The Alchemy of Murder

"Doing for the City of Light what Ann Perry has done for Victorian London and what The Alienist did for 19th century New York, Carol McCleary has written a gripping, atmospheric, electrifying masterwork!" —Barbara Woods, international bestselling author of The Blessing Stone

The world's most famous reporter, the intrepid Nellie Bly, teams up with science fiction genius Jules Verne, the notorious wit and outrageous rogue Oscar Wilde, and the greatest microbe-hunter in history, Louis Pasteur. Together, they must solve the crime of the century.

They are all in Paris—the capital of Europe and center of world culture—for the 1889 World's Fair. A spectacular extravaganza dedicated to new industries, scientific discoveries, and global exploration, its gateway is the soaring Eiffel Tower. But an enigmatic killer stalks the streets, and a virulent plague is striking down Parisians by the thousands. Convinced that the killings are connected to the pandemic, Nellie is determined to stop them both . . . no matter what the risks.

"This is just the kind of book I like—atmospheric, intriguing, rife with drama. What a fabulous debut!" —Brenda Novak, New York Times –bestselling author

"Feisty, funny, opinionated, persistent, Nellie Bly's as tough as any male she meets. A tale of peril and pursuit that is sure to keep you turning pages long after you should have been asleep. Dazzling entertainment, so well constructed you'll re-read it after you're done!" —William Martin, New York Times –bestselling author of The Lost Constitution

"McCleary's debut historical suspense novel . . . showcases an appealingly flesh-and-blood Nellie Bly, one of the first women to break into a man's world as an adventurous and plucky investigative journalist. Fans of Arruda's Jade Cameron and Bowen's Mollie Murphy mysteries will enjoy Bly, another unflappable female sleuth." — Booklist