Death Wears a Crown

L'AMOUR ... OR LA MORT?While on a sensitive mission for her husband, the Inspector General, lovely Victoire Vernet inadvertently stumbles upon a traitorous cabal.Not everyone in France revels in the triumphs of her adored hero, Napoleon Bonaparte.Rumors that the great leader is to be formally crowned Emperor have incensed many powerful aristocrats, malcontents, and foreign intriguers who plot in secret to bring down the coronation ... and bring death to any man—or woman—who becomes aware of their seditious schemes.If her enemies have their way, Victoire's life won't be worth a sou—but la belle dame Vernet is undaunted by their threats. She possesses the steely courage of Jeanne d'Arc, and the exceptional cunning necessary to outwit and defeat the fiendish conspiracy that could tear her nation apart.Only the Inspector General's brave and beautiful lady stands between the Emperor's destiny and his doom ...HER EYES WERE SUDDENLY OPENVictoire was not certain what had brought her awake. Much as she wanted to peek through the bed-curtains, she dared not.Another noise. She recognized the sound of faint footsteps, and she slipped her hand under the pillows, searching for her charged pistol. Her fingers closed on the butt and she felt a surge of excitement.Quelling her fear Victoire sat up slowly, taking care to make no sound. She pulled the pistol out and reached for the bed-curtain.That will do, she said, as she flung the curtain back. The pistol was steady in her hand. She blinked against the darkness, able to make out little more than a vague shape in the open door of the armoire.The man swore as he swung around and fired ...DON'T MISS THE FIRST MME. VERNET INVESTIGATION: NAPOLEON MUST DIE