What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 14:55:52
15 copies available
U.S. only
The Paris Files: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 14:55:52
15 copies available
U.S. only
A sophisticated, character-driven thriller in which a romantic rendezvous in Paris turns disastrous after the disappearance of a new lover
Genie St. Onge’s heart is broken more often than it’s not—but that doesn’t stop her from diving in head-first when she meets Jacob Ford. Their connection is instantaneous and consuming, and they agree to meet again in Paris. In a heady mix of sugared pastries and rumpled bedsheets, they begin plotting their future together. In the dreamy apartment they're renting in the 11th arrondissement, they become intoxicated by each other.
Until Jacob disappears.
Genie knows Jacob would never leave her. Not by choice. When phone calls to hospitals turn up nothing, she grows convinced that someone must have taken him. It's the only explanation.
Under the scrutiny of the French police, however, Genie’s story doesn’t quite hold up—and it sounds like Jacob might not be all he seems, either. Through police interviews with Genie and nearby residents of the 11th arrondissement, the truth remains elusive. She swears has no idea what happened to Jacob – so why doesn’t her story align with anyone else’s?
Genie St. Onge’s heart is broken more often than it’s not—but that doesn’t stop her from diving in head-first when she meets Jacob Ford. Their connection is instantaneous and consuming, and they agree to meet again in Paris. In a heady mix of sugared pastries and rumpled bedsheets, they begin plotting their future together. In the dreamy apartment they're renting in the 11th arrondissement, they become intoxicated by each other.
Until Jacob disappears.
Genie knows Jacob would never leave her. Not by choice. When phone calls to hospitals turn up nothing, she grows convinced that someone must have taken him. It's the only explanation.
Under the scrutiny of the French police, however, Genie’s story doesn’t quite hold up—and it sounds like Jacob might not be all he seems, either. Through police interviews with Genie and nearby residents of the 11th arrondissement, the truth remains elusive. She swears has no idea what happened to Jacob – so why doesn’t her story align with anyone else’s?
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 6, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 17, 2026
This is an ARC review, and I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
I really wanted to love “The Paris Files” by Eva Jurczyk because the premise behind the storytelling is genuinely intriguing. The idea of unraveling a mystery entirely through interview transcripts is bold and creative. On paper, it promises an immersive experience, almost like the reader is sitting in on the investigation and piecing everything together firsthand. That concept alone deserves credit.
Unfortunately, the execution just did not work for me.
The entire story unfolds through one sided interview transcripts, and instead of feeling clever or innovative, it quickly became frustrating and difficult to follow. Without hearing the questions being asked, the responses often felt disjointed and unnatural. It is hard to believe that detectives could call in potential witnesses or suspects and have them immediately launch into exhaustive, uninterrupted monologues about every detail of their lives. And I do mean every….little….detail.
Most detectives would probably love that level of cooperation, but it simply is not realistic. The interviewees frequently repeated themselves, circled back to the same points, or wandered off on tangents that added very little to the plot. What might have felt layered and complex instead felt repetitive, with too many interviews revisiting the same information without adding anything new to the mystery.
What made it even more frustrating was investing so much time wading through all those transcripts and waiting for the big reveal, only for the ending to feel abrupt and rushed. After spending so many pages on excessive detail, it almost felt like the story reached a point where the author decided it was time to wrap things up and quickly tied everything together. Instead of feeling satisfied, I felt shortchanged.
There is a solid mystery buried here, and I truly believe the structural idea had strong potential. But between the unrealistic interview format, the repetition, and the rushed conclusion, the execution ultimately undermined what could have been a much stronger read.
I really wanted to love “The Paris Files” by Eva Jurczyk because the premise behind the storytelling is genuinely intriguing. The idea of unraveling a mystery entirely through interview transcripts is bold and creative. On paper, it promises an immersive experience, almost like the reader is sitting in on the investigation and piecing everything together firsthand. That concept alone deserves credit.
Unfortunately, the execution just did not work for me.
The entire story unfolds through one sided interview transcripts, and instead of feeling clever or innovative, it quickly became frustrating and difficult to follow. Without hearing the questions being asked, the responses often felt disjointed and unnatural. It is hard to believe that detectives could call in potential witnesses or suspects and have them immediately launch into exhaustive, uninterrupted monologues about every detail of their lives. And I do mean every….little….detail.
Most detectives would probably love that level of cooperation, but it simply is not realistic. The interviewees frequently repeated themselves, circled back to the same points, or wandered off on tangents that added very little to the plot. What might have felt layered and complex instead felt repetitive, with too many interviews revisiting the same information without adding anything new to the mystery.
What made it even more frustrating was investing so much time wading through all those transcripts and waiting for the big reveal, only for the ending to feel abrupt and rushed. After spending so many pages on excessive detail, it almost felt like the story reached a point where the author decided it was time to wrap things up and quickly tied everything together. Instead of feeling satisfied, I felt shortchanged.
There is a solid mystery buried here, and I truly believe the structural idea had strong potential. But between the unrealistic interview format, the repetition, and the rushed conclusion, the execution ultimately undermined what could have been a much stronger read.
May 14, 2026
First of all, thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Oh this was so unique!
A story told in a series of interviews. It took a while to get to the plot. But after about 100 pages I was sucked in. Poor Genie was desperate for love and was made out by the Parisians to have conjured up a whole love story in her head when she asks for help finding her missing lover. This was thrilling and twisty. Definitely recommend!
Oh this was so unique!
A story told in a series of interviews. It took a while to get to the plot. But after about 100 pages I was sucked in. Poor Genie was desperate for love and was made out by the Parisians to have conjured up a whole love story in her head when she asks for help finding her missing lover. This was thrilling and twisty. Definitely recommend!
May 4, 2026
~thank you to NetGalley, and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review~
Not a bad read. Each chapter was pretty short and fast paced. Each chapter was also different people that they were interviewing so that was cool. It was just kind of confusing because there were so many characters. It also didn’t pick up until halfway through the book.
