of the same characters reoccur.
To start with a jet coming in from Malaysia is unfortunate to download a virus and explodes at the Paris airport. This scene is well written to involve us and show how ruthless the criminals are.
A former French premier has been found hanging in his attic. His widow, oddly, did not call the police but an investigation agency. John Lariviere and his wife Victoire have a new baby boy but they turn out for the job and are quickly suspicious. John investigates the man's work interests, finding that he had recently been involved in setting up a group to regulate trade in Rare Earth Elements, REEs. Victoire, who is from Cambodia, investigates the widow, who happens to support a charity that helps orphaned Cambodian children.
Suffice to say that there are many twists, turns and dangers. Scenes are short and we see a lot of Parisian streets as well as chess playing in Malaysia. Thriller fans will have a good read and there is some digital spying on phones. A lot of the background information has to be told to us by means of dialogue as it can't be assumed readers will know about REEs - I do. These are increasingly used as components for ever lighter tech, and are filthy to mine and refine. If anyone wants to find out more you can't do better than to read The Elements of Power: Gadgets, Guns, and the Struggle for a Sustainable Future in the Rare Metal Age by David Abraham.
I downloaded a copy from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
To start with a jet coming in from Malaysia is unfortunate to download a virus and explodes at the Paris airport. This scene is well written to involve us and show how ruthless the criminals are.
A former French premier has been found hanging in his attic. His widow, oddly, did not call the police but an investigation agency. John Lariviere and his wife Victoire have a new baby boy but they turn out for the job and are quickly suspicious. John investigates the man's work interests, finding that he had recently been involved in setting up a group to regulate trade in Rare Earth Elements, REEs. Victoire, who is from Cambodia, investigates the widow, who happens to support a charity that helps orphaned Cambodian children.
Suffice to say that there are many twists, turns and dangers. Scenes are short and we see a lot of Parisian streets as well as chess playing in Malaysia. Thriller fans will have a good read and there is some digital spying on phones. A lot of the background information has to be told to us by means of dialogue as it can't be assumed readers will know about REEs - I do. These are increasingly used as components for ever lighter tech, and are filthy to mine and refine. If anyone wants to find out more you can't do better than to read The Elements of Power: Gadgets, Guns, and the Struggle for a Sustainable Future in the Rare Metal Age by David Abraham.
I downloaded a copy from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
July 4, 2016
A place explodes at Orly Airport setting the airport ablaze with serious loss of life – how did this happen? The former President commits suicide – or is it murder?
Thus this complex thriller involving an international web of intrigue and trading begins, and that team we met in The Greenland Conspiracy kicks into place, trying to unravel answers to what might be a world wide struggle to control the rare metals necessary for modern technology.
The complexity of this thriller, coupled with names that might be confused by the reader, makes this thriller at times difficult to follow. More suspense would have been helpful and – I hate to add – more terrorist activity continuing that in the beginning of this novel – would have added to the tension.
Thus this complex thriller involving an international web of intrigue and trading begins, and that team we met in The Greenland Conspiracy kicks into place, trying to unravel answers to what might be a world wide struggle to control the rare metals necessary for modern technology.
The complexity of this thriller, coupled with names that might be confused by the reader, makes this thriller at times difficult to follow. More suspense would have been helpful and – I hate to add – more terrorist activity continuing that in the beginning of this novel – would have added to the tension.
February 25, 2024
The Rare Earth Exchange (Larivière Espionage Thrillers – Book 2) by Bernard Besson
274 Pages
Publisher: LeFrench Book
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Fiction (Adult), General Fiction (Adult), Mystery, Thrillers
Pierre-Andre Noblecourt, the former president, was at the airport. His flight was arriving from Kuala Lumpur when it exploded upon arrival. Some passengers were lucky to get out without injuries. Later that morning, his wife, Georgette, found him hanging in their apartment.
A high-power Chinese attorney living in Malaysia, Emma Wong, was also a victim in the attack. She was well known for her work stopping sex slavery and prostitution rings of minors. Recently she was involved assisting in the purchase of two French submarines.
