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El enigma de París #1
معمای پاریس
در رمان معمای پاریس، پابلو د سانتیس با قلمی چیرهدست و طنزی ظریف، ما را به قلب نمایشگاه جهانی ۱۸۸۹ در پاریس میبرد؛ جایی که دوازده تن از برجستهترین کارآگاهان جهان گرد هم آمدهاند تا آخرین دستاوردهای خود را به نمایش بگذارند. اما این گردهمایی علمی و فرهنگی، به زودی به صحنهای برای یک جنایت مرموز تبدیل میشود و کارآگاهان را در برابر معمایی پیچیده قرار میدهد.
231 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2007
69 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Pablo De Santis
110 books139 followersA journalist and comic-strip creator who became editor in chief of one of Argentina’s leading comics magazines, Pablo De Santis is the author of six critically acclaimed novels, one work of nonfiction, and a number of books for young adults. His works have been published in more than twenty countries. He lives in Buenos Aires.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
July 1, 2024
ESTÁ BIEN, PEEERO…
Al enigma le faltó el factor enganchante. Está muy bien escrito, la pluma del autor me gustó muchísimo y fue en realidad lo que más disfruté, hace unas descripciones espectaculares y me encanta el dejo argento en algunos aspectos del relato, tengo que admitir que cada vez que decía que tomó un mate cocido, yo corría a prepararme uno.
Por otro lado, se agradece los capítulos cortitos que hicieron que fuera ligera la lectura.
Lo que no me terminó de cerrar fue la falta de intriga, estaba todo el tiempo a la expectativa de que el caso estallara y hubiera un súper plot, pero no, quedó un poco plano en ese sentido. Incluso pensé que en algún momento se uniría el caso Buenos Aires con lo que sucedía en Paris, pero eso también quedó descolgado.
Igualmente lo recomiendo para aquellos que quizás están iniciando la lectura policial y de misterio. Insisto en que la pluma es maravillosa y vale la pena leerlo simplemente por eso.
Al enigma le faltó el factor enganchante. Está muy bien escrito, la pluma del autor me gustó muchísimo y fue en realidad lo que más disfruté, hace unas descripciones espectaculares y me encanta el dejo argento en algunos aspectos del relato, tengo que admitir que cada vez que decía que tomó un mate cocido, yo corría a prepararme uno.
Por otro lado, se agradece los capítulos cortitos que hicieron que fuera ligera la lectura.
Lo que no me terminó de cerrar fue la falta de intriga, estaba todo el tiempo a la expectativa de que el caso estallara y hubiera un súper plot, pero no, quedó un poco plano en ese sentido. Incluso pensé que en algún momento se uniría el caso Buenos Aires con lo que sucedía en Paris, pero eso también quedó descolgado.
Igualmente lo recomiendo para aquellos que quizás están iniciando la lectura policial y de misterio. Insisto en que la pluma es maravillosa y vale la pena leerlo simplemente por eso.
August 20, 2019
“During the day we worship syllogisms, but the night belongs to the metaphor.”
I had to ponder over this book for a while, but eventually decided it was worth the 3 stars. This is not your typical detective story. Ya, there is a murder to be solved. But along with solving the murder, there is a simultaneous plot that ponders over the philosophy of detective work. That may not appeal to everyone. If you’re here just for a classic murder mystery, serve away. BUT! If you’re here for a more intricate mystery where philosophy and psychology play a big role in solving the mystery, then buckle in.
“Fate is nourished by errors; glory feeds on regret.”
The story follows an “apprentice” named Sigmundo Salvatrio who goes to the world fair in Paris (1899) in order to deliver an item and a message to his mentor’s friend. Salvatrio’s mentor belongs to a group of 12 world famous detectives, all of which are meeting at the fair. It is there that one of the detectives die, and thus sets in motion the plot.
Review Continued Here
March 23, 2017
The Paris Enigma, and books like it, are why I read mysteries, or for that matter books in general. On the most basic level this book lampoons a lot of the conventions of the mystery genre as it was in its' infancy. Certainly you can read the book for that alone and appreciate it, though this novel is not intrinsically funny. There is actually a glorious conundrum here with a delightful set of red herrings/Chinese boxes. The payoff is definitely worth it. On a more "meta" level Pablo de Santis has produced a mystery that is a meditation on the nature of Mystery. Bonus: de Santis can really write. Even when talking of some very unpleasant things light fairly drips off the page. I think it would have been gratifying to read this in the original Spanish, but such was not to be. However it was great to pluck a little gem from the shelves that comes at the reader from an unfamiliar perspective.
February 13, 2022
I'm not much of a detective novel reader neither do I read much historical fiction, which this is.
The writing was very accessible and easy to fly through. The story wasn't particularly captivating but kept you somewhat interested. I never found myself invested in any of the characters though or guessing along as to who the murderer was and such.
Still a solid read.
The writing was very accessible and easy to fly through. The story wasn't particularly captivating but kept you somewhat interested. I never found myself invested in any of the characters though or guessing along as to who the murderer was and such.
Still a solid read.
March 17, 2009
The Twelve Detectives are a famous group of crime solving individuals - spread throughout the world. In the 1880's their exploits are well known - the magazine The Key to Crime regularly publishes the story of their investigations. Sigmundo Salvatrio works in his father's shoe repair shop, but he doesn't dream of being a cobbler - his dream is to join the ranks of the acolytes of the world famous investigators. It seems a pipe dream as Renato Craig, the only one of the detectives who lives in Buenos Aires has always opposed recruitment of his own acolyte. Sigmundo is therefore astounded when Craig advertises for a group of young people to become his students - to learn all he knows about investigation techniques. He promptly applies and becomes one of Craig's enthusiastic students.
