Rider on the Rain,
by Sébastien Japrisot
Translated by Linda Coverdale
Gallic Books
US publication date 10/5/2021
Le Passager de la pluie
was first published in French in 1969
160 pages
French mystery / Classic
Goodreads
Last month, when I presented the book Trap for Cinderella by Sébastien Japrisot, I highlighted the fact that it was a bit confusing at times. Today, I am delighted to review another book by Japrisot: Rider on the rain. This one has a more straight line plot and it is really excellent.
Rider on the rain is set in a tiny resort on the French Riviera. Usually the bus never stops there, but one day it does, and Mellie, 25, sees a stranger carrying a red bag getting off the bus.
She is really intrigued. Who can this man be? Later on in the day, she finds herself stalked by this same stranger. Something happens, and Mellie needs to act radically.
She thinks no one witnessed her action but Harry Dobbs, a somewhat American Detective, arrives. Mellie ends up being stalked again, this time by the detective pressuring her to admit to what he thinks he knows about her and her actions.
Will she? Will he find enough evidence that she did what he thinks she did? And if he does find evidence, what will he do with it?
This is probably the best game of cat and mouse I have ever found in literature, and I totally enjoyed this. Until the very last lines, you never know who is going to win, the cat or the mouse? It could really go either way.
The suspense was fabulous and the psychological descriptions of the characters really astute. I cannot give more details without revealing spoilers.
The ending was really good, and really unexpected for me, though it did make sense.
This is the third book by Sébastien Japrisot I have read, and it is definitely my favorite. Come back on November 2nd for my review of The Sleeping Car Murders by Japrisot.
VERDICT: Fabulous game of cat and mouse and excellent psychological thriller.
HAVE YOU READ THIS BOOK?
Or any other great game of cat and mouse?
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN A COMMENT PLEASE
In full compliance with FTC Guidelines, I received this book free of charge from the publisher, for review. I was in no way compensated for this post as a reviewer, and the thoughts are my own.
Words And Peace 
Is this book out yet?
Sent from my iPad
>
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Yes, today, as you can see on top of my review, in the details next to the picture: “US publication date 10/5/2021”
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Hmm… I like the sound of this.
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Highly recommended! I think you would definitely enjoy Japrisot
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I have read two books by Japrisot. The Sleeping Car Murders and A Very Long Engagement. I liked both of them although they are very different. I did not know that his books were being reissued. This one sounds good and I will check out your review of Trap for Cinderella
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The Sleeping Car Murders will be my next review. I also enjoyed it a lot – and since, I have watched the movie, very good too.
I don’t think I want to read A Very Long Engagement because of the content, but I know it’s very popular (maybe mostly thanks to the movie?).
Of the three, Rider on the Rain is my favorite
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I tried to think back and to be honest, I am not sure I’ve ever read a French mystery. Who would you say are the best known (or just the best) French crime writers? (besides from Simenon…). This one sounds good, I quite like a good game of cat and mouse.
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If you want someone recent, try Fred Vargas. Especially Have Mercy On Us All to start with. see my bilingual review, scroll down for the English: https://wordsandpeace.com/2016/05/30/book-review-pars-vite-et-reviens-tard-i-love-france-193/
And then my hope is you’ll want to devour all her books
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Thanks, I will check her out! It seems only two of her books are available as English audiobooks (An Uncertain Place & The Ghost Riders of Ordebec).
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so sad! Though the books in print translated from the French are well done, I’m told. The Ghost Riders of Ordebec was awesome in French audio, because the narrator was so good at imitating the Quebec accent. I hope they found someone like him in English
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I like a good mystery/thriller but sometimes the psychological ones make me nervous.
Overactive imagination!
I’m reading another Christie novel -‘Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?’ & I just finished a great Helen MacInnes spy/secret agent novel set in Poland in WW2, ‘The Unconquerable’ also published as ‘While Still We Live.’
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I know your feeling for more modern psychological thrillers. But I don’t think this one would make you nervous. Thanks for sharing your current reads. I’m almost done listening to all of Hercule Poirot, and am still debating if I’m going to read some standalones by Agatha Christie. In fact, I should ask the opinion of my readers on that. I’m feeling a post is on its way!
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Hi Emma! I love a good thriller and can never get enough of them. I will take a look a this one. I saw the book you have up for review as well, sounds so good! I will request a copy later today, just need to get to school now.
I’ve just read and reviewed a book that I think you will really enjoy! I thought about you and France so many times when reading it. LOL!
Secrets and Showgirls
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I haven’t seen your name on the file to request the books we have available for review. Be sure to do it. I’m currently reading the thriller and yes it’s a good one. Now on my way to your post.
Rider on the Rain is unusual and fabulous
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This definitely sounds intriguing. I’ll see if my library has it.
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This is the best I have read by Japrisot so far. Do you read ebooks?
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I do and my Overdrive library has it.
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awesome!
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So glad it inspired you
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