The story started out well but as I reached Part 2, I wondered when art and pigments would enter the plot. Almost simultaneously with my thoughts, Genevieve is asked to return to France to investigate who is using the forbidden blue color that her husband created. While there, Genevieve will do a little spying for her country.

I was disappointed with the book. It is advertised as a historical thriller but it isn't a thriller. I would categorize it as a historical mystery; a good one. A big part of my disappointment was the extremely high expectations that I held. Each of the author’s earlier eight novels were spectacular. Another blockbuster was expected. That said, it is a fairly good mystery. I would not want this installment of the series to be the end though. I believe that the series is only three books and, if so, The Versailles Formula is not the best ending. Another problem I have is that the story wasn't about the chemical formula for blue but rather the possibility that it is being misused. It took alot of pages before the identity of this mystery was given.

Approximately one third of the book gave background information from the first two books. It was done well with equal amounts of dialogue and narrative but unless you've read those books, the level of drama from the backstory is missing. Also, Genevieve's career as an artist is not part of the plot. That's a departure from the earlier two books in the series.

Enough with the negatives. What is positive about the book? Genevieve and Captain Howard's mission in France was fraught with plenty of twists and I was often afraid for both of them. It didn't appear that they would succeed in their quest to determine who was using the forbidden blue color. Almost daily they were accosted by enemies of England but the two were not always aware of the identity of these enemies. Part of the mission was to figure out who was who. If they could return to England with the name of the forger of blue then they were successful. Along the way these two met interesting Frenchmen who added "color" to the story. Pun intended.

The book reads like a historical spy story. However, my impression of the series was something else. If this was a standalone novel I would rate it highly. It is part of a series, though, so I can only rate it based upon this fact. Please note that I received an advanced review copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Not only this novel is very entertaining, it is also very interesting. The topic evolves about art, particularly painting and above all the colour blue. I enjoyed this part very much. What I did not really like is the touch of romance which I found too predictable in its development. Otherwise, I loved the story. This book is the third one in the series, but can be read as a standalone as well. The previous two books were excellent. I would recommend to read them as well. I have read all novels written by the author which I have tremendously enjoyed.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

This is an intriguing novel set in the 1760s which combines people in history with fictional characters. An enjoyable read.

I found this book confusing and frankly troubling, with its gaslighting and misogynist microaggressions. It’s the third book in the series, and maybe I wouldn’t have been so lost if I had read the books in order. DNF.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Another wonderful historical mystery! I could not put it down! Ms. Bilyeau's novels keep the suspense and imagination going from the beginning to the end!

The Versailles Formula starts with an eerie, haunting image: a ghost patters down a long, dark hallway night after night, past a suit of armor, trying in vain to seize its prize at the end, the portrait of an angel--but always vanishing before he wins his goal. Genevieve Sturbridge nee Planche is back. And solving this mystery will only lead to more mysteries, a trail of bodies, and desperate danger.

Genevieve, of course, is the Huguenot heroine with French heritage and British loyalties, with one foot in the art world and the other mired in espionage. In this third book in the series she's teamed with an army captain almost as stubborn and resourceful as she is. Sparks fly.

They're agents in the secret battle between England and France that threatens every day to break out into open warfare that could bring both countries down. The fates of two nations hinge once again on the machinations behind a mysterious shade of blue.

The atmosphere is delightful.The action takes place in England and France, castles and cemeteries and chateaux, grand ballrooms, sinister prisons, and cloistered convents. Historical figures flit through, from Horace Walpole, the father of the Gothic novel, to the Marquis de Sade, who lived one.

The Versailles Formula is Bilyeau at her best, a classic tale of mystery and intrigue that only lacks a cameo from a dueling D'Artagnan to make my life complete. If you've read the firsr two books in the series, this is one you've been eagerly awaiting. If you haven't, this is a hellacious introduction.

The Versailles Formula will be published April 17.