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The Messenger
The unmissable debut thriller set in the dark heart of Paris
Wealthy and privileged, Alex has an easy path to success in the Parisian elite. But he and his domineering father have never seen eye to eye. Desperate to escape the increasingly suffocating atmosphere of their apartment, Alex seeks freedom on the streets of Paris where his new-found friend Sami teaches him how to survive. But everything has a price – and one night of rebellion changes their lives forever.
A simple plan to steal money takes a sinister turn when Alex’s father is found dead. Despite protesting their innocence, both boys are imprisoned for murder. Seven years later Alex is released from prison with a single purpose: to discover who really killed his father. Yet as he searches for answers and atones for the sins of his past, Alex uncovers a disturbing truth with far-reaching consequences.
In the heart of Paris, against a backdrop of corruption, fake news and civil unrest, The Messenger is a mind-racing new thriller that follows one son’s journey to find redemption and expose the truth.
The Messenger won the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize which was judged by best-selling crime author Sophie Hannah.
The Messenger also won The Bridport Prize (The Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award) judged by Booker Prize longlistee and Women’s Prize winner, Kamila Shamsie.
The Messenger was also shortlisted for the 2024 CrimeFest Specsavers Debut Crime Novel Award.
Praise for The Messenger
An intelligent, gripping and stylish literary thriller— I couldn’t put it down. Megan Davis is a major new talent.
SOPHIE HANNAH
Internationally bestselling author of Agatha Christie crime fiction and Lucy Cavendish Prize judge
A conspiracy thriller with strong Catcher In The Rye vibes, The Messenger is so evocatively written it transported me to Paris and tore up my return ticket. A strong, twisting, literary journey of revelation and redemption. Five stars
JANICE HALLETT
Bestselling author of The Appeal, The Twyford Code and The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels
A sharply written, clever and classy thrill-ride through the streets of Paris. Atmospheric and twisting, The Messenger is a wonderful debut
CHRIS WHITAKER
Bestselling author of We Begin at the End
A well-written, intriguing novel with an excellent sense of place.
KAMILA SHAMSIE
author of the Booker Prize nominated Home Fire and Bridport Prize judge
Megan Davis’s electric, suspenseful and stunning evocation of contemporary Paris is unforgettable.
ELIZABETH MACNEAL
author of the international bestseller The Doll Factory
An elegantly written, compelling thriller, baked into a rich Paris of riots, sex and excitement. A deft blend of murder mystery, political intrigue and family secrets.
DOMINIC NOLAN
author of Vine Street
“Intense, engaging and genuinely empathetic – a remarkably accomplished debut.”
PAUL BURKE – CrimeTime
Full review of The Messenger here.
There are a lot of cross-currents surging through The Messenger—and they all come together to great effect… One thing that’s not a gamble: the audacity of The Messenger.
Mystery novels to read right now.
THE DENVER POST
Read the full article here.
The writing is high quality, with each word carefully chosen for maximum impact… The character development provides an exceptional mental image for readers…The Messenger packages intrigue and danger into a literary thriller showcasing a young man’s search for truth amid a backdrop of contemporary Paris
NOVELS ALIVE
Read the full review here.
Edgy, elegant, and layered. The Messenger is a compelling, twisted literary thriller that spans, secrets, lies, betrayal, and murder in the dark heart of Paris… completely fascinating. I loved the setting in Paris and seeing the darker side to the city… An edgy literary thriller that delivered a compelling, layered story with a great ending!”
A great mix of mystery, political espionage, and family drama. This book surprised me and went to a place I never expected. Such a great debut novel that is written impeccably… It’s stunning and a great read. Check this one out.
This was a great mystery/thriller! There was a lot packed into this book and it immediately had me intrigued… I appreciated the dual timeline as it helped to unravel the story. I also loved the Paris setting, as it made for an atmospheric read. The Messenger was very well written with lots of twists and turns. Overall this was a strong debut novel.
Gorgeous… part heist, part procedural, and part murder mystery.
A thrilling mystery novel that is complex… [Davis] has written a complicated and layered story that is intriguing and powerful. I would recommend this thought-provoking novel to those readers that appreciate crime, and suspenseful mystery.
The Best Mystery Books Set All Around the World
Heck yes! International travel settings… Wrongful imprisonment, getting out 7 years later, revenge – there are a lot of themes. What a good find.
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