The Lafayette Sword

Wow, what a book this is! Absolutely riveting, this 2nd in a French series takes you to the world of the Freemasons. Paris Police Detective Antoine Marcas, attending a meeting at his lodge finds 2 dead bodies. He almost loses his life while chasing the killer. The book starts off with 3 threads: 2 in the 21st century and 1 in the 14th century. The threads come together seamlessly. Gold fever, Freemasonry, murder, the search for the Lafayette Sword all make this book a breathtaking novel; once you start, you can't stop. Much better than the DaVinci Code and more realistic, I loved it and highly recommend it. Thank you Netgalley and Le French Books for the ARC.

If you like to read about Freemasons or alchemy, this book is for you. Even if you simply like Thrillers, you won't be disappointed. The book starts with two murders and the chase is on. The pacing is realistic, the adventure is addictive. I liked this book even more than DaVinci code!

A thriller about medieval history in today's world, with the Freemasons, historic swords and structures, and the return of alchemy to replenish empty coffers, the action never stops. Some of it is a bit hard to read - I don't really like reading about the suffering of someone under torture.

The bulk of the book is set in modern Paris. The intrigue spans the world, however.

The Lafayette Sword is a story told from three perspectives. First we have the present day murder of two men in a Freemason Lodge, the second is about a scribe in 14th century France, and the third is involves a mysterious organization known as Aurora.

Antoine Marcas, a police detective, while attending a ceremony at his Freemason Lodge in Paris, discovers the body of a man who was to be initiated into the Freemasons. Then an old friend of Antoine’s is found dead in his wheel chair. The murder is chased, through secret passages and hidden tunnels under the streets of Paris. But the murder knows well his terrain, trapping Antoine is a chamber with no exit. The chamber fills with water as the murder watches and asks questions about why he became a Freemason. Antoine nearly drowns, but the killer lets him live deeming him to be a worthy Freemason brother.

Antoine’s friend had left a letter for him which told of a secret involving Lafayette’s descendants, and alchemy. There were also clues to the sword Lafayette had used during the American Revolution. Antoine figures out the clues and finds the sword. On the blade is an inscription that is another clue to something in New York City. While at a movie theater with his son, Antoine is approached by the killer who threatens Antoine’s son unless he tells what was on the sword. From this point on, Antoine and the murder are in a race to discover the secret behind the clues, and for Antoine to catch the murder.

The second story line is about Nicholas Flamel, a scribe who after viewing the public execution of a man for a crime against the King, is called upon to record the questioning of the mans traveling companion. The companion is a young woman whose mother’s life was saved by the executed man, an alchemist. But what they really want to know is where his book of alchemy, known as the Book of Adam is. Nicholas is disgusted and troubled by the torture he has witnessed. Later he goes to talk to the torturer and ends up killing him and taking the book the torturer was asking about.

The Aurora group is concerned with gold, the price of gold, and keeping the price of gold stable. When the possibility of alchemically produced gold puts them on Antoine’s tail, and consequently the murders tail.

The three story lines are interspersed throughout the book. The two main stories of Antoine and Nicholas are both interesting, and as you get deeper into the book, it becomes evident how they are connected. Eventually they merge and the scene is set for the finale that starts at the Statue of Liberty and ends at the Eiffel Tower.

This was an engrossing book, in that the more you read, the more you wanted to read. Similar in many ways to the DaVinci Code and other Dan Brown novels featuring Robert Langdon. Also to Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt adventure stories.

First time reading this author. Good, fast paced read.

This story goes from 1355 and Nicolas Flamel right up to the present day and Antoine Marcas,, who is a detective and a Freemason, who is looking for the killer of his Freemason brother. Looking at clues such as pure gold, swords, and secrets from the founding fathers of the Freemason's is what Marcas does to solve this mystery. It is filled with intrigue and a little fun with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone mentioned in passing. The authors have created a believable story which is worthy to read.

Another great read from Le French Book. Anne Trager, publisher and translator, has taken it upon herself to provide wonderful French mysteries and thrillers to English speakers. She personally has translated this book and it reads smoothly and effortlessly.

This is the second book in a thriller series. Shadows Ritual was the first book starring Antoine Marcus.
This book involves more than one murder, Freemasons in France and in the US and the obsession for gold.
The two authors know their freemason history and for readers like me who don't know much except the names of famous freemasons alive and dead, this was an interesting educational read as well as a "can't put it down' thriller.
The chapters jump back and forth between the killer who is only known as the killer, M. Marcus whose friend was the second person to die and a mysterious group who seem to be regulating the price of gold. It's never clear until the end whether the group's motive is greed or otherwise.
Marcus feels obligated to get to the bottom of the murders. And as the facts emerge so do fascinating and, I have to believe, made-up symbols leading to sacred spots that only the Freemasons know. Lafayette's sword plays a part in the symbolism and direction and misdirection.
This book is fun. I applaud Ms. Trager for bringing me such fascinating french books. For although I live in Paris, my french has never been good enough to enjoy reads like this one.

