Maxime Chattam, past master in the art of "Illusion"

Maxime Chattam explains "The illusion" of which his readers are victims -

• Maxime Chattam is releasing his new novel, L'Illusion, at Albin Michel.

• The action takes place behind the scenes of a closed ski resort in summer.

• The novelist plays on codes: is it a straightforward thriller or a fantasy novel ... or a bit of both?

His new novel,

, the writer Maxime Chattam hopes “thrilling, mysterious and surprising”.

And having read it, we can assure you that the sponsor of the

of the novel award is not far from the truth.

Or an “illusion” of truth.

Because once again, the author skilfully plays with the codes of the genre, interweaving thriller and fantasy in a plot riddled with false leads, pitfalls and pretenses.

What is happening in the small ski resort of Val Quarios, an isolated place conducive to the most devious behind closed doors?

Hugo, a thirty-something freshly tackled and whose artistic career has never taken off, finds himself hired as a handyman to ensure the summer maintenance.

But now a feeling of oppression gets involved, a disappearance occurs and nothing more happens as he expected.

Thinking of…

 ?

Bingo!

An oppressive closed door

Maxime Chattam fully assumes his admiration for Stephen King.

And besides, the young hero enjoys the idea of ​​seeing binoculars appear in the hallway of the hotel at the beginning of the novel.

So yes, inevitably, there is Stephen King in 

.

But not only.

There is also a lot of Maxime Chattam, this master of the thriller more devious and surprising than ever.

Started a little over 24 hours ago, already finished, devoured.

What an incredible ending, I really hadn't seen it coming.

Lucien Strafa.

Unbelievable.

Genius.

Big @ChattamMaxime which surprises me every time.

Thank you really.

pic.twitter.com/wMBa55Bgcm

- awake ♮ (@ohmyeunsang) October 30, 2020

The title refers to the manipulations of conjurers ... Even having read (or seen) The

, could you imagine what awaits you?

Yes, maybe a little, because in such a context, death will inevitably prowl “with the gluttony of a summer storm”, as it is written on the back cover.

And yet no, because the dizzying ending of this breathtaking thriller is far worse (or far better) than anything you can imagine.

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