Dance of the Assassins [Hardcover]

Grade 9 Up–Have Jack the Ripper, Montezuma, and other famous villains come alive to commit grisly murders? That's the question that Roberta, a sorceress in her 40s, and her 20-something assistant must determine in this futuristic fantasy/mystery novel. This first book in a projected trilogy takes place in a world in which virtual-reality theme parks have been created in London, Paris, Versailles, and Venice. Each city is set in a time from the 17th to the 19th century. Tourists wear period costumes and totally immerse themselves in that city's milieu. A wealthy man named Count Palladio has financed these re-creations and is suspected of being the mastermind behind a series of murderers committed by a group called the Killers' Quadrille. They are famous villains come back to life to do the Devil's bidding. The plotting is quite convoluted and involves, among other things, astral twins, telepathic hedgehogs, and babies comprised of organs taken from murdered women. The transitions from scene to scene are often abrupt. At times, the translation is awkward, resulting in melodramatic and laughable prose–she let the warmth envelop her, savoring it like warm tangerine sauce. Although there are no teen characters, the plot will appeal to fans of historical mysteries, fantasy, and forensic science. A few brief sexual situations and some graphic violence make the story more suitable for older teens. The author's pairing of elements from Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter is unique but not completely successful.–Sharon Rawlins, NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped, Trenton
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“Very dark, utterly addictive and simply brilliant.” (Bookseller (London) )

“A devilish dance that confirms the exceptional talent of its creator. Don’t hesitate, join the dance.” (Le Monde )