Description

‘A book of great charm, full of delightful historical detail and deftly written’ Frank Tallis, author of Vienna Blood

‘A ride into the Belle Epoque in a time machine’ Boris Akunin, author of the Erast Fandorin Mysteries

1889. As crowds rush to climb the newly unveiled Eiffel Tower, a young governess is borne up to its highest platform in the mayhem. Suddenly a scream rings out and onlookers turn away from the balcony – to find her dead. In the days that follow death strikes again and again across the city, claiming more victims who visited the tower that day.

Victor Legris, bookshop owner and amateur sleuth, is determined to find the killer. The trail leads him from art dealers to slumlords, buzzing newspaper offices to literary salons and even his own bookshop. And the more Victor investigates, the more he risks everything he holds dear.

Publisher Review

A clock-beating thriller * Financial Times * A book of great charm, full of delightful historical detail and deftly written — Frank Tallis, author of ‘Mortal Mischief’ and ‘Vienna Blood’ Reading Izner is like taking a ride into the belle epoque in a time machine. A wonderfully breathtaking ride — Boris Akunin, author of the ‘Erast Fandorin Mysteries’ Cracking! * Guardian * Witty and creepy… a seamless translation captures the novel’s many period charms * Independent * An extremely satisfying traditional mystery with lots of suspects and panache. Izner writes in a witty, breezy style, which conjures up the Paris of 1889 and the huge sprawl of the exhibition. The plot is terrific, and who can’t enjoy another good time in the City of Light… * Providence Journal-Bulletin * I read this charming, evocative, and suspenseful book with the mounting excitement I always get when I realize I’ve found a new series – I can’t wait for the next Victor Legris book. What a pleasure it is to visit Paris with such an expert tour guide! — Charles Finch, author of ‘A Beautiful Blue Death’ Fans of quality historical will welcome Izner’s debut. The taut pacing and vivid period detail will have readers eagerly turning the pages * Publishers Weekly * “The energetic curiosity of the hero dovetails nicely with the readers’ interest in a fascinating era. The colorful supporting cast lays a solid foundation for Victor’s further exploits * Kirkus Reviews * A charming and amusing whirl around a time of rapid social an intellectual change * The Morning Star * Izner combines a sparkling puzzle (reminiscent of one of Agatha Christie’s most famous novels) with complex characters and appealing descriptions of Paris… A well-executed beginning to a series with great potential * The Richmond Times Dispatch * A charming journey through the life and intellectual times of an era * Le Monde * Evokes the electric atmosphere of 1889 Paris * Le Nouvel Observateur * Original, well-plotted and atmospheric * FidraBooks * The plot is ecxiting and the story just raced away…an enjoyable introduction to this author * CrimeSquad * A fascinating book…strong and intriguing * MonstersandCritics *