The Bones of Paris

By: Laurie R. King

Narrated by: Jefferson Mays

New York Times best-selling author Laurie R. King garners widespread acclaim for her suspenseful novels rich with historical detail. Set in the vibrant Paris Jazz Age, The Bones of Paris introduces private investigator Harris Stuyvesant, an American agent who’s been given the plum assignment of locating beautiful young model Philippa Crosby. But when Philippa’s trail ends at the Théâtre du Grand-Guignol in Montmartre, Stuyvesant discovers a world where art meets sexual depravity - and where a savage killer lurks in the shadows.

©2013 Laurie R. King (P)2013 Recorded Books

Slow Pace, but I Loved the History

The pace of this book was a little slow, especially through the beginning, but I really enjoyed it. I loved that it was set in 1920's Paris, with famous artists of the day popping in and out of the storyline, and the focus on the Surrealist movement and the Théâtre du Grand-Guignol was fascinating. I didn't realize this was the second book in a series, and I liked it enough that I plan to read the first, Touchstone.

Easy to figue out Whodunnit

Any additional comments?

The use of real historical characters let me figure out who did it. I am not a fan of period novels, and this one was no exception to my normal aversion. The "real" people were not always portrayed as I think they should have been, and many of the fictional people were not very believable.

Vintage detective novelesque

Interesting characters with flaws. Great Parisian setting. Good detective novel and well read in Audible version.

Audible.com

Listening to this book was magical. I never wanted it to end. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Wonderful!

This was a terrific addition to the series. The narrator was great.
I enjoyed it very much and recommend it.

Evocative of time and place

This was a very good book. I've always liked Laurie R. King, and her 'Folly' was one of my favorites. Although very different from 'Folly', there are things in common. Both stories began somewhat slowly, and things would happen that didn't seem to have any bearing on the mystery, but that in the end, were huge pieces of the puzzle.

Paris, and the 1920s, are beautifully laid out. And having just returned from Paris, it was like greeting an old friend. King's descriptions are wonderful and really bring the listener into that time and place.

A wonderful book, with well drawn characters, a compelling mystery, and a real view into a place and time now gone into the fog of time.

well done

Would you listen to The Bones of Paris again? Why?

Probably not for a long time. It was quite memorable.

What did you like best about this story?

Well written. Ms. King both writes elegantly and invariably delivers a riveting plot.

Paris in 1929 steals the story

The book takes place in Paris 1929, a jazz age populated with American expatriates known as the lost generation. Laurie King does a good job capturing this era and the bohemian atmosphere as she explores the City of Lights. King excels in weaving real people into her mystery novels. Figures such as Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dali and other are weaved into the story. P. I. Harris Stuyvesant searches for a 22 year old Boston woman. He has been hired by her family to locate her. King has us weaving our way into the shadowy corners of Paris in our hunt for the girl. King is great with her descriptions to the point it feels like I am in 1929 Paris. The plot keeps me interested by the description are the best part of the story. Jefferson Mays does a good job narrating the story.

Enjoyed this!

This was enjoyable and I almost wish I had read it before I went to Paris last year. But it was good to recognize where the characters were and picture it clearly in my mind!

A Brilliant Mystery

Would you consider the audio edition of The Bones of Paris to be better than the print version?

Probably so because the performance was so compelling.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. The plot unfolded slowly at first - not a bad thing, because the characters were being developed so finely by the author - then picked up in intensity and suspense as each new character was introduced to the reader.

Which character – as performed by Jefferson Mays – was your favorite?

Harris Styvesant was drawn exquisitely by the author and was charming, even at his worst, as performed by Jefferson Mays.

Any additional comments?

It is rare for an author to write a compelling mystery with such interesting and well-defined characters in an environment - Paris during the late 1920's - which comes alive and makes you feel you were there. That's what the author accomplished here.