In the Shadow of the Fire

During the Paris Communes "bloody week," a criminal investigation unfolds amidst the savagery of clashes between the Communards and the French Armed Forces. A photographer takes "suggestive" photos of young women, leading to their disappearance. Caroline's fiancé and Communal security officer set off to find her, encountering fascinating characters along the way.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: Europa Editions (UK) Ltd

The French Revolution, a turbulent period marked by violence and upheaval, witnessed a relentless criminal investigation that unfolded against the backdrop of a bloody canvas. The Paris Communes, a revolutionary movement that sought to establish a socialist government, experienced a tumultuous "bloody week" characterized by intense clashes between the Communards and the French Armed Forces loyal to Versailles. Amid the chaos and destruction, a photographer, driven by a fascination with the suffering of young women, took "suggestive" photographs intended for a specific clientele. However, this pursuit of profit led to a chilling reality as young women began vanishing, leaving a trail of fear and uncertainty.

When Caroline, a seamstress who volunteered at a first aid station, became one of the missing, her fiancé Nicolas, a member of the Communes National Guard, and Communal security officer Antoine, embarked on an independent search for her. Their mission was time-sensitive, as they raced against the clock to unravel the mystery and bring Caroline back home.

Their journey took them through the shell-shocked streets of Paris, where they encountered a diverse cast of characters. They met Marie, a young woman who had been witness to the horrors of the revolution and was now hiding out in a abandoned building. They also encountered Jean, a former soldier turned barkeep, who provided them with valuable information about the whereabouts of Caroline.

As they dug deeper into the investigation, Nicolas and Antoine faced numerous challenges. They encountered resistance from the French government, which was determined to suppress any evidence of the Communards' wrongdoing. They also had to navigate the treacherous streets of Paris, where danger lurked around every corner.

Despite the obstacles, Nicolas and Antoine remained determined to find Caroline. They used their skills and resources to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and follow leads. They even risked their own lives to protect Marie, who had become a valuable ally in their quest.

Finally, after weeks of tireless effort, Nicolas and Antoine discovered the truth about Caroline's disappearance. They learned that she had been kidnapped by a group of counterrevolutionary forces who were opposed to the Communards' vision for a socialist society. With the help of Marie and other supporters, they were able to rescue Caroline and bring her back home.

The case of Caroline and Nicolas serves as a reminder of the complexities and dangers of the French Revolution. It highlights the struggles of ordinary people caught in the midst of political turmoil and the lengths they would go to in order to seek justice and protect their loved ones. It also sheds light on the role of photography in documenting the suffering of those affected by historical events and the ethical considerations that come with such practices.

In conclusion, the criminal investigation against the bloody canvas of the French Revolution was a testament to the resilience and determination of ordinary people in the face of adversity. It was a story of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and learning from the past to build a better future.

Weight: 596g
Dimension: 145 x 219 x 49 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787702493