One of the reasons why I requested this book is because it takes place in a different country and I love foreign murder mysteries. I won’t say that this was the best crime story that I’ve ever read, but it certainly didn’t disappoint me and I had a great time reading it.

The mystery was interesting and I liked that I couldn’t guess everything from the very beginning. It was also a very fast read. This book is not particularly long, but that’s not the only reason. It kept me wanting to reach the end without putting it down.

The one thing that I didn’t like is that this is another book where the main detective doesn’t have a good life. Sure, his life is not as bad as other fictional detectives’ lives and I’m sure that there are many people like him, but it does get tiring after a reading many novels where this is the case.

4 STARS Chief of Police Nico Sirsky is at the doctors getting a check-up when a call comes in that a woman has been brutally murdered. The scene of the crime is bloody and the note left behind indicates more women will be killed unless Nico can stop him. The serial killer has made it personal and is getting closer to people Nico loves.

The 7th Woman is set in France (and has been translated from French to English) and is the first book in the Nico Sirsky's series. I really enjoyed the novel and compare it to Karin Slaughter's writing - thriller with a tiny bit of romance. I liked Nico a lot and will definitely be reading the next book. As far as I know there are 3 books in the series to date but only the first 2 have been translated so far.

What I think of it

I liked the build up of the novel. Initially a simple investigation for a particularly gruesome murder. Then the search for a serial killer and eventually a race against time to save the seventh victim. The book reads quickly and the reading is fluid. The beginning is very technical and we're involved in the initial autopsy as if we were there (which is not necessarily appreciated by everyone). All procedures are clearly explained, whether forensic or police procedures. We feel here a keen eye for detail and the desire / need for accuracy of the author. This will delight fans of the genre who will find a wealth of information.

The characters are very realistic, it really feels like we're in in the 36 quai des orfèvres and a part of the team, which is always nice when you read a book. As we stay with the team all steps through the investigation, it easy to feel a sense of belonging with those officers. A small problem in my case, the sudden and a bit too fiery love story with the boss of the Crim'. It seems to me that a guy who managed to climb all levels and is found at that young age (38 years old) chief of this famous police division has a little more lead in the head or at least better control of his emotions and will not smooch the woman of his heart at the office...

I have also a little less liked the fact that from the first murder, the criminal psychologist of the group defines the murderer as a serial killer who has a big problem with his mother. He resent women, surely, seeing what he does them but why not his former teacher, ex wife, neighbor-who-frustrates-him, etc.. This is somewhat simple or cliche like in movies and series dedicated to the genre. Sure, for those who read thrillers from time to time, it is very well done. For those who read thrillers regularly, it's déjà vu.

In a nutshell

A good first novel for this author, a promising start to the series, a quick and captivating read, this is a 3.5 / 5 for me.