Back Up

Description

Berlin, 1967: four members of the British rock band Pearl Harbor die at the same time but in separate locations. Inexplicably, the police conclude natural causes are to blame. Brussels, 2010: A homeless man is hit by a car outside the Gare du Midi, leaving him with locked-in syndrome, able to communicate (sometimes) by blinking. An Irish journalist's interest is piqued. How did the members of Pearl Harbor die, and how is this linked to the homeless man in Brussels?

Paul Colize is a Belgian novelist who was born in Brussels in 1953. Back Up won the de Saint-Maur Grand Prix and was a finalist in the Prix Victor-Rossel. He lives in Waterloo, Belgium. Louise Rogers Lalaurie translates fiction and literary non-fiction from French. Her translation of Gabrielle Wittkop's novella Murder Most Serene was shortlisted for the 2016 Best Translated Book Award.

'A masterpiece.' * Michel Bussi, author of After the Crash * 'The rock-and-roll aesthetic of the plot kerrangs through the swift and exciting prose.' * World Literature Today * 'An impeccable tale of posthumous detection encompassing a loving look into the minutiae of rock and the atmosphere and background of some of its golden years. Add to that an exemplary mystery plot and you have a potent combination.' * Crime Time * 'Engrossing... This best-selling Belgian thriller, which was short-listed for two literary awards, is a treat for fans of dark mysteries and unreliable narrators.' * Library Journal * 'Intricate... Those interested in last century's European rock scene will be enthralled.' * Publishers Weekly * 'A vivid and clever story that takes us back to the musical scene swinging Sixties, but has a deeper plot at its heart. Highly recommended.' * Promoting Crime * 'A wonderful thriller... I have no qualms about recommending this book to anyone.' * Historical Novel Society, Editor's Choice * 'A dark and disturbing thriller.' * Mystery & Detective Agency * 'The crime story...takes on fearsome proportions of international scope...the implications are indeed chilling.' * Crime Review *