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The Paris Affair
A queer historical romantic suspense novel about a young engineer working for Gustave Eiffel caught in a web of deceit that could destroy both him and the famous tower.
Fin Tighe is clinging to respectability by his nail-bitten fingers. He may be the illegitimate son of an English earl, but he hasn’t spoken to his father in a decade, and his engineer’s salary is barely enough to support him and his cousin Aurelie. A dancer in the corps de ballet , Aurelie is at constant risk from groping, leering men who assume any dancer is a prostitute in training. And Fin’s evenings spent in the clandestine gay community may be legal through a loophole in the Napoleonic Code, but they leave him vulnerable.
So, when Fin’s employer, Gustave Eiffel, announces that he needs additional investors to pay for his pet project, a 300-meter tower that will dominate the city’s skyline, Fin jumps at the chance. If he raises enough money, the commission will earn him a fortune, and hopefully, some protection.
Capricious stranger Gilbert Duhais appears to be a boon from the gods. Gilbert is handsome, wealthy, connected, and somehow privy to Fin’s background. Gilbert persuades Fin to masquerade as his father’s heir—which couldn’t be further from the truth—and introduces him to every nouveau riche speculator in the city. Each provocative interaction heightens Fin's risk of exposure. But also brings Fin closer to his dream of financial security.
When a dear friend of Fin’s is murdered above a clandestine gay club, the stakes rise even higher. Fin must untangle the disparate threads of his past—and his current romantic gamble—before they become his noose.
Fin Tighe is clinging to respectability by his nail-bitten fingers. He may be the illegitimate son of an English earl, but he hasn’t spoken to his father in a decade, and his engineer’s salary is barely enough to support him and his cousin Aurelie. A dancer in the corps de ballet , Aurelie is at constant risk from groping, leering men who assume any dancer is a prostitute in training. And Fin’s evenings spent in the clandestine gay community may be legal through a loophole in the Napoleonic Code, but they leave him vulnerable.
So, when Fin’s employer, Gustave Eiffel, announces that he needs additional investors to pay for his pet project, a 300-meter tower that will dominate the city’s skyline, Fin jumps at the chance. If he raises enough money, the commission will earn him a fortune, and hopefully, some protection.
Capricious stranger Gilbert Duhais appears to be a boon from the gods. Gilbert is handsome, wealthy, connected, and somehow privy to Fin’s background. Gilbert persuades Fin to masquerade as his father’s heir—which couldn’t be further from the truth—and introduces him to every nouveau riche speculator in the city. Each provocative interaction heightens Fin's risk of exposure. But also brings Fin closer to his dream of financial security.
When a dear friend of Fin’s is murdered above a clandestine gay club, the stakes rise even higher. Fin must untangle the disparate threads of his past—and his current romantic gamble—before they become his noose.
416 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2024
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3657 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 17, 2024
When I read historical fiction, I want to care about the characters, I want the plot conflicts to be resolved in ways that are unanticipated, and I want what I call black & white historical settings to resolve immersively, into color. The Paris Affair was all of that and more. Maureen Marshall drew from her personal experience and education to create a Paris with more depth than I’d understood, which is significant to me as I’ve been to Paris and felt I’d taken the city’s pulse pretty well.
I wanted her protagonist — Fin — to overcome his challenges, to find his place. The plot twists surprised me time and time again, to the very end when they came together with a speed and order I’d not anticipated. Throughout it, Fin and his friends contend with their powerlessness at the hands of elites, the scorn of their relatives, and their search for family, which really makes it a story about all of us. And there was the bonus — themes that matter as much to us today as they did for ordinary people in the extraordinary time of Eiffel’s Tower.
The Paris Affair was, for me, one of those rare stories that left me extremely satisfied that when I reached the end, it had been well and completely told; and just a little frustrated because I didn’t want it to be over.
(This was an advance reading copy)
I wanted her protagonist — Fin — to overcome his challenges, to find his place. The plot twists surprised me time and time again, to the very end when they came together with a speed and order I’d not anticipated. Throughout it, Fin and his friends contend with their powerlessness at the hands of elites, the scorn of their relatives, and their search for family, which really makes it a story about all of us. And there was the bonus — themes that matter as much to us today as they did for ordinary people in the extraordinary time of Eiffel’s Tower.
The Paris Affair was, for me, one of those rare stories that left me extremely satisfied that when I reached the end, it had been well and completely told; and just a little frustrated because I didn’t want it to be over.
(This was an advance reading copy)
February 9, 2024
this was a very captivating story! I loved the premise and the historical queer romance aspect of an interesting moment in history. I loved the historical moments of the building of Eiffel’s tower intertwined with the romance and suspense of the story. Fin is a lovable character, someone who is looking for his secured place in life financially, romantically, and intellectually. the macabre landscape of 19th century france— elitism, glorified death, & extreme poverty— are written in relatable ways to todays mirrored issues. I loved the characters and their well-rounded intrigue and heart they present throughout the story. I was enthralled right to the very end, through the epilogue. thank you for the arc!!!
June 14, 2024
A queer historical romantic suspense novel about a young engineer working for Gustave Eiffel caught in a web of deceit that could destroy both him and the famous tower.
Fin Tighe is clinging to respectability by his nail-bitten fingers. He may be the illegitimate son of an English earl, but he hasn’t spoken to his father in a decade, and his engineer’s salary is barely enough to support him and his cousin Aurelie. A dancer in the corps de ballet, Aurelie is at constant risk from groping, leering men who assume any dancer is a prostitute in training. And Fin’s evenings spent in the clandestine gay community may be legal through a loophole in the Napoleonic Code, but they leave him vulnerable.
