Description
How far would you go to enjoy a cigarette? In this witty black comedy, Laurain’s anti-hero can only make smoking pleasurable by committing the ultimate crime…
When head-hunter Fabrice Valentine faces a smoking ban at work, he decides to undertake a course of hypnotherapy to rid himself of the habit. At first the treatment works, but his stress levels begin to rise when he is passed over for an important promotion and he finds himself lighting up again – but with none of his previous enjoyment.
Until he discovers something terrible: he accidentally causes a man’s death, and needing a cigarette to calm his nerves, he enjoys it more than any other previous smoke. What if he now needs to kill every time he wants to properly appreciate his next Benson and Hedges?
Reviews
‘It has the pleasing weirdness that makes Laurain’s novels so appealing.’ The Sunday Times
‘Hilarious, formidable — and essential packing for any French Summer holiday’ The Daily Mail
‘A brisk black comedy… makes cigarettes seem seductive again, even to committed non-smokers.’ The Guardian
‘A seductively murderous Parisian tale.’ The Times Crime Club
‘Smoking Kills is one heck of a book … a romp and a satire and it is a reminder of all that is funny-peculiar about Parisian culture. Read this book. It will be good for your health.’ Shots Magazine
‘Funny, superbly over-the-top…. not a page too much.’ The Times Books
‘This is guaranteed fun’ Publishers Weekly
‘This dark parody of classic romans noirs is one more reason to love the French.’ Crime Reads
‘Antoine Laurain is a compelling storyteller. The writing flows effortlessly, alternating action and reflection, the present and flashbacks, the sad and the comical.’ Riveting Reviews
‘This dark yet comic novel is perfect for readers wanting to enjoy a typically French satirical crime story.’ Living France Magazine
‘This is a real tonic for the soul (…) Smoking Kills is a very black comedy, it is a lot of wicked fun (…) original and playful and entertaining.’ Nudge Books
‘Dark and enjoyable . . . You will puff in pleasure.’ The Book Bag
Praise for The President’s Hat:
‘A hymn to la vie Parisienne…enjoy it for its fabulistic narrative, and the way it teeters pleasantly on the edge of Gallic whimsy.’ The Guardian
Praise for The Red Notebook:
‘Resist this novel if you can; it’s the very quintessence of French romance’ The Times
‘Soaked in Parisian atmosphere, this lovely, clever, funny novel will have you rushing to the Eurostar post-haste… A gem.’ Daily Mail
Bonus Material
