This novel is the first of a series of 9 volumes, to be continued, written by French author Jean-François Parot. I was pleased to find it had been translated in English, as the series is very much worth reading for those who are interested both in historical novels and in detective ones.
The plot is set in 18th century Paris, and the main character is Nicolas Le Floch, a commissaire at the Châtelet, who is of noble ascendance. This fictionnal character evolves together with inspector Pierre Bourdeau (who is to him what Robin is to Batman, what Watson is to Holmes, and so and so), and interacts with real figures of the time, such as Sartine and Louis XV. A French ambassador and historian, author Jean-François Parot carefully uses his skills to create characters and stories without anachronisms and highlights Parisian life of the time.
The main story is always an investigation led by Commissaire Le Floch, but it's often used as a pretext to describe the character's environment and accurately portrays people from every background, from the poorer to the head of state. The langage of the time seems to be respected, as well as every gesture and custom described. Yet the book is more of a detective book than a historical essay, but it's a very well documented "thriller".
On top of that, depiction of Early Modern France is completed by detailed recipes of the time, given by the commissaire's cook.
As a result, 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.
A website, in French, has been developed by J-F Parot himself, in order to introduce his character to the readers.
The plot is set in 18th century Paris, and the main character is Nicolas Le Floch, a commissaire at the Châtelet, who is of noble ascendance. This fictionnal character evolves together with inspector Pierre Bourdeau (who is to him what Robin is to Batman, what Watson is to Holmes, and so and so), and interacts with real figures of the time, such as Sartine and Louis XV. A French ambassador and historian, author Jean-François Parot carefully uses his skills to create characters and stories without anachronisms and highlights Parisian life of the time.
The main story is always an investigation led by Commissaire Le Floch, but it's often used as a pretext to describe the character's environment and accurately portrays people from every background, from the poorer to the head of state. The langage of the time seems to be respected, as well as every gesture and custom described. Yet the book is more of a detective book than a historical essay, but it's a very well documented "thriller".
On top of that, depiction of Early Modern France is completed by detailed recipes of the time, given by the commissaire's cook.
As a result, 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.
A website, in French, has been developed by J-F Parot himself, in order to introduce his character to the readers.
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