namulith's review
1.0
I don't know whether it's the translation or the writing or just the way French people talk to each other. The conversations in this book just seemed so odd. The people seemed rather brusque and unsympathetic, which made the reading experience rather tedious. It didn't help, that the rest of the story was tropey and boring. Definitely not my cup of tea.
fictionfan's review
3.0
Seven Days, Seven Women...
When Marie-Hélène Jory is found murdered and horribly mutilated in her apartment, it seems as if she may have been killed by someone close to her. But when a second body is found the next day along with a chilling message for Chief Nico Sirsky - 'Seven Days, Seven Women' - it's obvious there's a deranged serial killer at work in Paris. And every day another woman will die unless Nico can catch the killer...
This is a fast-paced police procedural set in Paris. The author gives a real flavour of the city and of how the police force is structured, as the Chief and his teams race to track down a killer who seems to have a personal grudge against Nico. There are a couple of pretty gruesome scenes where the author describes graphically the torture inflicted on the women and these may be too strong for some. However, the author gets most of the details over during one of the earlier murders and doesn't dwell to excess on the later ones.
Nico is a likeable protagonist - divorced but with a good relationship with his son and his extended family. In the first scene of the book, he falls madly in love with his doctor, Caroline Dalry, and I'm afraid this is a major weakness of the book for me. The love affair doesn't ring true and Caroline is never properly developed as a character in her own right. It feels as if she has been introduced merely to be someone that Nico can worry about - 'coincidentally' her age and appearance matches that of the victims. However, the other main female characters, Dominique Kreiss, the psychologist, and the medical examiner, Armelle Vilars, are stronger and more rounded characters, though it's interesting to see that the author frequently highlights the fact that women are still very much in a minority in the French police and generally in subordinate or specialist roles.
The plot is well-paced and the climax, though a bit clichéd, generates some real tension. The translation by Anne Trager is fine, if occasionally a little too literal perhaps. Overall, this is an enjoyable read, with enough twists and turns to hold the reader's interest to the end. The Paris setting and insight into the French police methods add an extra layer, and Nico himself is a character I will look forward to meeting again.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
When Marie-Hélène Jory is found murdered and horribly mutilated in her apartment, it seems as if she may have been killed by someone close to her. But when a second body is found the next day along with a chilling message for Chief Nico Sirsky - 'Seven Days, Seven Women' - it's obvious there's a deranged serial killer at work in Paris. And every day another woman will die unless Nico can catch the killer...
This is a fast-paced police procedural set in Paris. The author gives a real flavour of the city and of how the police force is structured, as the Chief and his teams race to track down a killer who seems to have a personal grudge against Nico. There are a couple of pretty gruesome scenes where the author describes graphically the torture inflicted on the women and these may be too strong for some. However, the author gets most of the details over during one of the earlier murders and doesn't dwell to excess on the later ones.
Nico is a likeable protagonist - divorced but with a good relationship with his son and his extended family. In the first scene of the book, he falls madly in love with his doctor, Caroline Dalry, and I'm afraid this is a major weakness of the book for me. The love affair doesn't ring true and Caroline is never properly developed as a character in her own right. It feels as if she has been introduced merely to be someone that Nico can worry about - 'coincidentally' her age and appearance matches that of the victims. However, the other main female characters, Dominique Kreiss, the psychologist, and the medical examiner, Armelle Vilars, are stronger and more rounded characters, though it's interesting to see that the author frequently highlights the fact that women are still very much in a minority in the French police and generally in subordinate or specialist roles.
The plot is well-paced and the climax, though a bit clichéd, generates some real tension. The translation by Anne Trager is fine, if occasionally a little too literal perhaps. Overall, this is an enjoyable read, with enough twists and turns to hold the reader's interest to the end. The Paris setting and insight into the French police methods add an extra layer, and Nico himself is a character I will look forward to meeting again.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
beckylej's review
3.0
THE 7th WOMAN takes place over the course of just seven days, which makes for quite a quick and intense read. Molay throws in a few red herrings - both for the reader as well as the characters themselves - and all in all the mystery itself is fairly well plotted and interesting. I can't say it was all that hard to see around the false leads or to figure out who the killer was, but it was still interesting to see the case unfold for the characters.
My only serious issue with THE 7th WOMAN was the insta-love. It's not usually a big beef of mine - other readers are far less forgiving of it than I typically am - but in this case the progression of Sirsky's relationship was just a bit too quick for me. I understood the need to attach Sirsky to a love interest but it's something that I felt could have been already in progress when the book began as opposed to the overnight infatuation Molay created here.
