This is a time period I know very little about. So it was very interesting! It was structured in a way that was easy to follow. There were a lot of names and so sometimes I had trouble keeping track of who was who.

The two things I took away from this book of 17th Century France
1. You were likely to be poisoned.
2. If you weren't being poisoned, you were probably the poisoner.

Book received from NetGalley.

I liked this book and may at some point give it a re-read. I went into it believing it was about crime in Paris and the beginning of the gendarme in Paris. While it has a bit of that it also goes into court life, The Affair of the Poisons during the reign of Louis XIV. So it seemed a bit jumpy to me, and occasionally a bit hard to follow. I did learn a few things about French history, but there were enough issues that I had to give it 3 instead of 4 stars.

Holly Tucker does a great job at not only describing crime, but also giving readers a clear and fascinating view of France during the time period. One finds it difficult not to fall headlong into this book.

In City of Light, City of Poison, Holly Tucker his written a historical account that reads like a crime/noir novel. This book follows a detective as he gathers clues, interviews suspects, and uncovers a plot far bigger and far darker than he can believe. Which is to say that Tucker has written a popular history in the best sense, telling an engaging story ripped from historical documents. This is a story the portrays the complexity of class, politics, and dark human instincts. It’s a startling and fascinating, if sometimes overwhelming, account.

The Story
Paris in the late 17th century is a violent place. It’s the “crime capital of the world.” During the day, thieves are everywhere. At night, drunks roam, and cheap pistols can be heard everywhere. When the city’s civil and criminal lieutenants die under mysterious circumstances, King Louis XIV appoints Nicolas de La Reynie to be the new Chief of Police. La Reynie’s first act is to install lanterns on every corner, giving Paris its nickname, “the City of Lights.” Shortly after, the “Affair of the Poisons” begins.

Poisonings were common at this time. La Reynie even certified an apothecary’s all-purpose antidote. The French refer to arsenic as “la poudre de succession,” or “the inheritance powder.” When two aristocratic brothers (and sons of one of the aforementioned lieutenants) fall ill and fear poison, people become suspicious. When the lover of one of their sisters dies, leaving behind a box of incriminating materials with her name on it, people cry scandal. When the King’s own sister-in-law dies of poison, the country falls into hysteria.

The King creates a secret court. He tells La Reynie not to worry about class, rank, or wealth. Arrests, torture, and executions follow. La Reynie uncovered a network of witches and corrupt priests working with middle-class, aristocratic, and noble women. They cast spells, craft poisons, and commit abortions. La Reynie even accuses some of the King’s former lovers of seeking to poison their replacement and even the King himself.

The Review
By focusing on La Reynie, Tucker does not spend all of her attention focusing on the glitter and beauty of the Sun King, his court, and Versailles. Instead, she shows both sides of Paris: upper and lower classes. And she shows how starkly those two sides are divided. She details the wealth and extravagance of the King and his court. And she does not shy away from the poverty and desperation of the witches and apothecaries and nobility seek out. She explains how the King gave titles and lands to his former mistresses, while pregnant lower class women must seek dangerous abortions. Tucker’s Paris strips away much of the romance from the City of Lights.

She details how the two classes are treated far differently after arrest. While both could face torture (which is recounted in grisly detail), the justice system presumes upper-class women are, because of their rank, good people who would never commit such horrible acts. Even the King is can’t believe his former mistresses could commit such crimes. This Paris is indeed a very unfair place if you are poor.

My only complaint with City of Light, City of Poison is that Tucker overwhelmed me with details. La Reynie arrested hundreds, and I lost track of all the names. The motives are clear. The methods are clear. The details and rumors are shocking. But it all becomes a jumble at the end. But then again, even La Reynie struggled to report it all. While this does demonstrate how widespread the Affair of the Poisons was, my confusion tarnished my enjoyment.

Bottom Line
City of Light, City of Poison was my first exposure to the Affair of the Poisons. It was a fascinating and terrifying read from every angle: the poisons, the dark rituals, the secret courts, the torture, the desperation, the greed. It is a startling window into a moment of deadly and tragic history. And like many Parisians of the time, I was addicted to learning more about this scandal.

I really enjoyed this Historical True Crime book. The author has done a very good job with the setting the time and place. Even though this book is true it read like a novel. During the reign of Louis XIV Paris was not a city in keeping with his image as The Sun King. He appointed La Reynie to clean up he city and make it safer. During his investigations he uncovered The Affair of the Poisoners which may have involved those closest to King. Since there were so many people involved it can get confusing and complicated. I encourage you to keep reading it will make sense by the end and the author does provide a handy time line at the end of the book. The book does read quickly. Anyone interested in History, Royalty and True Crime will enjoy this book.

I wouldn't say that this book was what I thought it was going to be, based off the provided description, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it.

In the beginning, I expected this would read more as a non-fiction book about the police forces and their investigations, but it turned out that it reads more like a fiction book. Not that the research wasn't impeccable or that it was in any way false, but you forget that you are reading non-fic as you go along, finding yourself absorbed in the story line.

Unlike the usual, dry and educational history books, this one is fun to read and will keep you wanting to turn pages and find out what happens next. I liked the style of writing very much.

If you are looking for something a little different that will still teach you something, this is a good place to start.

This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

A highly readable and chilling tale of mystery, murder, and intrigue set during the reign of France's King Louis the 14th. While this true story reads like a novel, author and history professor Holly Tucker has meticulously researched the period, using French court records and Reynie's notes.Tucker weaves in details of daily life, culture, and politics to provide the reader with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the book's dramatic setting. A highly recommended title for those who love mystery, history/historical fiction, and narrative nonfiction.

A history book that feels like a mystery/thriller novel. Tucker follow the account of the first police chief of Paris, Nicolas de La Reynie. This book could cater to a variety of people whose interests include Parisian history, criminology, history, and even science. Great addition to any non-fiction collection, you will not want to put this book down.

Thanks W. W. Norton & Company and netgalley for this ARC.

This biography goes in-depth for our benefit. Engrossing, but not too academic so the layman can still enjoy it too.

Very fascinating read! Good research, too, which always impresses me.