It all starts with an odd film, hidden away in a collector's attic. Ludovic Sénéchal can't resist the advertisement for 16 mm and 35 mm films but after viewing one unmarked film, he finds himself blinded. His panicked phone call reaches Lucie Henneballe, a detective who is also his ex-lover. The situation intrigues Lucie and she begins unofficially investigating. Meanwhile, Chief Inspector Frank Sharko has been assigned a new case to consult on, as five unidentified bodies have been discovered in a small town. Sharko and Lucie soon find their situations intertwining and will have to learn to work together if they are to stop the killing.

Sharko and Lucie are both flawed characters, as the weight of their lives continues to create emotional dissension- even as they both find comfort in the routines of investigating and resolving crimes. Sharko is one of the most intriguing characters I have ever read- he's diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, and I love how Franck Thilliez handles his story. Lucie is a mother dealing with a hospitalized child, a mom who doesn't understand her, and obsession with doing her job that often conflicts with her family obligations. Together, they make an intriguing pair and I love seeing how their working and emotional relationship develops. In fact, I actually enjoy their characters even more so than the admittedly fascinating and complex storyline!

SYNDROME E is a darkly compelling thriller that will appeal to fans of Stieg Larsson. Franck Thilliez tackles a multitude of issues, ranging from past covert operations research to the connections between the human eye and film, and shows us the true darkness that can reside when power and research go amok. SYNDROME E is highly recommended!