Le cri
8.04 / 10 7.1K ratings
- Language
- French
- Published
- 2020
- Publisher
- Pages
- 557
- ISBN
- 9782266312271
At a psychiatric hospital near Oslo, inspector Sarah Geringën is called to investigate a perplexing death: a patient found strangled in his cell, a silent scream etched onto his face. The scene offers unsettling details, including a scar forming the number 488 on the deceased's forehead and indecipherable drawings on the cell walls. As hospital staff appear evasive, Sarah senses this case is far from a simple suicide.
Her investigation propels her across continents, from Oslo to Paris, then with a journalist, to locations like London and the Ascension Island, uncovering a web of secrets. This journey delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring profound questions about our origins, existence, and the possibility of life after death. Inspired by actual events and scientific experiments, this thriller builds an implacable suspense that questions the boundaries of human knowledge and the perils of unchecked ambition.
Her investigation propels her across continents, from Oslo to Paris, then with a journalist, to locations like London and the Ascension Island, uncovering a web of secrets. This journey delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring profound questions about our origins, existence, and the possibility of life after death. Inspired by actual events and scientific experiments, this thriller builds an implacable suspense that questions the boundaries of human knowledge and the perils of unchecked ambition.
Subjects
Original edition
Le CriOriginally published in 2016 French Xo Editions
Other editions (3)
A biting Norwegian wind whispers secrets through the snow-laden pines surrounding the Gaustad psychiatric hospital, a grim edifice just outside Oslo. Within its walls, inspectrice Sarah Geringën arrives at a scene that immediately feels wrong. Patient 488, so named for the mysterious, scarred digits etched into his forehead, has been found dead in his cell, his mouth frozen in a silent, primal scream of terror. The official verdict points to suicide, yet Sarah, a woman of formidable intellect and an unsettling professional detachment that belies a deep, unspoken pain, senses a far more sinister truth.
As Sarah probes deeper, the hospital staff's evasiveness and the inexplicable details of Patient 488's life - or lack thereof - only heighten her suspicions. There are no personal effects, only the stark emptiness of a cell, and cryptic drawings on the walls. Her investigation quickly unravels the notion of a simple death, drawing her into a labyrinth of hidden agendas and dangerous secrets that stretch far beyond the icy confines of Gaustad. What began as a local inquiry swiftly escalates into a global hunt for answers, pushing Sarah to the very limits of her endurance and sanity.
The trail leads her away from the snow-swept landscapes of Norway, across continents, to the bustling streets of London, the remote, volcanic expanse of Ascension Island, the desolate mines of Minnesota, and the sun-drenched heights of Nice. Along the way, she crosses paths with Christopher Clarence, a French investigative journalist grappling with his own personal tragedy, now raising his young nephew Simon. Their initial encounter is fraught with tension, but they soon find themselves bound by a shared, desperate quest for truth, racing against an implacable countdown.
Together, Sarah and Christopher begin to unearth a terrifying conspiracy, one rooted in dark scientific experiments and clandestine operations dating back decades, notably involving the shadowy history of the CIA's Project MK Ultra. They discover that the secrets are not merely historical footnotes but active, deadly forces at play in the present, threatening to reshape humanity's understanding of life, death, and consciousness itself. The danger is palpable, their pursuers relentless, and the stakes grow exponentially with each revelation.
The heart of the mystery lies in humanity's most profound question: what truly happens after death? Sarah and Christopher find themselves confronting the chilling prospect of a science pushed to its most extreme, a science perverted by ambition and devoid of ethics, capable of transforming the very essence of existence into a weapon. They are not just solving a murder; they are battling to expose a truth that could shatter the foundations of belief and unleash an unprecedented terror upon the world.
As the countdown relentlessly ticks away, the pressure mounts, threatening not only their lives but the life of an innocent caught in the crosshairs of this global conspiracy. The journey is a relentless race against time, filled with breathtaking action and psychological suspense, forcing Sarah to confront not only external enemies but also her own deeply buried fears and personal demons. The revelations, when they finally come, are dizzying, hinting at a truth far more unsettling than any nightmare, a truth that echoes the silent scream of Patient 488.
