Image Courtesy : Netgalley
Book Info
Name of the Book : Hall of Mirrors
Author : Roxanne Lalande
Publication Date : 30 September 2021
Publisher : The Book Whisperer
No. of Pages : 226 ( Ebook )
Format : Kindle
Why did I chose the book ?
Hall of Mirrors by Roxanne Lalande is a historical mystery and thriller. The blurb was quite good on Netgalley depicting a history of French royal drama with a hint of thrill.
Where to get the book?
Hall of Mirrors by Roxanne Lalande is available on Netgalley as an ARC before its release :
Or, You can download an ARC copy on Bookfunnel :
Author Introduction
Roxanne Lalande, author of Hall of mirrors is professor emerita of French languages and literature at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. Having been raised in Switzerland, she is bilingual in French and English, and fluent in German. During her teaching career, her research focused on the preeminent role of women as cultural and political influencers and icons during the reign of Louis the Fourteenth. Previous publications include Intruders in the Play World: The Dynamics of Gender in Molière’s Comedies, which received a Choice Award for outstanding academic publication. She taught courses in advanced translation and is herself a translator of several works by Madame de Villedieu, a seventeenth-century novelist. A secondary interest in letter-writing, a favorite occupation of aristocrats of the time, led to the discovery of the fascinating world of intrigue at the court of the Sun King, as seen through the vast correspondence of the German-born Duchess d’Orléans. The latter’s troubles at the court of Versailles provide the framework for Lalande’s first work of fiction.
Blurb
Mathilde and her lover, Robin find a locket and a skeleton in their neighboring estate. While investigating for more, they find a well full of skeletons. The locket was engraved with a mystic seal and an inner compartment. Mathilde starts investigating about the locket with her mistress. But, when Robin accidentally discovers a chamber in his uncle's estate, he starts joining other pieces with the locket's bearer and a secret brotherhood.
But, the truth was not a sweet one as many influential people were related to the locket's past. It seemed that the Court of Versailles had many secrets including the rich and their personal lives.
Whose locket did Mathilde found? Was she in some kind of danger? Will this finding take more lives?
My Opinion
Hall of Mirrors by Roxanne Lalalnde is a historical mystery fiction set in Versailles, France. The plot has been drawn incredibly great with keeping in mind the history. It created an environment of thrill right from the start. Romance and thrill has been mixed well. But, I was little disappointed with the climax. I expected it to be more terrifying. But, eventually the revelations just slumped.
The author has tried to provide with a mind blowing twist, but for me it didn't worked out. But, I will give the book 4 stars hoping that the author will surely bring out a sequel for the unanswered questions.
Character Portrayal
Hall of Mirrors by Roxanne Lalande is primarily focused on women, especially royal women and their lives. The women are strong and throughout the whole story they support each other in spite of their rank differences. They are loving mothers, lonely wives and brave enough to endure all pains. I liked all of them.
Narrative Style
Hall of Mirrors by Roxanne Lalande was rather a difficult read for me. It was very hard to remember all those French names. But, I would not blame author for this as she has done ample research while weaving the plot.
Ratings
- Recommendation --------------- 4/5
- Cover ----------------------------- 5/5
- Climax ---------------------------- 4/5
- Characters ------------------------ 5/5
- Plot -------------------------------- 5/5
- Writing Style -------------------- 4/5
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