Not a bad read. Each chapter was pretty short and fast paced. Each chapter was also different people that they were interviewing so that was cool. It was just kind of confusing because there were so many characters. It also didn’t pick up until halfway through the book.
April 29, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC of this! What a fun, psychological thriller/mystery! The short chapters and constant switching of POVs makes you feel like you are racing through this book trying to figure out what has happened. Are the narrators reliable, as they give them statements to the police? Who knows! That’s part of the ride. See if you can figure out what’s happening before it all comes crashing down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Some books entertain you. Some books keep you turning pages. And then there are the rare ones that quietly rearrange your brain furniture while you're still standing there holding a throw pillow. The Paris Files is another one of those books.
Told entirely through police interviews, this novel unfolds piece by piece, layer by layer, like a puzzle you don’t realize you’re solving until you're already deep inside it. At the center of the story is Genevieve St. Onge, Genie to her friends, a woman who falls in love easily and has endured her fair share of heartbreak. Now 40, she believes she’s found something real with Jacob Ford while traveling abroad. Their whirlwind romance leads them to Paris… and then Jacob disappears.
From there, the story unfolds through a series of interviews: the landlord, the neighbor, the best friend, the shopkeeper, the caretaker, the classmate, and even Jacob’s wife. Each voice adds another layer. Each perspective shifts the ground just a little more. And before long, you find yourself questioning everything and everyone.
Did Jacob exist?
Is Genie a reliable narrator?
Are any of these witnesses telling the full truth?
And what about that elevator?
What I loved most about this book was the structure. The police interview format felt fresh and incredibly effective. Rather than building tension through action, the author builds unease through contradiction, omission, and subtle shifts in perspective. The tension starts quietly, almost gently, before tightening slowly until I realized I couldn’t stop reading.
This is very much a psychological thriller, but not in a don't-close-your-eyes way. Instead, it creates a creeping unease. I wasn’t scared; I was more unsettled. I felt like there was something deeper happening just out of reach, something I needed to understand but couldn’t quite grasp.
The characters were another highlight. Genie is romantic, hopeful, and vulnerable in a way that makes you root for her even as you begin to doubt her. The supporting cast is equally compelling, their perspectives adding layers of uncertainty. Each character felt distinct, believable, and important to the unfolding mystery. The plot was brilliantly constructed. The layering of perspectives creates a perfect storm of unreliable narration. By the end, I trusted no one. Absolutely no one.
If I had to offer a small critique, it’s that the tension builds slowly at first. Readers expecting immediate suspense might need to settle into the pacing. That slow burn, however, is exactly what makes the payoff so very effective.
Content warnings to consider: themes of psychological manipulation, dementia, emotional distress, and disappearance.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, unreliable narrators, layered storytelling, and stories that leave you thinking long after the final page. If you like books that quietly get under your skin, this one is absolutely worth your time. The ending was one of those stare-at-the-wall-for-a-few-minutes endings that makes you immediately want to reread the book and see what you missed the first time. And yes… I’m already considering a reread.
Thank you to Viking Penguin for providing this advanced copy for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Told entirely through police interviews, this novel unfolds piece by piece, layer by layer, like a puzzle you don’t realize you’re solving until you're already deep inside it. At the center of the story is Genevieve St. Onge, Genie to her friends, a woman who falls in love easily and has endured her fair share of heartbreak. Now 40, she believes she’s found something real with Jacob Ford while traveling abroad. Their whirlwind romance leads them to Paris… and then Jacob disappears.
From there, the story unfolds through a series of interviews: the landlord, the neighbor, the best friend, the shopkeeper, the caretaker, the classmate, and even Jacob’s wife. Each voice adds another layer. Each perspective shifts the ground just a little more. And before long, you find yourself questioning everything and everyone.
Did Jacob exist?
Is Genie a reliable narrator?
Are any of these witnesses telling the full truth?
And what about that elevator?
What I loved most about this book was the structure. The police interview format felt fresh and incredibly effective. Rather than building tension through action, the author builds unease through contradiction, omission, and subtle shifts in perspective. The tension starts quietly, almost gently, before tightening slowly until I realized I couldn’t stop reading.
This is very much a psychological thriller, but not in a don't-close-your-eyes way. Instead, it creates a creeping unease. I wasn’t scared; I was more unsettled. I felt like there was something deeper happening just out of reach, something I needed to understand but couldn’t quite grasp.
The characters were another highlight. Genie is romantic, hopeful, and vulnerable in a way that makes you root for her even as you begin to doubt her. The supporting cast is equally compelling, their perspectives adding layers of uncertainty. Each character felt distinct, believable, and important to the unfolding mystery. The plot was brilliantly constructed. The layering of perspectives creates a perfect storm of unreliable narration. By the end, I trusted no one. Absolutely no one.
If I had to offer a small critique, it’s that the tension builds slowly at first. Readers expecting immediate suspense might need to settle into the pacing. That slow burn, however, is exactly what makes the payoff so very effective.
Content warnings to consider: themes of psychological manipulation, dementia, emotional distress, and disappearance.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, unreliable narrators, layered storytelling, and stories that leave you thinking long after the final page. If you like books that quietly get under your skin, this one is absolutely worth your time. The ending was one of those stare-at-the-wall-for-a-few-minutes endings that makes you immediately want to reread the book and see what you missed the first time. And yes… I’m already considering a reread.
Thank you to Viking Penguin for providing this advanced copy for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was so much fun for a book where I was so frustrated by how people treated a woman (gaslighting and out right lying to her) and also a book where I was sort of annoyed by her extreme reactions to being gaslit and lied to.