Subterfuge, political murder, and illegal trading are all tied together with the U.S. government and software. The book has a steady pace, the characters are developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. This book kept my attention and if you like political thrillers, you will enjoy this book.
274 Pages
Publisher: LeFrench Book
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Fiction (Adult), General Fiction (Adult), Mystery, Thrillers
Pierre-Andre Noblecourt, the former president, was at the airport. His flight was arriving from Kuala Lumpur when it exploded upon arrival. Some passengers were lucky to get out without injuries. Later that morning, his wife, Georgette, found him hanging in their apartment.
A high-power Chinese attorney living in Malaysia, Emma Wong, was also a victim in the attack. She was well known for her work stopping sex slavery and prostitution rings of minors. Recently she was involved assisting in the purchase of two French submarines.
Subterfuge, political murder, and illegal trading are all tied together with the U.S. government and software. The book has a steady pace, the characters are developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. This book kept my attention and if you like political thrillers, you will enjoy this book.
June 14, 2017
The second Lariviere Espionage series, this novel is set primarily in Paris, with action also in Malaysia. Victoire and John have an infant son (the baptism opens the story) and family conflicts thread throughout the action. Luc gets to display both sides of his skills, role playing, impersonation, and high tech again keep the pace moving quickly while characters are introduced, developed and killed off. The main plot is accelerates, however the resolution is a twist and a surprise, at least for me.
Another of Le French Book's translations into English from the original French.
Another of Le French Book's translations into English from the original French.
November 16, 2016
Beginning with an opening scene that is taut and exceedingly believable, The Rare Earth Exchange is a thriller perfect for our time. Filled with duplicitous units and government entities, it's hard to keep the players straight. Once again Le French Book has translated an exciting book into English and allowed an entirely new audience to experience the pleasures of this material. It is a joy to read and impossible to put down. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
February 24, 2017
Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review
The plot was interesting at times but it was slow moving. Plus the story tells everything instead of letting it unfold.
The plot was interesting at times but it was slow moving. Plus the story tells everything instead of letting it unfold.
July 26, 2016
‘The plane’s antivirus program froze the download for thirty seconds and then authorized installation.’
The plane lands at Orly Airport, and then explodes. Other planes explode, the terminal is on fire, many lives are lost. The former French president, President Pierre-André Noblecourt, should have been on that plane. His survival is short-lived – he is found dead at his home: did he commit suicide, or was he murdered? How are these events connected? The former president had been responsible for establishing the Rare Earth Exchange, a trading centre for strategic and rare earth minerals, based in Paris and Malaysia. Was this in some way connected to his death?
The highest levels of the French government are concerned. Hubert de Méricourt, head of the agency responsible for France’s intelligence and counterintelligence calls in Fermatown, the private intelligence agency run by John Spencer Larivière, his partner Victoire Augagneur and Luc Masseron to investigate.
Thus begins a story in which the investigation quickly spans the globe. As the story unfolds, it soon becomes clear that corruption and suspicion are deeply ingrained. People are not what they claim to be. What was Pierre-André Noblecourt’s role in this world? Who is controlling the exchange of the rare metals essential for modern technology?
And just as things start to look clear, there’s another twist (or two) to keep the story moving along. Exactly how do the members of Pierre-André Noblecourt’s family fit into this intrigue?
‘There’s just too much information, believe it or not. No single investigative body is capable of overseeing a system as complex as this.’
I enjoyed this novel, and kept turning the pages wondering what would happen next. While some aspects were relatively easy to predict, there was one aspect that didn’t click into place for me until the end. And what an interesting ending it is!
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Le French Book for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
The plane lands at Orly Airport, and then explodes. Other planes explode, the terminal is on fire, many lives are lost. The former French president, President Pierre-André Noblecourt, should have been on that plane. His survival is short-lived – he is found dead at his home: did he commit suicide, or was he murdered? How are these events connected? The former president had been responsible for establishing the Rare Earth Exchange, a trading centre for strategic and rare earth minerals, based in Paris and Malaysia. Was this in some way connected to his death?