Eventually Sigmundo finds himself at the 1889 Paris World Fair a year later, as Craig's representative. Events since the formation of the school have meant that Craig is unable to attend one of the few gatherings of the entire group of Twelve Detectives. But the pleasure (and trepidation) that Sigmundo feels at having this honour bestowed on him is soon lessened when another of the great Detectives - Louis Dabon - is found at the base of the Eiffel Tower. Craig pairs up with the other Paris based member of the Twelve, the Polish Viktor Arzaky, to search for the truth.
THE PARIS ENIGMA is translated from its original Spanish, set in the late 1880's. This combination could provide some explanation for the stylings used, as well as the general pace of the entire story, but it doesn't quite cover why the book seems to wander around a lot. The blurb does seem to indicate that this should be a story about the group The Twelve Detectives, but it is told totally from Sigmundo's point of view, and thus is mostly him, his reactions to the events surrounding him, and his understanding of the investigation into Dabon's death. Whilst he does collaborate to a certain extent with Arzaky - really all the other members of the Detectives - and their acolytes - are bit players at most.
The book also seems to lack a feeling of place - the setting in 1889 World Fair Paris seems to be glossed over - there is some discussion of the Eiffel Tower, in terms of its location for the murder of Dabon, and there are passing references to hotels and furnishings, but really the book could have taken place in any location. The timeframe is interesting because it does provide an opportunity for the investigation elements to be stripped down to the bare essentials - this is obviously a tale that hails from before modern investigative techniques, communications options and procedures. It is probably that sense of time that is best served by the style of story-telling and language that is used.
THE PARIS ENIGMA is not an unpleasant or difficult book to read - it is quite entertaining in some places. The Twelve Detectives hold the cerebral nature of their technique in high regard. They are fond of story-telling, and throughout the book there are sprinklings of tales of many of their famous cases. There are sprinklings of extraneous little puzzles, there's a bit of romance and intrigue, and then there is the reason for their presence at the World Fair - their own exhibition. But most of this is skimmed over, or seems somewhat "stuck" into the middle of the narrative frequently, it seemed, because of the attractiveness of the small vignette. At one point I felt compelled to do a little online research to try to work out if the book had originally been a series of short stories that had been interconnected with a narrative.
Amusing, but definitely not deep, THE PARIS ENIGMA is probably not the book for people who like a beginning, a middle, an end and a firm sense of purpose. If you're looking for a wander around in an 1880's style labyrinth with very little reason for being, it could very well appeal.
Eventually Sigmundo finds himself at the 1889 Paris World Fair a year later, as Craig's representative. Events since the formation of the school have meant that Craig is unable to attend one of the few gatherings of the entire group of Twelve Detectives. But the pleasure (and trepidation) that Sigmundo feels at having this honour bestowed on him is soon lessened when another of the great Detectives - Louis Dabon - is found at the base of the Eiffel Tower. Craig pairs up with the other Paris based member of the Twelve, the Polish Viktor Arzaky, to search for the truth.
THE PARIS ENIGMA is translated from its original Spanish, set in the late 1880's. This combination could provide some explanation for the stylings used, as well as the general pace of the entire story, but it doesn't quite cover why the book seems to wander around a lot. The blurb does seem to indicate that this should be a story about the group The Twelve Detectives, but it is told totally from Sigmundo's point of view, and thus is mostly him, his reactions to the events surrounding him, and his understanding of the investigation into Dabon's death. Whilst he does collaborate to a certain extent with Arzaky - really all the other members of the Detectives - and their acolytes - are bit players at most.
The book also seems to lack a feeling of place - the setting in 1889 World Fair Paris seems to be glossed over - there is some discussion of the Eiffel Tower, in terms of its location for the murder of Dabon, and there are passing references to hotels and furnishings, but really the book could have taken place in any location. The timeframe is interesting because it does provide an opportunity for the investigation elements to be stripped down to the bare essentials - this is obviously a tale that hails from before modern investigative techniques, communications options and procedures. It is probably that sense of time that is best served by the style of story-telling and language that is used.
THE PARIS ENIGMA is not an unpleasant or difficult book to read - it is quite entertaining in some places. The Twelve Detectives hold the cerebral nature of their technique in high regard. They are fond of story-telling, and throughout the book there are sprinklings of tales of many of their famous cases. There are sprinklings of extraneous little puzzles, there's a bit of romance and intrigue, and then there is the reason for their presence at the World Fair - their own exhibition. But most of this is skimmed over, or seems somewhat "stuck" into the middle of the narrative frequently, it seemed, because of the attractiveness of the small vignette. At one point I felt compelled to do a little online research to try to work out if the book had originally been a series of short stories that had been interconnected with a narrative.
Amusing, but definitely not deep, THE PARIS ENIGMA is probably not the book for people who like a beginning, a middle, an end and a firm sense of purpose. If you're looking for a wander around in an 1880's style labyrinth with very little reason for being, it could very well appeal.
