Hyacinthe and Narcisse Roquebère Investigate
Volume 1
Georges J Arnaud has been one of the major figures of the popular novel for nearly fifty years. He has used every genre - he is the author of the celebrated science fiction series La Compagnie des Glaces (Ice Company) - indicating a fondness for the thriller genre. A fervent admirer of Balzac, through the Roquebère twins' inquiries he offers us a collection of detective novels set in 1830's Paris.
1830. The Roquebère brothers, Hyacinthe and Narcisse, have a law firm in Paris. As much alike - they are twins! - as they are different - one a bit of a socialite and a gourmet with a fairly carefree attitude towards life and the other reserved with a rather gauche seriousness, but capable of the wildest flights of fancy -, without a moment's hesitation they get involved with complicated and often dangerous investigations. With the precious help of daring young Seraphine, an ex little chimney sweep, now employed as their errand girl.
Historical thrillers are experiencing a certain vogue. If the genre has given rise to remarkable successes, it has also produced some fairly insipid dross. Always an expert in creating suspense, G.J.Arnaud especially entertains us with a convincingly earthy picture of Parisian life and society in the 19th century. Colours, smells and flavours abound. Seldom do we find an author who is able to portray his characters in an historical context with such a degree of warmth.
Originally published between 1998 and 2000, the Roquebère twins inquiries are now republished in two volumes.
