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The Orphan's Tale
Princess Victoria of England is coming to Paris for Christmas, her first time away from the restrictions of court. But her death might bring good fortune to other highly placed people... Paul Malet, raised in a prison and now acting Prefect of Police, has some suspicions that he can not explain.
To add to his concerns, he has succeeded in angering an urchin named Larouche, who is determined to bring 'Monseigneur' down. And the final complication is the fact that Malet has fallen in love with a lady.
It is going to be a busy autumn...
To add to his concerns, he has succeeded in angering an urchin named Larouche, who is determined to bring 'Monseigneur' down. And the final complication is the fact that Malet has fallen in love with a lady.
It is going to be a busy autumn...
350 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2013
7 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Diana Wilder
10 books44 followersI grew up all around the United States courtesy of a very mobile family. Perhaps because of the Irish in me, I love to weave stories for my own enjoyment about the people I meet and the places I've seen during my travels. I graduated with a degree in ancient and medieval history and experience in journalism.
I started writing novels in graduate school, and have produced four set in New Kingdom Egypt: The City of Refuge, The Orphan's Tale, Pharaoh's Son and A Killing Among the Dead. I have others in that cycle under way, with one, a love story, due to be released within six months.
I have written stories set in ancient Egypt, the American Civil War, and various fantasy settings incorporating my favorite eras.
I enjoy traveling, photography, and sailing.
I started writing novels in graduate school, and have produced four set in New Kingdom Egypt: The City of Refuge, The Orphan's Tale, Pharaoh's Son and A Killing Among the Dead. I have others in that cycle under way, with one, a love story, due to be released within six months.
I have written stories set in ancient Egypt, the American Civil War, and various fantasy settings incorporating my favorite eras.
I enjoy traveling, photography, and sailing.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 4, 2022
Hard to put down, hated to see the end!
Loved how PERFECTLY Ms. Wilder kept me in suspense, unable, at times, to put the book down. Even better that, in the midst of being on tent r hooks, I could NOT tell how it was going to turn out…happy ending? Sad? Cliffhanger?! An EXCELLENT and poignant read…touching and edge of your seat adventure all in one.
Loved how PERFECTLY Ms. Wilder kept me in suspense, unable, at times, to put the book down. Even better that, in the midst of being on tent r hooks, I could NOT tell how it was going to turn out…happy ending? Sad? Cliffhanger?! An EXCELLENT and poignant read…touching and edge of your seat adventure all in one.
May 24, 2022
Good again.
This was a re-read for me. Vivid descriptions and good action. Plot and characters were engaging. Looking forward to book2.
This was a re-read for me. Vivid descriptions and good action. Plot and characters were engaging. Looking forward to book2.
January 9, 2014
This simply exquisite historical novel is wonderfully imaginative and magical!
Transported to the heart of Paris in the 1800’s I was swept into a story of intrigue, vengeance and retribution. Incredibly well conceived and deftly woven this beautiful story captures the times perfectly, with such vibrancy as to bring the past very much into the present day. This book is a fantasy without magic that contains within such depth and detail, regarding Napoleon III and one of the greatest criminal minds of all-time. The amount of extensive research into historical fact is so far-reaching that the author’s dedication to her novel is commendable, as the accuracy of the narrative makes everything that extra bit more believable and credible. As a fan of this genre I was delighted to encounter such a tale of substance, depth and breathtaking complexity that had me hooked from page one…
Book 1: The Orphan’s tale is set in 1834. Chief Inspector Paul Malet is raised in prison by a great criminal mind, and so he is able to use this to his advantage when danger looms. Victoria {England’s Heiress} travels to Paris for a state visit, yet underneath the bewitching splendour of this city lies waiting in the shadows a lingering evil. Assassination would undoubtedly bring war and so Malet must endeavour to protect Victoria from the evil that seeks to overcome her, with the added affliction of an urchin named Larouche.
This entertaining read was utterly thrilling and as exciting and fast-paced as a contemporary crime/ detective novel with a Sherlock/ Whitcher etc. feel to it. I simply loved how the author interweaves so cleverly the combination of historical {Napoleonic} drama in terms of war and politics, together with a crime that those secretly skulking in the shadows would like to commit. Attempted murder and intrigue fuse together in a mesmerizing city of light and dark, were many fight for their beliefs in domination and triumph in battle. What was also fantastic was the included extra ‘treat’ of a special preview of The Orphan’s Tale book 2!!
