The second book in the historical mystery series starring the young Musketeer Charles de la Forêt.
Format: ebook
Publishing year: 2023
Wordcount: 277
In the first book in this series, Charles caught a murderer during his first mission. His success brings more work. First, he and his fellow musketeers help to free a kidnapped young woman. Then, Charles is summoned to the presence of Cardinal Richelieu. A wealthy count has been murdered, poisoned. Charles and one of the Cardinal’s guards, Henry Reynard, must find out who did it, and quickly. The guards and the Musketeers have a long-standing rivalry so Charles is unhappy when he’s forced to work with Henri. But you don’t say no to the Cardinal.
The count died at a dinner party with other nobles and a moneylender. The two men head out to question them. Of course, the suspects are influential people who can’t be accused lightly. Also, while their mission is supposed to be a secret, someone has sent assassins after Charles.
This was a fun historical mystery set in 17th-century Paris. It has vivid historical detail. Charles is from a small town but has now become more accustomed to Parisian life. The story has twists and turns and kept me guessing. It also has a little bit of romance but more action scenes.
This is a very good sequel. Familiar characters return, even though the majority of the characters are new. Most are related to the case but some are Charles’ fellow Musketeers. The tone is similar to the first book so if you enjoyed it, you’re likely to enjoy this one, too. However, it can be read as a stand-alone.