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100 Pages A Day...Stephanie's Book Reviews

I absolutely love historical fiction and read a lot of it; I love to learn history this way.  I also enjoy reading science fiction, fantasy, horror, thriller and non-fiction science.

Baudelaire's Revenge

Baudelaire's Revenge - Bob van Laerhoven

"Death. Baudelaire told me there was only one thing in life he respected. The end."

In Baudelaire's Revenge I was thrown into the turmoil of 1870's Paris, on the brink of the Franco-Prussian war. Commissioner Lefevre is charged with investigating a strange and shocking set of murders. Interestingly enough, all of the murders and victims seem to have a tie to the recently deceased poet, Charles Baudelaire.  The intensity and passion of the murders increase with each victim and Lefevre begins to connect the dots to an unlikely suspect that may also want to kill him. 

Intelligent and intriguing Baudelaire's Revenge was a historical mystery that not only had me hooked, but forced me to pay close attention as I read.  I wasn't quite expecting the sensuous and seedy nature of some of the characters, but it really added to the uniqueness of what drove them to their actions. Written from several different points of view, the characters that gripped me the most were Lefevre and the suspected killer.  Lefevre's memoirs of the Algerian war gripped me and his memories of that time were fascinating; this gave great depth to his character, actions and body of knowledge.  Without giving any spoilers. the writing from one of the suspects point of view was what I found myself looking forward the most.  Their story was surprising, sad and a lewd...but I couldn't tear myself away.  As the book was wrapping up, I thought I had the mystery all figured out; however, Van Laerhoven has thrown in a few unexpected loops right at the end which made for an exciting closing.

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