THE 7th WOMAN is translated by Anne Trager and works quite well. There were some instances where the dialogue and narrative felt a bit simplistic but I'm not at all certain whether that would be chalked up to a basic translation or the actual writing (I'm assuming it would be the writing itself). It wasn't anything that detracted from the reading at all, simply an observation I'd had with the style of the book as a whole.
My only serious issue with THE 7th WOMAN was the insta-love. It's not usually a big beef of mine - other readers are far less forgiving of it than I typically am - but in this case the progression of Sirsky's relationship was just a bit too quick for me. I understood the need to attach Sirsky to a love interest but it's something that I felt could have been already in progress when the book began as opposed to the overnight infatuation Molay created here.
THE 7th WOMAN is translated by Anne Trager and works quite well. There were some instances where the dialogue and narrative felt a bit simplistic but I'm not at all certain whether that would be chalked up to a basic translation or the actual writing (I'm assuming it would be the writing itself). It wasn't anything that detracted from the reading at all, simply an observation I'd had with the style of the book as a whole.
angrygreycatreads's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
redheadstorm's review
5.0
Though I have been to France a number of times over the years and know quite a bit about French culture, I admit to not knowing almost anything about their judicial and police system(come to think of it, I am kind of grateful for not having any first hand experience with the french police). Even though this is my favorite genre and I am frequently drawn to works of the authors from non-English speaking countries, again it dawned on me that I have not read much in terms of French crime/murder mystery novels. These are just some of the reasons I still feel the thrill of discovering this series by Frédérique Molay.
Chief of Police Nico Sirsky, may very well be one of my favorite male protagonists, right along with Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache. Though I had to wade my way through the complex (or simply new to me) police system (and Molay did a fantastic job explaining it), intricate and intriguing story in combination with fascinating characters completely won me over. Nico is a dedicated and brilliant policeman under a lot of stress and with a lot to prove, having become the Head of his unit at the age of 38. While juggling the never ending demands of his professional life and at the same trying to be there for his son, ex-wife and his family, Nico ends up having to play the game of cat and mouse with a devious and determined killer. The killer is on a mission to torture and in a gruesome way kill (not for the faint of heart) 7 women in 7 days. Nico and his team (my favorite being the criminal psychologist Dominique Kreiss) are forced to race against the clock to stop him.
This book is a must read for true lovers of psychological thrillers/murder mysteries/police procedurals, especially the ones who look to broaden their horizons past the north American writers and the predictability of the bestseller lists. The only drawback of this series (besides the fact that Nico is too dreamy to be 'true') is the fact that the English speaking market (a.k.a. me) will be continuously forced into patiently waiting for the translation of each new book published in France. Book #2, Crossing the line, is already on my "to read" list.
Chief of Police Nico Sirsky, may very well be one of my favorite male protagonists, right along with Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache. Though I had to wade my way through the complex (or simply new to me) police system (and Molay did a fantastic job explaining it), intricate and intriguing story in combination with fascinating characters completely won me over. Nico is a dedicated and brilliant policeman under a lot of stress and with a lot to prove, having become the Head of his unit at the age of 38. While juggling the never ending demands of his professional life and at the same trying to be there for his son, ex-wife and his family, Nico ends up having to play the game of cat and mouse with a devious and determined killer. The killer is on a mission to torture and in a gruesome way kill (not for the faint of heart) 7 women in 7 days. Nico and his team (my favorite being the criminal psychologist Dominique Kreiss) are forced to race against the clock to stop him.
This book is a must read for true lovers of psychological thrillers/murder mysteries/police procedurals, especially the ones who look to broaden their horizons past the north American writers and the predictability of the bestseller lists. The only drawback of this series (besides the fact that Nico is too dreamy to be 'true') is the fact that the English speaking market (a.k.a. me) will be continuously forced into patiently waiting for the translation of each new book published in France. Book #2, Crossing the line, is already on my "to read" list.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review
1.0
Disclaimer: ARC read via Netgalley. I should note that I read it via Kindle, and the ARC format for kindle was really bad. I have no doubt that this is corrected in the final version.
When I request books from Netgalley, I try to request books that I know with as much certainty as I can, that I will most likely enjoy. If the publisher is going to be kind enough to let little me read an ARC, then I should at least request only those I have a strong interest in. My interest in this was lukewarm, but since it was a READ NOW option and an international mystery, I tried it.
It isn’t for me. I don’t like the sudden lust the book starts with; I don’t like over the top violence shades of Girl with Dragon Tattoo. I don’t. I know many people do. If you loved Larson, I’m pretty sure you will like this book. To be fail to Larsson, even all the women seem to be victims, some of them are avengers, and that doesn’t seem to be the case here.
