The French House

Courtney Lochner holds degrees in French Literature and Communication Studies from Sorbonne Université and the University of Minnesota. A travel writer and psychedelic therapy journalist, her fiction has been made into a film by Moxie Pictures in association with Glamour magazine. Courtney is the co-founder of Cosmic Dust Films.

Designed to offer a simulated experience of studying abroad, the French House at the University of Wisconsin instead repeatedly falls victim to tragedy. But for college freshman Simone Duchamps, an American of French descent, the residence provides her first niche. Finally, a place where she belongs. But the illusion slowly dispels as her hopes for bohemian values are sullied by social hierarchy and segregation. When one of the residents is found dead, Simone fears she's going mad, just as her mother once had. Throughout police investigation she draws connections to everything-from her family's plagued history to the rumors The French House was once used for mind control research via psychedelic drugs. With twists and ambiguities, The French House explores the concept of life imitating art through the power of suggestion, and ultimately asks: what is a simulation and what is reality
""Atmospheric and haunting. The French House will leave you questioning your memories and wanting to discuss its twists long after reading.""
-International Award-Winning Author, Gregory Lee Renz

""Spellbinding. This novel is an important thesis on segregation, mind control, and our existential need to fit in. An absolutely stunning debut.""-Jean-Christophe Born, French film and opera star