So, when Fin’s employer, Gustave Eiffel, announces that he needs additional investors to pay for his pet project, a 300-meter tower that will dominate the city’s skyline, Fin jumps at the chance. If he raises enough money, the commission will earn him a fortune, and hopefully, some protection.
Capricious stranger Gilbert Duhais appears to be a boon from the gods. Gilbert is handsome, wealthy, connected, and somehow privy to Fin’s background. Gilbert persuades Fin to masquerade as his father’s heir—which couldn’t be further from the truth—and introduces him to every nouveau riche speculator in the city. Each provocative interaction heightens Fin's risk of exposure. But also brings Fin closer to his dream of financial security.
When a dear friend of Fin’s is murdered above a clandestine gay club, the stakes rise even higher. Fin must untangle the disparate threads of his past—and his current romantic gamble—before they become his noose.
Review:
Dear Maureen Marshall,
I saw the mention of your book on Good reads lists of historical romances coming soon. I still do not feel as if I am finding nearly as many of those as I would have liked so I one clicked despite an expensive price tag, refusing to even see whether my library may offer this title. Paris and the building of Eiffel Tower and a love story unfolding on that background. Of course I wanted this book. I still did not make it to Paris, still hope to see it and Tower one day, but for now books and movies would have to do.
So, first thing first, while I do not feel as if I am fully capable of evaluating the authenticity of the France in 1880s as portrayed in this book, I definitely felt that the writer transported me *somewhere* that felt like France for the person who had never been there :). I certainly did not feel as if the characters thought and acted as people who live today and that alone is already something that I really appreciate. I mean, it is not as if characters' mindset was *completely* alien to me, after all people at the end of the 19 century had a lot of similar values to us as well, but I did not feel as if I was reading about my contemporaries dressed in pretty costumes.
I think the whole storyline which unfolds as a backdrop, or more precisely as part of Fin and Gilbert's developing love story just felt unusual to me. I actually never before read anything about the building of Eiffel tower, not in any work of fiction or non-fiction. It seemed that author did her research even though I only looked up the basics in Wiki, but more importantly I think that she incorporated it well in the fictional story.
There is a developing romance and I ended up really liking it, but I cannot really talk much about it, because I do not want to spoil the circumstances of that romance, specifically how and why Gilbert appears in Fin's life. You will either like it or you won't. I did! Those are the kind of complexities that I do love in romantic characters, but opinions may differ of course.
I love them both, their blinders and issues notwithstanding and hoped they would be together for the long time after the book ended :). A lot of secondary characters were wonderful too, much appreciated several interesting female characters.
Despite the murder mentioned in the blurb, I do not feel as if the story was a mystery, because there was no real investigation, but we do learn who did what and why. I do think that romantic suspense is a perfect qualification for this book.
Grade: B+
Fin Tighe is clinging to respectability by his nail-bitten fingers. He may be the illegitimate son of an English earl, but he hasn’t spoken to his father in a decade, and his engineer’s salary is barely enough to support him and his cousin Aurelie. A dancer in the corps de ballet, Aurelie is at constant risk from groping, leering men who assume any dancer is a prostitute in training. And Fin’s evenings spent in the clandestine gay community may be legal through a loophole in the Napoleonic Code, but they leave him vulnerable.
So, when Fin’s employer, Gustave Eiffel, announces that he needs additional investors to pay for his pet project, a 300-meter tower that will dominate the city’s skyline, Fin jumps at the chance. If he raises enough money, the commission will earn him a fortune, and hopefully, some protection.
Capricious stranger Gilbert Duhais appears to be a boon from the gods. Gilbert is handsome, wealthy, connected, and somehow privy to Fin’s background. Gilbert persuades Fin to masquerade as his father’s heir—which couldn’t be further from the truth—and introduces him to every nouveau riche speculator in the city. Each provocative interaction heightens Fin's risk of exposure. But also brings Fin closer to his dream of financial security.
When a dear friend of Fin’s is murdered above a clandestine gay club, the stakes rise even higher. Fin must untangle the disparate threads of his past—and his current romantic gamble—before they become his noose.
Review:
Dear Maureen Marshall,
I saw the mention of your book on Good reads lists of historical romances coming soon. I still do not feel as if I am finding nearly as many of those as I would have liked so I one clicked despite an expensive price tag, refusing to even see whether my library may offer this title. Paris and the building of Eiffel Tower and a love story unfolding on that background. Of course I wanted this book. I still did not make it to Paris, still hope to see it and Tower one day, but for now books and movies would have to do.
So, first thing first, while I do not feel as if I am fully capable of evaluating the authenticity of the France in 1880s as portrayed in this book, I definitely felt that the writer transported me *somewhere* that felt like France for the person who had never been there :). I certainly did not feel as if the characters thought and acted as people who live today and that alone is already something that I really appreciate. I mean, it is not as if characters' mindset was *completely* alien to me, after all people at the end of the 19 century had a lot of similar values to us as well, but I did not feel as if I was reading about my contemporaries dressed in pretty costumes.
I think the whole storyline which unfolds as a backdrop, or more precisely as part of Fin and Gilbert's developing love story just felt unusual to me. I actually never before read anything about the building of Eiffel tower, not in any work of fiction or non-fiction. It seemed that author did her research even though I only looked up the basics in Wiki, but more importantly I think that she incorporated it well in the fictional story.
There is a developing romance and I ended up really liking it, but I cannot really talk much about it, because I do not want to spoil the circumstances of that romance, specifically how and why Gilbert appears in Fin's life. You will either like it or you won't. I did! Those are the kind of complexities that I do love in romantic characters, but opinions may differ of course.
