โYou have yet to discover that you are dealing with one who can hold her own against the world!โ
Murder on an omnibus? Marriage in a prison? Mysterious disappearances? William Le Queuxโs The Temptress is chock full of sensational circumstances, and somehow they all trace back to the enigmatic Valรฉrie Dedieu.
Hugh Trethowen, deep in debt and readying himself to flee from his creditors, is saved by the news that his older brother is dead and he has just inherited his familyโs fortune. Not long after, he becomes acquainted with Mademoiselle Dedieu and falls in love with her. Hugh is intent on marrying her, against the staunch advice of his friend John Egerton. John tries to warn Hugh away from Valรฉrie, but, unbeknownst to Hugh, Johnโs very freedom rests in Valรฉrieโs hands. Though both Valรฉrie and John think they have successfully kept Hugh in the dark about their secrets, fate intervenes and Hugh uncovers evidence that tips him off to his fiancรฉeโs unsavory past.
William Le Queux (1864โ1927) was an Anglo-French journalist and writer, diplomat, traveler, flying buff, and wireless pioneer who broadcast music from his own station long before radio was generally available.
Stefan Rudnicki is a Grammy-winning audiobook producer and a multiaward-winning narrator, named one of AudioFileโs Golden Voices.