After witnessing her father and grandmother dying under questionable circumstances and suffering a brutal attack by her money-grubbing uncle, Geneviève Pasquier leaves her Paris home, intending to commit suicide. She is stopped at the river by La Voisin, one of the most famous witches and poisoners in French history, who offers to take her as an apprentice under a new, invented identity: that of a 150-year-old fortuneteller. In this time of the Sun King (Louis XIV), whose royal eye wanders constantly, Geneviève’s own fortune can easily be made through her services to high society ladies vying for the king’s attention.

Riley brings to life an intriguing era in French history, whose poison scandals are well-documented. Many of the characters are actual historical figures. Very enjoyable.