I love them both, their blinders and issues notwithstanding and hoped they would be together for the long time after the book ended :). A lot of secondary characters were wonderful too, much appreciated several interesting female characters.
Despite the murder mentioned in the blurb, I do not feel as if the story was a mystery, because there was no real investigation, but we do learn who did what and why. I do think that romantic suspense is a perfect qualification for this book.
Grade: B+
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2024
“The Paris Affair” is filled with so many twists and turns, it transports the reader back in time to the construction of the Eiffel Tower. It’s mysterious, intriguing and the plot is definitely unique and the characters are well developed. The reader will very easily connect to these characters as it depicts wholeheartedly the dynamics of being LBGTQ+ in the late 1800’s, and the problematic societal and controversial political climate that existed at that point in time.
I had no idea that the Napoleonic Code in France when written permitted and legalized homosexuality as long as it wasn’t publicized, but the stigma attached to homosexuality was overwhelmingly detrimental on so many levels. I guess this is why Fin Tighe’s relationship with his queerness was so complicated and deeply complex. Homosexuality is illegal in England where he was born and that stamps sheer terror in his heart. He embraces his queerness and his relationship with Gilbert, but is always on high alert because of it. Victoire, on the other hand is a transwoman who faces challenges and consequences on a whole different level, the realities are harsh, but she exhibits no self pity whatsoever and her friendship with Fin is tight, connecting them like family. This book is dark and deep, but eloquently written. Lies, betrayal and deceit makes this book a must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Fin’s character is inspirational, he cares for his cousin Aurelie with such compassion and kindness, he faces head on who he truly is and stakes his claim as he manoeuvres to survive in a massive web of deceit. A place where the moral compass of so many people begins to unravel.
The Paris Affair is a compelling literary trek, a journey that deals with themes of identity, illegitimacy, class, love, loss, but most importantly the pursuit of acceptance. I really enjoyed reading this book and all of the queerness it had to offer. If you are homophobic in anyway shape or form, then this is not the book for you. It’s simply a lovely historical queer mystery with a romantic twist and its suspenseful structure is bound to keep you fully immersed. This book surpassed my expectations and I would definitely read more books by this author. The queer engineer that was employed by Gustave Eiffel is a character I won’t forget. Loved the ending!
I had no idea that the Napoleonic Code in France when written permitted and legalized homosexuality as long as it wasn’t publicized, but the stigma attached to homosexuality was overwhelmingly detrimental on so many levels. I guess this is why Fin Tighe’s relationship with his queerness was so complicated and deeply complex. Homosexuality is illegal in England where he was born and that stamps sheer terror in his heart. He embraces his queerness and his relationship with Gilbert, but is always on high alert because of it. Victoire, on the other hand is a transwoman who faces challenges and consequences on a whole different level, the realities are harsh, but she exhibits no self pity whatsoever and her friendship with Fin is tight, connecting them like family. This book is dark and deep, but eloquently written. Lies, betrayal and deceit makes this book a must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Fin’s character is inspirational, he cares for his cousin Aurelie with such compassion and kindness, he faces head on who he truly is and stakes his claim as he manoeuvres to survive in a massive web of deceit. A place where the moral compass of so many people begins to unravel.
The Paris Affair is a compelling literary trek, a journey that deals with themes of identity, illegitimacy, class, love, loss, but most importantly the pursuit of acceptance. I really enjoyed reading this book and all of the queerness it had to offer. If you are homophobic in anyway shape or form, then this is not the book for you. It’s simply a lovely historical queer mystery with a romantic twist and its suspenseful structure is bound to keep you fully immersed. This book surpassed my expectations and I would definitely read more books by this author. The queer engineer that was employed by Gustave Eiffel is a character I won’t forget. Loved the ending!
September 9, 2024
Well this wins the prize of most melodramatic MC. This hit many of my "nope!" tropes (miscommunication, undeserving of love, etc.) and yet I couldn't stop reading.
The murder mystery plot was entertaining and unpredictable enough for me to raise an eyebrow at the reveal. But Aurélie storyline paired with Fin's inner dialogue just got obnoxious.
The murder mystery plot was entertaining and unpredictable enough for me to raise an eyebrow at the reveal. But Aurélie storyline paired with Fin's inner dialogue just got obnoxious.
September 4, 2024
Former history teacher turned writer should go back to teaching.
Read
June 22, 2024DNF @25%
I was really looking forward to this one but it was mind numbingly boring
I was really looking forward to this one but it was mind numbingly boring
April 19, 2025
A great book, especially the last hundred pages. I have read other books about the Eiffel Tower but this book showed the financing side which was interesting. It was also interesting to read about the life of a ballet dancer and the different sides to Paris, from the very wealthy to the hidden clubs. The storyline was good but the last hundred pages had me racing through to find out what happened.
November 11, 2025
full review coming POST haste!... once again binged finished a queer romance at the detriment of my sleep cycle cos i needed to know if Fin and Gilbert could conquer the secrets and subterfuge threatening their romance. long story short: happy endings DO exist!
gonna take the day to write up the review for this and the other recent outstanding reads, pray for me that distraction doesn't tempt me too far from discipline!
gonna take the day to write up the review for this and the other recent outstanding reads, pray for me that distraction doesn't tempt me too far from discipline!
May 11, 2024
This book surpassed my expectations. It has everything: a thrilling mystery plot with multiple murders, a sizzling m/m romance (for romance readers: ), a well-researched historical background, a family drama with secrets from the past, and a social commentary on the era that rings true to this day.
