The Eloquence of Blood (Book 2)
Christmas Eve, 1686. A furious old man interrupts a ceremony in the Jesuit church, a young girl claiming an inheritance also claimed by the Jesuit college dies, and songs and gossip on the bitterly cold Paris streets accuse the Society of Jesus of murder. Charles directs rehearsals for the college's Carnival show, and threads his way through the growing anti-Jesuit anger in the city and into a desperate covey of beggars, the secrets of a Capuchin monastery, and the ancient coils of human greed...
Reviews
"...Rock provides meticulous details of everyday life across various social classes with an engaging style...touches of humor and insight...This is the second mystery featuring du Luc, the first being The Rhetoric of Death. It isn't necessary to have read the first to find oneself quickly pulled into du Luc's world, however, as Rock skilfully weaves information throughout that hints at the first book and du Luc's past. In du Luc, Rock has created a highly likeable scholar-detective. I hope that his adventures will play out for many books to come."
(L.K. Mason, Historical Novels Review, November 2011)
"...hard to put down...[Rock's] historical accuracy resonates here, transporting you to 1686 Paris. Her intriguing plot and protagonists with whom readers are becoming good friends make this a necessary read for all who enjoy historical mysteries..."
(starred review, Susan Hayes, Library Journal, Sept. 2011)
"Set in Paris in 1686 during the Christmas season, Rock's second novel featuring Charles du Luc is every bit the equal of her impressive historical thriller debut, The Rhetoric of Death....Readers will hope this energetic and engrossing sequel will be the first of many."
(starred review, Publisher's Weekly, Sept. 2011)
Also available in Large Print edition
The Rhetoric of Death (Book 1)
Paris, 1686. In the Jesuit college on the rue St. Jacques, rehearsals for the August ballet and play are in full swing. Onstage, Hercules slays monsters. Offstage, a killer is on the loose. And the Siamese ambassadors, on their way to see Louis XIV, are coming to the college show. Charles, the young Jesuit rhetoric teacher--and ballet producer--trying to do his job, keep his vows, and stop the murders, falls into the net of the first Paris police chief. As if that's not enough trouble, Charles's long ago first love shows up and desperately needs his help...
Reviews
"Rock...captures a city and a time that is lively, dangerous and politically charged and makes it sing."
Kirkus 9/15/10 (starred)
"Rock's superb historical debut...incorporates details of the political issues of the day into a suspenseful story line. Fans of Brother Cadfael...will be pleased."
Publishers Weekly 8/2/10 (starred)
Also available in Large Print edition
