On an early autumn morning in 1988, on the outskirts of an Algerian city on the edge of the desert, a shepherd stumbles upon the lifeless body of Zakia Zaghouani, the stunning nightclub singer at the Sahara Hotel.
Suspicion immediately falls on her lover, who is thrown into prison. The incompetent Inspector Hamid begins an investigation. So does the defence lawyer of the main suspect. Family, friends, and close ones give their testimonies, finding themselves confronted with their past. Secrets, betrayals, grudges, but also dreams and hopes shed light on their connection to the victim. So, who really killed Zakia? And what if, behind this woman's murder, lie secrets so unbearable they could tear an entire community apart?
'Khatibi lets his formidable storytelling talent shine. Essential reading.' France Info
'A delightful and skillful novel. In the tradition of Alaa El Aswany' Le Point
