'A terrific debut from a French author and diplomat... Brilliantly evokes the casual brutality of life in 18th-century France.' Joan Smith, Sunday Times 'An engaging murder mystery that picks away at the delicate power balance between king, police and state.' James Urquhart, Financial Times 'Succeeds brilliantly in its reconstruction of pre-revolutionary Paris, in splendid period detail, and in its philosophic asides ...' Douglas Kennedy, Sunday Times 'It's the superb Parisian detail and atmosphere that truly beguiles' Marcel Berlins, Sunday Times 'Reads like a cross between a Maigret mystery and Les Liaisons Dangereuses ...' Mail on Sunday 'Very strong on conveying convincing detail of the period' Eurocrime 'One's attention is constantly drawn either by the developments of the investigation, the evocation of ancient culinary curiosities, or just by life in 18th century Paris.' Emma's World 'You could almost hear the crunch of the snow, the squelch of the mud and skulk in the shadows of dark and smoky candle-lit rooms.' Chasing Bawa 'With swashbuckling style, Parot's prerevolutionary French characters will captivate readers with their sly humor, dastardly deeds, and, yes, honorable intentions. Don't miss!' Library Journal
Jean-Francois Parot is a diplomat and historian. He is the author of the Nicolas Le Floch mysteries, which take place in eighteenth century France. The novels, beginning with The Chatelet Apprentice, have been adapted as a successful TV series shown on France 2.