The Devil's Necklace — Juliette Benzoni

Is there a character in literature more charming and compelling than the Frenchman of action, or a period more fascinating than the eighteenth century?

On the heels of triumphant service in the American Revolution, Gilles Goëlo, Chevalier de Tournemine (nicknamed The Falcon), returns to France as a dashing and desired lieutenant in Queen Marie Antoinette's dragoons.

Restless, haunted by his love for the wild and beautiful Judith de Saint-Mélaine, Gilles, his buccaneering friend Jean de Batz, and his loyal Iroquois servant make their perilous way from France to Spain, where dangerous enemies are made but also devoted friends, like the painter Goya and the sensuous Duchess of Alba. It is for the Duchess that Gilles returns to France on a chivalric mission: to secure for her the most fabulous diamond necklace in Europe.

The intrigues of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette's court are many and treacherous, but the Falcon's resolve -- and his virile charm -- are considerable, and innumerable women are anxious to protect Gilles as he pursues his dangerous course. Gilles cannot forget, however, his love for Judith or his vow to rescue her from the snare of Cag-liostro, the wizard. And he has sworn to return one day, his fortune made, to the castle of his ancestors, La Hunaudaye.

All the dark mystery of the Spanish court and the distant thunder of the French Revolution are captured in this thrilling and colorful sequel to Juliette Benzoni's The Lure of the Falcon.