RJ Ellory was born in 1965 in Birmingham. After growing up in an orphanage, experiencing a bit of prison, he became a musician and then a writer. He is the author of about fifteen black novels including ” Only silence ” or ” Vendetta », all multi-award winning, and translated into 26 languages. Guest of the “Quais du Polar” festival held in Lyon, from March 31 to April 2, 2023, he presents in France his new book which takes place in Quebec.
“Northeastern Canada, 1972. In this icy, windswept region where winter lasts eight months, the small community of Jasperville survives by working in the steel mines. Living conditions there are harsh Beyond the village, there is nothing. Just hostile nature, a few bears, wolves. So when the body of a village teenager is discovered on the edge of the forest, the seriousness of the injuries suggests that “She was the victim of a wild beast. At least that will be the official version. And everyone prays that it is true. But, some time later, the body of another young girl is found.
Montreal, 2011. The past that Jack Deveraux believed he had left behind hits him hard when he receives a call from Jasperville. His younger brother, Calvis, is in custody for attempted murder. Returning to the scene of this childhood, which he did everything to forget, Jack discovers that over the years, the assassin has continued to strike. The eldest of the Deveraux then understands that the only way to put an end to this tragic story is to answer certain questions, sometimes very personal. But many in Jasperville would rather see the lie endure than face the truth.” (Presentation of Sonatine editions)