Alex by Pierre Lemaitre
Published by MacLehose Press
Publication Date September 3rd 2013
Source: Library
Genres: Thriller
Goodreads
Alex Prévost—kidnapped, savagely beaten, suspended from the ceiling of an abandoned warehouse in a tiny wooden cage—is running out of time. Her abductor appears to want only to watch her die. Will hunger, thirst, or the rats get her first?
Apart from a shaky eyewitness report of the abduction, Police Commandant Camille Verhoeven has nothing to go on: no suspect, no leads, and no family or friends anxious to find a missing loved one. The diminutive and brilliant detective knows from bitter experience the urgency of finding the missing woman as quickly as possible—but first he must understand more about her.
As he uncovers the details of the young woman’s singular history, Camille is forced to acknowledge that the person he seeks is no ordinary victim. She is beautiful, yes, but also extremely tough and resourceful. Before long, saving Alex’s life will be the least of Commandant Verhoeven’s considerable challenges.
Pierre Lemaitre’s novel kept me on my toes from beginning to end. with Alex, the victim and one of the main characters in the novel I developed whiplash, never fully being able to decide how I felt about her. She was kept in a box for a week but on the other side of the coin, she had a dark mysterious past. The Police Commandant on the scene, Camile Verhoeven was quick and instantly likable. He methodically thought out every clue and never made an assumption until he was completely sure, yet this case was still a game of cat and mouse. Alex was incredibly suspenseful, it had me holding my breath and sitting on the edge of my seat. Constant monkey wrenches were thrown my way keeping the mystery one step ahead for when I thought I had figured it out.
One of my good customers tried very hard to convince me to read this book, but I just don't do well with anything that smacks of psychological thrills or terror. Then I made him summarize the book for me and I have to admit, it sounded pretty intense and amazing! I think you gave away just the right amount in your review.