This book outdoes "The DaVinci Code" on every level. With story segments taking place in the distant past, the recent past, and the present, the action is realistic and the mysteries ring true as clues passed down through families are gathered and lead to amazing revelations. The writing is clear and direct, and the translation is great for the English-speaking audience. Every aspect of the story is believable enough to make the entire plot relevant to the present. Information about transmutation and the Freemasons make the book educational as well as entertaining. Definitely a keeper worth several reads.

totally gripping and charming even though I am not a fan of Freemasonry - and there is a strong propaganda element going on in this novel that made me think even on that - the central character Maracas is a Mason and it opens intriguing doors in high places for him as we track him finding a killer who refers to an ancient revengeful violent act - and who is himself a Mason - so not all Masons are categorically 'good' and the evil that this fellow does in the name of its tenets proves to be faulty.

the real draw of this novel is the central character - he is smart and captivating - his personal life is a shambles but then he chose the wrong wife and we see why - her threat to him of withholding his son feels authentic and he has to be careful - but it all works exceedingly well. what made me laugh throughout, however, and maybe it's because he is without a sexual partner right now and so he's a bit itchy (so to speak) - but every woman who appears - from a banker, to a detective to the owner of a restaurant, is stunning - and not only her clothing and chic self-presentation but they all have evident smarts - it's hilarious sexism in its way. really made me laugh - did not detract from reading however, and i was totally delighted and gripped. more please!!

liked it.
good read.
will get copies for family and friends .

Translated by Anne Trager

Antoine Marcas, a Homicide Inspector with the French police is attending his Freemason Lodge for an initiation ceremony. The ceremony is about to begin but when someone goes to call the initiate, they discover that he has been murdered. Marcas and his fellow Masons immediately start a search for the killer (they know the person is still on the premises)

Wheelchair bound Paul de Lambre, Marcas’ friend and fellow Mason has been left alone in the hall while the others search and on returning, they discover that Paul has also been murdered and that The Marquis de Lafayette’s Masonic sword, one of the most valuable items in their museum is missing.

Marcas makes a pledge, not just as a Homicide Detective but also to his deceased friend, that he will solve the murder and find and return the sword to the museum. Not only is the sword valuable but it had belonged to one of the most powerful Freemason families of which Paul de Lambre is a direct descendant.

There are two storylines running concurrently in the novel, that of Marcas’ search for the murderer and the story of Nicolas Flamel, a scribe who lived in Paris in the 1330s. One of his most distressing tasks as a scribe, was being ordered to write all that a young woman, Flore de Ceneviėres, says while being tortured by Jehan Arthus, the man appointed to interrogate suspected heretics. Arthus extreme torture methods seems to concentrate more on whether the girl has knowledge on the secrets of alchemy than whether she is a heretic.

This is the second novel I’ve read featuring Antoine Marcas and I must once again, congratulate both authors on their ability to weave historical and esoteric information into a fast-paced murder/mystery. Having Antoine Marcas as both a policeman and a Freemason allows the authors to educate the general public on the origins and place that Freemasonry has played throughout history. This society has always been shrouded in secrecy, but through this series, we get to learn more about the society and its role not just in today’s world, but throughout history.

Treebeard

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

In The Lafayette Sword, a killer infiltrates a Freemason temple to kill two and steal a ceremonial sword, and police detective and Freemason Antoine Marcas feels especially compelled to find the killer as one of the victims is not only his Freemason brother but also his close friend. Thus begins an intense chase involving two continents and a 700-year-old puzzle to stop the killer before he learns the alchemical secret which could destabilize the world.

Eric Giacometti and Jacques Ravenne are masters at crafting suspenseful action. Through exceedingly short chapters that end at just the right moment and rapidly alternate between three to four settings across centuries and continents, they keep readers on the edge of their seats. Furthermore, readers will find it difficult to predict how the various aspects of the plot will come together. Those who enjoyed The Da Vinci Code should give The Lafayette Sword serious consideration, and those who have read the latter may find themselves exploring the grounds of the Eiffel Tower with renewed interest the next time they are in Paris.

This is probably the most interesting mystery I've read in ages. It is a gold mine of information on Freemasonry and alchemy. All of the information is woven carefully into the plot so that it reads very well.

The novel originates in France where much of the action happens. Two murders occur at a Freemason meeting. One of the brothers, Marcus, is a policeman. He happened to discover both bodies and feels responsible to bring the killer to justice.

It becomes apparent (to readers) that gold is an essential aspect of the plot. That brings in alchemy. The novel's narrative includes following a story about alchemy from the 1300s. The novel alternates between the present and the past and we eventually see a connection that spans the centuries.

Marcus follows the trail of secret symbols that will lead him to the murderer. He encounters danger on the way as he uncovers cryptic sayings, ancient conspiracies, and desperate people.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is well crafted. The structure of the novel, interweaving the contemporary story with the one from medieval times, really worked well. The stories were written in a way that kept my interest in both of them, even before I knew of their connection.

What I liked best about the novel was all the information it contained about Freemasonry. The facts were included in dialog in such a way that the narrative entertained as well as informed. And the translation from the French is wonderful.

I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy novels about conspiracies and secret societies, all wrapped up in a thrilling plot. Note: there is a torture scene in the medieval story that is a bit gruesome but realistic, I am sure.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Antoine Marcas uncovers a conspiracy about alchemy gold after the murder of an initiate and an old friend during an initiation ceremony at the Freemason temple. He finds himself on a journey that takes him beyond the USA as he chases a madman who seeks to cleanse the Freemasons of members who are only "in the club" for personal gain.

I learned quite a bit about Freemasons. The author knows his stuff! I really enjoyed how the story goes back and forth from modern day to 1355 and the tale of a scribe who must write down a "confession" during torture sessions with a young woman who holds the "truth" of how to make the elusive alchemy gold. The story is steeped in history and lore. I had never heard of the 'Book of Adam' and it now has me wanting to find that book for myself! Not for the recipe.. but, for the history! The characters are well developed and truly come to life.

On par with the Davinci Code. I can recommend that most readers will be fascinated with the conspiracy that could be true! And, if it isn't true.. it should be true!