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The Blue: A gripping historical thriller of mystery, deception and deadly secrets
Paperback
Series: The Genevieve Planche Mysteries, Book 1
Mystery & ThrillerGeneral FictionHistorical Fiction
ISBN13: 9781839016035
Publisher: Lume Books
Published: Apr 10 2025
Pages: 448
Weight: 0.96
Height: 1.00 Width: 5.06 Depth: 7.81
Language: English
'Fascinating.' Ian Rankin
'Nancy Bilyeau's passion for history infuses her books.' bestselling author and historian Alison Weir
'Definitely a winner!' New York Times and US Today bestselling author Kate Quinn
London 1750s.
Genevieve Planché longs to break free from the constraints of her Huguenot upbringing and follow her dream of becoming an artist. But in a male-dominated world her options are non-existent.
A chance meeting with the charming and dashing Sir Gabriel Courtenay offers Genevieve a rare opportunity. He will help her reach Venice - the city of art - if she infiltrates the famed Derby Porcelain Factory and uncovers the mysteries behind the astonishing new shade of blue they have created.
But Genevieve discovers that the factory's secrets run deeper than pigments and porcelain. Industrial spies lurk in the shadows, willing to kill for the formula. Even more dangerous is the growing attraction she feels for Thomas Sturbridge, the brilliant but guarded chemist at the heart of the experiments.
When a murder shakes the factory, Genevieve finds herself the prime suspect. Fleeing across England and into the heart of Europe's most powerful porcelain empire, she must unravel the mystery of the blue before she loses everything - including her life.
This thrilling historical mystery, with its captivating plot of secrets, murder and espionage is perfect for fans of Irina Shapiro, Anna Lee Huber, Emily L. Finch, Kate Morton, Andrew Taylor and C.J. Sansom.
PRAISE FOR THE BLUE:
'The Blue is a fast-paced and highly engaging historical thriller packed with period detail and peopled with characters that the reader really grows to care about.' NB Magazine
'Bilyeau's research is impeccable, taking what might have been a dreary industrial novel and making it into a living, breathing drama. Kudos and highly recommended!' Historical Novel Society, and Editor's Choice
'. . . transports the reader into the heart of the 18th century porcelain trade - where the price of beauty was death.' E.M. Powell, author of the Stanton & Barling medieval mystery series.
'Bilyeau is an impressive talent who brings to life a heart-stopping story of adventure, art and espionage during the Seven Years War.' Stephanie Dray, bestselling author of My Dear Hamilton
'Historical fans will be well satisfied.' Publishers Weekly
'With rich writing, surprising twists, and a riveting sense of 'you are there, ' The Blue is spine-tingling entertainment.' Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The Assassins
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