Without Blood by Martin Michaud is the prequel of the 2020 novel Never Forget and if you have never read this author, you will want to read both and if you have already read last year’s novel, this will be a great way to learn about the hero’s background. This is a translation from French to English. This police procedural features Montreal detective Victor Lessard and his investigators. The story develops over a period of a few days and will involve two murders and a disappearance. The detectives must determine if theses crimes are related and who is the perpetrator. This is an unusual mystery because there is also a mystical plot line. The characters are wonderfully flawed and have more than one skeleton in their closet, keeping the reader totally involved until the end. There are three storylines that keep the police running in several directions and the resolution of the crimes is not evident until almost the end. And you will not guess who committed the crimes. There are other French novels by Martin Michaud and hopefully they will also be translated. This is an excellent series. Highly recommended. Thank you to Dundurn Press, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. ( )

A Victor Lessard Thriller

Book #2 for the English audience

A note at the beginning suggests that we should consider “Without Blood” a prequel to the series.

I am not surprised learning that Mr. Michaud’s nickname is the Master of the Quebec thriller and that his Victor Lessard series has been adapted and is airing on the TV platform here in French Quebec as well as in Europe. For the English audience two of his books are now translated “Never Forget” came out earlier this year and “Without Blood” will in the next few months. My thanks to Dundurn Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

Each book has a unique story to tell, “Without Blood” invites us to travel through the beautiful streets of Montreal where multiple non-trivial stories unfold. It opens when a young woman (Simone) wakes up from a coma and goes on a mad dash to find a man who in all likelihood does not exist. It follows with rebellious cop Victor Lessard pursuing a ruthless hunter who stalks the streets of Montreal and the third thread brings a hunter stalking his prey and awaiting the right moment to close in for the kill.

The author, a native of the city, knows well the city and its neighborhoods, following the characters through the streets and locals brought back cherish memories to this Montrealer. The story is told in alternate voices going from a 1sr person narrative when Simone’s speaks and switches to a 3rd person narrative when Victor and the hunter play their parts. The alternating voices seemed hard to follow at first but I soon fell into the beat and from then on, no trouble I knew that... Simone, Victor and the hunter will each have their turn to tell their stories.

The translation is outstanding; the artist has captured the voice of the writer perfectly. Thanks to the author's fluid and rhythmic writing and the unbridled speed it is said this is one of those books hard not to be deeply invested in. Some may not like to be plunged into the paranormal when Simone has visions, although I am not a fan, it did not bother me at all. Victor is the perfect cliché of policemen but he plays his role perfectly, I love him. As for the rest of the crew they are well- define and their roles are exciting to read.

I love this series and “Without Blood” gets 5 stars from me ( )