It's a single pov, 1st person narrator by our protagonist Fin, who's a down on his luck engineer working for Eiffel. He's deep in debts and there's also a controversy will the tower be even built, so he needs to help secure funding and support for it, lest he loses his job and he and his orphaned ballerina cousin land on the street.
There's an author's note at the end mentioning the Eiffel tower controversy is fairly unknown in the modern day, but the contemporaries didn't perceive it as a work of art but some ugly abomination. I was told that story by my primary school arts teacher and she also claimed there were plans to build multiple towers and connect them with a cable line cart travelling around the city - not sure whether that's legend or truth, but in the end, we just got 1 tower, but indeed it has become a symbol of Paris and France rather than something akin to oversized electricity pylon. There are even multiple other towers inspired by this one, including Tokyo tv tower.
Anyway, Fin gets approached by a very handsome, witty but a bit "this guy knows too much - why?" suspicious gentleman, Gilbert, who ropes him into a grand plan of making a ripple among the Paris elite society and securing sponsors for the tower.
The plan works well - too well. Something's off. And then people go missing and the dead bodies start appearing. Is Gilbert the murderer, or is he protecting Fin from the real murderer? Is he a swindler or a friend? Fin keeps asking himself what are Gilbert's true motivations, while getting entangled in an affair with the man.
The story was intriguing and fast paced, while also introducing a colorful cast of side characters. And as the author admits in the note, the protagonists might be gay white men, but the novel also says a lot about women of that era.
There's Aurelie, Fin's cousin, his only family left he really knows and would protect with his life. Her dream is to be a ballet star, but during that era, ballerinas and other female artists like actresses and singers are often treated as thinly concealed courtesans, only waiting for a rich "sponsor" to take care of them. Aurelie doesn't want to be anyone's kept woman or a prostitute, but the society's prejudices and the system designed to keep women down works in her disfavor.
There's Victoire, a transwoman working as a singer in a friend's "gay bar" of the era, disowned by her family (except one sister) for not being a man as they expected her to be. The representation was really well done and interesting, and Victoire is a strong character who doesn't self-pity despite the society being prejudiced against trans folks even more than against gay folks. There's a soul crushing scene where due to financial reasons she's considering detransitioning and going back to the closet, and that's also portraying harsh realities queer people often have to face.
There's Stephanie, a bi-racial fiancee and step-cousin of Gilbert. She a very smart and savvy woman but due to misogynistic laws she's under the thumb of her step-father who owns all her deceased mother's money. Gilbert is offering her a lavender marriage so she could have some semblance of financial independence while he's covered against homophobia.
At this point of time, being gay was illegal in England, and while it wasn't illegal in France, it was illegal to show any signs of it in public, and it was socially shunned. All of the queer characters in this novel have to hide their orientation and the "gay bar" is an underground "speakeasy" style establishment that uses various means of concealment to look "legal" and bribery against police raids. A lot of this still rings true in modern day, where in many places queer people don't have the privilege to be "out and proud" in fear of ostracism, bullying, discrimination and violence.
The mystery was well crafted, and in the end all pieces fell into place, but the last 20% plot twist really upped the stakes and made me rush to the end to see how everything will unravel. The ending sends a powerful message but also I felt it was a bit abrupt because everything started happening at once in the last part.
I also liked the last moment introduction of Fin's grandma, who has to suddenly step out of her comfort zone of a proper English lady and reconcile with her grandson shunned by the family for so long, but they're all dead now while Fin and the grandma are here and have to look into the future, not into the past.
Fin himself was likeable, but a bit naive and slow on uptake, partially due to insecurity, partially due to being constantly put in fish out of water situations, but in the end he managed to find his own voice and confidence, and it was satisfying. However, at at least two moments across the book I wanted to shake him and knock some sense into him. Man, you're an engineer, please add things up!
Overall it was an enjoyable, suspenseful read, but also hard at times due to heavy subjects. I appreciate the author's thoughtful exploration of the social inequalities of the era.
TW: homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, sexual assault (off page), slurs, discrimination of lower class / status people, forced child prostitution (non-graphic, backstory), murder, domestic abuse (mentioned in passing, backstory), suicide of a family member (backstory), disowning / familial estrangement, unfair / corrupt justice system.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing / Hachette Book Group and NetGalley for the ARC!
It's a single pov, 1st person narrator by our protagonist Fin, who's a down on his luck engineer working for Eiffel. He's deep in debts and there's also a controversy will the tower be even built, so he needs to help secure funding and support for it, lest he loses his job and he and his orphaned ballerina cousin land on the street.
There's an author's note at the end mentioning the Eiffel tower controversy is fairly unknown in the modern day, but the contemporaries didn't perceive it as a work of art but some ugly abomination. I was told that story by my primary school arts teacher and she also claimed there were plans to build multiple towers and connect them with a cable line cart travelling around the city - not sure whether that's legend or truth, but in the end, we just got 1 tower, but indeed it has become a symbol of Paris and France rather than something akin to oversized electricity pylon. There are even multiple other towers inspired by this one, including Tokyo tv tower.
Anyway, Fin gets approached by a very handsome, witty but a bit "this guy knows too much - why?" suspicious gentleman, Gilbert, who ropes him into a grand plan of making a ripple among the Paris elite society and securing sponsors for the tower.
The plan works well - too well. Something's off. And then people go missing and the dead bodies start appearing. Is Gilbert the murderer, or is he protecting Fin from the real murderer? Is he a swindler or a friend? Fin keeps asking himself what are Gilbert's true motivations, while getting entangled in an affair with the man.
The story was intriguing and fast paced, while also introducing a colorful cast of side characters. And as the author admits in the note, the protagonists might be gay white men, but the novel also says a lot about women of that era.
