The Madonna Of Notre Dame
By (Author) Alexis Ragougneau
Translated by Katherine Gregor
New Vessel Press
New Vessel Press
2nd January 2017
United States
General
Fiction
FIC
Paperback
200
Width 133mm, Height 203mm
Fifty thousand believers and photo-hungry tourists jam into Notre Dame Cathedral on August 15 to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. The next morning, a stunningly beautiful young woman clothed all in white kneels at prayer in a cathedral side chapel. But when an American tourist accidentally bumps against her, her body collapses. She has been murdered: the autopsy reveals disturbing details. Police investigators and priests search for the killer as they discover other truths about guilt and redemption in this soaring Paris refuge for the lost, the damned, and the saved.
"A twisted and riveting story ... highly original."--The Toronto Star "A compelling whodunit ... The winner here is not just Ragougneau, but all readers in search of energetic, original crime novels. The Madonna of Notre Dame maintains the notion that good still conquers evil."--Foreword Reviews "Arresting ... The devastating truth proves that the line between good and evil isn't always clear."--Publishers Weekly "Thrilling until the last page, an unforgettable investigator, real life characters: The French crime novel has found its new pope."--RTL Television "Alexis Ragouneau demonstrates indisputable talent and promise as a crime writer and novelist."--Le Point "With vigorous writing, Alexis Ragougneau sweeps us away on a high-flying investigation."--Le Monde "The investigation delves into the painful pasts of the protagonists, taking us behind masks and appearances, oscillating between light and darkness. The style is racy, the humor subtle."--Telerama "Impeccable drama and the characters are first-rate."--L'Express
Alexis Ragougneau is a playwright and The Madonna of Notre Dame is his first novel. He has worked in Notre Dame Cathedral helping monitor the tourist crowds and knows well its infinite secrets and the forgotten souls who linger in its darkest corners. Katherine Gregor has translated works by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, Andrea Japp, Luigi Pirandello, Carlo Goldoni and Alexander Pushkin.