Patrick Collignon, a Belgian writer, has released his first thriller, SexOD, through Patchenco editions. The novel, which ActuaLitté has reviewed, is set in Stockholm. Collignon chose the city not just for trendiness but because of personal ties—he lived with a Finn for 15 years and visits Stockholm annually. The city's open approach to sexuality and its potential for unconventional political ideas inspired the setting. Collignon explains that the Swedish welfare state provided a backdrop where the plot, centered on sex as a tool for criminal activity, could realistically unfold. Collignon's path to writing thrillers began with the 1999 sinking of the oil tanker Erika, which inspired him to write about an oil spill. However, his first project faced challenges, including a divorce and the bankruptcy of his publisher. He revisited the idea during the 2020 lockdown, completing the work in 2021 and funding it through crowdfunding. Since then, he has written two thrillers, POLMAR and SexOD, and two "initiatory novels," Semeur de cœurs and Sam a dit. He is now working on a third initiatory novel, part of a series where characters undergo spiritual development. The theme of sex in SexOD was influenced by a suggestion from Collignon's ex-partner, who encouraged him to write about sex. Although hesitant at first, Collignon transformed the idea into a thriller that examines how sex can be used as a means of manipulation, tied to power and wealth. He emphasizes that the goal is not to shock but to explore a topic often discussed in private. The novel includes only the minimal amount of violence necessary for a thriller and avoids explicit content. Looking ahead, Collignon plans to release POLMAR in 2027, followed by projects on a scam in the food industry and international blood trade scandals. He envisions his protagonists coming together to challenge those who manipulate others, though no release date has been set for a sequel.