2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Sebastian is given lots of assistance from Eugène-François Vidocq, head of the Sûreté nationale, the French secret police. What was his motivation in helping him? Did you trust him?

At first I didn't trust him at all. As the story progresses, I started to see that he was looking for justice. I think there are still fans of Sophia in France. I didn't know if he was a fan or if he admired Sebastian for his part in solving murders in England. I never trusted him completely though.

I never trusted him completely but came to see he was more ally than potential foe to Sebastian. You make a great point about him looking for justice for Sophie and it might extend even more as he probably was more a Bonapartist than a Bourbonite. Or, he might just enjoy the hunt. Whatever, he came to respect Sebastian’s skills and saw him as a worthy partner.

I didn't fully trust him either and I don't think Sebastian did either. At least he believed that Sophie was murdered. That was more than the police and the Bourbons believed and he was willing to assist Sebastian in finding the person responsible. Eugène-François Vidocq was an interesting character, I would have liked to know more about him.

I agree with you. Eugène-François Vidocq was an interesting character. If I remember correctly he was based on a real person. I need to find my notes.