Intrepid reporter Charlotte "Charlie" James arrives in Paris in 1938
eager to make a fresh start, but little does she know the trouble that
awaits her...
Charlie James is chasing her first big scoop as correspondent for
British-based newspaper The Times, and she needs to prove to her boss
that she can do this job as well, if not better, than her male
counterparts. The best way to forge the necessary contacts quickly is to
make well-connected British expats, Lord and Lady Ashworth, her
business. Lady Eleanor knows everyone in Parisian high society, and at
her sumptuously extravagant annual party, a Circus Ball, Charlie will
meet them all.
On the summer solstice eve, the Circus Ball is in full swing, with the
Parisian elites entranced by burlesque dancers, tightrope walkers, a
jazz band . . . and a horrific murder. A wealthy but unscrupulous
investor is dead, and the list of suspects is a veritable who's who of
le haut monde. As Charlie tries to determine who the murderer is, she
finds herself drawn into the magical parties, couture houses, and
bohemian wine bars of the City of Lights. Soon secrets start to unravel,
including some Charlie has a personal stake in keeping hidden.
