Review: City of Light, City of Poison: Murder, Magic, and the First Police Chief of Paris by Holly Tucker

Holly Tucker, author of Blood Work and Pregnant Fictions, dived deep into the archives and into one of the most interesting tales of the reign of Louis XIV, the infamous affaire des poisons.

“A TALE AS TWISTED AS ANY AGATHA CHRISTIE MURDER MYSTERY.”

—Deborah Blum—
Author of The Poisoner’s Handbook

Her new book City of Light, City of Poison: Murder, Magic, and the First Police Chief of Paris teleports its readers straight into a world of fortune-tellers, angel-makers, sorceresses, potion-mixers, poisoners and devilish priests as we follow the investigations of Nicolas de la Reynie, chief of Louis XIV’s police. Hired to investigate various crimes, Nicolas de la Reynie soon discovers a secret and dark side of Paris with connections to the highest ranks of society and even to the Sun King himself.

A captivating tale of love, murder, cabals and betrayal based on court transcripts, letters, diaries and La Reynie’s own notes, full of interesting facts and shocking accusations and unpleasant truths.

Now available at W.W.Norten, Amazon UK, DE, FR, US, as hardcover, e-book, and audio cd.