This former gendarme who has become a writer plunges the Lauragais in the middle of a nightmare in his new novel

The usually quiet campaign in the vicinity of Castelnaudary is the scene of a disturbing bubbling. The police are on the teeth. The corpse of a young woman has just been discovered in front of the altar of a picturesque chapel, near Fonters-du-Razès. What’s going on? Who could have committed such a package? The thirteenth novel by Jean-Marie Calvettitled Passionate crimes in Lauragaisis available in bookstores.

A book with which theformer gendarmerie major of Castelnaudary makes the powder speak and organizes the rise of a horror and a tension to be cut with a knife …

Lauragais nightmare

Jean-Marie Calvet knows a radius in terms of thrillers. Because the thrillers, basically, this retired judicial police officer lived them in the field, for 35 years. A career punctuated by surveys, various facts and other interventions which today nourishes the prose of a writer who, moreover, is rather defined as a ” stories ».

Like Olivier Marchal, the former police inspector who has become screenwriter and director (we owe him in particular 36 Quai des Orfèvres), Jean-Marie Calvet was able to build a universe by dint of stories certainly fictitious, but of course Nourished by a very concrete experience in the police.

“An environment in which I have evolved for 35 years”

Questioned by Lauragais voicethe Chaurian storyteller explains: “I describe without frills an environment in which I have evolved for 35 years. My professional experience, of course, helps me in carrying out these thrillers. But I always make sure that no one can recognize themselves in my characters. Many facts lived throughout my career inspired me, it is undeniable, but only inspired. For the rest, I have enough imagination. »

Thrillers anchored in the terroir

Passionate reader, lover of Thomas Harris (The silence of the lambs), Franck Thilliez (The Chamber of Dead), Patricia Cornwell (Shoe) or Maxime Chattam (In the dark), Jean-Marie Calvet worked in the region and wanted to anchor his stories: the Lauragais, which is thus at the center of his new book. “It is easier to describe and develop my characters in a region that I know well,” emphasizes the ex-gendarme. As a regional author, I want my readers not to be disoriented. These are not adventure novels that take place around the world, but real French and very southern thrillers. »»

Also a way of Immerse the inhabitants of the Lauragais in a story with a familiar decor. Consequently, it is difficult not to walk in the streets of Castelnaudary, for example, without thinking of the thrillers of Jean-Marie Calvet.

A rope writing

Jean-Marie Calvet is one of those writers who do not turn around the pot long before attacking. His new novel, like the previous ones, knows Establish a very immersive atmosphereall the more so when it throws a black veil in places that are part of our daily life.

Identifiable backgrounds, partial investigations fed by a field experience,Sometimes endearing characters, sometimes swallowing… So many ingredients that encourage readers to ask themselves a question. A question which, basically, makes all the difference … What if it was true?

Practical info
Passionate crimes in Lauragaisby Jean-Marie Calvet
Editions Les Presses Littéraires.
Available online and in bookstores – € 11

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