There's Aurelie, Fin's cousin, his only family left he really knows and would protect with his life. Her dream is to be a ballet star, but during that era, ballerinas and other female artists like actresses and singers are often treated as thinly concealed courtesans, only waiting for a rich "sponsor" to take care of them. Aurelie doesn't want to be anyone's kept woman or a prostitute, but the society's prejudices and the system designed to keep women down works in her disfavor.
There's Victoire, a transwoman working as a singer in a friend's "gay bar" of the era, disowned by her family (except one sister) for not being a man as they expected her to be. The representation was really well done and interesting, and Victoire is a strong character who doesn't self-pity despite the society being prejudiced against trans folks even more than against gay folks. There's a soul crushing scene where due to financial reasons she's considering detransitioning and going back to the closet, and that's also portraying harsh realities queer people often have to face.
There's Stephanie, a bi-racial fiancee and step-cousin of Gilbert. She a very smart and savvy woman but due to misogynistic laws she's under the thumb of her step-father who owns all her deceased mother's money. Gilbert is offering her a lavender marriage so she could have some semblance of financial independence while he's covered against homophobia.
At this point of time, being gay was illegal in England, and while it wasn't illegal in France, it was illegal to show any signs of it in public, and it was socially shunned. All of the queer characters in this novel have to hide their orientation and the "gay bar" is an underground "speakeasy" style establishment that uses various means of concealment to look "legal" and bribery against police raids. A lot of this still rings true in modern day, where in many places queer people don't have the privilege to be "out and proud" in fear of ostracism, bullying, discrimination and violence.
The mystery was well crafted, and in the end all pieces fell into place, but the last 20% plot twist really upped the stakes and made me rush to the end to see how everything will unravel. The ending sends a powerful message but also I felt it was a bit abrupt because everything started happening at once in the last part.
I also liked the last moment introduction of Fin's grandma, who has to suddenly step out of her comfort zone of a proper English lady and reconcile with her grandson shunned by the family for so long, but they're all dead now while Fin and the grandma are here and have to look into the future, not into the past.
Fin himself was likeable, but a bit naive and slow on uptake, partially due to insecurity, partially due to being constantly put in fish out of water situations, but in the end he managed to find his own voice and confidence, and it was satisfying. However, at at least two moments across the book I wanted to shake him and knock some sense into him. Man, you're an engineer, please add things up!
Overall it was an enjoyable, suspenseful read, but also hard at times due to heavy subjects. I appreciate the author's thoughtful exploration of the social inequalities of the era.
TW: homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, sexual assault (off page), slurs, discrimination of lower class / status people, forced child prostitution (non-graphic, backstory), murder, domestic abuse (mentioned in passing, backstory), suicide of a family member (backstory), disowning / familial estrangement, unfair / corrupt justice system.
Thank you Grand Central Publishing / Hachette Book Group and NetGalley for the ARC!
May 27, 2024
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
The Paris Affair by Maureen Marshall is a first-person POV historical Queer romantic suspense set around the 1889 World Fair and the building of the Eiffel Tower. Finley is the illegitimate son of an English lord living in France who is employed by Gustave Eiffel. By day, he keeps a respectable appearance to make his fortune independent of his father’s influence and by night, he goes to Parisian Queer spaces to be around his community. When one friend goes missing and another is murdered, Fin’s carefully crafted persona might be in danger.
What I really liked was how often there are mentions of the Parisian ballet scene. Fin’s cousin, Aurelie, is a ballerina who wants to devote her time and energy to her art, but because of the way the system is set up, many ballerinas are taken as lovers by men with power and influence in Paris. Those little details help make the setting really come alive and add richness to the characters and their motivations and relationships while also highlighting some of the darker parts of life for ballerinas in the late 1800s.
Another thing I liked was Fin’s complicated relationship with his Queerness. While he does embrace it and is an active part of the community, he is incredibly aware of how society treats Queerness. He is very hesitant to trust other men and make them long-term partners along with being concerned that it could get back to his father or Eiffel and ruin him just when he achieved his dreams. I really liked that because it centers the less than positive feelings on how the world sees things over the character angsting about their feelings and believing they are less than or something is wrong with them.
My favorite parts were the quieter moments between Fin and Gilbert. Gilbert is everything Fin needs: attentive and understanding, willing to invest in Fin’s interests, and cares about Aurelie. The two have a sweet relationship that feels realistic because Fin is concerned about what could happen if he is exposed but when Gilbert makes him breakfast or listens to him, it opens Fin up further to deeper romantic feelings. Gilbert even encourages Fin to start claiming he is the Earl, taking up his father’s title to reclaim what should have been his.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a historical Queer story with a suspense structure, fans of historical Parisian settings, and those looking for a Queer book that focuses more on society’s view rather than internal hatred.
The Paris Affair by Maureen Marshall is a first-person POV historical Queer romantic suspense set around the 1889 World Fair and the building of the Eiffel Tower. Finley is the illegitimate son of an English lord living in France who is employed by Gustave Eiffel. By day, he keeps a respectable appearance to make his fortune independent of his father’s influence and by night, he goes to Parisian Queer spaces to be around his community. When one friend goes missing and another is murdered, Fin’s carefully crafted persona might be in danger.
What I really liked was how often there are mentions of the Parisian ballet scene. Fin’s cousin, Aurelie, is a ballerina who wants to devote her time and energy to her art, but because of the way the system is set up, many ballerinas are taken as lovers by men with power and influence in Paris. Those little details help make the setting really come alive and add richness to the characters and their motivations and relationships while also highlighting some of the darker parts of life for ballerinas in the late 1800s.