The Paris Files is told in the form of witness statements given to the police. So each interview reads sort of like a long monologue. You have the Tourist - the woman in question, Genevive St Onge, a Canadian traveling around Asia until she can re-up a European visa; the Shopkeeper - a brusque, regimented man who is both mildly attracted to and completely fed up by Genevive; The Neighbor - Henri who lives in the flat next door; The Poet - Henri's wife Noor, a writer and mother to their young boys; The Best Friend - the improbably named Partridge, Genevive's best friend who is reached via phone from Toronto; and so on.
On her last night in a small surf town, Genie meets a cute boy, not really a boy - Jacob is almost 10 years younger than she is - and the flirtation is all grown up. They spend the night together and, in the morning, impulsively make plans to meet up in Paris in a few days.
Genie arrives first, anxious that their one night together meant more to her than it did to him, and that perhaps another, younger, woman has turned his head in the meantime. But Jacob appears and they proceed to have an idyllic, honeymoon like time, with Jacob insisting that they put their phones down and focus only on each other and on Paris. She is charmed; this reader was suspicious. They fall into a sweet little routine where he gets up to buy fresh baguettes for breakfast, while she goes and buys fruits from the crabby shopkeeper.
One morning, after an evening of planning their future together, starting with extending their stay in Paris, Genie wakes to find Jacob is gone. She guesses he's off getting breakfast but when he doesn't return in a few minutes decides he must be spending some alone time and they will surely meet up later. She goes off exploring the sights, taking photos, etc and soon the entire day has gone by and she realizes that she hasn't heard from Jacob. Knowing his aversion to the phone, she heads home, figuring that he must be there but instead the flat is empty, his things are missing. Something is terribly wrong.
Where things go from here takes twists and turns not to be believed. There are some cultural, generational, and misogynistic issues at play. She is dismissed for not doing things the French way, for being too pretty, for not speaking the language, for being in the way. In the end the person you'd least expect is the one that gives Genevive a chance to heal.
The Paris Files is told in the form of witness statements given to the police. So each interview reads sort of like a long monologue. You have the Tourist - the woman in question, Genevive St Onge, a Canadian traveling around Asia until she can re-up a European visa; the Shopkeeper - a brusque, regimented man who is both mildly attracted to and completely fed up by Genevive; The Neighbor - Henri who lives in the flat next door; The Poet - Henri's wife Noor, a writer and mother to their young boys; The Best Friend - the improbably named Partridge, Genevive's best friend who is reached via phone from Toronto; and so on.
On her last night in a small surf town, Genie meets a cute boy, not really a boy - Jacob is almost 10 years younger than she is - and the flirtation is all grown up. They spend the night together and, in the morning, impulsively make plans to meet up in Paris in a few days.
Genie arrives first, anxious that their one night together meant more to her than it did to him, and that perhaps another, younger, woman has turned his head in the meantime. But Jacob appears and they proceed to have an idyllic, honeymoon like time, with Jacob insisting that they put their phones down and focus only on each other and on Paris. She is charmed; this reader was suspicious. They fall into a sweet little routine where he gets up to buy fresh baguettes for breakfast, while she goes and buys fruits from the crabby shopkeeper.
One morning, after an evening of planning their future together, starting with extending their stay in Paris, Genie wakes to find Jacob is gone. She guesses he's off getting breakfast but when he doesn't return in a few minutes decides he must be spending some alone time and they will surely meet up later. She goes off exploring the sights, taking photos, etc and soon the entire day has gone by and she realizes that she hasn't heard from Jacob. Knowing his aversion to the phone, she heads home, figuring that he must be there but instead the flat is empty, his things are missing. Something is terribly wrong.
Where things go from here takes twists and turns not to be believed. There are some cultural, generational, and misogynistic issues at play. She is dismissed for not doing things the French way, for being too pretty, for not speaking the language, for being in the way. In the end the person you'd least expect is the one that gives Genevive a chance to heal.
June 22, 2026
First and foremost, thank you to Eva Jurczyk, NetGalley, and Penguin Random House/Viking Books/Pamela Dorman Books for the eARC of The Paris Files in exchange for my honest review.
My, my, my Eva, you wrote quite the story!
Genie, a Canadian tourist meets her dream guy named Jacob in the Philippines and begins a wild tourism affair, ending in Paris. One night though, he disappears and through police interviews, the story unfolds that Genie's story doesn't match up at all with anyone else's. Because this story is told through police interviews, a section at the beginning calls out that though Genie's interviews were spoken in English and French citizens spoken in French then translated, the [conduct of the lieutenants on the case didn't hinder the investigation] (paraphrased, not quoted). The unreliable narrator trope was immediately at the forefront of my mind. Let alone, Genie's interviews (and who we come to know of her as a person), adds to the unreliable narrator theme. This made the entire novel a very fun read.
The buildup and tension at the beginning is quite slow but steady. You're introduced to a variety of characters, all of which stand out from each other. This is quite a task to mentally keep track of who is who. Each chapter functioning as the next person's interview (or continuation of a previously heard character's interview) are conveniently labeled "The Neighbor," "The Poet," etc. so you could keep track. The entire framework of the novel was creative, exciting, and enjoyable. I do just think the first 20% was slow but necessary for the plot.
My only other real critique was that Genie was a tad insufferable. She was sooooooo in love with her Jacob that I think this point was literally nailed into my brain like a nail in a coffin. I got the point. Not that this is bad, just bad for me. It greatly sold the storyline by the climax of the novel and overall, I understood why it was necessary.
Overall, I'm giving this book 4 out 5 stars. It was enjoyable, I couldn't stop reading it once I got to the 45% mark, and loved every single character. The book made me want my own life in the 11th Arrondissement, getting a fresh baguette in the morning every morning, arguing with the most French looking Frenchman who owns the fruit market across from my flat, and wary of any future conciergerie in Paris. A brilliantly fun, twisty turn read.
Thank you again to Eva Jurczyk, NetGalley, and Penguin Random House/Viking Books/Pamela Dorman Books for the eARC of The Paris Files in exchange for my honest review.
My, my, my Eva, you wrote quite the story!
