Despite a postulate (two parallel investigations eventually meet) and a frame (the mountain) strongly recalling "The Crimson Rivers", the author manages to create an original plot and sometimes surprising. Indeed, over narrative, MUSSO does not hesitate to move away from the classic detective context to borrow a less usual way (the giftedness and abilities that may result).
Thus, MUSSO offers an effective and compelling narrative that drives the reader to turn the pages frantically. Indeed, the back and forth between the two surveys and between the characters are perfectly proportioned and carefully maintain the suspense.
The characters, although classic in the context of a thriller (former cop, the teigneuse fliquette ...), are sufficiently engaging to drive the player in their quest, although they could have been a bit more fleshed out.
For a first novel, the author's master narrative to the final, however, reveals that somewhat disappointing. Indeed, although it is original, the conclusion of "The Round innocent" lack of scale and appear a bit steep. It leaves a sense of unfinished business and the impression that the author abandoned at the last moment, his two main characters.
In summary: Valentin MUSSO is an author to follow ... that book with "The Round innocent" and taking an interesting thriller (despite some defects), influenced by the world of Jean-Christophe Grange Stephen KING and ...