Another thing I liked was Fin’s complicated relationship with his Queerness. While he does embrace it and is an active part of the community, he is incredibly aware of how society treats Queerness. He is very hesitant to trust other men and make them long-term partners along with being concerned that it could get back to his father or Eiffel and ruin him just when he achieved his dreams. I really liked that because it centers the less than positive feelings on how the world sees things over the character angsting about their feelings and believing they are less than or something is wrong with them.
My favorite parts were the quieter moments between Fin and Gilbert. Gilbert is everything Fin needs: attentive and understanding, willing to invest in Fin’s interests, and cares about Aurelie. The two have a sweet relationship that feels realistic because Fin is concerned about what could happen if he is exposed but when Gilbert makes him breakfast or listens to him, it opens Fin up further to deeper romantic feelings. Gilbert even encourages Fin to start claiming he is the Earl, taking up his father’s title to reclaim what should have been his.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a historical Queer story with a suspense structure, fans of historical Parisian settings, and those looking for a Queer book that focuses more on society’s view rather than internal hatred.
January 17, 2024
Like the sparkling illuminations of the Eiffel Tower, this book is a beautiful work of art, laced with romance, suspense, and a plot that kept me turning the pages late into the evening!
Beautifully written, the way Marshall describes the lace structure of the tower and the secret laws of harmony that make such a feat of engineering possible is simply enviable!
All the heart, dancing, costumes, and heartache of Moulin Rouge was brought to life with two worthy heroes who stand to lose everything... and, oh, the gamble could bring them so much more than success! I was simply swooning for Fin and Gilbert!
Mysterious Gilbert oozes wealth and glamor... a perfect Belle Epoque love interest with secrets underneath his stunning facade of perfection. Intelligent, ambitious Fin wants so much to be a part of Gilbert's world and is just the sort of fellow to reluctantly fall under Gilbert's spell. But Fin doesn't trust easily...his past is filled with heartache and loss that makes it so hard for him to believe in Gilbert...
Marshall does an impeccable job of weaving the exciting history behind Eiffel's tower into the story, balancing the intrigue of the past with a fictional, suspenseful twist! How fun to look back on this icon of Paris and realize that not everyone wanted it built.
Fin's belief in Eiffel's vision plays out in all of us because we also know how wonderful the tower will be! But how to fund it? Handsome, influential Gilbert is the perfect man to introduce Fin to the people who have the deep pockets to get Fin everything he's dreamed of. But at what price?
If you enjoy the historical romances of KJ Charles and Cat Sebastian, Marshall steps up to the plate with a novel worth reading over and again! This is a must read!
Beautifully written, the way Marshall describes the lace structure of the tower and the secret laws of harmony that make such a feat of engineering possible is simply enviable!
All the heart, dancing, costumes, and heartache of Moulin Rouge was brought to life with two worthy heroes who stand to lose everything... and, oh, the gamble could bring them so much more than success! I was simply swooning for Fin and Gilbert!
Mysterious Gilbert oozes wealth and glamor... a perfect Belle Epoque love interest with secrets underneath his stunning facade of perfection. Intelligent, ambitious Fin wants so much to be a part of Gilbert's world and is just the sort of fellow to reluctantly fall under Gilbert's spell. But Fin doesn't trust easily...his past is filled with heartache and loss that makes it so hard for him to believe in Gilbert...
Marshall does an impeccable job of weaving the exciting history behind Eiffel's tower into the story, balancing the intrigue of the past with a fictional, suspenseful twist! How fun to look back on this icon of Paris and realize that not everyone wanted it built.
Fin's belief in Eiffel's vision plays out in all of us because we also know how wonderful the tower will be! But how to fund it? Handsome, influential Gilbert is the perfect man to introduce Fin to the people who have the deep pockets to get Fin everything he's dreamed of. But at what price?
If you enjoy the historical romances of KJ Charles and Cat Sebastian, Marshall steps up to the plate with a novel worth reading over and again! This is a must read!
March 13, 2024
Here we are, in 1880's Paris - Fin is an engineer working on the preliminary plans for the Eiffel Tower, living with his cousin Aurelie (a ballet dancer for the Corps) in a rundown flat. Fin is gay, and Aurelie, being a ballet dancer, is looked down upon by society. Fin meets Gilbert on the fly, a man who promises him the moon to get the Eiffel Tower funded and Fin a promotion, but at what cost?
I really liked this story, from learning about LGBTQ Paris to the building of the Eiffel Tower. The writing is solid and the story moves along well. There are a couple plot points I am confused on (SPOILER ALERT ...
how exactly did Fin get Gilbert off the hook and for Aurelie not to get charged? What did I miss?) and I had a hard time getting a feel for Aurelie's personality. Gilbert really read to me as Oscar from a Gilded Age - a nice enough fellow, but always seems to be on the sly for some reason or another.
I wish that the author had a section at the end of the book more about the history of the Eiffel Tower and what she pulled from reality for her book. I did go look some things up, but it wasn't the same as hearing what the author pulled from history, who, and why. In a lot of historical fiction books that happens. Though I did find her interview after the discussion questions lovely and it gave us a sense of who she is and why she chose to write the characters as she did.
Thank you to NetGalley for ARC!
I really liked this story, from learning about LGBTQ Paris to the building of the Eiffel Tower. The writing is solid and the story moves along well. There are a couple plot points I am confused on (SPOILER ALERT ...
how exactly did Fin get Gilbert off the hook and for Aurelie not to get charged? What did I miss?) and I had a hard time getting a feel for Aurelie's personality. Gilbert really read to me as Oscar from a Gilded Age - a nice enough fellow, but always seems to be on the sly for some reason or another.