Genie, a Canadian tourist meets her dream guy named Jacob in the Philippines and begins a wild tourism affair, ending in Paris. One night though, he disappears and through police interviews, the story unfolds that Genie's story doesn't match up at all with anyone else's. Because this story is told through police interviews, a section at the beginning calls out that though Genie's interviews were spoken in English and French citizens spoken in French then translated, the [conduct of the lieutenants on the case didn't hinder the investigation] (paraphrased, not quoted). The unreliable narrator trope was immediately at the forefront of my mind. Let alone, Genie's interviews (and who we come to know of her as a person), adds to the unreliable narrator theme. This made the entire novel a very fun read.
The buildup and tension at the beginning is quite slow but steady. You're introduced to a variety of characters, all of which stand out from each other. This is quite a task to mentally keep track of who is who. Each chapter functioning as the next person's interview (or continuation of a previously heard character's interview) are conveniently labeled "The Neighbor," "The Poet," etc. so you could keep track. The entire framework of the novel was creative, exciting, and enjoyable. I do just think the first 20% was slow but necessary for the plot.
My only other real critique was that Genie was a tad insufferable. She was sooooooo in love with her Jacob that I think this point was literally nailed into my brain like a nail in a coffin. I got the point. Not that this is bad, just bad for me. It greatly sold the storyline by the climax of the novel and overall, I understood why it was necessary.
Overall, I'm giving this book 4 out 5 stars. It was enjoyable, I couldn't stop reading it once I got to the 45% mark, and loved every single character. The book made me want my own life in the 11th Arrondissement, getting a fresh baguette in the morning every morning, arguing with the most French looking Frenchman who owns the fruit market across from my flat, and wary of any future conciergerie in Paris. A brilliantly fun, twisty turn read.
Thank you again to Eva Jurczyk, NetGalley, and Penguin Random House/Viking Books/Pamela Dorman Books for the eARC of The Paris Files in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Paris Files is an immersive suspense novel that immediately pulls you into the investigation and refuses to let go.
The story begins when Genie, a woman nearing forty who is hoping to find lasting love, meets Jacob while traveling abroad. After deciding to spend time together in a rented flat in Paris, everything changes when Genie wakes one morning to discover Jacob has vanished without a trace.
What makes this novel stand out is its unique format. Much of the story unfolds through police interview transcripts, allowing readers to piece together the mystery alongside the investigators. Every interview adds another layer, revealing new details while raising even more questions. As each character shares their version of events, it becomes increasingly difficult to know who is telling the truth and who may be hiding something.
The cast of characters is full of surprises, with nearly everyone proving to be far more complex than they first appear. Just when I thought I had solved the mystery, another revelation sent me in a completely different direction. The twists felt well-earned, and I genuinely didn't know how everything would come together until the very end.
If you enjoy investigative thrillers, unreliable accounts, and mysteries that invite you to play detective alongside the police, The Paris Files delivers a compelling, twist-filled reading experience that keeps you guessing until the final pages.
The Paris Files is an immersive suspense novel that immediately pulls you into the investigation and refuses to let go.
The story begins when Genie, a woman nearing forty who is hoping to find lasting love, meets Jacob while traveling abroad. After deciding to spend time together in a rented flat in Paris, everything changes when Genie wakes one morning to discover Jacob has vanished without a trace.
What makes this novel stand out is its unique format. Much of the story unfolds through police interview transcripts, allowing readers to piece together the mystery alongside the investigators. Every interview adds another layer, revealing new details while raising even more questions. As each character shares their version of events, it becomes increasingly difficult to know who is telling the truth and who may be hiding something.
The cast of characters is full of surprises, with nearly everyone proving to be far more complex than they first appear. Just when I thought I had solved the mystery, another revelation sent me in a completely different direction. The twists felt well-earned, and I genuinely didn't know how everything would come together until the very end.
If you enjoy investigative thrillers, unreliable accounts, and mysteries that invite you to play detective alongside the police, The Paris Files delivers a compelling, twist-filled reading experience that keeps you guessing until the final pages.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Eva Jurczyk's latest novel, The Paris Files, hits stores in October. New to this author? This book is a great place to start. The story follows Genie St. Onge, a lovable but hapless romantic who's always getting her heart broken. She meets Jacob Ford, and it's love at first sight. They plan a romantic trip to Paris, but things take a dark turn when Jacob vanishes. As Genie teams up with the French police to find him, her own life starts to fall apart, revealing secrets and lies. Eva Jurczyk's The Paris Files is a real page-turner - think mystery, thrills, and intrigue, all served up with a side of French flair. The story unfolds through a series of interviews, chapter by chapter, part by part. If you enjoyed A Murder in Paris by Matthew Blake, you'll love this one - trust me, it's a wild ride! This book's unique narrative structure, featuring multiple POVs and brief chapters, is undeniably captivating, but it also prompts an intriguing question: how reliable are these narrators, really? The Parisian atmosphere is a real showstopper - a perfect mix of dark mystery, alluring charm, and memories that will haunt you forever. Eva Jurczyk's The Paris Files is a real page-turner! With its intricate character development and twisty plot, this thriller is sure to captivate fans of Lisa Jewell and Lucy Foley, and even those who are new to the genre will find themselves hooked. You won't want to miss 'The Paris Files' - the thrilling new read that's got everyone talking!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, Netgalley for this ARC. I'd give this a 3.5; but rounded down because it didn't quite feel like a 4 for me.
The Paris Files is told through the unique lens of police case files documenting the disappearance of "The Tourist's" lover, Jacob Ford. I really enjoyed the creativity of this format—it immediately grabbed my attention and made for a fun, fast read. The short chapters, multiple points of view, and cast of interesting characters kept the pages turning.
That said, the case file format didn't always feel completely authentic. The reports contained an incredible amount of detail that felt more like traditional storytelling than actual police documentation. It worked for the sake of the novel, but it occasionally pulled me out of the story.