I would highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy dramatic tales set within a historical backdrop, that’s authentic and compelling to read.
*4.5 stars – I won a copy of Diana Wilder’s novel ‘The Orphan’s Tale: book 1’ through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway *
Transported to the heart of Paris in the 1800’s I was swept into a story of intrigue, vengeance and retribution. Incredibly well conceived and deftly woven this beautiful story captures the times perfectly, with such vibrancy as to bring the past very much into the present day. This book is a fantasy without magic that contains within such depth and detail, regarding Napoleon III and one of the greatest criminal minds of all-time. The amount of extensive research into historical fact is so far-reaching that the author’s dedication to her novel is commendable, as the accuracy of the narrative makes everything that extra bit more believable and credible. As a fan of this genre I was delighted to encounter such a tale of substance, depth and breathtaking complexity that had me hooked from page one…
Book 1: The Orphan’s tale is set in 1834. Chief Inspector Paul Malet is raised in prison by a great criminal mind, and so he is able to use this to his advantage when danger looms. Victoria {England’s Heiress} travels to Paris for a state visit, yet underneath the bewitching splendour of this city lies waiting in the shadows a lingering evil. Assassination would undoubtedly bring war and so Malet must endeavour to protect Victoria from the evil that seeks to overcome her, with the added affliction of an urchin named Larouche.
This entertaining read was utterly thrilling and as exciting and fast-paced as a contemporary crime/ detective novel with a Sherlock/ Whitcher etc. feel to it. I simply loved how the author interweaves so cleverly the combination of historical {Napoleonic} drama in terms of war and politics, together with a crime that those secretly skulking in the shadows would like to commit. Attempted murder and intrigue fuse together in a mesmerizing city of light and dark, were many fight for their beliefs in domination and triumph in battle. What was also fantastic was the included extra ‘treat’ of a special preview of The Orphan’s Tale book 2!!
I would highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy dramatic tales set within a historical backdrop, that’s authentic and compelling to read.
*4.5 stars – I won a copy of Diana Wilder’s novel ‘The Orphan’s Tale: book 1’ through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway *
September 7, 2015
I am so thrilled by this book I am grinning like a fool because I can't wait to read the next in the series. The writing is superior. The historical research is meticulous. The story is entertaining, suspenseful, and witty.
The title, "The Orphan's Tale," is brilliant for there are two orphans in the story. One, Chief Inspector Paul Malet, was orphaned when his mother murdered his father. Paul spent his childhood in prison surrounded by criminals who taught him all their tricks. He is now a hero among men, a quick thinking, courageous cop who knows well the mindset of the underworld and uses their tricks against them.
The other orphan in the story, Larouche, is a seven year old street urchin who survives by his wits in the streets of Paris. Malet and Larouche are destined to cross paths, and their first encounter is adversarial. At first Larouche nurses a grudge, and there are hilarious scenes of Larouche throwing stones and knocking off Malet's hat. Their relationship evolves in interesting ways and, without revealing spoilers, I will say that Larouche reveals himself to be a courageous hero who comes to Malet's aid when he needs him most.
The main plot in the story is Malet's tireless pursuit of a dangerous criminal, Dracquet, who lives in plain sight in a respectable neighborhood as a respectable citizen. Malet uncovers a trail of bribery, murder, and most serious of all, an assassination plot against British royalty that, should Dracquet be successful, could result in war.
But that is not all there is to this entertaining historical fiction. There are other subplots, and my favorite was the love story. Malet encounters Elise de Clichy, a co-owner of the inn where he must rent a room, and the sparks do fly!
The well-researched historical details reminded me of Diana Gabaldon's novels. The street urchin reminded me of Charles Dickens' Artful Dodger. Malet reminded me of Dick Tracy, only without any cartoonish traits; a man who protects the weak, and charms children, and who gives the best cuts of meat to his lady love, and who gazes at the stars.
Five stars are not enough for this well-written work. It would make a great television series!
The title, "The Orphan's Tale," is brilliant for there are two orphans in the story. One, Chief Inspector Paul Malet, was orphaned when his mother murdered his father. Paul spent his childhood in prison surrounded by criminals who taught him all their tricks. He is now a hero among men, a quick thinking, courageous cop who knows well the mindset of the underworld and uses their tricks against them.
The other orphan in the story, Larouche, is a seven year old street urchin who survives by his wits in the streets of Paris. Malet and Larouche are destined to cross paths, and their first encounter is adversarial. At first Larouche nurses a grudge, and there are hilarious scenes of Larouche throwing stones and knocking off Malet's hat. Their relationship evolves in interesting ways and, without revealing spoilers, I will say that Larouche reveals himself to be a courageous hero who comes to Malet's aid when he needs him most.
The main plot in the story is Malet's tireless pursuit of a dangerous criminal, Dracquet, who lives in plain sight in a respectable neighborhood as a respectable citizen. Malet uncovers a trail of bribery, murder, and most serious of all, an assassination plot against British royalty that, should Dracquet be successful, could result in war.
But that is not all there is to this entertaining historical fiction. There are other subplots, and my favorite was the love story. Malet encounters Elise de Clichy, a co-owner of the inn where he must rent a room, and the sparks do fly!
The well-researched historical details reminded me of Diana Gabaldon's novels. The street urchin reminded me of Charles Dickens' Artful Dodger. Malet reminded me of Dick Tracy, only without any cartoonish traits; a man who protects the weak, and charms children, and who gives the best cuts of meat to his lady love, and who gazes at the stars.
Five stars are not enough for this well-written work. It would make a great television series!
February 22, 2014
I won this book through a goodreads giveaway, the story is set in Paris and is about a police inspector and his case. I thought the content and detail included is good and on the whole well written. At some points I was a bit confused about who the many characters were and how they fit into the whole story. At some points throughout reading it I lost track of what was happening and why, and also the ending seemed a little rushed, I enjoyed reading this book overall and would like to read the next one. I felt that the author became more confident in her writing and the style as the book progressed.
August 14, 2014
A classic story of good vs. evil, nobility and honor, set in Paris and populated with wonderful characters. Malet, the personification of a hero, has overcome his unfortunate childhood and committed himself to saving society from criminals. Elise comes into his path, a woman deserving of his love. Then there’s Larouche, a wily orphan with exceptional skills of observation and discernment; Dracquet, a villian worthy of the name, and many others. The unfamiliar names and places forced me to slow my reading and savor the turnings of this excellent story. Highly recommended.
January 15, 2014
This was sent to me by the author to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Set in Paris which I am not familiar with, Malet solves a serious assassination attempt along with other crimes and also enjoys a romance at the same time. The young boy who helps Malet is a lovely character and totally believable for the time in which the novel is written. All in all a great read and I will be looking out for more books by the same author!
August 10, 2016
A Delight to Read
What a pleasure to read this story of police work in 19th century Paris and a plot to assassinate the young woman who would eventually become Queen Victoria. Well written, Ms Wilder certainly knows her way around words, crafting descriptions of places, people, and their emotions that are a delight to read. The people are well developed, as is the plot. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading her other works.
What a pleasure to read this story of police work in 19th century Paris and a plot to assassinate the young woman who would eventually become Queen Victoria. Well written, Ms Wilder certainly knows her way around words, crafting descriptions of places, people, and their emotions that are a delight to read. The people are well developed, as is the plot. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading her other works.
January 18, 2014
thanks to goodreads for the preview copy & the author for keeping me upto date re. delivery
this is beautifully written detective/crime tale set in 1800's paris, the care that must have gone into writing and researching this book is massive
weaving fiction & history together is a challenging task but the author has excelled really good stuff and very entertaining
this is beautifully written detective/crime tale set in 1800's paris, the care that must have gone into writing and researching this book is massive
weaving fiction & history together is a challenging task but the author has excelled really good stuff and very entertaining
February 18, 2014
Thank you Goodreads And Author for the chance to read this truly unique, wonderful story.Love Diana Wilder almost precise style of writing and
I am very much looking forward to more stories from this author.
I am very much looking forward to more stories from this author.
Want to read
August 18, 2014EXCELLENT BEGINNING IN A SERIES
This book is an excellent BEGINNING to the series about a French police detective Malet during the 1830's. Great plot about a criminal conspiracy and a political assassination involving British royalty. Highly recommended.
This book is an excellent BEGINNING to the series about a French police detective Malet during the 1830's. Great plot about a criminal conspiracy and a political assassination involving British royalty. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews