I quite enjoyed Matthew Blake’s previous book Anna O, so I couldn’t wait to read his newest psychological thriller.
And let me tell you, it’s an absolute triumph. Elegant, emotionally charged, and utterly gripping, this novel had me hooked from the first page and left me breathless by the last.
The story opens with Dr Olivia Finn, a psychotherapist and memory expert, receiving a call from the Paris police. Her 96-year-old grandmother, Josephine Benoit, a celebrated artist, has turned up at the Hôtel Lutetia claiming she is not Josephine at all, but Sophie Leclerc. Oh, and she’s confessed to murder. In 1945. In Room 11. Naturally, Olivia assumes it’s dementia talking. But when she arrives in Paris and Josephine is found dead shortly after, Olivia is forced to confront the possibility that her grandmother’s memories might hold more truth than madness.
What follows is a masterfully woven dual timeline narrative, shifting between post-war Paris and the present day. In 1945, the Lutetia served as a reception centre for Auschwitz survivors, a hauntingly real detail that adds depth and authenticity to the story. We slowly uncover the tangled relationship between Josephine and her best friend Sophie, and the secrets that have remained buried for decades.
Thematically, A Murder in Paris explores memory in all its fragility and complexity. Can we trust our own recollections? What happens when long-buried memories resurface? Blake delves into the psychology of memory with chilling insight, raising questions about identity, truth, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. I found this utterly fascinating, especially the idea of borrowed or planted memories, and how they shape who we are.
Olivia is a compelling protagonist: intelligent, emotionally layered, and deeply human. Her journey is as much about uncovering her grandmother’s past as it is about facing her own. The supporting cast, particularly Louis de Villefort, adds richness to the narrative, and the multiple POVs kept the tension high and the pace brisk.
What worked brilliantly for me was the atmosphere. Paris isn’t just a setting, it’s a character in its own right. From the faded glamour of the Lutetia to the shadowy corners of the city’s past, Blake paints a vivid, haunting portrait of a place steeped in history and secrets. The twists were relentless, and the final reveal was both satisfying and heartbreaking.
If you love psychological thrillers with historical depth, emotional resonance, and a touch of noir, this one’s for you. Fans of Kate Morton, Lisa Jewell, or anyone who enjoys mysteries with brains and heart will find much to love here.
A Murder in Paris is a sophisticated, thought-provoking thriller. Blake has outdone himself, delivering a story that’s as beautiful as it is brutal.
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.
About the author: Matthew Blake | Psychological thrillers (@matthewblakewriter) • Instagram photos and videos
