Adapted for television in France, the second of the Nicolas Le Floch mysteries sees the protagonist undertake his second major murder investigation when the body of a prominent courtier's son is found.

'It's the superb Parisian detail and atmosphere that truly beguiles' Sunday Times

An unusual death during a society evening at the Opera reveals something sinister at the heart of the French court...

October 1761 finds the newly-promoted Commissioner Le Floch on duty at a Royal performance of Rameau's latest work. Events take a dramatic turn and Nicolas soon embarks on his second major investigation when the body of a prominent courtier's son is found. The initial evidence points to suicide, but Le Floch's instincts tell him he is dealing with murder of the most gruesome kind.