THE FRENCH ILLUSION by John Grisham

4 stars

Grisham’s latest enters thriller territory without a courtroom in site: breathlessly centering on the kidnapping and ransoming of select newlyweds on their honeymoon in Paris.

Idyllic couple Paul Tanner, an attorney with the Justice Department and his new wife, Chelsea Clayburn, an art appraiser from a wealthy family, get kidnapped from the outskirts of Paris. Drugged and separated, each of them faces an ordeal dependent on $2 million in ransom money being paid for each. The families keep it quiet fearing for their children’s lives, the feeling that all their moves are being watched, and a death threat if they bring in authorities.

But something more sinister, conspiratorial, and vengeful seems afoot. This may have happened to other couples also on their honeymoons, and it’s going to take all the synergy that the FBI, CIA and French government can muster to bring the kidnappers to justice. A young lawyer gets thrown in the mix as bait, and you’re on the edge of your seat as the action crosses continents and hidden, highly personal motives get revealed.

Thanks to Double Day books, and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.