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October 5, 2015This is something of a meta-fiction. Readers hoping for a richly detailed, atmospheric adventure occurring in the shadow of the new Eiffel Tower will be disappointed. It's not really about Paris in the 1880s, it's about the conventions of early detective fiction and the shift toward Modernism. If you've read enough early detective fiction (apparently I have done so, back in the days when I read a book or more a day), you'll recognize these conventions and the gently humorous use they are put to here. There are twelve detectives, each with an assistant/acolyte, and if you ever thought Holmes's Watson was a bit deferential and slow on the uptake, you'll see how most of these assistants are a parodic version of such narrators. The American detective and his assistant are actually something of a Lone Ranger and Tonto pair. But this isn't done purely for laughs, or more could have been done to bring out the joke. Ratiocination is key, as in early detective fiction, but passion renders this technique problematic and the detectives begin to realize that they cannot continue to subsist on locked-room mysteries.
I enjoyed the meta aspect and cleverness, but it wasn't really enough to keep me enthralled. As the book isn't long, that wasn't much of a problem.
I enjoyed the meta aspect and cleverness, but it wasn't really enough to keep me enthralled. As the book isn't long, that wasn't much of a problem.
January 22, 2020
"Abrumado por el dolor, me retiré a pensar. Para pensar bebí, y entonces dejé de pensar. Y en esos instantes de delirio y ebriedad, cuando el mundo parece descomponerse en imágenes y frases que nadie puede unir, mi caprichosa memoria me mostró las palabras que explicaban todo"
Empecemos con lo bueno que es bastante. La novela, ambientada en un París totalmente alejado de nuestra contemporaneidad, tiene todos los elementos de una clásica novela policial "inglesa". Respeta todos los lugares, incluído el último giro de trama, y esto mismo es lo que la lleva a ser un poco predecible.
Aún así, está muy bien escrita y armada, se nota el detalle en el word building, la investigación de época y ningún personaje llega a ser caricaturesco.
El principal punto en contra fue el uso de los cuentos metidos dentro de la trama como parte de la novela. Era muy entretenido leer sobre los distintos casos que enfrentó cada detective en su momento, pero no hacían crecer de gran forma a la trama, parecía más que estaban por mero capricho del escritor. Aún así, una gran novela para entender en su completitud el género policial.
Empecemos con lo bueno que es bastante. La novela, ambientada en un París totalmente alejado de nuestra contemporaneidad, tiene todos los elementos de una clásica novela policial "inglesa". Respeta todos los lugares, incluído el último giro de trama, y esto mismo es lo que la lleva a ser un poco predecible.
Aún así, está muy bien escrita y armada, se nota el detalle en el word building, la investigación de época y ningún personaje llega a ser caricaturesco.
El principal punto en contra fue el uso de los cuentos metidos dentro de la trama como parte de la novela. Era muy entretenido leer sobre los distintos casos que enfrentó cada detective en su momento, pero no hacían crecer de gran forma a la trama, parecía más que estaban por mero capricho del escritor. Aún así, una gran novela para entender en su completitud el género policial.
August 4, 2018
Lo leí durante las vacaciones y lo disfruté mucho.
Tiene detalles borgeanos para el lector atento (como una paráfrasis de eso de "aprender es recordar" y una idea sobre el "alma" de los cuchillos que creo está en "El duelo").
Plantea la disyuntiva policial clásico vs género negro en la misma trama.
Tiene detalles borgeanos para el lector atento (como una paráfrasis de eso de "aprender es recordar" y una idea sobre el "alma" de los cuchillos que creo está en "El duelo").
Plantea la disyuntiva policial clásico vs género negro en la misma trama.
June 17, 2022
3,75 sterren - Nederlandse paperback
Vond hem in een minibieb toen ik niets te lezen bij mij had. Iets wat zelden voorkomt.
Ik had een boek nodig voor aan de waterkant bij de Maas. Ik woon in Venlo, Limburg.
Een bijzonder aangrijpend verhaal in een prachtige omgeving, zo levendig verteld dat je je er zelf waant. En dat is prima, want ik ben een beeld denker.
Deze roman is veelzijdig; liefde, haat, bedrog, avontuur, spanning .... alles komt aan bod. Het is soms een vleugje humor is geschreven in een prettige schrijfstijl, een mooie verhaalopbouw en goed uitgewerkte hoofdpersonen. Je wilt ze eigenlijk nog beter leren kennen. D
aarom ook niet volledig 4 sterren maar zeker een mooi boek. Terug geplaatst in de minibieb in Baarlo.
Vond hem in een minibieb toen ik niets te lezen bij mij had. Iets wat zelden voorkomt.
Ik had een boek nodig voor aan de waterkant bij de Maas. Ik woon in Venlo, Limburg.
Een bijzonder aangrijpend verhaal in een prachtige omgeving, zo levendig verteld dat je je er zelf waant. En dat is prima, want ik ben een beeld denker.
Deze roman is veelzijdig; liefde, haat, bedrog, avontuur, spanning .... alles komt aan bod. Het is soms een vleugje humor is geschreven in een prettige schrijfstijl, een mooie verhaalopbouw en goed uitgewerkte hoofdpersonen. Je wilt ze eigenlijk nog beter leren kennen. D
aarom ook niet volledig 4 sterren maar zeker een mooi boek. Terug geplaatst in de minibieb in Baarlo.
January 6, 2015
"The Paris Enigma" is a beautifully written (or perhaps [or also] beautifully translated) novel that reflects on the nature of the detective story and its purpose as the Victorian era transition to early Modernity. As a crime novel itself, it is underwhelming but the main mystery is not really the point.
Pablo de Santis deftly weaves together all of the common tropes and themes of classic detective stories, literally putting them on exhibit, and then systematically dismantles them as the World's Fair and Eiffel Tower are constructed in the background, ushering in a new era.
