This was an interesting mystery series set during the French Revolution! It is filled with vivid historical details! I thought the story was also fast-paced! This, it was a fun mystery series!

This is such an interesting book and I highly recommend anyone who is interested in history, France, and, of course, the French Revolution to read this! I will definitely be reading more by Susanne Dunlap and cannot wait for her next book!

This was a wonderful mystery that takes place during the Marie Antoinette era and I loved it.

Theresa is the highlight of the story and I loved all the adventures she went through to solve the mystery. Also, I loved how the author keeps you guessing about the supporting cast. She throws shade on almost all the characters Theresa meets, including the Captain, Sophie, and the Chevalier. All the supporting characters have hidden agendas and secrets that shock Theresa. Moreover, I was fascinated that Joseph was based on a real person. On a side note, I loved their passion for the violin.

The author also moves the story in an unpredictable manner. I honestly did not know where Theresa was going to land up next, and this made the story so much fun! She lands up in a brothel, becomes a seamstress, book-keeper, lands in prison, and finds herself amidst a murder investigation. Some of the scenes are gripping like when Theresa hides in the tunnels to find clues and hears voices.

Additionally, the author also adds a touch of humor in her style of writing. Although this is a historical mystery, I never felt like the book got too dark and deep. It still felt light and fun while gripping at the same time.

However, the only reason I did not give the story 5 stars is that I felt there were too many characters in the canvas. It didn’t help that quite a few of their names were long with French titles, which digressed my flow of reading. Apart from that, this was a delightful book. After reading this book, I want to pick the previous 2 books in the series and read the other mysteries that Theresa was involved in.

I really love this book. I think it's really interesting and not so schematic. I'm sure I will recommend it for my audiences.

This really didn't appeal to me, I'm sorry to say. The plot and pace was terribly rushed, and I got winded and annoyed within the first 30 pages. It moved to fast that I couldn't get into it at all. Also, I didn't really like any of the characters, they just weren't sympathetic to me...

A big thank you to Netgalley and Susanne Dunlap for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't realize at the time of accepting this ARC that it was the third in a series. While there were definitely some references too earlier books I obviously didn't get, it surprisingly did not hinder my ability to enjoy The Paris Affair. It was quite a fun read for me. I love the French Revolution period, and Dunlap was superb in her storytelling. Now I must go read the first two, because if they are even half as good as this one, it will be time well spent.

I really enjoyed this intriguing read based in 18th century Paris and Vienna. Great characters and a solid story line with a smattering of mystery, romance and history.

First, I had no idea this was Book 3 in a series. While I was engrossed in this historical mystery (and Googling the French aristocrats like someone possessed), I gathered I was missing introductory chapters of Theresa Schurman's story. I paused long enough to stalk Susanne Dunlap's author profile. Sure as the terror of the French Revolution, Books One and Two had escaped my attention. I wanted to stop at once and begin from the top, but NetGalley has been patiently awaiting my clever thoughts. I'm terribly behind with ARC/DRCs, and instead - chose to reward myself with a digital copy of the predecessors. I'm quite interested in learning more about Dunlap's feisty heroine and her arch nemesis, Captain von Bauer. Well, he's not exactly an enemy. Captain von Bauer and Theresa are on another mission ( i say 'another' because, as I mentioned, I missed a great deal of action in the previous books) for the Austrian Emperor. The duplicitous Captain von Bauer is a difficult character; like a pompous, egocentric sidekick one loves to hate. Theresa is forced to answer to him as they arrive in Paris. Their mission: locate the printing party responsible for spreading treasonous gossip about the Emperor's sister, Marie Antoinette, Queen consort of Louis XVI. The story moves along seamlessly. Lush, historical details are presented throughout, leaving the reader immersed in the whos who of Versailles and the Bourbon rival, House of Orléans. The mystery itself is chock-full of suspense. What blew my mind was the ending - WHY? How could it end this way? I have more questions than answers. And, I hate cliffhangers. When all is said and done the conclusion left me feeling deflated. I'm not as excited to backtrack to the beginning as I once was. For a big plot, the culmination was lackluster. How do I go about rating a book with a remarkable tale and a ho-hum ending? I'm going to round up a 3.5 to a 4 for one reason only - I'm tired of trying to figure it out.

