A very interesting, if slightly hectoring, book about the value of doing historical research if you want to write historical fiction. I’m interested in history. I have been disappointed in more than one historical novel by historical howlers. And I’ve been surprised more than once by having my preconceived ideas turn out to be untrue. Mostly this is a fun book to read, but the author does nag just a bit.
In this prequel, the year is 1785 and Aristide Ravel helps put out a fire in a church where he meets Inspector Brasseur, an ex-neighbour of his. A few months later when Brasseur finds a body he 'invites' Ravel to view the body suspecting he might be the murderer (because of Ravel's subversive writings). Unlike other police Brasseur is convinced that he is innocent. So Ravel becomes a sub-Inspector and investigates with the Inspector to clear his name. I enjoyed the mystery, and the style of writing which was very easy to read, and I like the portrayal of the characeters. This was my first book in the series that I have read but I will be looking to read the others.… (more)
October 1793 Paris and the first decapitated body is found. An police agent Ravel is instructed to quietly determine the murderer. Difficult when there seems to be no pattern to the killings. And with the backdrop of the continuing revolution, regicide, and the mass guillotining of people for minor crimes. Immensely satisfying read (and in places sad), with characters wonderfully drawn out.
October 1796, Paris, and Aristide Ravel is called to a double murder of Louis Saint-Ange and Celie Montereau. Clues lead to various people but with the recent possible miscarriage of justice Ravel becomes uncertain who is definately guilty and why. Wonderful descriptions bring to life the times, and the people in this mystery with its interesting characters.
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I’m interested in history. I have been disappointed in more than one historical novel by historical howlers. And I’ve been surprised more than once by having my preconceived ideas turn out to be untrue.
Mostly this is a fun book to read, but the author does nag just a bit.