The central conceit is that there exists in the late nineteenth century a society of 12 famous detectives, one from each major world metropolis (though two claim the title Detective of Paris) and each accompanied by an assistant, or acolyte, whose chief job is to compile the stories of his master. The detectives are bound by strict laws, argue about theories and criminology, and are known for their many solved (and sometimes famously unsolved) cases. But these cases have all tended to be puzzles or enigmas - orderly and rationale crimes that require reason and have clues and are knowable. As the symbols of an encroaching modern world consume Paris, the detectives find that their world - and the nature of crime - is changing, their systems and methods are no longer effective, and they, themselves, are threatened with irrelevancy. "We need organized criminals in order for our theories to bear fruit," one of the them laments, "but all we find is endless, unruly evil."
Don't read this expecting a gripping detective novel, but do read it if you like gripping detective novels as you will enjoy the deconstruction of the genre.
Pablo de Santis deftly weaves together all of the common tropes and themes of classic detective stories, literally putting them on exhibit, and then systematically dismantles them as the World's Fair and Eiffel Tower are constructed in the background, ushering in a new era.
The central conceit is that there exists in the late nineteenth century a society of 12 famous detectives, one from each major world metropolis (though two claim the title Detective of Paris) and each accompanied by an assistant, or acolyte, whose chief job is to compile the stories of his master. The detectives are bound by strict laws, argue about theories and criminology, and are known for their many solved (and sometimes famously unsolved) cases. But these cases have all tended to be puzzles or enigmas - orderly and rationale crimes that require reason and have clues and are knowable. As the symbols of an encroaching modern world consume Paris, the detectives find that their world - and the nature of crime - is changing, their systems and methods are no longer effective, and they, themselves, are threatened with irrelevancy. "We need organized criminals in order for our theories to bear fruit," one of the them laments, "but all we find is endless, unruly evil."
Don't read this expecting a gripping detective novel, but do read it if you like gripping detective novels as you will enjoy the deconstruction of the genre.
May 17, 2022
Para empezar quiero contarles que ya había leído un libro de este autor pero hace muuucho tiempo (época escolar); era cortito pero interesante y didáctico ya que había que, junto a los protagonistas, ordenar las páginas de un libro: se llama "Páginas mezcladas" y tengo un buen recuerdo de él así que lo recomiendo.
Volviendo a la lectura actual, este libro trata sobre la reunión de un grupo formado por los mejores detectives del mundo y sus asistentes, y los sucesos que ocurren cuando se está por realizar el encuentro mientras se espera que se inaugure la Torre Eiffel.
Es una historia llevadera en la mayoría de las partes, dándonos varias piezas para poder armar el rompecabezas que resuelve los enigmas que se van presentando.
El personaje principal es un chico que siempre soñó con ser detective y que es fácil empatizar con él.
La verdad es que la historia cumplió. Y más que nada porque el final me sorprendió ¡para bien! No estuve tratando mucho de averiguar por mi cuenta cuál era la verdad y me gustó como terminó.
Volviendo a la lectura actual, este libro trata sobre la reunión de un grupo formado por los mejores detectives del mundo y sus asistentes, y los sucesos que ocurren cuando se está por realizar el encuentro mientras se espera que se inaugure la Torre Eiffel.
Es una historia llevadera en la mayoría de las partes, dándonos varias piezas para poder armar el rompecabezas que resuelve los enigmas que se van presentando.
El personaje principal es un chico que siempre soñó con ser detective y que es fácil empatizar con él.
La verdad es que la historia cumplió. Y más que nada porque el final me sorprendió ¡para bien! No estuve tratando mucho de averiguar por mi cuenta cuál era la verdad y me gustó como terminó.
January 21, 2025
Ojalá pudiera leerlo en español pero mi español aún no es tan bueno, así que tal vez algún día.....
Perfecto!
You might get bored in the middle, but I promise it's worth it.
This thriller stands out from any I've ever read. What captivated me the most was the depth of the characterization. The way the author masterfully portrayed the characters’ fears, dreams, and ambitions was nothing short of epic. Despite our differences, I found myself relating to them on a profound level, this connection is the magic the author has woven throughout the story.
Loved it.
Perfecto!
You might get bored in the middle, but I promise it's worth it.
This thriller stands out from any I've ever read. What captivated me the most was the depth of the characterization. The way the author masterfully portrayed the characters’ fears, dreams, and ambitions was nothing short of epic. Despite our differences, I found myself relating to them on a profound level, this connection is the magic the author has woven throughout the story.
Loved it.
August 10, 2020
In my opinion a very good and fantastical setting for a crime novel, with just the right amount of turn of century, cross-continental adventure to it. Still, I never really got caught up in the crimes and investigations and to me the plot lacked a bit of tension and suspense. But overall a very well written book with bits and pieces that could have been put together to create a more engaging story.
May 21, 2011
The idea sounded appealing "Twelve of the world's greatest sleuthes have gathered to discuss their most famous cases..." as did the setting of the Paris World Fair in 1889. But sadly, this one didn't really grab me.
August 8, 2023
(3.75) No comprendo las opiniones dispares de éste libro. Primera lectura del autor, me sorprendió, aunque a veces se sienta que el ritmo avanza (muy) lentamente.
September 16, 2021
dios, no le tenía mucha fe pero la verdad que FUE UN LIBRO SUPER EXCELENTE, el final me dios escalofríos de lo satisfactorio que fue y no se qué mas decir pero leanlo
February 6, 2023
Fue una lectura muy larga pero creo que para nada pesada, adoro a Pablo De Santis porque fue él con quién me adentré, desde chica, al misterio y los policiales con sus novelas para niños como El último espía y los casos de Lucas Lenz, además de que fue el creador de un libro que llevó a adaptar una película que hasta el día de hoy es de mis favoritas, El inventor de juegos.
