This is the Night They Come For You: A TIMES THRILLER OF THE YEAR

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Superintendent Taleb is summoned by his superior. He gives him a case that he will need to work with the feared secret service, hunting down a former agent. Set in Algiers, France and the UK and covers Algiers independence from France. I really liked Taleb, he had a dry sense of humour. This is a fast paced read from the beginning. I also liked reading the historical aspects included in this story. A thrilling read that combines seamlessly true events and fiction. Two main things occur simultaneously in the present - in Algeria Superintendent Taleb, a self-deprecating policeman beyond retirement age, is forced to work with a female intelligence officer, Agent Hidouchi, to investigate the disappearance of Wassim Zarbi from his villa - he'd been on parole from a 20yr prison sentence for embezzlement from the national oil company. His "partner-in-crime" had been Nadir Laloul, but he'd escaped the country with millions in funds, leaving Zarbi behind. If they could find Zarbi they might also locate Laloul. Meanwhile, in Hampshire, England, Stephen Gray is working on his father's cottage when he receives an unexpected visit from Suzette Fontaine. Stephen met Suzette over thirty years ago when they were both in Algiers. This visit will set Gray on a path that sees him search for the truth about his sister's disappearance in Paris nearly sixty years ago. We find out that Suzette's father, Nigel Dalby, was a witness to what history is calling, the Paris massacre of 1961. Where protesting Algerians were tortured and massacred by an out of control French police force.

This Is the Night They Come for You Our review of : This Is the Night They Come for You

Meanwhile, in Hampshire, Stephen Gray is approached by Suzette Dalby. She was given a manuscript by Swiss-French layer, a "confession" made by her father, Nigel Dalby, who was a witness to the horrible brutality and violence used by the Paris police against Algerian protestors in October 17th, 1961. He was involved in the murder of the aide to Charles De Gaulle by two Algerian "terrorists". She Asks Stephen to help her decide whether the confession is authentic- if not, there's a financial reward for her. Stephen, who knew Nigel- who dated his sister Harriette, who herslef disappeared in France after the death of De Gaulle aid's murder- can deduce whether it was really her father's writing or not. But Stephen knows more than he lets on, and he has a plan- a dangerous one, to finally bring those who murdered his sister to justice. But his thirst for revenge will cost him a lot, and will put the people close to him in danger. I knew nothing of the tensions between France and Algeria beyond being vaguely aware of some post-colonial tension, so le pouvoir, hizb fransa and la décennie noire were all new to me. I love a book that brings a bit of history to life - particularly when it's relatively recent & you feel you should know something about it. As these two events and people are headed into a collision course, uncomfortable truths will be revealed, especially regarding a conspiracy by the French secret government to destabilize the Algerian government- one that goes on for more than 50 years.Meanwhile, Stephen Gray in Hampshire, England receives an unexpected visitor from the remote past, with a strange request. Suzette, the daughter of an Englishman named Nigel Dalby—resident of Algiers since the 1960s until his death in the 1990s—wants Gray to read the copy of a document supposedly typed by her father and verify its authenticity, based on certain events described in it involving Gray. Mr Goddard combines fact and fiction in this thriller which left me wanting to know more about the history of Algiers both before and after independence from France. A terrific read. At the heart of this novel is the struggle for an independent Algeria in the 50s and 60s. France cannot be proud of this time in history. Algeria had many activists in France especially in Paris and “terrorist” activities were frequent against de Gaulle and his government. de Gaulle became annoyed and frustrated and secretly activated a “committee” to punish the Algerian protesters. In particular, at one night of demonstrations police and other associates slaughtered hundreds of Algerian protesters – many ending up in the Seine.

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Robert Goddard has a stellar reputation for delivering well-researched, intricately plotted thrillers set in a variety of locations and his latest offering bolsters this repute. In This is the Night They Come for You, Goddard masterfully blends historical fact with ingenious fiction to present a narrative that is both authentic and absorbing. The primary strength of this novel lies in the brilliantly etched characters; they are utterly realistic and command the reader’s attention and sympathy. Particularly fascinating is the starkly contrasted characterisation of Taleb and Hidouchi—mismatched on almost every count—and the subtle growth of their relationship from the bumpy beginning. The plot builds up slowly and steadily in intensity, with several compelling twists along the way, towards the exhilarating, highly satisfying finish. For readers with no knowledge about Algeria—myself included—This is the Night They Come for You offers considerable insight into the country’s troubled recent history including its subjugation by the French, and the continuing exploitation even after decades of independence. The naive young man is is persuaded to help 2 algerians whose actions result in the disappearance of his girlfriend in the murder of a french government adviser . On the plus side, the novel offers interesting insights into the Algerian war of independence, and Algeria's recent history. And it won't stop me reading more by Robert Goddard. Overall I really enjoyed this book, it was a fantastic & rewarding read and I’d recommend it if you love crime & thrillers with heavy historical & political influences.This is a really exciting political thriller based in Paris and the Algiers and follows Superintendent Taleb, Agent Hidouchi, where they have to investigate a historical event. I wont rehash the story, but it was a highly entertaining, plot grabbing book. I really didn't know any Algerian history before this book, but feel I've learnt more about their history and thoroughly enjoyed it. With alternating timelines between past & present, we’re taken on a thrilling ride of how a film assistant goes missing in France, the lifelong search her brother will go on to find answers to her disappearance, to how it ties in with the murder of a powerful presidential aide. Meanwhile, in rural Hampshire, Stephen Gray is approached by someone from the past who appears to have information about the disappearance of Stephen’s sister in Paris over fifty years ago. Stephen becomes caught up in an investigation of his own: he wants to know the truth.