I also struggled to connect with the characters. Genie, the main character, often came across as desperate and obsessive, making it difficult to root for her. Jacob wasn't particularly sympathetic either, as a cheating drifter, and by the end I found myself feeling fairly indifferent toward almost everyone. While I don't necessarily need likable characters to enjoy a thriller, I do want someone to leave a lasting impression.
Overall, this was an entertaining and easy read with a clever premise, but it never quite delivered a true "wow" moment for me. If you enjoy unconventional storytelling, multiple POVs, and quick chapters, it's definitely worth checking out.
The Paris Files is told through the unique lens of police case files documenting the disappearance of "The Tourist's" lover, Jacob Ford. I really enjoyed the creativity of this format—it immediately grabbed my attention and made for a fun, fast read. The short chapters, multiple points of view, and cast of interesting characters kept the pages turning.
That said, the case file format didn't always feel completely authentic. The reports contained an incredible amount of detail that felt more like traditional storytelling than actual police documentation. It worked for the sake of the novel, but it occasionally pulled me out of the story.
I also struggled to connect with the characters. Genie, the main character, often came across as desperate and obsessive, making it difficult to root for her. Jacob wasn't particularly sympathetic either, as a cheating drifter, and by the end I found myself feeling fairly indifferent toward almost everyone. While I don't necessarily need likable characters to enjoy a thriller, I do want someone to leave a lasting impression.
Overall, this was an entertaining and easy read with a clever premise, but it never quite delivered a true "wow" moment for me. If you enjoy unconventional storytelling, multiple POVs, and quick chapters, it's definitely worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks Viking Penguin and NetGalley for this ARC!
I'm not a fast reader, but I devoured this book in under two days. This thriller kicked off quickly, telling the reader that what they're about to read is a series of police interviews related to a case in Paris. Then, boom! We're trying to put together the puzzle pieces of a mysterious crime, wondering who is a reliable source and what may have happened.
The format was creative and the writing was engaging. The way details and clues gradually unfolded kept me guessing and eager to read more. The details about life in Paris felt authentic, and the cast of characters added to the mystery and the setting. I especially loved Youssef, the fruit seller. His view of American tourists gave a humorous touch that rounded out the writing. The way each characters' interviews both interacted with the police and recounted events was very well done.
As the mystery progressed, I worried this would be a tale with a wholly unreliable female narrator, and was very excited to find that was not the case - that would have been a cop out and there were no lame cop outs here! There were appropriately paced twists and reveals so I wasn't rushed, confused, or disappointed. There were the right amount of bread crumbs and red herrings so I could passenger princess a bit and guess a bit. I wasn't left scratching my head, but instead was pleased with the wrap up.
I can't wait for this to be published so I can discuss it with friends!!
I'm not a fast reader, but I devoured this book in under two days. This thriller kicked off quickly, telling the reader that what they're about to read is a series of police interviews related to a case in Paris. Then, boom! We're trying to put together the puzzle pieces of a mysterious crime, wondering who is a reliable source and what may have happened.
The format was creative and the writing was engaging. The way details and clues gradually unfolded kept me guessing and eager to read more. The details about life in Paris felt authentic, and the cast of characters added to the mystery and the setting. I especially loved Youssef, the fruit seller. His view of American tourists gave a humorous touch that rounded out the writing. The way each characters' interviews both interacted with the police and recounted events was very well done.
As the mystery progressed, I worried this would be a tale with a wholly unreliable female narrator, and was very excited to find that was not the case - that would have been a cop out and there were no lame cop outs here! There were appropriately paced twists and reveals so I wasn't rushed, confused, or disappointed. There were the right amount of bread crumbs and red herrings so I could passenger princess a bit and guess a bit. I wasn't left scratching my head, but instead was pleased with the wrap up.
I can't wait for this to be published so I can discuss it with friends!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Paris Files was a fun mystery novel with lots of twists throughout the story. It’s written in a found footage style in police interview transcripts, so as the reader you feel like the detective trying to unravel the clues. The story takes place in Paris that follows the mysterious disappearance…? Murder? Of Jacob while Genivive St Onge has a romantic getaway that turns sour. Did she make this whole story up? What really happened to Jacob? Or did he ever exist at all?
The characters were all interesting but I feel like they could’ve gone a little deeper. Genie the main character was a mess and I found her interviews to be the funniest, while the other characters revolved around her storyline mostly. I wish that we could’ve gotten more from the ACTUAL crime that took place, while I loved the twist and idea of it, I feel that there could’ve been some really good details and more back story on the mysterious Jacob.
I also thought there would be more romance but it’s kind of a sub-plot and the spice level was pretty limited as everything was closed door. Which is okay it’s just not what I anticipated!
Overall I’d give this read a 3.5 as a suspenseful psychological thriller! Definitely worth a read especially if you’re planning a little Parisian vacation.
Thank you net galley and Viking Penguin for the opportunity to read this book!
The characters were all interesting but I feel like they could’ve gone a little deeper. Genie the main character was a mess and I found her interviews to be the funniest, while the other characters revolved around her storyline mostly. I wish that we could’ve gotten more from the ACTUAL crime that took place, while I loved the twist and idea of it, I feel that there could’ve been some really good details and more back story on the mysterious Jacob.
I also thought there would be more romance but it’s kind of a sub-plot and the spice level was pretty limited as everything was closed door. Which is okay it’s just not what I anticipated!
Overall I’d give this read a 3.5 as a suspenseful psychological thriller! Definitely worth a read especially if you’re planning a little Parisian vacation.
Thank you net galley and Viking Penguin for the opportunity to read this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Paris Files is told in such a refreshingly unique way. I was sucked in, turning page after page. So many multiple POV character driven novels are hard to follow and it can hard to keep track of who is who, but this author tackled that feat so well telling the story all through police interviews. I liked everyone in their own way. I got a sense of each character, a sense of the atmosphere, and the internal claustrophobia that hovered around everyone.