Como lo dice en la contratapa del libro, no es solo una novela de intriga sino todas a la vez, la cantidad de historias y caso que cuenta, vividos por diferentes detectives que tienen formas diferentes de resolver y ver las cosas. Me gustó que la mejor asistente sea una mujer y habla mucho de esa época y de las personas que se sienten gigantes que Greta no pueda ser una adlétere. Porque lo sienten una burla, una irrealidad en la profesión e incluso Salvatorio lo considera así sabiendo lo inteligente y vivaz que es ella. Me agradó mucho leer este libro, no sabía que existía un segundo, estaré en busca de encontrarlo en librerías o con suerte, como el primero, en alguna feria y con dedicatoria♡
Como lo dice en la contratapa del libro, no es solo una novela de intriga sino todas a la vez, la cantidad de historias y caso que cuenta, vividos por diferentes detectives que tienen formas diferentes de resolver y ver las cosas. Me gustó que la mejor asistente sea una mujer y habla mucho de esa época y de las personas que se sienten gigantes que Greta no pueda ser una adlétere. Porque lo sienten una burla, una irrealidad en la profesión e incluso Salvatorio lo considera así sabiendo lo inteligente y vivaz que es ella. Me agradó mucho leer este libro, no sabía que existía un segundo, estaré en busca de encontrarlo en librerías o con suerte, como el primero, en alguna feria y con dedicatoria♡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2024
The story, in El Enigma de Paris, is set in Paris in 1889, days before the Universal Exhibition on the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, and with it, the meeting of twelve of the best detectives in the world with their assistants. The death of one of them (Louis Darbon) will launch the investigation by the other investigators. Detective Viktor Arzaky, who, after Darbon's death, wants to become the first detective in Paris, takes charge of the case. He was helped in his investigation by Sigmundo Salvatrio (narrator of the story), a young Argentinian, son of a shoemaker, who, in his eagerness to solve the mystery, will contradict most of the basic rules that exist between investigator and sidekick. Although that is the axis around which the novel will revolve, what we see as most interesting is the philosophical discussion about the crime. De Santis turns to the metadiegetic stories told by his protagonists that constitute the framework of the novel, nuanced by the different human relationships between them; De Santis emphasizes the image of the detective. Excellent story. I give it four stars out of five.
May 29, 2016
This started off with an appropriately gloomy and mysterious Argentinian setting, and a promising premise: there is a society of the world’s most famous detectives, each of whom has one assistant, and they all are convening for the first time at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. The Argentinian detective cannot attend, so he sends his brand-new assistant in his place with a secret message for one of the other detectives.
I lost interest once the main character arrives in Paris, which is shocking, because that’s where I thought it would have a chance to pick up and go somewhere interesting. Instead, I had a hard time caring enough about the different detectives and their assistants to differentiate them, and the plot was equally uncompelling. Murder, here, fake murder there, another real murder a few chapters later; a pretty, mean girl for obligatory romantic interest (yawn); and some references to secret society that I basically just glazed over while reading about.
Now, I am not giving up on this author. I think he has interesting ideas and, occasionally, an interesting moment of expression. Here’s a reflective moment about the cultural variety juxtaposed at the World’s Fair:
So, there’s something there.
I lost interest once the main character arrives in Paris, which is shocking, because that’s where I thought it would have a chance to pick up and go somewhere interesting. Instead, I had a hard time caring enough about the different detectives and their assistants to differentiate them, and the plot was equally uncompelling. Murder, here, fake murder there, another real murder a few chapters later; a pretty, mean girl for obligatory romantic interest (yawn); and some references to secret society that I basically just glazed over while reading about.
Now, I am not giving up on this author. I think he has interesting ideas and, occasionally, an interesting moment of expression. Here’s a reflective moment about the cultural variety juxtaposed at the World’s Fair:
“There must be a point in which strict classification finally crumbles and confesses that everything is just a dream. All alphabets have letters that don’t have a proper place, or that are hardly ever used, and could easily be overlooked. Their function isn’t so much to represent a sound as to unshackle the alphabet from the constraints of perfection. (In Spanish, we have the x, which we use to name what isn’t there and to cross things out.) Loose bricks and twisted beams are the foundation of every building.”
So, there’s something there.
November 24, 2009
I picked this book on a whim at the last minute before the bookshop was closing, and was happy to find that it's an enjoyable read.
Imagine a world where detectives are always in a pair, like Sherlock and Watson, like Poirot and Hastings, where the companion is always the person from whose point of view the reader glimpsed into the story. The companion who, at the very end of the story, would demand an explanation of the whole case from the detective. Imagine a place where this "companion" isn't simply a detective's partner, that this companion is a "requirement" instead...
Twelve of the world's greatest detectives were gathered for an event, each bringing his companion (called an acolyte). One of the detective didn't attend, having given up on his line of job, but sent his acolyte in his place. When one of the detectives were murdered, the acolyte found himself in the middle of everything that's happening, and in a group where an acolyte never turned into a detective, it seemed like he had to be one, breaking all the rules.
Truth be told, this book doesn't have the layers and layers of clues and subtle hints like an Agatha Christie's novel (yeah, I'm biased), but it's close, and it's an enjoyable read on its own. Story pacing was good, and while none of the characters were memorable, it's OK, given the number of characters in it. By the end of the book I still can't remember most of the characters, but thankfully they didn't play a major part either...
