Genre: Mystery
Published by: Carina Press on January 17, 2011
Format: eARC
Pages: 331
Source: Author
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Less than twenty-four hours after fleeing to Paris, Maya Sinclair is the prime suspect in a brutal murder—and targeted by the real killer. When she's viciously attacked in the gardens of Versailles, Maya barely escapes with her life thanks to sexy French journalist Simon Girard.
Simon has been investigating the mysterious death of his brother, an art forger with ties to the woman Maya is suspected of killing. Still healing from heartbreak of his own, Simon reluctantly joins forces with Maya, who has awakened feelings within him he thought long dead.
Their search for answers uncovers the existence of a secret society, and puts them on a quest to find a missing crucifix rumored to hold the key to everlasting life. Together, Maya and Simon race through Paris one step ahead of a killer who will do anything to ensure some secrets remain buried forever...
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A top notch murder mystery that keeps you on the edge of danger!
After a brutal breakup with her long time boyfriend, Maya Sinclair decides to go solo on a trip to Paris, orginally planned for two. Her relaxing getaway soon turns into a nightmare when the woman she’s sharing her hotel room with is murdered and she becomes the prime suspect. Soon after, Maya is followed and assaulted by the real murderer, barely escaping an attack on her life, thanks to a handsome stranger. This stranger is Simon, a journalist who is looking for answers regarding his brother’s untimely death. To find the answers they seek, Maya and Simon join forces and will get more than they sought after when they enter a world of secret societies and treachery, discovering truths which will further endanger their lives.
This story is a non-stop thriller that begins with a vacation to the beautiful city of Paris and quickly turns into a Da Vinci Code-esque world where nothing is as it seems and each clue leads you to uncover centuries old mysteries. The author paints a beautiful portrait of the city, its architecture and history with great details, making you feel as if you were experiencing the scenery for yourself. There is a lot to take in while reading The Paris Secret, but Angela Henry’s writing is so fluid you won’t have any difficulty following the story line throughout the book.
Maya, the protagonist, is a strong, independent and extremely courageous young woman. I don’t know many women that could be tossed into her shoes and be so calm and collective about the situation…I love her perseverance! Her character is relatable and I found her to be a real treat, she’s a young, smart, accomplished woman who is confident and doesn’t falter under pressure…you’ve got to admire that. Her love interest, Simon is talk, dark, sexy with a French accent…what more could you want in a hero? He’s resourceful, charming and helps keep Maya grounded throughout the chaos that becomes their life. I was very surprised at the hot and sultry scenes these two shared and would love to thank the author for writing them in, the book would be just as good without them but the smut lover in me really appreciates a romance that delivers!
The Paris Secret is a thrilling adventure of murder, mystery, intrigue and romance. The Philosopher’s Stone myth combined with historical facts adds a creative and fun twist to the story. There are also some great supporting characters that bring their own flair to the table and are quite entertaining. The writing is magnificent, the story draws you in right away and keeps you guessing until the very end. Giving you only small clues as to what’s coming next, you never lose the element of surprise. Reading this book will have you wanting to run off to Paris and discover its secrets for yourself!
I don’t LOVE mysteries… I don’t know why!