Synopsis: Reisden has been asked to evaluate Andre, a friend and the manager/writer/actor of macabre theater who may be insane. Andre believes that his wife if a witch and she's trying to poison him. When his wife is killed, Andre is considered the main suspect. Perdita brings in Gilbert to finally make peace with Reisden.
Review: This was so much better than the previous book. Details drive the multiple plots (political, social, familial, and criminal) rather than just fill in background. ( )

It would be easiest the put this book down as a simple failure and move on. Set in early 20th century France, it doesn't feel like France, the time does not feel right, the characters names do not feel natural (Alexander Reisden, Perdita), and so on. I am not fond of murder mysteries, and it seems the author was trying to do too many things. ( )

Not much to do with the war to come. ( )