Alex

The book is widely praised as a dark, disturbing, and utterly compelling crime thriller that hooks readers from the very first page. Many reviewers found it an addictive page-turner, impossible to put down, thanks to its electrifying pace and masterful plotting. The narrative is lauded for its unpredictability, featuring numerous shocking twists and turns that keep readers off-balance and constantly guessing, delivering a truly emotional rollercoaster experience. Author Pierre Lemaitre is commended for his ability to craft a complex and layered story, maintaining high tension throughout. The characters, particularly Commandant Camille Verhoeven and the titular Alex, are highlighted as well-fleshed out and fascinating, with Verhoeven’s unique traits and tenacious investigative style making him a memorable protagonist. Supporting characters also add rich texture to the narrative. The translation from French is consistently praised for being brilliant, fluid, and effectively retaining the nuances of the original text.

While largely positive, some reviewers caution that the book is not for the faint-hearted due to its gruesome and often shocking content. Descriptions of violence and disturbing scenes, including those involving rats, were noted as potentially upsetting or even unreadable for squeamish readers. A few critiques touched on the narrative structure, with one reviewer expressing a preference for crimes driven by greed or organized crime over the psychological focus on a psychopath seeking revenge. Another felt that the police procedural aspects sometimes showed the investigators lagging behind the events. A minority opinion also raised concerns about the writing style, describing it as occasionally bloated, repetitive, or overly dramatic, with some dialogue feeling stiff. Additionally, several readers noted that this book, being a part of a series, contains significant spoilers for the preceding novel, which could diminish the experience of reading the first book later.

Overall, the consensus is that this is a highly recommended and unforgettable crime novel, often described as a masterpiece in its genre. It is particularly suited for readers who enjoy dark, complex, and intense thrillers with deep psychological elements and unexpected plot developments. Fans of authors like Stieg Larsson or books like "Gone Girl" are likely to appreciate its tension, brutality, and clever twists. However, potential readers should be aware of the extremely disturbing and violent descriptions and consider their tolerance for such content. While it can be read as a standalone, many reviewers suggest reading the series in order to fully appreciate the protagonist's backstory and avoid spoilers for the previous installment.