The highest levels of the French government are concerned. Hubert de Méricourt, head of the agency responsible for France’s intelligence and counterintelligence calls in Fermatown, the private intelligence agency run by John Spencer Larivière, his partner Victoire Augagneur and Luc Masseron to investigate.
Thus begins a story in which the investigation quickly spans the globe. As the story unfolds, it soon becomes clear that corruption and suspicion are deeply ingrained. People are not what they claim to be. What was Pierre-André Noblecourt’s role in this world? Who is controlling the exchange of the rare metals essential for modern technology?
And just as things start to look clear, there’s another twist (or two) to keep the story moving along. Exactly how do the members of Pierre-André Noblecourt’s family fit into this intrigue?
‘There’s just too much information, believe it or not. No single investigative body is capable of overseeing a system as complex as this.’
I enjoyed this novel, and kept turning the pages wondering what would happen next. While some aspects were relatively easy to predict, there was one aspect that didn’t click into place for me until the end. And what an interesting ending it is!
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Le French Book for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 25, 2017
4 and 1 / 2 Stars
This book is very well written, and the translation is excellent. The characters are believable and have depth.
The opening scene is horrific and all too real in today’s world. A plane incoming to Orly airport has downloaded a virus that causes a fire and much devastation and death. The retired president of France, Pierre-Andre Noblecourt, is returning from Kuala Lumpur having visited his son-in-law. Was he on the plane that crashed? Or was he not?
The employees of Fermatown, Victoire Augagneur, her husband, John Spencer Larivière and Luc Masseron are called by the current president to get to the bottom of things.
Then the former president is found dead at his home. The former president’s wife, Georgette, acts a little strange at first. Why did she not contact the police right away? During this investigation, the Fermatown team meets all sorts of interesting people including the ten-year old granddaughter of the former president. Beatrice is both bright and perceptive and was a great character.
Their investigation takes them to Kuala Lumpur and other points to track down the terrorists who brought down the plane and have committed other acts throughout the world. As an aside, the president’s plane is a wonder.
This is a fast paced and very thrilling ride through today’s politics and it is very real. The technology described is accurate and very important to the story.
I want to say hats off to Le French Books for their commitment to bringing French writers to English speakers. There are some wonderful French authors out there who deserved to be heard in the English-speaking world. This book was shortlisted for the 2015 Quais du Polar Series Prize. Gee, I wonder who won it?
I am sending a very big thanks to Netgalley and Le French Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read.
This book is very well written, and the translation is excellent. The characters are believable and have depth.
The opening scene is horrific and all too real in today’s world. A plane incoming to Orly airport has downloaded a virus that causes a fire and much devastation and death. The retired president of France, Pierre-Andre Noblecourt, is returning from Kuala Lumpur having visited his son-in-law. Was he on the plane that crashed? Or was he not?
The employees of Fermatown, Victoire Augagneur, her husband, John Spencer Larivière and Luc Masseron are called by the current president to get to the bottom of things.
Then the former president is found dead at his home. The former president’s wife, Georgette, acts a little strange at first. Why did she not contact the police right away? During this investigation, the Fermatown team meets all sorts of interesting people including the ten-year old granddaughter of the former president. Beatrice is both bright and perceptive and was a great character.
Their investigation takes them to Kuala Lumpur and other points to track down the terrorists who brought down the plane and have committed other acts throughout the world. As an aside, the president’s plane is a wonder.
This is a fast paced and very thrilling ride through today’s politics and it is very real. The technology described is accurate and very important to the story.
I want to say hats off to Le French Books for their commitment to bringing French writers to English speakers. There are some wonderful French authors out there who deserved to be heard in the English-speaking world. This book was shortlisted for the 2015 Quais du Polar Series Prize. Gee, I wonder who won it?
I am sending a very big thanks to Netgalley and Le French Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read.
February 17, 2017
Although I admire the complex high tech convolutions, I don't really enjoy the challenge of trying to follow them.