I have to admit that I downloaded this as an accident – it was vaguely my kind of book, but not really a period of history I’m very interested in. However, having downloaded it, and having received an email from the author asking me when I was going to review it, I thought I should read it.

To be honest, I found it less than gripping at the beginning. But I felt it picked up fairly quickly, after which it romped along at a good pace. It is the third (?) in a series, which I hadn’t realised, so the two main protagonists had met before: this was economically explained, but there were occasional references to events from previous books which were a tad confusing, but not so much as to spoil the story.

The plot was easy enough to follow, although there were a couple of events or coincidences, which perhaps demanded a suspension of disbelief. The surroundings, the time, the people were described well, and were credible enough.

The book was well written, with no editing errors or glaring anachronisms. I enjoyed it, and found it interesting enough that I wasn’t checking how far through it I was ( which is always a good sign, I find!) I give it 3.5 stars here, but I’m rounding it up to 4 stars for Net Galley: it’s certainly better than books I’ve given 3 stars to, so I’m trying to be fair!

This is a wonderful YA mystery/historical fiction set in Paris, France in 1783. It is part of the Theresa Schurman Mystery Series. It is full of mysterious characters, complex plots, adventures and risks, and a labyrinth of puzzles to figure out. It gives great insight into what was happening among the aristocrats before the French Revolution. It reads like a classic, but has the high action to keep the attention of a contemporary reader. I would highly recommend this book to fans of murder mysteries or historical fiction!
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

i really enjoyed reading this book, I liked this take on Marie Antoinette. It felt like it was meant to be in this time, overall this was a great read.

The Paris Affair

“He and I both agree that you – with your instinct for nosing out the most complicated and hidden conspiracies and your complete lack of social standing or renown – would be the ideal person to act as our…source of inspiration, if you see what I mean”.

And so, begins the story of Theresa Schurman’s latest adventure which takes her from the quaint cobbled streets of Vienna to the heart of Paris.

Summary:

Set mainly in Paris, a few years before the French Revolution, we meet Theresa as she accepts a commission to embark on a secret mission to uncover the truth behind the scandalous rumours being spread about the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette; this means Theresa must go undercover as she tries to infiltrate the highest ranks of French aristocracy.

What I loved:

Susanne Dunlap creates a stunning and lavish image of the Paris of the 18th century. It is easy to see, within the first few pages that the book is very well researched, and succeeds in taking a figment of history and creating a fictional tale full of suspense and intrigue.

Overall the plot retains a steady pace, faltering not even once and waffling never. Also, her attention to detail when it comes to the customs and traditions of the 18th century is incredible as is her knowledge of the intricacies of classical music.

I especially loved the little note at the end of the book where Susanne talks about the real-life inspirations behind the key characters (no, not just Marie Antoinette).

What was challenging

Before reading the book, I had no idea that this was actually part of a series of books. There were parts that referred to what has occurred in the previous book(s) which for me, was slightly confusing.

Final Thoughts:

One of the best things about accepting advanced readers copies, is that it helps you discover genuinely talented authors, who would have otherwise remained on the back shelves, flying low on the radar. This book was a genuinely good find in the many many ARC’s I have reviewed so far, and a book I would recommend to all fans of history and historical fiction.

P.S. I’d strongly recommend a playlist of classical / neo-classical music playing in the background for this book!

P.P.S. I’d like to thank Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for my advance readers copy.

With rumors and intrigue surrounding France's queen, the Austrian Emperor sends violinist Theresa Schurmann undercover to help identify the source of inflammatory pamphlets in Paris. Through her own initiative and the manipulations of her handler, the handsome and secretive Captain von Bauer, she soon finds herself in the orbit of Marie Antoinette herself as well as those who oppose her.

The Paris Affair is a lively blend of historical characters, locations, mystery and intrigue. In Theresa Schurmann, author Susanne Dunlap has created an intrepid and impetuous young woman whose intellect and curiosity lead her to take risks. Her adventures in pre-revolutionary France and the relationships she forms at various levels of society are related in a straight-forward manner. This is a well paced and interesting historical mystery.