This story gets a bit out of hand, but in an unhinged way that I like in my mystery/thrillers. I am here for the entertainment, and can say I was thoroughly entertained.
4.5 instead of 5 stars, only because there is quite a bit of repetition, but not so bad. The M-POV makes the repetition sort of necessary to put it all together.
I did have this one mostly figured out before the end, but that didn’t impact it in a negative way at all. I mostly want to just tout my ability to finally solve a twisty book! This was twisty, with no one seeming entirely reliable.
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for providing the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
This story gets a bit out of hand, but in an unhinged way that I like in my mystery/thrillers. I am here for the entertainment, and can say I was thoroughly entertained.
4.5 instead of 5 stars, only because there is quite a bit of repetition, but not so bad. The M-POV makes the repetition sort of necessary to put it all together.
I did have this one mostly figured out before the end, but that didn’t impact it in a negative way at all. I mostly want to just tout my ability to finally solve a twisty book! This was twisty, with no one seeming entirely reliable.
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for providing the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The female main character, Genie St. Onge, is a down on her luck romantic who instantly falls in love with Jacob Ford. When they go on a romantic trip to Paris together, Jacob goes missing and Genie will do anything to track him back down.
I wanted to love this book because the premise sounded like it would be a fast-paced entertaining read. Trying to solve a mystery through interview transcripts only should have been an exciting and innovative way to dive into the story, as other mysteries have had great success doing this through podcast recordings, newspaper articles, etc.
However, the story felt really flat to me. Genie was funny and has a rose-colored glasses POV on life, but that made her a little naive and annoying at times. Like, ma'am, the other people in your life? They are taking advantage of you or straight up lying to you, but Genie just can't/won't see it.
Overall, I would say this was a solid 3 stars for me, but would be interested in re-visiting as an audiobook if that helps the transcripts come to life more.
The female main character, Genie St. Onge, is a down on her luck romantic who instantly falls in love with Jacob Ford. When they go on a romantic trip to Paris together, Jacob goes missing and Genie will do anything to track him back down.
I wanted to love this book because the premise sounded like it would be a fast-paced entertaining read. Trying to solve a mystery through interview transcripts only should have been an exciting and innovative way to dive into the story, as other mysteries have had great success doing this through podcast recordings, newspaper articles, etc.
However, the story felt really flat to me. Genie was funny and has a rose-colored glasses POV on life, but that made her a little naive and annoying at times. Like, ma'am, the other people in your life? They are taking advantage of you or straight up lying to you, but Genie just can't/won't see it.
Overall, I would say this was a solid 3 stars for me, but would be interested in re-visiting as an audiobook if that helps the transcripts come to life more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was lucky to get the arc of this book through Netgalley and it comes out October 6,2026. This book follows the journey of Genie St. Ogne's journey of meeting Jacob Ford and trying to figure out what happened to him when he disappeared suddenly. There are many characters throughout the story as it follows each one through an interview style format for each chapter. I really enjoyed how short and quick each chapter was because it made you wonder who would be next in line to give their interview and what would happen next. I will say for me personally the book was a bit slow and didn't pick up until about halfway through. If that is something you like then this book is for you! The story itself was intriguing and kept me wondering where it was going up until the end. I was questioning everyone's stories and interviews through the whole book which I think the author did well because it made me feel like I didn't know what was going to happen next. Or if I has an idea, I was wrong.
The story line is great, the pace was just slow for me!
The story line is great, the pace was just slow for me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.75 The Paris Files was a great mystery that had me guessing clear until the very end. I thought I had it figured out at least three different times and in the end I was still wrong!
I loved the way that Paris was described in this book. I feel like I was there enjoying the fruit, pastries, and bread along with them. The descriptions of locations were fun for me to remember from my last trip there.
I really enjoyed the format of the book. Reading pieces of people’s interviews and learning the backstory while you go along was a new way for me to experience a story and it worked very well. I enjoyed the mystery of it all from page one.
I did find myself frustrated with Genie quite often. But I guess that makes her a flawed and realistic character. It was fun to consider if all the characters were reliable in their testimony or not.
4.75 The Paris Files was a great mystery that had me guessing clear until the very end. I thought I had it figured out at least three different times and in the end I was still wrong!
I loved the way that Paris was described in this book. I feel like I was there enjoying the fruit, pastries, and bread along with them. The descriptions of locations were fun for me to remember from my last trip there.
I really enjoyed the format of the book. Reading pieces of people’s interviews and learning the backstory while you go along was a new way for me to experience a story and it worked very well. I enjoyed the mystery of it all from page one.
I did find myself frustrated with Genie quite often. But I guess that makes her a flawed and realistic character. It was fun to consider if all the characters were reliable in their testimony or not.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved the interview-style writing. The police transcripts and shifting perspectives made the story incredibly easy to follow while deepening the suspense with every page. Watching Genie try to uncover what really happened to Jacob…while questioning whether the mystery lies in his disappearance or her own mental health…was gripping. The uncertainty is handled so well that you’re never quite sure who to trust.
This was completely binge-worthy! The story just kept getting better and more layered as it unfolded. The characters feel real in that unsettling way where you recognize pieces of people you know in each of them. There were even a few LOL moments that didn’t take away from the thriller vibes but instead made the characters feel more human. Brilliantly done and impossible to put down. Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC.
This was completely binge-worthy! The story just kept getting better and more layered as it unfolded. The characters feel real in that unsettling way where you recognize pieces of people you know in each of them. There were even a few LOL moments that didn’t take away from the thriller vibes but instead made the characters feel more human. Brilliantly done and impossible to put down. Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This mystery unfolds through a series of transcripts of witness statements. Initially I found this a little tricky to get into, but as the book progressed, I became completely caught up in the story.
I found myself questioning which version of events was the correct one. Is our heroine delusional or the victim of gaslighting? Clearly somebody is lying, but the different witness perspectives make it hard to decide which characters are truthful.
