Back in Paris, the seething political scene bubbles under this story of the type of corruption associated with those naughty aristos on the eve of the revolution. De Bresse is a follower of the Marquis de Sade, whose exploits are viewed as a sign of the times and thus the mood of the book is set. Sinister castles, prisons and prostitutes abound and it is up to Anne to cope with quite a convoluted case. I would like it all even better if Paul could appear as more than just somebody to give weight and legitimacy to Anne’s capable sleuthing. He continues to be more like a kindly employer than a husband, surely a rather strange thing even in a morganatic marriage. This notwithstanding, this is another highly readable entry in this always enjoyable and imaginative series.