The Shadows of Versailles: A gripping mystery of innocence lost, a search for the truth, and revenge - An Affair of the Poisons

"Dunn's masterful portrayal of the glittering world of the Sun King's court and the contrasting dark, human stew of 17th Century Paris, will delight any reader familiar with the Affair of the Poisons - and equally thrill those new to the period."
Kate Braithwaite, author of Charlatan

Dazzled by Versailles. Broken by tragedy. Consumed by revenge.

Jacques de Montagnac, a spy for Gabriel Nicolas de la Reynie, head of the police in Paris, investigates a spate of abductions of newborn children. Soon, his path takes him into the darkest parts of the city - and to the gates of King Louis XIV's impressive new palace.

When Fleur de La Fontaine attends the Sun King's glittering court at Versailles for the first time, she is quickly besotted with handsome courtier, Philippe de Mortain. Giving in to his seduction, she dreams of married life with him, away from her indifferent mother.

Nine months later, held in a convent against her will, she gives birth to a boy, but the nuns whisk him away. With Jacques' help, Fleur finds shelter at the brothel of Madame Claudette, a woman who helps 'fallen' girls back on their feet. As she mends the girls' dresses to pay for her stay, Fleur falls deeper and deeper into despair.

Meanwhile, Jacques' search for Fleur's son leads to a dead end - and a dreadful suspicion.

Fleur decides to avenge her boy, and her new acquaintance, the Duchess de Bouillon, knows the very person who can help Fleur achieve her revenge: the infamous midwife, La Voisin.

But it's not the woman's skills in childbirth that Fleur seeks. La Voisin dabbles in poisons!

Can Jacques save Fleur from herself? Or will she allow vengeance to subsume her?



Delve into The Shadows of Versailles and enter the sinister world of ambitious courtiers, crafty poisoners, child abductions, and black masses during the Affairs of the Poisons, a real event that shook the court of King Louis XIV!

Note: This dark historical novel contains scenes that some readers may find upsetting.


An Affair of the Poisons series:

Book One: The Shadows of Versailles
Book Two: The Alchemist's Daughter (out in 2021)