The Awkward Squad - Sophie Henaff

The story is set in Paris and revolves around Anne Capestan, a former police officer who has been demoted to a seemingly insignificant job in the Paris Police Department. Anne had previously been a rising star in the force, but after a controversial incident, she was assigned to a less prestigious and more troublesome position. Her new role? To head up a group of misfit officers—each with their own unique personality flaws and personal issues—who have been sidelined from active duty.

This ragtag team, which Anne dubs the "Awkward Squad," consists of individuals who have either been deemed too incompetent, problematic, or out of touch to be part of more prestigious units. Among the group are a disgraced detective, a tech genius with social issues, an alcoholic, and an ex-con, all of whom have been pushed to the edges of the force due to various personal failures. Despite their quirks and apparent lack of coordination, Anne is tasked with getting them to work together.

When a high-profile case comes in—one that seems to have been overlooked by the mainstream police force—Anne sees it as an opportunity for her squad to redeem themselves and prove their worth. The case involves the mysterious death of a well-known figure, and the team must uncover the truth behind it, navigating through various obstacles and hurdles along the way.

The group’s dynamic is central to the novel’s charm. They are an odd, sometimes dysfunctional, but ultimately endearing team. As they start to piece together the clues, they not only uncover dark secrets about the case but also about their own lives and pasts. Through the investigation, they develop a strong camaraderie, learning to rely on each other despite their differences.