June 28, 2016
[ I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]
"There’s going to be blood on the steps of the Palais de Justice. The search for truth isn’t off to a good start"
Victoire Augagneur, her husband,John Spencer Larivière and their collegue Luc Masseron run Fermatown, a private investigation service headquartered in their home in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. During a family celebration they are contacted to report to deal with an international terrorism "situation" that could jeopardize the precarious balance of power within the worldwide economic community. How they deal with it is unique. Each one has skills suited for their roles and together, their take on the situation is amazing!
This book is as subtle as a chess game and as explosive as today's headlines. More than one story runs concurrently as they work, together and separately to deal with eco terrism and people almost too smart for their own good. Besson has presented a fast paced, intelligent work of fiction that could rival the latest headlines in any news market. Well written, I highly recommend this book.
"There’s going to be blood on the steps of the Palais de Justice. The search for truth isn’t off to a good start"
Victoire Augagneur, her husband,John Spencer Larivière and their collegue Luc Masseron run Fermatown, a private investigation service headquartered in their home in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. During a family celebration they are contacted to report to deal with an international terrorism "situation" that could jeopardize the precarious balance of power within the worldwide economic community. How they deal with it is unique. Each one has skills suited for their roles and together, their take on the situation is amazing!
This book is as subtle as a chess game and as explosive as today's headlines. More than one story runs concurrently as they work, together and separately to deal with eco terrism and people almost too smart for their own good. Besson has presented a fast paced, intelligent work of fiction that could rival the latest headlines in any news market. Well written, I highly recommend this book.
June 28, 2016
John Larivière, his wife Victoire and their colleague Luc, have been asked by their former bosses at French Intelligence to look into some suspicious activities. Firstly, there has been an aircraft incident at the Paris Orly Airport and at the same time the former President of France has been found dead at his home. Was it suicide or murder? The former President was responsible for setting up the Rare Earth Exchange, a trading center for strategic and rare earth minerals based in Paris and Malaysia. There are fears that it may be somehow connected to his death. But how? In a world where no one seems to trust each other it will be up to John, Victoire and Luc to find out what really happened.
In this, an interesting and complex story, nothing is as it appears and everyone seems suspicious as well as corrupt. It takes place in both Paris and Malaysia, giving readers a glimpse into international scenes of intrigue and mistrust. The pace is fast moving and filled with incident after incident that will keep readers turning the pages. It's a well written, enjoyable espionage thriller with an ending I didn't really expected.
Thanks to Le French Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews at: www.susannesbooklist.blogspot.com
In this, an interesting and complex story, nothing is as it appears and everyone seems suspicious as well as corrupt. It takes place in both Paris and Malaysia, giving readers a glimpse into international scenes of intrigue and mistrust. The pace is fast moving and filled with incident after incident that will keep readers turning the pages. It's a well written, enjoyable espionage thriller with an ending I didn't really expected.
Thanks to Le French Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews at: www.susannesbooklist.blogspot.com
August 18, 2016
Freelance spies John Spencer Laviviere and his partners Victorie (his wife), and Luc are called into an investigation by the government when a plane explodes upon landing at Orly. Along the way they find corruption that is more than just the usual suspects.
I was sucked into this story from the beginning. It is a page turner. I wanted to know what was happening. There is a lot of technology in this story but it was easy to understand. I never felt lost as I was following the clues to the culprit. It is important to the story. I loved the different point-of-view from what I usually read.
I liked how the three characters worked together. I also enjoyed how everyday life was interwoven into the story as Victorie was not happy about leaving her newborn to the care of others. The story was complicated enough to keep me interested but understandable that I never wanted to abandon the book because I was lost. The mystery was good. I did need the explanations at the end as they are wrapping up the case.
I plan on reading more of this series. I absolutely loved it.
I was sucked into this story from the beginning. It is a page turner. I wanted to know what was happening. There is a lot of technology in this story but it was easy to understand. I never felt lost as I was following the clues to the culprit. It is important to the story. I loved the different point-of-view from what I usually read.
I liked how the three characters worked together. I also enjoyed how everyday life was interwoven into the story as Victorie was not happy about leaving her newborn to the care of others. The story was complicated enough to keep me interested but understandable that I never wanted to abandon the book because I was lost. The mystery was good. I did need the explanations at the end as they are wrapping up the case.
I plan on reading more of this series. I absolutely loved it.
September 29, 2016
I have always enjoyed the publications of Le French Book and this is no exception. Following a terrorist cyber-attack on an aircraft at Orly airport in Paris and the subsequent death of a former French president, the private investigation / intelligence company Fermatown is hired by the French Government to find out who is responsible. This is the second novel for the Fermatown team, it revolves around the very lucrative market trading of rare earth elements used in high tech industries, and the corruption which has spawned from it. Obviously knowing what I like to read, the author has developed a very good detective story, cleverly combining it with a plausible political conspiracy. Although the plot is complex, the style is easy to follow and captivating. Another very good story and translation from Le French Book.
October 29, 2016
Bernard Besson created a believable story with a final spectacular finish. He did this by making over half the characters greedy and without a conscious taking bribes in working with the military. When they were not suppose to by a law on the books of France. Our heroes John, Victoria and Luc were hired to fine who killed the past president of France. I won't say who helped him because that would give it away and you'd be surprised. But people who should be punished end up going free or without the further help of the government. This is a really good story and its global besides getting into Einstien's Theroy of Relativity. It has something for everyone and I recommend it to my readers.
June 30, 2016
All the ingredients of a great book: compelling characters, suspense, terrorism, high-level government corruption and a great plot, are combined with some really off-beat elements to create a story that will stay with you. One of the characters is a ten-year-old girl, who is wise beyond her years. She provides a dose of wisdom and morality, and a surprise at the end. The elements of the plot involve some very high-tech features of the "corruption-proof" exchange for minerals used in production of modern electronics, which create an astonishing ending. Yet human greed prevails over the highest of technologies.
July 30, 2016
I received this via Netgalley for review.
There is a lot of action, suspense and misdirection. A tale twisted and folded in ways that almost confuse. It certainly makes one think. I liked the international intrigue, the cat and mouse play between Victoire and Montluzac. The wisp of a girl Beatrice is unquestionably a force to be reckoned with. This is a story that might be taken right out of today's headlines
There is a lot of action, suspense and misdirection. A tale twisted and folded in ways that almost confuse. It certainly makes one think. I liked the international intrigue, the cat and mouse play between Victoire and Montluzac. The wisp of a girl Beatrice is unquestionably a force to be reckoned with. This is a story that might be taken right out of today's headlines
September 13, 2016
*ARC
This book was quite a page turner. It takes a lot for a book to surprise me, and this one did. Rare Earth Exchange is a modern day French thriller set in Paris, but reaches throughout Asia. It has science, politics, betrayal, lust, experimental weaponry, good detecting work, and pretty much everything a good book needs. If you are a fan of Clive Cussler, you will love these Fermatown novels as well.
This book was quite a page turner. It takes a lot for a book to surprise me, and this one did. Rare Earth Exchange is a modern day French thriller set in Paris, but reaches throughout Asia. It has science, politics, betrayal, lust, experimental weaponry, good detecting work, and pretty much everything a good book needs. If you are a fan of Clive Cussler, you will love these Fermatown novels as well.
November 28, 2016
A convoluted story that starts with the attempted assassination of a former French president, resulting in several hundred collateral deaths at the Charles DeGaulle airport. Add in a very suspicious suicide, and you have a real head scratcher. How a team of independent investigators sort thru a lot of dead ends, and detours to determine exactly who did what to whom makes for an interesting story. The ending, though, is a bit iffy.
August 14, 2016
Interesting plot, not always easy to follow, probably because of the translation style. The flow is a bit jerky at times, but I would guess the translator stayed with the French structures as closely as she could, which I very much appreciate. The premise behind the plot is fascinating.
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