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Charles de la Forêt #2
Murder In The Marais
A B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree
Fresh from solving the Pontcourt murders and then saving a kidnapped merchant’s daughter, young musketeer Charles de la Forêt is assigned a new investigate the murder of a marquis in the wealthy Marais district of Paris.
Despite the deep rivalry between the Musketeers and Cardinal Richelieu’s guardsmen, Charles is forced to work with guardsman Henri Reynard. The two men must overcome their differences if they are to determine who poisoned the marquis before forces in the upper echelon of the 17th-century French nobility put a stop to the case.
Capturing the mystery and adventure that gripped readers of the first book in the Charles de la Forêt series, The Pontcourt Murders, this follow-up, Murder in the Marais, introduces an expanding cast of colorful and intriguing characters. Readers with an interest in mysteries, musketeers, and French history will not want to miss the continuing adventures of musketeer Charles de la Forêt.
Fresh from solving the Pontcourt murders and then saving a kidnapped merchant’s daughter, young musketeer Charles de la Forêt is assigned a new investigate the murder of a marquis in the wealthy Marais district of Paris.
Despite the deep rivalry between the Musketeers and Cardinal Richelieu’s guardsmen, Charles is forced to work with guardsman Henri Reynard. The two men must overcome their differences if they are to determine who poisoned the marquis before forces in the upper echelon of the 17th-century French nobility put a stop to the case.
Capturing the mystery and adventure that gripped readers of the first book in the Charles de la Forêt series, The Pontcourt Murders, this follow-up, Murder in the Marais, introduces an expanding cast of colorful and intriguing characters. Readers with an interest in mysteries, musketeers, and French history will not want to miss the continuing adventures of musketeer Charles de la Forêt.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2023
17 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 8, 2023
The second book in the historical mystery series starring the young Musketeer Charles de la Forêt.
In the first book in this series, Charles recieved his first mission and caught a murderer. The young Musketeer's success brings more work. First, he and his fellow Musketeers help to free a kidnapped young woman. Then, Charles is summoned to the presence of Cardinal Richelieu. A wealthy count has been murdered, poisoned. Charles and one of the Cardinal’s guards, Henry Reynard, must find out who did it, and quickly. The guards and the Musketeers have a long-standing rivalry so Charles is unhappy when he’s forced to work with Henri. But you don’t say no to the Cardinal.
The count died at a dinner party with other nobles and a moneylender. The two men head out to question them. Of course, the suspects are influential people who can’t be accused lightly. Also, while their mission is supposed to be a secret, someone has sent assassins after Charles.
This was a fun historical mystery set in 17th-century Paris. It has vivid historical detail. Charles is from a small town but has now become more accustomed to Parisian life. The story has twists and turns and kept me guessing. It also has a little bit of romance but more action scenes.
This is a very good sequel. Familiar characters return, even though the majority of the characters are new. Most are related to the case but some are Charles’ fellow Musketeers. The tone is similar to the first book so if you enjoyed it, you’re likely to enjoy this one, too. However, it can be read as a stand-alone.
In the first book in this series, Charles recieved his first mission and caught a murderer. The young Musketeer's success brings more work. First, he and his fellow Musketeers help to free a kidnapped young woman. Then, Charles is summoned to the presence of Cardinal Richelieu. A wealthy count has been murdered, poisoned. Charles and one of the Cardinal’s guards, Henry Reynard, must find out who did it, and quickly. The guards and the Musketeers have a long-standing rivalry so Charles is unhappy when he’s forced to work with Henri. But you don’t say no to the Cardinal.
The count died at a dinner party with other nobles and a moneylender. The two men head out to question them. Of course, the suspects are influential people who can’t be accused lightly. Also, while their mission is supposed to be a secret, someone has sent assassins after Charles.
This was a fun historical mystery set in 17th-century Paris. It has vivid historical detail. Charles is from a small town but has now become more accustomed to Parisian life. The story has twists and turns and kept me guessing. It also has a little bit of romance but more action scenes.
This is a very good sequel. Familiar characters return, even though the majority of the characters are new. Most are related to the case but some are Charles’ fellow Musketeers. The tone is similar to the first book so if you enjoyed it, you’re likely to enjoy this one, too. However, it can be read as a stand-alone.
February 17, 2026
I enjoyed this mystery as much as I did the first one [in this series]!
