The Circle

June 2010. In the middle of a World Cup match, Martin Servaz receives a call from a long-lost lover. A dozen kilometers away in the town of Marsac, Classics professor Claire Diemar has been brutally assassinated and a dog-breeder eaten alive by his own animals.

And what of the mysterious e-mail indicating that that Julian Hirtmann, the most twisted of all serial killers is back…?

Why are death and violence looming over a small university town in Southwestern France where Servaz was a student in his youth and where his daughter is now studying?

With the help of Irene Ziegler and Esperandieu, Servaz will uncover the existence of a very vengeful group and reopen painful wounds from his past. He will learn of betrayal and of depravity and will not walk away unharmed.

After the resounding success of Iced, Bernard Minier plunges readers once again into a perfectly constructed dark and oppressive atmosphere, driven by a gripping plot, pushing the limits of the genre.

What the press is saying

“Bernard Minier shakes the Pollar World.” Le Monde

“Your heart will beat with fright.” Elle

“Strong characters and genuine-like dialogues, a dark and oppressive atmosphere which quickly spreads to the reader.” Le Parisien

“Bernard Minier carries on and confirms his talent with The Circle.” Le Figaro Littéraire

“Two years ago I reviewed Minier’s debut crime novel, The Frozen Dead, which was quite exceptional. This, his second, is every bit its equal.” Daily Mail

“A clever atmostpheric thriller from the bestselling French author.” Sunday Times, “Crime Club”

“Bernard Minier’s second novel, A SONG FOR DROWNED SOULS confirms his status in the forefront of crime fiction’s French renaissance…A gripping read.” The Times

“Over the past few years , France has produced some of Europe’s most striking and original crime novelists.  Bernard Minier is up there with the best and has just published a second novel quite as good as his sensational debut, The Frozen Dead” Sunday Times

“French author Minier’s second psychological whodunit featuring Commandant Martin Servaz shows his mastery of the creepy setup. […] The Russian nesting doll of a plot is perfectly executed and delivers two genuine gut punches at the end.” Publishers Weekly

“Minier delivers yet another absorbing thriller that will keep readers guessing until the final shocking pages. Set in southern France, this satisfying read will entice fans of dark, gritty Scandinavian thrillers who will find Martin Servaz reminiscent of Jo Nesbø’s Harry Hole.” Library Journal (starred review)