I recommend this book if you like Agatha Christie's novels :)
Imagine a world where detectives are always in a pair, like Sherlock and Watson, like Poirot and Hastings, where the companion is always the person from whose point of view the reader glimpsed into the story. The companion who, at the very end of the story, would demand an explanation of the whole case from the detective. Imagine a place where this "companion" isn't simply a detective's partner, that this companion is a "requirement" instead...
Twelve of the world's greatest detectives were gathered for an event, each bringing his companion (called an acolyte). One of the detective didn't attend, having given up on his line of job, but sent his acolyte in his place. When one of the detectives were murdered, the acolyte found himself in the middle of everything that's happening, and in a group where an acolyte never turned into a detective, it seemed like he had to be one, breaking all the rules.
Truth be told, this book doesn't have the layers and layers of clues and subtle hints like an Agatha Christie's novel (yeah, I'm biased), but it's close, and it's an enjoyable read on its own. Story pacing was good, and while none of the characters were memorable, it's OK, given the number of characters in it. By the end of the book I still can't remember most of the characters, but thankfully they didn't play a major part either...
I recommend this book if you like Agatha Christie's novels :)
June 4, 2017
I'll begin by saying that this book was beautifully and imaginatively written---the language is just lovely and so creative. For example:
pg. 134: "Although there were no books in Grialet's house, the house itself was a book. The building, I found out later, had belonged to an editor named Fussel, who had the door and windows built to look like book covers. The spiral staircases crossed through the building like arabesques, unexpected rooms appeared here and there like footnotes, the hallways extended like careless margin notes."
The imagery alone is a good enough reason to read this book.
As for the story, it was predictable---but good. The back cover sensationalizes to make it sound like a riveting, fast-paced thriller when it is, instead, a meandering stream of a "mystery". It's really a combination of lots of little stories that come together in the end for a gentle but satisfying conclusion.
Don't be led on by the marketing attempts at making this out to be all about the World's Fair or the building of the Eiffel Tower. These events are mentioned as the backdrop of the story...but that's about it. There is VERY little history of either event and any time they come up it's mainly in relation to how many days until the Fair, etc.
I don't regret reading this, but it definitely took longer than I expected to finish it as I wasn't really engaged in the story line. It didn't really get super interesting or "mysterious" until the last 40 pages or so.
pg. 134: "Although there were no books in Grialet's house, the house itself was a book. The building, I found out later, had belonged to an editor named Fussel, who had the door and windows built to look like book covers. The spiral staircases crossed through the building like arabesques, unexpected rooms appeared here and there like footnotes, the hallways extended like careless margin notes."
The imagery alone is a good enough reason to read this book.
As for the story, it was predictable---but good. The back cover sensationalizes to make it sound like a riveting, fast-paced thriller when it is, instead, a meandering stream of a "mystery". It's really a combination of lots of little stories that come together in the end for a gentle but satisfying conclusion.
Don't be led on by the marketing attempts at making this out to be all about the World's Fair or the building of the Eiffel Tower. These events are mentioned as the backdrop of the story...but that's about it. There is VERY little history of either event and any time they come up it's mainly in relation to how many days until the Fair, etc.
I don't regret reading this, but it definitely took longer than I expected to finish it as I wasn't really engaged in the story line. It didn't really get super interesting or "mysterious" until the last 40 pages or so.
January 21, 2011
Set against the backdrop of the 1889 World's Fair, The Paris Enigma actually begins in Argentina, where our protagonist Sigmundo Salvatrio becomes an assistant to famed detective Renaldo Craig. A founding member of the 12 Detectives, a society of the greatest detectives in the world, Craig initially plans to travel to Paris where the group will put on an exhibition as part of the Fair. But after the bizarre murder of one of Craig's proteges renders Craig a recluse, Sigmundo is sent to Paris in his mentor's place.
Upon arrival, Sigmundo finds himself caught in the whirlwind of preparations for the World's Fair. Moreover, he discovers the 12 Detectives society is fraught with discord and power struggles. The plot thickens when one of their own mysteriously falls to his death from the unfinished Eiffel Tower. Sigmundo is quickly promoted to apprentice to the famed detective Viktor Arzaky... but will they solve the mystery before another member is killed? A great, quick read with an exciting historical context, Pablo de Santis creates a memorable depiction of 1889 Paris and an imaginative mystery to boot.
Upon arrival, Sigmundo finds himself caught in the whirlwind of preparations for the World's Fair. Moreover, he discovers the 12 Detectives society is fraught with discord and power struggles. The plot thickens when one of their own mysteriously falls to his death from the unfinished Eiffel Tower. Sigmundo is quickly promoted to apprentice to the famed detective Viktor Arzaky... but will they solve the mystery before another member is killed? A great, quick read with an exciting historical context, Pablo de Santis creates a memorable depiction of 1889 Paris and an imaginative mystery to boot.
June 22, 2017
2014.05.06.
Még olvasom ugyan, de úgy érzem, muszáj leírnom, amit eddig érzek a köyvvel kapcsolatban:
BORZALOOOOOM!!! Először igazán a 103-105. oldal környékén történt valami, de ezt is tényleg csak valaminek tudom nevezni, mert nem érzem, hogy az esemény kifejezés illene rá. :-( Rettentően lassan zajlik a történek; nem voltam képes egy háromnapos kihíváshoz elolvasni a megadott 3 nap alatt. Azért ez durva.
