In the crowd - Laurent Mauvignier

May 1985, Jeff and Tonino, two Parisian football fans with serious drinking habits, are on their way to the European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus, at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels.

So too are Tana and Francesco, newlyweds from Genoa; Gabriel and Virginie, a young Belgian couple with troubles of their own; and Liverpool supporter, Geoff Andrewson, who is travelling with his two thuggish brothers.

On the eve and day of the game these four groups of characters converge and cross paths, and as the excitement of the build up gives way to horrific tragedy, their lives and relationships are changed forever.

A mesmerising portrait of people attempting to come to terms with a devastating historical event and their role within it, In the Crowd is a hugely compelling and emotive novel.