Back in favour with his superior and trusted by the King, Nicolas le Floch is entrusted on a diplomatic mission to Austria. Whilst there he realises that the relationships between the two countries are complex and that spying and diplomacy are used by both to undermine and influence. Returning to Paris le Floch discovers unrest among the masses and rumours of a plot to drive up the price of bread, then the local baker is discovered dead. Is this part of the plot or is it a simpler tale of a man who is being cuckolded?

Again Parot has created a complex and satisfying mystery with a continuing sense of time and place. The research and referencing around the political and social history is outstanding. Parot has taken an unashamedly royalist stance in terms of both his characters and his treatment of the potential rebels but he is adept at showing that even with the ruling classes there is discord and political manoeuvring. ( )

Another great Nicholas Le Floch story, this time involving Marie Antoinette initially.
He travels to Austria to deliver a bust of her to her mother, but is secretly checking up on the French secret intelligence in that country.
When he returns to Paris he finds all is not well including the death of a baker.
Jean - Francois Parot never fails to paint vivid pictures of life in Paris during this troubled time and I look forward to reading more from him.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Gallic Books via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review. ( )