Title: Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer
Author: Katie Alender
First published September 24, 2013
296 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780545468091 (ISBN10: 0545468094)
Rating: 3.75
Overview
A trip to Paris for Colette Iselin means an opportunity to explore the city’s rich culture and learn more about her French roots. However, the city is being plagued by a string of gruesome murders that have everyone on edge.
While visiting museums and palaces, Colette can’t shake off a strange feeling that she keeps seeing a pale woman adorned in a ball gown and powdered wig who bears an uncanny resemblance to the infamous Marie Antoinette. With her popular friends refusing to believe her, Colette enlists the help of a charming French boy to unravel a startling secret involving a hidden, dark history.
As they delve deeper into the mystery, Colette realizes that the key to solving the case might rest with her, putting her own life in peril. Acclaimed author Katie Alender weaves a thrilling tale of intrigue, revenge, and betrayal in Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer.
About the Author
Meet Katie Alender, a Florida native and creative writer. She’s the middle child of four, with three sisters and a brother, and was raised by loving, supportive parents.
Katie attended the Palm Beach County School of the Arts where she studied Communication Arts. She then followed her passion for film and attended the Florida State University Film School.
Her love for movies and storytelling led her to Los Angeles, where she worked in TV production and development before embarking on a career as an author.
When she’s not writing, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their dogs, Scooter and Frodo. She also has a passion for sewing, particularly making quilts.
Katie’s first published piece was an article titled “So You Want to Live on Mars?” which appeared in Sassy magazine in December 1991. Since then, she has written several books and continues to inspire readers with her imaginative storytelling.
Editoral Review
Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender is a young adult thriller novel that was first published on September 24, 2013. The book centers on a group of American tourists who travel to Paris, where they happen upon a series of murders that seem to be connected to the infamous Queen Marie Antoinette.
Katie Alender, the author of Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer, is a prolific writer of young adult fiction. Her previous works include the “Bad Girls Don’t Die” trilogy and “The Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall.” Alender’s writing style is sharp and engaging, combining suspenseful storytelling with witty dialogue and relatable characters.
Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer tells the story of Colette Iselin, a high school junior who travels to Paris with her classmates for a school trip. Colette is excited to explore the city’s history and culture, but she soon realizes that something sinister is lurking beneath the surface.
As her classmates begin to be picked off one by one, Colette discovers that the killer is recreating the gruesome murders that Marie Antoinette was rumored to have committed during her reign as queen. Colette is a strong and determined protagonist, who is not afraid to take risks to uncover the truth.
She is also compassionate and loyal, making her a relatable and likable character. The setting of Paris is beautifully depicted, with Alender’s descriptions of the city’s landmarks and architecture bringing the city to life.
One of the strengths of Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer is its ability to seamlessly blend history with fiction. Alender has done her research, and the book contains many references to the French Revolution and the life and reign of Marie Antoinette.
This gives the book a sense of authenticity, while also making it an educational experience for young adult readers. However, the book does have its flaws.
The plot could have been tighter, as some of the events feel disconnected from the main story. The supporting characters, while well-written, could have been more fully developed to provide greater depth and complexity to the story.
Overall, Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer is a thrilling and engaging read that combines historical facts with imaginative storytelling. It is a must-read for fans of young adult fiction and anyone who loves a good mystery.
I give this book a 3.5/5 rating, based on its quality of writing, character development, and overall impact. While it is not perfect, it is still a fantastic book that is sure to captivate readers.
