"A fascinating novel, wayward and witty, full of red herrings but scrupulously fair. Far more fun than a jigsaw."--"Time Out (London)
When an American billionaire and media mogul decides to revive the fortunes of the jigsaw puzzle, he sets up an "International Speed Puzzle Circuit." Soon players from around the world are competing against the clock to solve puzzles, while millions watch on television or stadium screens. The game is a phenomenal success, and a puzzle craze sweeps the nation.
Simultaneously, a serial killer targets key players on the circuit. Each of the bodies is discovered missing a limb, with only a Polaroid of a corresponding limb from another body in its place. Suspecting that the killer is putting together a macabre human puzzle of his own, the authorities struggle to find the vital missing piece.
Given forty-eight "pieces"--including email, newspaper articles, meeting minutes, media interviews, and letters--the reader is encouraged to solve this bizarre and fascinating mystery. Intriguing, ingenious, and gripping throughout, "The Missing Piece is part detective novel, part puzzle, and entirely entertaining.
"A fiendishly enjoyable novel . . . Guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment."--Matt Thorne
"Marvelously imaginative and original."--"The Times Literary Supplement (London)
"Within the space of a few pages the reader is plunged into a world which is totally unreal yet completely believable at the same time."--"La Nouvelle Republique (France)
Born in Boston to French parents, Antoine Bello lives in New York. "The Missing Piece, which was first runner up for France's prestigious Prix Novembre in 1998, is his first novel.
When an American billionaire and media mogul decides to revive the fortunes of the jigsaw puzzle, he sets up an International Speed Puzzle Circuit. In this new twist, players from around the world compete against the clock to solve puzzles, while millions watch on television or stadium screens. A puzzle craze sweeps the nation.
It soon becomes clear that a serial killer is targeting key players on the circuit. Each of the bodies is discovered missing a limb, with only a Polaroid of a corresponding limb from another body in its place. Suspecting that the killer is putting together a macabre puzzle of his own, the authorities rush to solve the case.
Given forty-eight "pieces" of evidence--including e-mail, newspaper articles, meeting minutes, media interviews, and letters--the reader is encouraged to find the solution to this bizarre and fascinating enigma. Intriguing, ingenious, and gripping throughout, "The Missing Piece" is part detective novel, part puzzle, and entirely entertaining.