The Black Tower

By: Louis Bayard

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

From the acclaimed author of The Pale Blue Eye, this literary thriller features Eugène Vidocq, a criminal who transformed himself into the world's first and greatest detective.

After the execution of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI, and the death of their son, the Dauphin, the Bourbon monarchy has at last been restored.

Dr. Hector Carpentier leads a very quiet life, until he meets legendary police officer Vidocq, who has used his mastery of disguise and surveillance and his extensive knowledge of the Parisian underworld to capture some of the most notorious and elusive criminals. Now, with the help of Carpentier, Vidocq may prove that the Dauphin lives, which could change the course of history.

©2008 Louis Bayard (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Neither History Nor Mystery

This historical novel needs more historical context -- lots more. I cannot imagine following the story were I not a student of the French Revolution back in college. Even so, I would have loved to be reminded of details I have long since forgotten. I recall Robespierre, Marat, the Jacobins, the Conciergerie, the Temple, and what Thermidor is, but how would someone who didn't study them know these names or places or months of the year, dropped on a regular basis, never explained by the author?

The story takes place during the Restoration, harking back to the Reign of Terror. How is a casual reader supposed to know the context of those eras, how France progressed from the Revolution to the Terror to Napoleon and then the Restoration? With several other key events in between. The casual reader could gloss over the lack of background if the characters and the mystery that drive the story are compelling enough, but alas, they are not -- but I can't support that assertion without spoilers.

Suffice it to say that some reveals come way too early and others arrive late in the game, inconsequential or out of the blue. The cardinal sin of mystery writing is to not give the reader a chance to anticipate those reveals or have a vested interest in them, especially the identity of the murderer, as well as other twists. This book is most definitely guilty of committing that sin several times over. This is supposed to be a historical mystery, and neither the history nor mystery are there.

The narrator was good, but this is a novel written by an American about the French -- so why an English accent? It is cliche to use British accents for non-English speakers speaking in English in a book or movie. Yes, I know Simon Vance is English, so that is his accent. But he's an actor, he could do any accent, or else another actor should have been hired. If accents were going to be used here, why not French? Switching to a lower-class English accent for lower-class French characters is just nasty. On top of that, the character Vidocq, in real life, was not of the lower classes, so why give him a Cockney accent?

I was quite surprised to learn about halfway through the novel that Vidocq, a central character, was a real person. The book didn't clue me in -- it occurred to me to check, and not only was he real, but he is considered the father of modern detective and police techniques. That casts his character in a totally different light. I'm shocked that the author would not make an effort to let readers know. In fact, that is true of a number of characters -- if you don't know in advance who is historical and who is fictional, then, well, you don't know -- how exactly does that work in a piece of historical fiction? I still don't know which of the Barons and Marquis and such were real or fictional, nor am I inclined at this juncture to try to find out.

GREAT read

Would you consider the audio edition of The Black Tower to be better than the print version?

Yes, Simon Vance is extraordinary in his performance. I felt as though I was watching a play.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Black Tower?

I don't wish to spoil it for the reader.

What does Simon Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

see above. He is fantastic. I've 'read' dozens of books now over the years, if not hundred or so and can put Vance in a category with George Guidall.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Have to think about that

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy period mysteries, you'll love this book.

Great Listen!

I couldn't wait to get home and settle in my chair and listen. The characters are surprising and the history is fascinating. The narration was excellent.

Love this book!

I can't recommend this book highly enough. Beautifully drawn characters in a believable, yet tense story in a place that is described so fully that you're fully immersed and actually there. Topped of with a narration by Simon Vance, who is, as always, perfect.

Simon Vance is amazing

Where does The Black Tower rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is a very compelling book and well written. Simon Vance's audio performance is extraordinary. The story is quite sad in some places so be warned.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, this definitely wanted to finish it as soon as the story began moving.

Any additional comments?

It is a very interesting book with an interesting twist on history. It does recall the horrors of the French Revolution which were all too sad for the Royal family.

excellent book. The narrator did so well.

excellent book. The narrator was brilliant.
Historical facts very informative. length of novel satisfactory. great.

Really, Really Well-Done

Loved this and couldn't stop listening. So well-researched and written. Buy, read, and be amazed as the story unfolds.

Before there was Sherlock Holmes, there was Vidocq

Who was real! And whose life inspired writers like Victor Hugo, Honore de Balzac, Herman Melville, and (apparently) Edgar Allan Poe.

"The Black Tower" is a wonderful fictional account of Vidocq and the mystery surrounding the last Dauphin set in early restoration Paris. And Louis Bayard's rendering of the tale would do credit to Alexandre Dumas. The writing is beautiful and detailed, yet the story never drags. And Simon Vance's narration brilliantly brings the characters to life.

If you're into historical fiction or mystery, this is the perfect audiobook to take your mind off of boring chores like housecleaning or to help pass the time on a long trip. I look forward to reading/listening to more of Bayard's novels.

Complex and Interesting

Great reading by Simon Vance of a story filled with great characters and characterization. I’m certain I will reread this book after a short break.

A cross between the Man in the Iron Mask & Holmes

A fun period piece that really feels period. Some of the best reading I have heard from Simon Vance