I did not see the solution to the mystery coming until the very end which is always a good sign for me. The characters (with all their flaws) felt believable and well developed. The Parisian setting is definitely a plus. I would recommend this one to fans of mysteries with a psychological thriller feel.
4.5 stars rounded down to 4. Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of the book.
I found myself questioning which version of events was the correct one. Is our heroine delusional or the victim of gaslighting? Clearly somebody is lying, but the different witness perspectives make it hard to decide which characters are truthful.
I did not see the solution to the mystery coming until the very end which is always a good sign for me. The characters (with all their flaws) felt believable and well developed. The Parisian setting is definitely a plus. I would recommend this one to fans of mysteries with a psychological thriller feel.
4.5 stars rounded down to 4. Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The book starts out a bit slow but when the action hit, it hit fast!
The book is written in short chapters as interviews of the characters, giving multiple perspectives of each character and event. This format made for great suspense and questioning throughout the story. I truly wanted to believe Genie but when the math wasn’t mathing, I felt sorry for her and started wondering, like the other characters, if Jacob really existed. The selection of characters that participated in the interviews was a great way to
Provide perspective into who they all were.
In the end, we found out what happened but there were some details that were missing to paint the full picture. It felt a bit incomplete, especially after the level of detail that was provided at all other parts of the book.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to fans of the genre.
The book is written in short chapters as interviews of the characters, giving multiple perspectives of each character and event. This format made for great suspense and questioning throughout the story. I truly wanted to believe Genie but when the math wasn’t mathing, I felt sorry for her and started wondering, like the other characters, if Jacob really existed. The selection of characters that participated in the interviews was a great way to
Provide perspective into who they all were.
In the end, we found out what happened but there were some details that were missing to paint the full picture. It felt a bit incomplete, especially after the level of detail that was provided at all other parts of the book.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to fans of the genre.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Paris files was a complete surprise for me. I adored the unique format told through interviews with the characters, which gave the whole store such as easy, natural flow.
Genie was the standout for me. Her free-spirited energy, her refusal to bend when it mattered, and the way she held firm on her beliefs made her impossible not to root for. I rooted for her the whole book.
The book also doesn't shy away from exploring the darker side of ambition. The greed-whether it's cheating, manipulation, or the hunger for property and power, really feels sharp and intentional. It adds tension without every overwhelming the characters.
Overall, The Paris Files is clever, engaging, and original. I loved every minute of it and it was an easy five stars for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for the ARC.
Genie was the standout for me. Her free-spirited energy, her refusal to bend when it mattered, and the way she held firm on her beliefs made her impossible not to root for. I rooted for her the whole book.
The book also doesn't shy away from exploring the darker side of ambition. The greed-whether it's cheating, manipulation, or the hunger for property and power, really feels sharp and intentional. It adds tension without every overwhelming the characters.
Overall, The Paris Files is clever, engaging, and original. I loved every minute of it and it was an easy five stars for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was my first exposure to Eva Jurczyk, but it’s safe to say it will not be my last. This might be one of my favorite books of the year so far.
Writing the entire novel as only interviews with suspects and witnesses was incredibly creative, and I think it was pulled off well. I spent the first 2/3 of the book utterly confused and unsure who to trust in the best way. The book is full of twists and turns, gaslighting, and plenty of drama. On top of that, even when I thought I had it figured out, I was still wrong. Between the plot and the short chapters, I found myself flying through this book.
The true crime aficionado in me truly loved reading this book and would definitely recommend it. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept it throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Writing the entire novel as only interviews with suspects and witnesses was incredibly creative, and I think it was pulled off well. I spent the first 2/3 of the book utterly confused and unsure who to trust in the best way. The book is full of twists and turns, gaslighting, and plenty of drama. On top of that, even when I thought I had it figured out, I was still wrong. Between the plot and the short chapters, I found myself flying through this book.
The true crime aficionado in me truly loved reading this book and would definitely recommend it. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept it throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this ARC!
Different. Intriguing. Suspenseful.
I had no expectations when I opened this book but I was pleasantly surprised! This book is Set up as different POVs through interviews of each of the characters by the police while a iissing person investigation takes place.
It's the story of Genie who is trekking around the world and meets and falls for Jacob. It's not your typical love story but they do end up in Paris, the city of Love. One morning Genie awakes to find Jacob has disappeared and she's certain he wouldn't leave her b/c of their deep love for one another. Everyone isn't quite so sure.
This book has more than one plot twist and will keep you guessing until the end when you discover what really happened and why!.
This one will be a good one to add to your TBR for a cozy autumn read.
Different. Intriguing. Suspenseful.
I had no expectations when I opened this book but I was pleasantly surprised! This book is Set up as different POVs through interviews of each of the characters by the police while a iissing person investigation takes place.
It's the story of Genie who is trekking around the world and meets and falls for Jacob. It's not your typical love story but they do end up in Paris, the city of Love. One morning Genie awakes to find Jacob has disappeared and she's certain he wouldn't leave her b/c of their deep love for one another. Everyone isn't quite so sure.
This book has more than one plot twist and will keep you guessing until the end when you discover what really happened and why!.
This one will be a good one to add to your TBR for a cozy autumn read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The enjoyment of this read, which was an Advanced Reader Copy from #NetGalley, was rooted in its effortless flow, making it a quick and engaging experience. The characters were introduced in a manner that kept their individual narratives clear, preventing any confusion as the story progressed. The core storyline was compelling enough to hold interest from the very start. The unique structure, utilizing an interview form, was a highly effective narrative device that offered distinct perspectives and voices from several different characters. This approach not only made the plot easy to follow but also provided a multi-layered understanding of the events. Furthermore, the mystery itself was expertly paced, with a resolution that was both logical and emotionally satisfying, delivering the conclusion that the entire build-up had promised.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
The Paris Files was an interesting concept, but fell a bit flat for me in execution.
