'The very quintessence of French romance' The Times

'A masterpiece of Parisian perfection' Queen Camilla

Bookseller Laurent Letellier comes across an abandoned handbag on a Parisian street, and feels compelled to return it to its owner. The bag contains no money, phone or contact information. But it does hold a small red notebook, full of handwritten thoughts and jottings that reveal someone Laurent would very much like to meet.

Without even a name to go on, and only a few of her possessions to help him, how is he to find one woman in a city of millions?

Translated by Jane Aitken and Emily Boyce.

Antoine Laurain worked as a journalist and in the world of antiques before becoming the award-winning author of ten novels, including The Red Notebook and The President's Hat. His books have been translated into 25 languages and sold more than 200,000 copies in English. He lives in Paris, France.

"Utterly seductive"
—Queen Camilla

Antoine Laurain was born in Paris and is a journalist, antiques collector and award-winning author of ten novels, including The Red Notebook and The President's Hat. His books have been translated into 25 languages and sold more than 200,000 copies in English. He lives in Paris, France.