‘A gripping murder mystery and a vivid recreation of Paris under German Occupation.’ ANDREW TAYLOR
‘Terrific’ SUNDAY TIMES, Best Books of the Month
‘A thoughtful, haunting thriller.’ MICK HERRON
‘Sharp and compelling’ THE SUN
* * * * *
Paris, Friday 14th June 1940.
The day the s march into Paris, making headlines around the globe.
Paris police detective Eddie Giral – a survivor of the last World War – watches helplessly on as his world changes forever.
But there is something he still has control over. Finding whoever is responsible for the murder of four refugees. The unwanted dead, who no one wants to claim.
To do so, he must tread carefully between the Occupation and the Resistance, between truth and lies, between the man he is and the man he was.
All the while becoming whoever he must be to survive in this new and terrible order descending on his home…
* * * * *
PRAISE FOR THE UNWANTED DEAD and Detective Eddie Giral:
‘Lloyd’s Second World War Paris is rougher than Alan Furst’s, and Eddie Giral, his French detective, is way edgier than Philip Kerr’s Bernie Gunther … Ranks alongside both for its convincingly cloying atmosphere of a city subjugated to a foreign power, a plot that reaches across war-torn Europe and into the rifts in the factions, and a hero who tries to be a good man in a bad world. Powerful stuff.’
THE TIMES
‘Excellent … In Eddie Giral, Lloyd has created a character reminiscent of Philip Kerr’s Bernie Gunther, oozing with attitude and a conflicted morality that powers a complex, polished plot. Historical crime at its finest.’
VASEEM KHAN, author of Midnight at Malabar House
‘Monumentally impressive … A truly wonderful book. If somebody’d given it to me and told me it was the latest Robert Harris, I wouldn’t have been surprised. Eddie Giral is a wonderful creation.’
ALIS HAWKINS
‘A terrific read – gripping and well-paced. The period atmosphere is excellent.’
MARK ELLIS
‘The best kind of crime novel: gripping, thought-provoking and moving. In Detective Eddie Giral, Chris Lloyd has created a flawed hero not just for occupied Paris, but for our own times, too.’
KATHERINE STANSFIELD
Dive into the chilling world of occupied Paris with Chris Lloyd's gripping historical crime thriller, *The Unwanted Dead*. This hard-hitting mystery introduces Detective Eddie Giral, a resilient Parisian police officer haunted by his past experiences in World War I, now forced to navigate the treacherous landscape of a city under Nazi control. June 14th, 1940. As German forces march into Paris, marking a devastating turning point in history, Giral finds himself caught between a crumbling world order and a desperate fight for justice. While the city grapples with the shock of occupation, Giral is confronted with a disturbing case: the murder of four refugees, unwanted and unclaimed. Driven by a sense of duty and a burning desire to maintain order in a world descending into chaos, Giral embarks on a perilous investigation. His quest for the truth leads him down a dangerous path, forcing him to tread carefully between the occupying forces and the burgeoning French Resistance. He must distinguish between truth and lies, navigating a complex web of political intrigue and personal loyalties. As he delves deeper into the mystery, Giral is forced to confront his own demons and question the man he is, and the man he must become to survive in this new, terrifying reality. *The Unwanted Dead* is more than just a crime novel; it's a powerful exploration of morality, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Chris Lloyd masterfully evokes the atmosphere of wartime Paris, painting a vivid and unsettling portrait of a city struggling under the weight of oppression. Readers will be captivated by the intricate plot, the morally ambiguous characters, and the palpable sense of tension that permeates every page. Fans of Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther series and Alan Furst's historical thrillers will find themselves drawn to Eddie Giral, a complex and compelling protagonist who embodies the spirit of defiance in a time of darkness. The novel has garnered praise for its authentic portrayal of occupied Paris, its sharp and compelling narrative, and its thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. *The Unwanted Dead* is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, crime thrillers, or stories that explore the complexities of war and its impact on individuals and society. Prepare to be transported to the dark heart of occupied Paris and witness one man's struggle to maintain his integrity in a world consumed by darkness. Experience a gripping journey of suspense, intrigue, and moral reckoning.