After the Crash: A Novel - Hardcover

"Riveting! Bussi spins psychological suspense at its finest with this consuming tale of one child, two families, and the dark secrets that define us all. Clear your schedule; this book is worth it!"--Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Crash & Burn and Find Her

"After the Crash is a jolt to the senses and a jolt to the heart--both rollicking and labyrinthine, both wildly propulsive and yet rich with grand drama, and with a cast of characters--particularly its sumptuously powerful women--you won't forget."--Megan Abbott, author of The Fever and the forthcoming You Will Know Me

"Wonderfully ingenious and altogether satisfying."--Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review

"After the Crash opens with a wrenching scene that will serve as the mystery's terrifically compelling central conceit....sit back and go along for the ride....Bussi's tucked a lot of enjoyable - and enjoyably surprising - pieces into his puzzle."--Boston Globe

"This fascinating tale of intrigue and murder delves into complicated family bonds as it builds to a surprising and shocking conclusion."--Publishers Weekly

"Fast-paced and action-packed, this thriller is adrenaline pumping. Bussi offers a smart, complex mystery with plenty of plausible twists and surprises ... An engrossing story that's almost impossible to put down."--Shelf Awareness

"A novel so extraordinary that it reminded me of reading Stieg Larsson for the very first time...I doubt I'll read a more brilliant crime novel this year."--Sunday Times (UK)

"You find yourself quite frantic to know the truth, before this cleverly constructed, smart mystery concludes by delivering a delicious sting in the tail."--Sunday Express (UK)

"A richly satisfying story...a hugely enjoyable ride."--Irish Independent

"Wonderfully ingenious and altogether satisfying."---Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review

Just after midnight on December 23, 1980, a night flight bound for Paris plummets toward the Swiss Alps, crashing into a snowy mountainside. Within seconds flames engulf the plane, which is filled with holiday travelers. Of the 169 passengers, all but one perish.

The sole survivor is a three-month-old girl--thrown from the airliner before fire consumes the cabin. But two infants were on board. Is "the Miracle Child of Mont Terri" Lyse-Rose or Emilie? The families of both girls step forward to claim the child. Dogged by bad luck, the Vitrals live a simple life, selling snacks from a van on the beaches of northern France. In contrast, the de Carvilles, who amassed a fortune in the oil business, are powerful-and dangerous.

Eighteen years later, a private detective tasked with solving the mystery of the girl known as "Lylie" is on the verge of giving up. As he contemplates taking his own life, Crédule Grand-Duc suddenly discovers a secret hidden in plain view. Will he live to tell it?

Meanwhile, Lylie, now a beautiful university student, entrusts a secret notebook into the hands of Marc, the brooding young man who loves her, and then vanishes. After Marc reads the notebook's contents, he embarks on a frantic search for Lylie.

But he is not the only one looking for her.