A third in series book is not always an advisable entry point. However, in The Paris Affair Dunlap blends Theresa's past experiences in a way that strikes a fine balance between references that inform the story and the new reader. By the time Theresa is on her way to visit the French court, I was thoroughly engaged and reluctant to put the book down until the end.

This review refers to a digital galley I voluntarily read through NetGalley. A positive review was not required and these are simply my own honest opinions.

Reviewed on Chicks, Rogues and Scandals blog

Firstly let’s take a moment to fully appreciate just how beautiful this cover is, it’s so striking, you could frame it and put it on the wall.
I am a late arrival of Susanne Dunlap’s books, but after reading my first of her last year I was completely taken with her magical and atmospheric writing, this is the first of her Theresa Schurman Mystery series I’ve read – as always I have started a series bang in the middle, but to be honest, it doesn’t matter as this can very easily be read a stand-alone, but I will definitely be loading my kindle with the previous books as soon as possible.
Set during 1783The series follows a young violinist; Theresa Schurman as she becomes embroiled in a mystery which surrounds the beautiful; Marie-Antoinette. There are some malicious rumours circulating the city in the form of pamphlets which puts the Queen in a very bad light leading to mass public hatred of her. Marie-Antoinette’s brother; Emperor Joseph II enlists the help of Theresa, he has heard of her skills of solving mysteries, it is due to the gorgeous Captain von Beaur for Theresa’s role in the saga. Once our heroine has made it to Paris, she soon finds herself right in the middle of Marie-Antoinette’s world and in a perfect position to find the truth.
The Paris Affair is a wonderfully exciting, easy to read and excellent story, with a brilliant plot which not only is engrossing, entertaining and original, but it’s engaging and knowledgeable, I love the addition of real people from history, it brings the overall story to life and really draws you into the past and into Theresa’s world.
This is, in essence, a thrilling historical mystery and that alone would have made it a must-read, but add in a bit of a romance which is sprinkled throughout the story, which makes for fabulous reading.
I really like how Susanne has handled the obvious and blatant discrimination which so many faced during the era, with this being a young adult’s book it’s not as ‘in-your-face’ as it probably would if the story was written with adults in mind, but that doesn’t take anything away from the ways she has written about such a subject with realism and sensitivity.
There is a slight edginess to this, with revolution just around the corner and with the unease due to these rumours spreading through the country, you can feel the danger and unrest lurking in the shadows, the writing is exquisite, each scene is captivating, you are drawn into a dark and yet beautiful world full of music, intrigue, and danger.
As always Susanne Dunlap proves once again that she is an extraordinarily gifted and talented author, she transports the reader right into the pages of the story with her clever and articulate writing, the attention to detail is perfect, it’s sparkles with life and atmosphere.

Marie Antoinette has always been a woman of mystery to me. Everyone seems to have an opinion about her. She was either loved or hated with not many opinions in between.
The Paris Affair by Susanne Dunlap is apparently book 3 in the Theresa Schurman series but it certainly didn't read that way. I didn't read either of the previous books in the series and found this book very enjoyable.
While this was fictional, I always enjoy reading about real people. Two "real people" featured in this story were Emperor Joseph II and the one and only, Marie Antoinette. Each character that came into play were so diverse and memorable. They all were so different, and yet, complete the storyline so well. I couldn't see this story being as good as it was without each person. The book even tackles black discrimination and has a touch of romance, as well.
I found this to be such a joy to read and was never bored. Dunlap is definitely an author I'll be adding to my "favorites" list.

The Paris Affair is the third book in the Theresa Schurman series by Susanne Dunlap.  An exciting tale of espionage in pre-Revolution France. The story follows Theresa Schurman, a young violinist devoted to solving mysteries. All in all, this book was an excellent read! Although it is in a genre I don’t typically read, I really enjoyed it, and will be looking to continue this series!

The Paris Affair by Susanne Dunlap is a historical mystery set in pre-Revolution France. It is the third in series for young adults featuring Theresa Schurman, a young Viennese violinist. This installment works well as a stand-alone. Though I recommend the first two for some great sleuthing!