A woman traveling the world, meets a man in the Philippines. They agree to a romantic rendezvous in Paris, and proceed to fall in love. All is going perfectly for Genie St. Onge until her lover, Jacob Ford, disappears without a trace. At first, no one will help Genie find Jacob, many claim he doesn’t exist. Genie’s best friend even remarks on past habits of creating fantastical love stories. Is Jacob real? Is Jacob who he says he is? Who is a friend, and who is an enemy? All your questions will be answered, but not in the order received, and connections may be wildly coincidental and confusing. It’s not the worst book I’ve ever read, but it was a struggle to slog through this one, for me anyway.
That said, it was a creative concept, and stylistically interesting.
The Paris Files was an interesting concept, but fell a bit flat for me in execution.
A woman traveling the world, meets a man in the Philippines. They agree to a romantic rendezvous in Paris, and proceed to fall in love. All is going perfectly for Genie St. Onge until her lover, Jacob Ford, disappears without a trace. At first, no one will help Genie find Jacob, many claim he doesn’t exist. Genie’s best friend even remarks on past habits of creating fantastical love stories. Is Jacob real? Is Jacob who he says he is? Who is a friend, and who is an enemy? All your questions will be answered, but not in the order received, and connections may be wildly coincidental and confusing. It’s not the worst book I’ve ever read, but it was a struggle to slog through this one, for me anyway.
That said, it was a creative concept, and stylistically interesting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Paris Files tells the story of Genie- a Canadian tourist- who reports her lover missing (in Paris of course). The story unfolds in several parts through transcripts of police interviews while Genie, the other people in the building she’s staying in as well and friends and relatives .
Genie has a hard time getting anyone to believe that her lover even existed- let alone that he’s missing. It doesn’t help that she’s only met him on this trip and that he, himself, is a tourist from the United States who only pays in cash and has no phone. Sounds made up? Or is it just crazy enough to be true? Could Genie be crazy herself or is she right- that everyone in the building is gaslighting her to cover up something nefarious? Read and find out!
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC
Genie has a hard time getting anyone to believe that her lover even existed- let alone that he’s missing. It doesn’t help that she’s only met him on this trip and that he, himself, is a tourist from the United States who only pays in cash and has no phone. Sounds made up? Or is it just crazy enough to be true? Could Genie be crazy herself or is she right- that everyone in the building is gaslighting her to cover up something nefarious? Read and find out!
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a wild ride!! "The Paris Files" is full of twists and turns that make you question everything up until the very end!
I was a little leery of the story being told through police interview transcripts, but it actually worked really well to help peel back the layers of the mystery ad see the characters' behaviors through different lenses. This also provided the perfect set up for one of the major twists in the book, so it was brilliantly executed! The book also felt well-paced with not lagging or rushed bits - a perfect blend to keep me engaged and not wanting to put the book down to do real-life adult things!
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by this author!!
Would highly recommend for anyone who loves a good mystery with some psychological twists!
I was a little leery of the story being told through police interview transcripts, but it actually worked really well to help peel back the layers of the mystery ad see the characters' behaviors through different lenses. This also provided the perfect set up for one of the major twists in the book, so it was brilliantly executed! The book also felt well-paced with not lagging or rushed bits - a perfect blend to keep me engaged and not wanting to put the book down to do real-life adult things!
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by this author!!
Would highly recommend for anyone who loves a good mystery with some psychological twists!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've historically been a harsh critic of Jurczyk's novels (her writing style is frequently too overwrought and off-putting for my taste) but I really enjoyed this twisty mystery, told through a series of first-person police interviews. It's effectively a closed-room mystery taking place in a vintage Parisian building that is a character of its own. A Canadian tourist comes to Paris to live out a bohemian dream, meeting a colorful cast of characters - the other residents of the building and their neighbors. Worth a read for the setting and characters alone.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
March 17, 2026
I was able to read this book before it is published in October and OHHH MYYYY! I love a book with multiple POVs, short chapters, and lots of details thrown in. This was a great read for my mystery/thriller book lovers. It had me hooked and guessing the motive and suspect the whole time. This author did a great job at making you believe multiple people were the suspect.
However, my only grief with this book is how long it was. I feel like it was really drawn out at some points and definitely could’ve ended like a 100 or so pages sooner but I highly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the rest of you to read it in October!
However, my only grief with this book is how long it was. I feel like it was really drawn out at some points and definitely could’ve ended like a 100 or so pages sooner but I highly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the rest of you to read it in October!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gabie meets Jacob while traveling in the Philippines, and they plan a romantic reunion in Paris. When they reconnect, it’s an intense, whirlwind romance—until Jacob suddenly disappears.
As the investigation unfolds, questions arise about whether Jacob was ever real at all, especially given Gabie’s unreliable perception. Told through multiple POVs and moving backward through the timeline, this story keeps you guessing the entire time.
I absolutely devoured this book—fast-paced, short chapters, and completely addictive. An easy five stars!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
As the investigation unfolds, questions arise about whether Jacob was ever real at all, especially given Gabie’s unreliable perception. Told through multiple POVs and moving backward through the timeline, this story keeps you guessing the entire time.
I absolutely devoured this book—fast-paced, short chapters, and completely addictive. An easy five stars!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I admittedly wasn't sure at first whether I would like the novel's structure (told in the format of police interview transcripts), but ultimately I think it worked well. The Paris Files is a solid mystery thriller whose pages are permeated with a heavy sense of unease and a plethora of (potentially) unreliable characters/narrators. I did not particularly like any of the characters, and I found parts of the novel overly drawn out/slow, but the tension and twists are well done and will keep you questioning - who is telling the truth, who is lying, is Jacob real?
Thank you to Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books and NetGalley for the advance reader's digital copy. #TheParisFiles #NetGalley
Thank you to Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books and NetGalley for the advance reader's digital copy. #TheParisFiles #NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews