Saint-florentin Murders (Nicolas le Floch Investigates) - Tapa blanda

'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

Le Noir, Sartine's successor as Lieutenant General of Police, distrusts Le Floch. Monsieur de Saint-Florentin, the King's new minister, entrusts Commissioner Le Floch with the investigation into the murder of a chambermaid whose throat was cut in unusual circumstances at Saint-Florentin's home. His inquiry takes place both in Paris and Versailles, where he secures his position alongside the King and must confront the mysteries of the Trianon and the horrors of Bicetre. This fifth exciting adventure for Nicolas Le Floch has it all: serial crimes and a bizarre murder weapon, as well as debauchery, espionage, and the follies of a young court where ancient rivalries and grudges still linger.