Thank you Net Galley. I enjoyed this book very much. I like well written historical novels. This one was a double pleasure as it was set in eighteenth century France. The main character is very interesting. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

This is a wonderful French mystery set in the 18th century. Nicholas Le Floch is appointed as an investigator to solve a mysterious death and to help Monsieur de Sartine, Lieutenant General of Police in Paris to find important sensitive State documents that have gone missing.

The author creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that allows the reader to almost smell the foul air in Paris and feel the crunch of snow underfoot. The book is full of interesting scenes and well developed characters. As this is the first in a series, it gives a detailed look at Le Foch's past which allows the reader to feel not only connected to the character but gain an understanding into the workings of 18th century French society. Anyone interested in France during this period or in good historical novels will not be disappointed.

This would be a strong story in any century but itsplacing in eighteenth century Paris gives it an added atmosphere. It is beautifully written and is a very impressively constructed detective story.. The main character is a learner detective, Nicholas. He is very well drawn and completely credible. There are no off-moments in this tale.

Set in 18th century Paris, the Chatelet Apprentice follows Nicholas Le Foch, a member of the 'police' investigating crime in the city. The style of book is not dissimilar to the popular novels of SJ Parris and CJ Sansom, a historical detective novel steeped in good research and with a cracking storyline as well as a real sense of time and place. In that respect this book is a real triumph and I look forward to reading more from the series.

Perhaps one of those "first-in-a-series" novels that is worth skipping (like a bad pilot for a TV series ) because this was quite a slog. A bit too much research shoehorning for the plot to flow very easily. Intriguing enough characters and setting, however, to rejoin at a later point.

Very slow paced. I had problems finishing it. An interesting Idea, but to slow told. :(

This is a wonderful detective story set in 18th century Paris .Full of colourful characters including the yound detective Nicholas Le Floch.I enjoyed this tale and really got involved with the story though I foind it quite complex

Nicolas Le Floch, abandoned at birth and brought up by the Church ,is appointed as a Police Investigator in Paris in the service of the Roi. When a Police commissioner goes missing, Nicolas is tasked with the investigation. As the bodies mount up, he becomes Involved with prostitutes, the state hangman, various police spies and agents in order to solve several gruesome crimes. I have never read a book like this before. Set in Pre Revolutionary France, from its opening paragraph the smells and horrors of a decaying and morally corrupt Paris are vividly described. People scavenge for food in the yards of slaughter houses, sickness and disease are rife and life is cheap.
Well researched and written this novel tells the story of France from the viewpoint of the poorest in society and there are no depths to which humanity will not sink when times are desperate in order to survive. Reading this is to understand why the Revolution happened and 18thC Paris was a place of nightmares only just over 250 years ago.
A fascinating read that I highly recommend .