Pedig nagy reményekkel vágtam bele.
……………
Azt hittem, nem fogom tudni ma befejezni, de nagyon akartam, hogy holnaptól egy – számomra – jobb könyvet vehessek kézbe. :-)
Sajnos de Santis könyvét – legnagyobb bánatomra – nem tudom ajánlani. :-(
Még olvasom ugyan, de úgy érzem, muszáj leírnom, amit eddig érzek a köyvvel kapcsolatban:
BORZALOOOOOM!!! Először igazán a 103-105. oldal környékén történt valami, de ezt is tényleg csak valaminek tudom nevezni, mert nem érzem, hogy az esemény kifejezés illene rá. :-( Rettentően lassan zajlik a történek; nem voltam képes egy háromnapos kihíváshoz elolvasni a megadott 3 nap alatt. Azért ez durva.
Pedig nagy reményekkel vágtam bele.
……………
Azt hittem, nem fogom tudni ma befejezni, de nagyon akartam, hogy holnaptól egy – számomra – jobb könyvet vehessek kézbe. :-)
Sajnos de Santis könyvét – legnagyobb bánatomra – nem tudom ajánlani. :-(
March 21, 2018
Me encontré con este libro en la biblioteca de una amiga mientras cargaba mi iPhone, al otro lado de su casa. Me atrajo el nombre por muchas razones, el glamour de Paris, el hecho de que involucre un enigma.
Mi sorpresa no fue menor que mi expectativa me deje llevar por la redacción del libro, y el razonamiento que esto implica.
La transición de los personajes hasta la ultima palabra de la historia, me deja satisfecho y con ansias de seguir viviendo la historia.
Mi sorpresa no fue menor que mi expectativa me deje llevar por la redacción del libro, y el razonamiento que esto implica.
La transición de los personajes hasta la ultima palabra de la historia, me deja satisfecho y con ansias de seguir viviendo la historia.
October 9, 2012
Me lo leí hace años y me gustó, tal vez ahora cambiaría mi opinión pero por aquel entonces me resultó un libro interesante, fácil de leer y con una historia entretenida en un ambiente muy logrado.
February 4, 2015
Good, though a bit slow paced.
July 25, 2015
Como casi todas las novelas detectivescas me atrapó. El combo alumno maestro, escuela de... Siempre funciona
January 10, 2023
Citaat :
De methode. Het perspectief. Het schaduwen.Vriend Salvatrino, ik ga u een lesje over de methode leren waaraan geen van De Twaalf Dedectives zal kunnen tippen.
Review :
1889. Aan de vooravond van de Wereldtentoonstelling komen twaalf privédetectives vanuit de hele wereld in Parijs bijeen om te praten over hun vak. De Argentijn Craig is verhinderd en stuurt als vervanger zijn jonge assistent Salvatrio, die ook de verteller van het verhaal wordt.
Het grootste deel van het verhaal speelt zich af in 1889 in Parijs, vlak voor de opening van de wereldtentoonstelling, die de stad de Eiffeltoren zou schenken. Allerlei esoterisch getinte sektes blijken het om uiteenlopende redenen niet eens te zijn met dat stalen gevaarte. Als één van de detectives wordt vermoord - hij komt om bij een val van het tweede platform van de Eiffeltoren - gaat de verdenking natuurlijk in eerste instantie in de richting van die sektes, wat in het boek vermakelijke en onderhoudende zijsporen oplevert.
Salvatrio ontdekt al snel dat de wereld van topspeurders niet alleen bestaat uit ratio en technisch detail. Ook merkt hij dat deze kring van geestverwanten weliswaar een vriendenclub lijkt, maar dat er onderhuidse spanningen en irritaties leven.
Pablo de Santis plaatst zijn misdaadverhaal tegen de achtergrond van een Eiffeltoren in aanbouw, in de laat negentiende-eeuwse wereld van geloof in de Vooruitgang, maar ook van decadentie en mystiek, bevolkt door wetenschappers, hoeren, absintdrinkers en toneelspelers.
Het enigma van Parijs is een sfeervolle en veelzijdige misdaadroman, een portret van de onderkant van Parijs en een groepsfoto van excentriekelingen, in een periode waarin bijgeloof en wetenschapsdenken hand in hand gingen.
Pablo de Santis studeerde letteren aan de universiteit van Buenos Aires. Hij was hoofdredacteur van Fierro, het bekendste Argentijnse striptijdschrift. Begin jaren negentig legde hij zich toe op het schrijven van boeken, aanvankelijk voor jongeren. Inmiddels heeft hij zes romans voor volwassenen op zijn naam staan.
Het enigma van Parijs werd deskundig in het Nederlands omgezet door
Marleen Eijgenraam. Zij vertaalde eerder Moeder die in de hemelen zijt van Pablo Simonetti en De kathedraal van de zee van Ildefonso Falcones.
'Enigma in Parijs' is geschreven in de stijl van Agatha Christie en levert een mooi en vlot lezend boek op.
De methode. Het perspectief. Het schaduwen.Vriend Salvatrino, ik ga u een lesje over de methode leren waaraan geen van De Twaalf Dedectives zal kunnen tippen.
Review :
1889. Aan de vooravond van de Wereldtentoonstelling komen twaalf privédetectives vanuit de hele wereld in Parijs bijeen om te praten over hun vak. De Argentijn Craig is verhinderd en stuurt als vervanger zijn jonge assistent Salvatrio, die ook de verteller van het verhaal wordt.
Het grootste deel van het verhaal speelt zich af in 1889 in Parijs, vlak voor de opening van de wereldtentoonstelling, die de stad de Eiffeltoren zou schenken. Allerlei esoterisch getinte sektes blijken het om uiteenlopende redenen niet eens te zijn met dat stalen gevaarte. Als één van de detectives wordt vermoord - hij komt om bij een val van het tweede platform van de Eiffeltoren - gaat de verdenking natuurlijk in eerste instantie in de richting van die sektes, wat in het boek vermakelijke en onderhoudende zijsporen oplevert.
Salvatrio ontdekt al snel dat de wereld van topspeurders niet alleen bestaat uit ratio en technisch detail. Ook merkt hij dat deze kring van geestverwanten weliswaar een vriendenclub lijkt, maar dat er onderhuidse spanningen en irritaties leven.
Pablo de Santis plaatst zijn misdaadverhaal tegen de achtergrond van een Eiffeltoren in aanbouw, in de laat negentiende-eeuwse wereld van geloof in de Vooruitgang, maar ook van decadentie en mystiek, bevolkt door wetenschappers, hoeren, absintdrinkers en toneelspelers.
Het enigma van Parijs is een sfeervolle en veelzijdige misdaadroman, een portret van de onderkant van Parijs en een groepsfoto van excentriekelingen, in een periode waarin bijgeloof en wetenschapsdenken hand in hand gingen.
Pablo de Santis studeerde letteren aan de universiteit van Buenos Aires. Hij was hoofdredacteur van Fierro, het bekendste Argentijnse striptijdschrift. Begin jaren negentig legde hij zich toe op het schrijven van boeken, aanvankelijk voor jongeren. Inmiddels heeft hij zes romans voor volwassenen op zijn naam staan.
Het enigma van Parijs werd deskundig in het Nederlands omgezet door
Marleen Eijgenraam. Zij vertaalde eerder Moeder die in de hemelen zijt van Pablo Simonetti en De kathedraal van de zee van Ildefonso Falcones.
'Enigma in Parijs' is geschreven in de stijl van Agatha Christie en levert een mooi en vlot lezend boek op.
August 14, 2021
Cabe aclarar de que este libro para mi es 0/5 pero bueno, lo mínimo es 1.
No se por donde empezar. Yo entre a leer este libro(que fue para el colegio) sin ninguna expectativa, ya que no he tenido buenas primeras impresiones de cómo escribe el autor.
Lo qué pasó fue que me sentí obligada a leerlo, y lo veo medio aburrido. Me parece que no es interesante ninguno de los 4 misterios, ya que 1 no se resuelve y la resolución del resto, me pareció una oportunidad para rescatar algo, desaprovechado.
El plot twist del final es verdad que no me lo vi venir, pero fue porque no hay ningún indicio, ya que está sacado de la nada el final. Además si había pistas, ni siquiera me pareció interesante ese giro en la trama.
Lo único que puedo rescatar, que tampoco es que me impresionó, pero no me disgustó. Es la cantidad de frases buenas qué hay (sin embargo recalco de que un libro no solo se trata de buenas frases, un libro tiene que transportar con palabras)
No se si puedo recalcar mas, creo que nunca critique tanto un libro, pero espero no ofender a nadie. Trate de ser lo más respetuosa posible
No se por donde empezar. Yo entre a leer este libro(que fue para el colegio) sin ninguna expectativa, ya que no he tenido buenas primeras impresiones de cómo escribe el autor.
Lo qué pasó fue que me sentí obligada a leerlo, y lo veo medio aburrido. Me parece que no es interesante ninguno de los 4 misterios, ya que 1 no se resuelve y la resolución del resto, me pareció una oportunidad para rescatar algo, desaprovechado.
El plot twist del final es verdad que no me lo vi venir, pero fue porque no hay ningún indicio, ya que está sacado de la nada el final. Además si había pistas, ni siquiera me pareció interesante ese giro en la trama.
Lo único que puedo rescatar, que tampoco es que me impresionó, pero no me disgustó. Es la cantidad de frases buenas qué hay (sin embargo recalco de que un libro no solo se trata de buenas frases, un libro tiene que transportar con palabras)
No se si puedo recalcar mas, creo que nunca critique tanto un libro, pero espero no ofender a nadie. Trate de ser lo más respetuosa posible
January 5, 2023
Goed geschreven. Het boek speelt zich in Argentinië af en, voor het grootste deel, in Parijs, wanneer de Grote Wereldtentoonstelling daar wordt opgebouwd. in Parijs wordt iemand vermoord en alle detectives van de Twaalf Detectives proberen te achterhalen wie de dader is.
Zoals hoort in dit soort boeken, zijn er talloze zaken die ons van het eigenlijke probleem afleiden. De werkelijke partner van de Nederlander bijvoorbeeld, en het nare verhaal van een verdachte die kennelijk iets te bruut heeft geprobeerd iemand bij zich te houden.
Zoals ook in dit soort boeken hoort, lost de nieuwe assistent het raadsel op. En ook daarbij houdt hij een stukje van de waarheid achter. Zoals het hoort.
Zoals hoort in dit soort boeken, zijn er talloze zaken die ons van het eigenlijke probleem afleiden. De werkelijke partner van de Nederlander bijvoorbeeld, en het nare verhaal van een verdachte die kennelijk iets te bruut heeft geprobeerd iemand bij zich te houden.
Zoals ook in dit soort boeken hoort, lost de nieuwe assistent het raadsel op. En ook daarbij houdt hij een stukje van de waarheid achter. Zoals het hoort.
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