Plus, receive recommendations and exclusive offers on all of your favorite books and authors from Simon & Schuster.
Table of Contents
About The Book
New York Times bestselling author M. J. Rose’s “wondrously original” (Providence Journal) suspense novel featuring perfumer Jac L’Etoile “combines fascinating history, torrid romance, and a compelling mystery” (Associated Press).
Florence, Italy—1533:
An orphan named René 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, René can’t begin to imagine the tragic and personal consequences for which his lethal potions will be responsible.
Paris, France—The Present:
Renowned mythologist Jac L’Etoile becomes obsessed with René le Florentin—who 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 elixir…and 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 Medici’s 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!”
About The Author
Photograph by Mario Morgado
New York Times bestselling author M.J. Rose grew up in New York City exploring the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum and the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park. She is the author of more than a dozen novels, the founder of the first marketing company for authors, AuthorBuzz.com and cofounder of 1001DarkNights.com She lives in Connecticut. Visit her online at MJRose.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atria Books (February 10, 2015)
- Length: 384 pages
- ISBN13: 9781451621549
Browse Related Books
Raves and Reviews
"M.J. Rose's latest is breathtaking. The Collector of Dying Breaths combines fascinating history, torrid romance and a compelling mystery into a marvelous package that will entice fans of Anne Rice and Diana Gabaldon…Rose has taken an interesting premise and uses history to tell her tale....an original reading experience.”
– Associated Press
“What can I say; M.J. Rose has done it again. She presents a story so intricate and mesmerizing that the reader can get lost in the pages…an excellent choice for avid book clubbers to discuss and debate.”
– Free Lance-Star
"Rose’s latest venture into myth and reality is a page-turning, alluring concoction of fiction infused with fantastical yet actual history. Readers will be charmed by her well-drawn and memorable characters, and they will be mesmerized by her enchanting narrative, which takes them on a mystical and magical journey."
– Library Journal (starred)
"Crisp, evocative prose elevates this above other paranormal thrillers."
– Publishers Weekly
“A suspenseful and enigmatic story, with gripping historical details and the paranormal subtext Rose has become famous for, which will please her many fans.”
– Kirkus
"Rose masterfully combines romance, mystery, and dual timelines…The storyline and extensive historical details…are fascinating.”
– Romantic Times (FOUR-AND-A-HALF STARS TOP PICK)
"Wondrously original... elegantly written. Rose manages to utterly suspend our disbelief in a book that leaves us, appropriately enough, breathless."
– Providence Journal
– Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants
– B.A.Shapiro, New York Times bestselling author of The Art Forger
– C.W. Gortner, author of The Confessions of Catherine de Medici
– Susanna Kearsley, New York Times bestselling author
– Lynn Cullen, bestselling author of Mrs. Poe
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
-
Book Cover Image (jpg): The Collector of Dying Breaths
Trade Paperback 9781451621549
-
Author Photo (jpg): M. J. Rose
Photograph by Mario Morgado(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
