Jean-Claude Romand seems to have his life under control. Neighbors and acquaintances admire the successful doctor for his humility and intelligence. But suddenly, he murders his wife and his two small children, his parents, and their dog. His attempt to kill his mistress and himself fails, possibly intentionally. The police investigation quickly causes the outer facade to collapse, revealing a gaping void behind it: Romand's life has been built on lies and deception for 17 years. His research position at the WHO, business trips, conferences with high-ranking colleagues - none of it ever existed. And no one ever suspected a thing. The news spreads through the press and prompts Carrère to write his first non-fiction novel. However, it is not the facts that captivate him, but the dark motives behind them, the antagonist. He writes R.