As Sarah probes deeper, the hospital staff's evasiveness and the inexplicable details of Patient 488's life - or lack thereof - only heighten her suspicions. There are no personal effects, only the stark emptiness of a cell, and cryptic drawings on the walls. Her investigation quickly unravels the notion of a simple death, drawing her into a labyrinth of hidden agendas and dangerous secrets that stretch far beyond the icy confines of Gaustad. What began as a local inquiry swiftly escalates into a global hunt for answers, pushing Sarah to the very limits of her endurance and sanity.
The trail leads her away from the snow-swept landscapes of Norway, across continents, to the bustling streets of London, the remote, volcanic expanse of Ascension Island, the desolate mines of Minnesota, and the sun-drenched heights of Nice. Along the way, she crosses paths with Christopher Clarence, a French investigative journalist grappling with his own personal tragedy, now raising his young nephew Simon. Their initial encounter is fraught with tension, but they soon find themselves bound by a shared, desperate quest for truth, racing against an implacable countdown.
Together, Sarah and Christopher begin to unearth a terrifying conspiracy, one rooted in dark scientific experiments and clandestine operations dating back decades, notably involving the shadowy history of the CIA's Project MK Ultra. They discover that the secrets are not merely historical footnotes but active, deadly forces at play in the present, threatening to reshape humanity's understanding of life, death, and consciousness itself. The danger is palpable, their pursuers relentless, and the stakes grow exponentially with each revelation.
The heart of the mystery lies in humanity's most profound question: what truly happens after death? Sarah and Christopher find themselves confronting the chilling prospect of a science pushed to its most extreme, a science perverted by ambition and devoid of ethics, capable of transforming the very essence of existence into a weapon. They are not just solving a murder; they are battling to expose a truth that could shatter the foundations of belief and unleash an unprecedented terror upon the world.
As the countdown relentlessly ticks away, the pressure mounts, threatening not only their lives but the life of an innocent caught in the crosshairs of this global conspiracy. The journey is a relentless race against time, filled with breathtaking action and psychological suspense, forcing Sarah to confront not only external enemies but also her own deeply buried fears and personal demons. The revelations, when they finally come, are dizzying, hinting at a truth far more unsettling than any nightmare, a truth that echoes the silent scream of Patient 488.
What other readers say
Liked
Many readers found the book to begin with a highly promising and captivating premise, often set in an eerie psychiatric hospital with a mysterious death that quickly spirals into a broader investigation. Reviewers frequently praised the novel's relentless pace, describing it as a fast-moving, high-octane thriller filled with constant action, suspense, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged and turning pages. This propulsive energy, compared by some to the style of Dan Brown, contributes to an addictive reading experience. The central mystery, which delves into decades of secret research and global conspiracies, was also highlighted as intriguing and unique, pushing beyond the boundaries of standard detective stories. The main protagonist, Inspector Sarah Geringën, often received positive mentions for her strength and composure, while some appreciated the overall plot construction as complex and well-built despite its adventurous scope.
Disliked
Despite the strong start, a significant number of readers reported a noticeable decline in the book's quality, often around the middle or after the initial third, where the narrative began to lose its focus and sharpness. The most pervasive criticism centered on a pervasive lack of realism and logical consistency, with the plot frequently described as absurd, far-fetched, excessive, and unrealistic. Characters, both protagonists and antagonists, were often criticized for making illogical decisions or for being one-dimensional, "hollow," or "caricatured." Reviewers also pointed out issues with the writing style, noting it as sometimes wooden or unpolished, and identifying specific inconsistencies or errors in the narrative. Furthermore, the inclusion of a romantic subplot was often deemed unnecessary and detrimental to the thriller genre, contributing to a sense of generic clichés after an initially unique setup.
In short
Overall, the book elicits a divided response, suggesting a tension between an exciting premise and an execution that struggles with plausibility and depth. It appears to be a highly polarizing read, capable of either captivating or frustrating its audience. This book would likely appeal most to readers who prioritize a rapid-fire, action-packed narrative with a strong element of speculative fiction or conspiracy over meticulous logical coherence, scientific accuracy, or nuanced character development. Those who enjoy a "Dan Brown on steroids" approach, are looking for a quick, adrenaline-fueled escape, and are willing to overlook inconsistencies for the sake of constant thrills, may find this novel highly engaging. Conversely, readers who value realism, intricate and consistent plotting, deep character psychology, and a polished literary style might find themselves disappointed.
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