I wish that the author had a section at the end of the book more about the history of the Eiffel Tower and what she pulled from reality for her book. I did go look some things up, but it wasn't the same as hearing what the author pulled from history, who, and why. In a lot of historical fiction books that happens. Though I did find her interview after the discussion questions lovely and it gave us a sense of who she is and why she chose to write the characters as she did.
Thank you to NetGalley for ARC!
July 1, 2024
The Paris Affair has a little bit of everything: romance, mystery, lost family, found family, secrets and intrigue, historical events, and a gorgeous Paris setting. That it's thoroughly queer is the icing on the cake. Fin is barely holding things together, paying rent, paying for his cousin's lifestyle as a ballerina, and dreaming of striking it rich with investments in the far-fetched vision of Gustav Eiffel - the massive tower that may never be built. Enter the scene - a mysterious stranger who has all the right connections. Gil introduces Fin to the people who could finance the tower, but in order to fit in, Fin must masquerade as the legitimate heir to his estranged father--a lie that could get him imprisoned. Fin is hiding another secret that could get him hanged back home in England. He frequents The Green Carnation, a queer club, where a lovely group of friends consider him family. At the center of it all is an attraction turned romance between Gil and Fin as they discover in each other a deep soul connection. But with people going missing--or turning up dead--Fin doesn't know who he can trust, and the truth might ruin everything. A swoony, twisty, page-turning romance/thriller, this book is not to be missed.
October 1, 2024
Good chemistry between the MCs and an interesting setting, but the plot was sorely lacking. The narrator, Finn, may be an engineer working on the design for the Eiffel Tower, but he doesn't have the common sense the good lord gave a goose. A handsome stranger appears out of nowhere and offers to solve all of your problems but refuses to answer any questions? Puh-leeze. And after an intriguing setup, Finn is literally in another country when the Big Moment happens, and only learns the truth when a female secondary character fills him in.
Marshall has written several more explicit M/M historical romances as Ella Stainton. I didn't make it past the first few chapters of "Kilty Pleasures Book 1" (Best Laid Plaids), because it was just too silly for my taste. In fact, I never would have guessed the two women were the same person. I hope she will develop Maureen Marshall further; her voice feels much more authentic and natural than her alter ego's.
Marshall has written several more explicit M/M historical romances as Ella Stainton. I didn't make it past the first few chapters of "Kilty Pleasures Book 1" (Best Laid Plaids), because it was just too silly for my taste. In fact, I never would have guessed the two women were the same person. I hope she will develop Maureen Marshall further; her voice feels much more authentic and natural than her alter ego's.
June 12, 2024
This was a great debut! This had such a unique idea for a plot which is what drew me in initially. I loved the historical setting and exploration of queerness in that time. The characters were all well developed. The story had many twists and turns keeping the reader on their toes. Though many of these twists and turns happened in the last third of the book. There were times in the first part that I found a little slow.
I really enjoyed Fin’s complicated relationship with his queerness. While he did embrace it and was an active part of the community in Paris, he is also keenly aware of how society treats and feels about queerness. I liked that his conflict was with how the world sees queerness and not internal angst regarding his queerness.
I’m a huge history fan and I loved learning more about getting the Eiffel Tower built because I had no idea of the history and the controversy before reading this.
I look forward to seeing what this author does in the future.
I really enjoyed Fin’s complicated relationship with his queerness. While he did embrace it and was an active part of the community in Paris, he is also keenly aware of how society treats and feels about queerness. I liked that his conflict was with how the world sees queerness and not internal angst regarding his queerness.
I’m a huge history fan and I loved learning more about getting the Eiffel Tower built because I had no idea of the history and the controversy before reading this.
I look forward to seeing what this author does in the future.
September 3, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4.
This is a well-written, well-researched historical novel. Since Paris and queer life are two things I like to read about, I was its target audience.
THE PARIS AFFAIR is not quite literary fiction, not quite fully a romance, not quite a mystery or suspense novel, but partly all of those things. As a result, it doesn't fully embrace the conventions of any of those genres. The structure might have benefited from committing to some of the more dramatic narrative beats that typically propel a commercial fiction reader's interest onward, like higher or heightened dramatic stakes earlier in the story. The romantic and suspense elements are doled out at a very measured pace. Nonetheless, I respected and enjoyed THE PARIS AFFAIR and I'd read another of Marshall's books, especially if she continues to juggle some of the same elements (Paris! Gay love affairs!) in her future work.
This is a well-written, well-researched historical novel. Since Paris and queer life are two things I like to read about, I was its target audience.
THE PARIS AFFAIR is not quite literary fiction, not quite fully a romance, not quite a mystery or suspense novel, but partly all of those things. As a result, it doesn't fully embrace the conventions of any of those genres. The structure might have benefited from committing to some of the more dramatic narrative beats that typically propel a commercial fiction reader's interest onward, like higher or heightened dramatic stakes earlier in the story. The romantic and suspense elements are doled out at a very measured pace. Nonetheless, I respected and enjoyed THE PARIS AFFAIR and I'd read another of Marshall's books, especially if she continues to juggle some of the same elements (Paris! Gay love affairs!) in her future work.
