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The Menagerie

The Menagerie

The Menagerie

Author: Judy Willmore
ISBN: 9781951122195 (paperback)
ISBN: 9781951122263 (ebook)
Publication Date: June 8, 2021
Price: $17.95
Pages: 394

Françoise-Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Mortemart had to have Louis, King of France, but his other mistresses stood in the way. Then she meets the very helpful sorceress and Athénaïs gets her wish. But soon Louis hears tales of witchcraft and poison, a conspiracy spreading through his court-like the beasts in the Versailles menagerie, courtesans are clawing their way to his favor, and his bed. He orders Lieutenant General of Police Gabriel-Nicolas de la Reynie to investigate. Mysterious deaths mount while La Reynie presses on, hauling in witches, charlatans, and the nobility alike. Grimy fingers point to Athénaïs, the King's mistress, with whispers of a black mass celebrated over her naked body. Then La Reynie discovers a plot to kill her.

Read the first chapters!



Reviews

Midwest Book Review

Synopsis: Francoise-Athenais de Rochechouart de Mortemart had to have Louis, King of France, but his other mistresses stood in the way. Then she meets the very helpful sorceress and Athenais gets her wish.

But soon Louis hears tales of witchcraft and poison, a conspiracy spreading through his court -- like the beasts in the Versailles menagerie, courtesans are clawing their way to his favor, and his bed. He orders Lieutenant General of Police Gabriel-Nicolas de la Reynie to investigate. Mysterious deaths mount while La Reynie presses on, hauling in witches, charlatans, and the nobility alike.

Grimy fingers point to Athenais, the King's mistress, with whispers of a black mass celebrated over her naked body. Then La Reynie discovers a plot to kill her!

Critique: A simply riveting read from first page to last, The Menagerie by Judy Willmore is a deftly crafted historical mystery that will keep the reader's rapt attention from one unexpected plot twist to another. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Historical Fiction and Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Menagerie" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).


Awards

2022 Winner New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards - Historical Fiction, Other
2022 Finalist New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards - Mystery/Thriller




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