The Expression Hub

Author: Carina Axelsson

Genre: Thriller/Mystery

“The best way of successfully acting a part is to be it.”

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Since its the last day of the month what better way to end this year but in a fashionable manner. After all December is also supposed to be a month of Dressember. For those who are unfamiliar with the same, you are supposed to bring out the fashionista inside you on each day of the month. This was a movement which started in 2009 and blossomed into an international movement to fight human trafficking. And as far as the statistics as regards to the human trafficking is concerned, it is supposed to be an industry that is worth $150 billion. And this supposedly looking silly challenge is an attempt to fight against it.

    So, taking the theme into consideration, this week’s pick revolves around the same. This is supposed to be somewhat of a chic category novel with a dose of fashion which might not sound appealing to some . But hold your horses tight, before you pass a judgement because sometimes what might not sound appealing or look appealing might surprise you. Not that I detest fashion or chic novels but I prefer other categories more than these types. But since I wanted to write a review about something which revolved around the same, so I decided to go with this one.

About the book: Model Undercover:Paris features Axelle , a teenage girl whose family has sent her off to cover the Paris Fashion Week as a punishment. You might be wondering how come such a fine opportunity might be a punishment for someone? Let me answer this by posing a question which will give you a better answer. Imagine if you are asked to do something which you completely detest or do not want to do ever yet are forced to do how would you feel? The same was the case with Axelle when it came to fashion. Even though her mother and aunt were people who obsessed about fashion, this wasn’t her thing. She was more into solving mysteries and always dreamt of becoming a detective.

   However, it seems that her wishes do come true when she lands up in the city and a famous designer who goes by the name Belle La Lune disappears just days before the launch of her bag. After learning about the same, Axelle realizes that in order to get to the bottom of this, she will have to embrace the thing that she has detested and ends up being a good model who receives a lot of offers thanks to her long legs and her aunt Venetia’s connections. In the process, she ends up befriending a famous model named Ellie and Sebastian who is the son of a police officer. Together, they try to put the pieces of the puzzle together as the stakes increase and two more members of the family disappear. Who is involved behind the disappearances of the family members? What is the motive behind the same? Will Axelle with her friends be able to solve the mystery before her time ends in the city of Paris?

Analysis: This is a book which is supposed to be a novel for teenagers with a tinge of chic to it. But believe me even if you are an adult and more into the serious stuff you will not be disappointed by this one. This is especially true if you have been someone who has ended up devouring mystery books in their childhood like me. A book which is slow in pace initially but builds up the pace as the story progresses. The story is gripping as you end up racking up your brains in finding out who might be behind the mystery. Also, you get to imagine the beautiful city of Paris which is somewhat scary as well. After all, it is supposed to have the catacombs as well. What are these and why do I call the city a city a marvel as well as a scary. Read the book to find out. In addition to that, you will also familiarize yourselves with some fashion terminology which might come handy in the future if you come across something related to fashion. Another great thing to highlight is that its heartening to see a female protagonist who is intelligent and not just someone who has good looks. After all it is high time that we start incorporating characters who are not just looks but also has intelligence.

Verdict: This is a book which you will enjoy if you have been a big fan of the genre. Though this might be a book for teenagers but believe me this is a book which will be enjoyed by adults too. A book which was a delight to read and did end my year just on the right note. A huge thank you to Carina Axelson for that. Definitely one to be included in your reading lists.

Rating: ****

Cite Bite:”Come on, Axelle, focus, focus. Ignore your sidekick’s broad shoulders and killer smile. Easier said than done.”

Que:What is the name of Axelle’s booking agent for modelling assignments?

a. Dominic

b. Sebastian

c. Herve

d. Phillip