Collector of Dying Breaths

New York Times bestselling author M. J. Roses wondrously original (Providence Journal) suspense novel featuring perfumer Jac LEtoile combines fascinating history, torrid romance, and a compelling mystery (Associated Press).Florence, Italy1533: An orphan named Ren le Florentin is plucked from poverty to become not only the greatest perfumer in the country, but also the most dangerous, creating deadly poisons for his Queen, Catherine de Medici, to use against her rivals. But while mixing herbs and essences under the light of flickering candles, Ren cant begin to imagine the tragic and personal consequences for which his lethal potions will be responsible. Paris, FranceThe Present:Renowned mythologist Jac LEtoile becomes obsessed with Ren le Florentinwho may have been working on an elixir that would unlock the secret to immortality. Together with her estranged lover, Griffin, they confront an eccentric heiress in possession of a world-class art collection, a woman who has her own dark purpose for the elixirand believes the end will justify her deadly means. Fiery and lush, set against deep, wild forests and dimly lit chateaus, this gothic tale zigzags from the violent days of Catherine de Medicis court to twenty-first-century France. Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants, raves about the book: Mysterious, magical, and mythical. What a joy to read!