Susanne Alleyn Review

(2007) A Treasury of Regrets

A Treasury of Regrets is a compelling mystery set in 1797 amid the unruly climate of Paris alleyways and side streets. Aristide Ravel, police investigator, cannot believe that an illiterate servant girl is the killer in the poisoning death of a well respected Parisian. The deceased, Martin DuPont, had been the master of a large household. At his death, bickering and resentment abound with many motives within the family for this murder, yet Ravel knows it will still be difficult to clear the girl. He finds a rare ally in Laurence, a young widow of the DuPont house, and together they attempt to prove the kitchen maid innocent and find the real killer.

Historical fiction depicting a post revolutionary society plus an intriguing mystery (other deaths within the DuPont family follow the first, further complicating the detecting work ) set in a very interesting 18^th century Paris make for a gripping story. The characters, particularly Ravel and the clearly a duck-out-of-water Laurence, are easy to connect with and will stir the compassion of the reader. Scandal, danger and murder are the key elements of A Treasury of Regrets!

By Ceil. First published in the Cozy Library October 22, 2007.