" ... the first police chief of Paris faces an epidemic of murder in the late 1600s. Assigned by Louis XIV, Nicolas de La Reynie begins by clearing the streets of filth and installing lanterns throughout Paris, turning it into the City of Light.
The fearless La Reynie pursues criminals through the labyrinthine neighborhoods of the city. He unearths a tightly knit cabal of poisoners, witches, and renegade priests. As he exposes their unholy work, he soon learns that no one is safe from black magic—not even the Sun King" (from the publisher).
A highly readable and chilling tale of mystery, murder, and intrigue set during the reign of France's King Louis the 14th. While this true story reads like a novel, author and history professor Holly Tucker has meticulously researched the period, using French court records and Reynie's notes.Tucker weaves in details of daily life, culture, and politics to provide the reader with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the book's dramatic setting. A highly recommended title for those who love mystery, history/historical fiction, and narrative nonfiction.Visit the author's website for more information on her books, reviews, and upcoming events. ALso find more information about the book at the publisher's webpage.
Thanks to NetGalley and W. W. Norton and Company for allowing me to read and review an egalley of this book.