Theresa Schurman is sent to France on an espionage mission by Emperor Joseph II. His sister, Marie Antoinette is being slandered by nasty rumors. She is working with Captain von Bauer who was part of the previous book. Theresa is a strong, smart and independent character. Her search leads her to some dangerous and surprising twists and turns. It was very captivating and I highly recommend it.

What I love about this book is how Dunlap works in so much musical history. I also love that Dunlap creates a diverse cast of characters from every walk of life. One of our main characters is the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a black violinist. I appreciate that Dunlap tackles the discrimination and struggles he faces.

There is someone romance sprinkled in and I’m hoping the next installment has even more!

I think this book and series are best for high schoolers (14 and up).

I was given an advance readers copy by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
#netgalley #theparisaffair #susannedunlap

The Paris Affair by Susanne Dunlap is an exciting tale of espionage in pre-Revolution France. It follows Theresa Schurman, a young violinist devoted to solving mysteries. She is sent to France, and tasked with finding out who is spreading insidious rumors about the queen, Marie Antoinette. Quick paced with romance sprinkled without, this was a super enjoyable book!

Despite being a work of fiction, this book had dozens of historical Easter eggs hidden within. Real musician, composers, nobles, and people were all starred, and every one of their characters is explored. We are given characters from every class of citizen, giving us readers a well rounded view of France before the Revolution. Although the history of France is definitely not my forte, I loved how this stayed pretty close to the truth.

Although we only read from one character’s perspective in this book, almost every side character was well rounded. Theresa was a particularly compelling character, her utter loyalty to her king, and her determination to get to the bottom of the mystery kept me hooked. Although I don’t have a definite favorite character, I’d be willing to read more about all of them.

Dunlap even does an excellent job confronting the discrimination that people faced in the time period. One of our main characters, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, is a black violinist, and we get to hear about his struggles and how he had to work so much harder to get to where he was. Even better, he is a real historical figure, who is often forgotten, but is highlighted in this book.

Although I would never classify this as a romance, I loved having the bits of a relationship being scattered throughout. It added a bit of happiness in a book that was otherwise suspenseful and mysterious. The romance left on an excellent note, and I’m super excited to see where the author takes it in the next book.

All in all, this book was an excellent read! Although it is in a genre I don’t typically read, I really enjoyed it, and will be looking to continue this series!

Thanks to Susanne Dunlap and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review

This book proves that young adult literature is a true art in it of itself and deserves any and all recognition it receives. Every page of this book deserves to be savored and appreciated. Even though this is the 3rd book in the series any reader can pick it up and not feel like they are unable to follow the relationship between the main characters. Dunlap provides a multifaceted plot with layers of intrigue, deception, and romantic tension. She gives us a glimpse into the lives of several socioeconomic groups of Paris society. The book, most notably the main character, provides a magnificent outlet for Dunlap's passion for and knowledge of music. This is a delightfully plotted out mystery that any reader would enjoy.

This historical fiction is aimed at Teens and YA but since I love historical fiction and I love mysteries, I figured I’d give it a read, even though I’m not in the target group. While this is the third installment in the series, the author provides enough background that you can read it as a standalone. I’m sure I would’ve understood more about Theresa’s relationship with the Captain if I had read at least Book 2, but I don’t think it was much of an issue.

The Paris Affair is the type of historical fiction that mixes totally fictional characters with real people who are used in a fictional way. Foremost among the real people treated fictionally in this book is Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a fascinating figure. He was an extraordinary musician and swordsman who rose in society despite his mixed background.

The author brings to life Paris in the 1780s, from the smelly River Seine to the gilded halls of Versailles. I enjoyed trying to picture Paris as it was back then. I thought the story itself was not that successful. I didn’t feel the central plot line was very exciting - Theresa is sent to Paris from Vienna by the emperor to find out who is spreading nasty rumors about Queen Marie Antoinette (the emperor’s sister) via printed pamphlets. The mystery wasn’t particularly mysterious.

A number of serious topics are illuminated along the way: the limited roles of women, the stratified society, the very rich versus everyone else, etc.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.