Pierre Lemaitre is a French author and screenwriter, born on April 19, 1951. He is best known for his crime novels and psychological thrillers. Before he turned to writing full-time, Lemaitre had a career in literature, teaching French and American literature, and as a psychotherapist. He gained significant acclaim with his novel "Alex," which is part of his series featuring the character Commandant Camille Verhoeven. The book won the prestigious French crime fiction award, the Prix Goncourt du Premier Roman, for first novels in 2006. His international breakthrough came with "Au revoir là-haut" ("The Great Swindle"), which was awarded the Prix Goncourt, France's most prestigious literary prize, in 2013. Lemaitre's works are characterized by their intricate plots, deep character development, and a keen insight into the darker aspects of human psychology. His novels have been translated into numerous languages, establishing him as a significant figure in contemporary crime and thriller literature.