I didn’t love Larsson. So I didn’t like the book and the formatting really didn’t help.
Crossposted at Booklikes.
When I request books from Netgalley, I try to request books that I know with as much certainty as I can, that I will most likely enjoy. If the publisher is going to be kind enough to let little me read an ARC, then I should at least request only those I have a strong interest in. My interest in this was lukewarm, but since it was a READ NOW option and an international mystery, I tried it.
It isn’t for me. I don’t like the sudden lust the book starts with; I don’t like over the top violence shades of Girl with Dragon Tattoo. I don’t. I know many people do. If you loved Larson, I’m pretty sure you will like this book. To be fail to Larsson, even all the women seem to be victims, some of them are avengers, and that doesn’t seem to be the case here.
I didn’t love Larsson. So I didn’t like the book and the formatting really didn’t help.
Crossposted at Booklikes.
booksuperpower's review
4.0
The 7th Woman by Frederique Molay is a Le French Book publication. Originally published in 2006, this book was made available in digital format and translated into the English language in 2012. The translator is Anne Trager.
Set in France, Nico Sirsky is the thirty-eight year old chief of police. He is one of the youngest men to have this position. The job is taking a toll however, and he is the doctor's office having his stomach examined for possible ulcers.
In the meantime, a serial killer begins his reign of terror. A young woman is murdered in a most gruesome fashion. It is discovered in the autopsy that she was one month pregnant. When a second girl is murdered the same way and she also is one month pregnant it becomes obvious the police force had a HUGE problem.
The killer begins making it rather obvious that Nico is really his target and begins to mess with Nico's family, putting anyone that Nico cares about in danger. That includes the doctor he has fallen head over heels in love with.
Nico must also deal with his son and his ex-wife's depression, all while trying to out wit this diabolical killer.
This is a very graphic, even gory serial killer crime novel. It is certainly not for the faint of heart. The blurb compares the story to the movie "Seven" and the forensic TV show CSI. I can see where someone might be reminded of the movie. The forensics were very interesting and added a scientific angle to the story.
This is a very grim story, with very little comic relief. The only humor is in watching Nico behave like a teenager as he falls in love.
Otherwise the book is none stop crime solving. You will find yourself suspecting everyone imaginable. I enjoyed this one. I like reading crime stories written by authors from other countries, set in a country or city that I have never been to. I enjoy seeing how the police force and crime units to things as opposed to the way thing are done here in America.
If you like gritty, forensic, and dark crime mysteries this one is for you.
This was a really good crime novel. I highly recommend it. Overall this one gets an A.
Set in France, Nico Sirsky is the thirty-eight year old chief of police. He is one of the youngest men to have this position. The job is taking a toll however, and he is the doctor's office having his stomach examined for possible ulcers.
In the meantime, a serial killer begins his reign of terror. A young woman is murdered in a most gruesome fashion. It is discovered in the autopsy that she was one month pregnant. When a second girl is murdered the same way and she also is one month pregnant it becomes obvious the police force had a HUGE problem.
The killer begins making it rather obvious that Nico is really his target and begins to mess with Nico's family, putting anyone that Nico cares about in danger. That includes the doctor he has fallen head over heels in love with.
Nico must also deal with his son and his ex-wife's depression, all while trying to out wit this diabolical killer.
This is a very graphic, even gory serial killer crime novel. It is certainly not for the faint of heart. The blurb compares the story to the movie "Seven" and the forensic TV show CSI. I can see where someone might be reminded of the movie. The forensics were very interesting and added a scientific angle to the story.
This is a very grim story, with very little comic relief. The only humor is in watching Nico behave like a teenager as he falls in love.
Otherwise the book is none stop crime solving. You will find yourself suspecting everyone imaginable. I enjoyed this one. I like reading crime stories written by authors from other countries, set in a country or city that I have never been to. I enjoy seeing how the police force and crime units to things as opposed to the way thing are done here in America.
If you like gritty, forensic, and dark crime mysteries this one is for you.
This was a really good crime novel. I highly recommend it. Overall this one gets an A.
encgolsen's review
3.0
This was an interesting, if grisly, police procedural and I enjoyed the insight into the French police force. I also really liked the main character, Nico Sirsky, the chief of police. Unfortunately, the primary love interest, Caroline, never came alive for me. She seemed like a cardboard cut-out and I couldn't quite believe Nico's intense and immediate feelings for her. Still, I wouldn't mind reading more by this author--the pacing was great and it was a very suspenseful read.
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