There was great scene building, as I could almost feel like I was right there in dirty, smelly, busy Paris. Each character was well fleshed out.
A marquis ends up dead at a dinner party, which had several guests with whom the marquis had little or no acquaintance.
Charles, a Musketeer, and Henri, a Cardinal's guard, must pair up to figure out who the murderer was. While these two factions do not normally associate with one another, they end up making a good team.
Having put all the clues together, I figured out who the killer was, but I still enjoyed the reveal and the ending of the story.
I highly recommend this series, as the richness of the details and descriptions are fantastic. I'm ready for book 3!
There was great scene building, as I could almost feel like I was right there in dirty, smelly, busy Paris. Each character was well fleshed out.
A marquis ends up dead at a dinner party, which had several guests with whom the marquis had little or no acquaintance.
Charles, a Musketeer, and Henri, a Cardinal's guard, must pair up to figure out who the murderer was. While these two factions do not normally associate with one another, they end up making a good team.
Having put all the clues together, I figured out who the killer was, but I still enjoyed the reveal and the ending of the story.
I highly recommend this series, as the richness of the details and descriptions are fantastic. I'm ready for book 3!
July 25, 2023
A great follow up to the first book!
I bought both books at the same time. So, I was able to start reading this book as soon as I finished the first one. It was a great follow up to the first book. The murder mystery kept me intrigued from start to finish. I read the book in two days! I like the main character, Charles, even more after reading this book. He is definitely a very clever investigator and “noble” character. I know he has many more mysteries to solve. So, I can’t wait until the next book comes out.
I bought both books at the same time. So, I was able to start reading this book as soon as I finished the first one. It was a great follow up to the first book. The murder mystery kept me intrigued from start to finish. I read the book in two days! I like the main character, Charles, even more after reading this book. He is definitely a very clever investigator and “noble” character. I know he has many more mysteries to solve. So, I can’t wait until the next book comes out.
February 12, 2023
Loved it. First book by this author for me, will continue reading Charles de la Forest series. Very, very entertaining, enjoy books about times past and the way of life, dresses, customs, etc. during those times. I liked the "easiness" of reading the book, not jumping from here to there and making one forget what has happened two pages ago. I do recommend this book.
April 6, 2025
Another excellent read
Charles de la Foret is my kind of protagonist. Not perfect by any means, but someone you like spending time with. Another great romp in Paris of the first half of the 17th century. The author knows his history and writes well. Don't miss this one. I have the entire series so far and am happily binge reading it.
Charles de la Foret is my kind of protagonist. Not perfect by any means, but someone you like spending time with. Another great romp in Paris of the first half of the 17th century. The author knows his history and writes well. Don't miss this one. I have the entire series so far and am happily binge reading it.
March 2, 2023
I don't review books often
In fact, I never review books, but I am making an exception in this case. This is an extraordinarily well written book on every level. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
In fact, I never review books, but I am making an exception in this case. This is an extraordinarily well written book on every level. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
August 25, 2023
We are proud to announce that MURDER IN THE MARAIS (A Charles de la Forêt Mystery) by Phillip L. Wray has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
October 31, 2023
Murder in the Marais
I enjoyed this second book in the series even more than first in part b/c the stories are captivating and in part b/ Wray has glued me to the characters. On to book 3!
I enjoyed this second book in the series even more than first in part b/c the stories are captivating and in part b/ Wray has glued me to the characters. On to book 3!
November 28, 2023
Another enjoyable musketeer mystery
I really enjoy the French cultural and historical details that the author includes. Charles is a likable protagonist and there is just enough mystery mixed with action to keep you going.
I really enjoy the French cultural and historical details that the author includes. Charles is a likable protagonist and there is just enough mystery mixed with action to keep you going.
November 9, 2024
A nice little murder mystery set in Paris with the King’s Musketeer Charles de la Foret. Wray has a likeable character and deploys him well. We learn much about the city and the culture along the way - some of it quite eye-opening.
April 12, 2025
A lovely historical novel, with a subtle confusing mystery, and a well-written description of cultural enemies growing respect for one another. A slow read but worth it, enough to download the next book.
January 23, 2023
Well written mystery for the era of Musketeers.
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February 12, 2023Very good
Just the right amount of mystery, action and a touch of romance. Plus, you can't go wrong with musketeers! Fun read.
Just the right amount of mystery, action and a touch of romance. Plus, you can't go wrong with musketeers! Fun read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews