The Last Murder in Paris: A Novel

by Dann McDorman

The author of West Heart Kill returns with an original, gripping, and atmospheric novel of moral complexity set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris in World War II

“McDorman’s knowledge is abundant, as is his cleverness.” —The New York Times Book Review

Paris, 1942. The German occupation. The Wehrmacht’s top spy catcher in France, Major Hugo Spreicher, is busy trying to stamp out the resistance, outmaneuver his rivals in the Gestapo, and skim enough profit from the occupation to ensure a comfortable retirement—or an escape plan. But after a chance meeting with a stranger on Bastille Day, Spreicher’s careful schemes begin to unravel.

Paris, 1942. The French underground. Twin sisters, Camille and Marie Bardet, are recruited to join a resistance group codenamed DANTE by a mysterious figure operating under the nom de guerre Jean. After a series of bombings sparks a vicious German reprisal, Jean proposes a new, more dangerous assignment that will change the sisters’ lives forever.

The Last Murder in Paris is a Hitchcockian novel of suspense that brilliantly illuminates the complicated reality of ordinary people acting in extraordinary circumstances.

Genres: World War II

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 23, 2027

About the author

Dann McDorman is an Emmy-nominated TV news producer whose forthcoming novel, The Last Murder in Paris, will be published in March 2027. His first book, West Heart Kill, was nominated for the Crime Writers' Association "New Blood Dagger" for best debut mystery. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are plenty of novels about occupied Paris during the Second World War, but few as riveting, moving, and surprising as THE LAST MURDER IN PARIS. What makes it such a brilliant novel, however, is the deeply human moral ambiguities of the French and the Germans, the women and men of the resistance and the Nazis hunting them down. There are rascals and rogues, spies and saboteurs, and all of their encounters are rendered with the sort of gripping authenticity that – and this is rare, I promise – led me to devour this novel in but 24 hours.

[Kasa Cotugno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched WWII novel focusing on characters evidently with real life counterparts, so it was interesting to read about the inspiration they provided and what happened to them after the occupation ended. Life in Paris during that "twilight time" was dangerous, and McDorman has done a fine job of bringing the era to life.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Paris during World War II, the story includes members of the French Resistance, Double Agents, Spies, Nazi Officers and even a priest. The story flows from one character to another, as events unfold, each character deals with the war in different manners and with different objectives. Some yearn for their freedom and are willing to do anything for it, some yearn for power, some yearn for riches but all are caught together in a world which did not exist before and one in which no one knows what the future holds.

This story was heartbreaking and tragic yet has moments of joy, shows the cruelty of man and also the bravery. Well written, I was surprised how emotionally this story affected me, I don't know if I have the courage to behave as several characters did, sacrifice what little they had and yet the resolve these characters had was remarkable. At the same time, those in search of power and wealth, the depths of their inhumanity and cruelty was fully on display and it horrifies. This book I believe is very true to its subject manner, the lost of life, the loss of innocence, and despite all the horror and cruelty, the absolute resolve of humans to fight for what they believe in, to find joy in the littlest of comfort, to find a moment of peace. Well done. Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf.

[Hank Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily providing an honest review.

Premise
The twins, Camille and Marie, join the secret French Resistance in occupied Paris, where they face tough odds and even tougher moral choices.

Liked
* A well-researched book that drops the reader into the middle of historical events.
* Memorable and varied resistance fighters, carefully developed over a brisk, efficient narrative.
* Charming villains you love to hate
* The story is packed with danger, uncertainty, and moral dilemmas.
* The human toll and a wistful ending are sure to make readers weep.

Not for Me
* Some untranslated French and German words and dialogue.

Closing Comment
Despite not being an avid reader of historical fiction, I came for the author of West Heart Kill and stayed because I needed to see the twins and Spreicher through to the bittersweet end. Even if this novel didn’t reach the heights of All the Light We Cannot See, I dare say it came close.

[IngallsTurnsThePage · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️This book was really well-researched. The writing flowed nicely and the story evolved in an intricate but accessible manner. The characters were known by their actions versus description which I really appreciate in a story. It lets the reader interpret who they are instead of being told. The peak into the French Resistance was a devastating perspective and maybe a nice complement to Kristin Hannah’s Nightingale. Thank you for the chance to read prior to publishing. Well done!

[Pat · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This is not the kind of novel I usually read. However, the first chapter drew me in and I was hooked. This is a fast-paced story of French resistance activity in WWII with a good mix of espionage and surprises. The strength of this book is the characters. They are multifaceted and believable. They struggle with moral decisions as they carry out their assignments.

Thank you, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor, and Net Galley for the advanced copy of this terrific book.