A new translation of Simenons gripping novel about lives transformed by deceit and the destructive power of lust.It was all real himself the room Andree still lying on the ravaged bed.For Tony and Andree there are no rules when they meet in the blue room at the Hotel des Voyageurs. Their adulterous affair is intoxicating passionate and dangerous. Soon it turns into a nightmare from which there can be no escape. Simenons stylish and sensual psychological thriller weaves a story of cruelty reckless lust and relentless guilt.A wondrous achievement brief inexorable pared to and agonisingly close to the bone and utterly compelling; in short a true and luminous work of art. John BanvilleA double crime a dark provincial scandal and a dreadful sort of triumph . . . presented with shattering power San Francisco ChronicleOne of the greatest writers of the twentieth century . . . Simenon was unequaled at making us look inside though the ability was masked by his brilliance at absorbing us obsessively in his stories GuardianA supreme writer . . . unforgettable vividness Independent