June 4, 2024
Mixed feelings on this one - and maybe not the most popular opinion. I loved the historical aspect of this - the location in Paris. The story's connection to Gustave Eiffel. I found the perspective of being LBGTQ+ in Paris in the late 1800's was fascinating and awe inspiring. The characters were well developed and easy to connect with. That being said, I found that the book moved slowly until about 75% of the way through. Not much happened when I hit the halfway mark - I felt myself waiting most of the book for more. More engaging, more drama, just more. I think that if I went into this book expecting a more historical story, than mystery and drama, I would not have been waiting for more. If you are interested in Paris in the 1800's and information about Gustav Eiffel during the building of the EIffel Tower, definitely pick this up.
Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy
Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy
February 5, 2025
This was OK, although overwrought and pumped full of melodrama to extend what could have been a 300 page novel to almost 400 pages. And as with similar drawn out tales, things are abruptly wrapped up within a page or two.
Throughout I had the feeling I'd read this story before, but given a publication date only 8 months ago doesn't seem possible. Perhaps there was a beta-version online? Someone said in another review the author occasionally publishes work under a pseudonym, perhaps the bones of this: an earl's (maybe) son, set in France, seeking investors using his (maybe) title, multiple pretenses etc was in an earlier version of a similar story.
If that's the case, I liked the earlier version better.
Throughout I had the feeling I'd read this story before, but given a publication date only 8 months ago doesn't seem possible. Perhaps there was a beta-version online? Someone said in another review the author occasionally publishes work under a pseudonym, perhaps the bones of this: an earl's (maybe) son, set in France, seeking investors using his (maybe) title, multiple pretenses etc was in an earlier version of a similar story.
If that's the case, I liked the earlier version better.
July 14, 2024
What a delightful read this was! I am not usually drawn to the genre, but the love scenes were done tastefully and were in no way off putting to me. The meat of the story is what drew me in and kept me turning the pages.
The character development and the references to true historical events kept me interested and wanting more, until the very last page.
There are many twists and turns throughout, which kept me thoroughly interested. I love a book that ends like a perfectly wrapped present with a beautiful bow tied on top. This book has that kind of ending.
Looking forward to her next book!
The character development and the references to true historical events kept me interested and wanting more, until the very last page.
There are many twists and turns throughout, which kept me thoroughly interested. I love a book that ends like a perfectly wrapped present with a beautiful bow tied on top. This book has that kind of ending.
Looking forward to her next book!
June 3, 2024
Described as a queer historical mystery romance (and there's a prominent trans character in addition), this was a lot all in one book, but overall it was an entertaining read. It's also different- set primarily in late 19th century France, which was fun to explore, and our main character is part of the construction of the Eiffel Tower. And there's also the world of the ballet- which in France at that time, was NOT a highly regarded art form, with female dancers treated as if they were prostitutes. The villains were very villainous- content warnings for some pretty graphic violence.
June 5, 2024
This was the perfect story to kick off Pride Month! It features a gay MMC and was written by a queer author. The historical mystery surrounds the building of the Eiffel Tower and I was intrigued by how many Parisians were dead set against building the structure. Money must be raised and Fin Tighe, an engineer for Mr. Eiffel, is talked into acting the role of heir to his estranged British father by smooth talking Gilbert. Deception abounds, bodies pile up, and love is in the air.
Many thanks to Hachette Books for my gifted copy!
Many thanks to Hachette Books for my gifted copy!
January 17, 2024
Great book! Lots of suspense and history, all rolled into one book! It had me curious enough to Google things that were in the book, which is always a tell tale litmus test for me that it’s interesting!! I loved the plot, the characters (Well, some of them I hated.), the writing and diction. It’s on my “read again” list.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2025
At the start u found it quite tedious and hard to invest myself in. I think it had a beautiful message and it was laced with intricate plot twists. Some of the character like Paul could have been fleshed out more since he is an integral part of the story. As exciting as the plot developments were at the end, it was very rushed and onslaught of new information was too much to process.
Overall I did begin to enjoy it but it really took its time.
Overall I did begin to enjoy it but it really took its time.
June 25, 2025
There were things about this I really liked: fin-de-siècle Paris, the ballet world, the female characters. I think there could've been a really good book in here, but the romance wasn't great, in my opinion, and that's the heart of, well, a romance. Marked 'mystery' but it's a bit more of a thriller, and my goodness, there's a lot of murders in this. The dénouement was ridiculous, since it had a lot of the 'author wrote herself into a corner' kind of feeling.
May 30, 2024
5/30/2024 Really strong first two thirds w great trans rep, then it sorta collapses into telling instead of showing. Plus, evoking a "cool story, still murder" response just doesn't work in a book that doesn't center on antiheroes. Anyway, full review tk at CriminalElement.com.
November 26, 2024
A young British engineer is charged with raising funds to ensure that the Eiffel Tower will be built. In the course of trying to amass funds, he becomes involved with a mysterious stranger. Although Fin has spent many years trying to protect his young cousin and avoid entanglement with his family back in England, events may conspire to bring his carefully constructed world crashing down.
April 25, 2025
A fine historical fiction book. I didn’t love all the characters and felt like they never really dug into Paul enough and didn’t elaborate on Gilbert’s relationship with him. Also, they made the ending seem so easy that Gilbert and Fin became lovers and just easily lived their life? Maybe I’m wrong but I feel like that would have been a bigger deal in the 1880s.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this
A little bit of fact mixed with the fiction
Fin and his sister’s predicament in life all too real, then Aurelie’s life also highlighting the precarious nature of being female in a patriarchal society
Fin and Gibert’s relationship always seemed doomed but they managed to juggle enough balls between them to survive.
A little bit of fact mixed with the fiction
Fin and his sister’s predicament in life all too real, then Aurelie’s life also highlighting the precarious nature of being female in a patriarchal society
Fin and Gibert’s relationship always seemed doomed but they managed to juggle enough balls between them to survive.
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