The Versailles Formula: A gripping historical thriller of mystery, deception, and deadly secrets

'A masterful work . . . the reader treads a thrilling path which keeps you on the edge of your seat.' Bestselling author Griff Hosker

Genevieve Sturbridge thought she'd left danger behind in London. Now she lives a quiet life in the countryside with her husband and son. But an invitation to dine at Sir Horace Walpole's eerie Gothic estate pulls her back into a deadly world of deception, espionage and murder.

At the mysterious dinner party, Genevieve uncovers a shocking secret - a rare pigment of pure blue is being produced again. Coveted by royalty, chemists and spies, its formula is priceless . . . and lethal.

Some will kill to possess it. Others will kill to keep it buried.

Only Genevieve can recognise the formula and stop it falling into the wrong hands. But when a ghost from her past resurfaces, Genevieve must determine who she can trust. Years ago, this secret nearly cost her and her husband their lives. Now, someone is willing to kill for it once more.

Genevieve must discover the truth before time runs out, because this time the price of failure will cost more than just her own life.

This thrilling historical mystery, with its captivating plot of secrets, murder and espionage is perfect for fans of Irina Shapiro, Anna Lee Huber, Emily L. Finch, Kate Morton, Andrew Taylor and C.J. Sansom.

Praise for The Versailles Formula:

'[A] compelling adventure replete with spies, political intrigue, gorgeous gothic manor houses, romance, impeccably researched history.' Susan Elia MacNeal, New York Times bestselling author of the Maggie Hope series

'In Genevieve Planché, Bilyeau has created a wonderfully wilful woman: as smart as she is sensitive, as brave as she is bold. Compelling to read . . . This is a series going from strength to strength.' Kate Braithwaite, author of The Scandalous Life of Nancy Randolph

The Versailles Formula has all the ingredients of a rollicking, riveting historical mystery must-read!' Hope C. Tarr, author of Irish Eyes and Stardust

'The Versailles Formula takes readers on a fascinating journey to eighteenth-century England and France, where vicious aristocrats play a deadly game of forgery and espionage . . . Nancy Bilyeau treats us to another tale full of intrigue and delightful historical details.' Mark Alpert, internationally bestselling author of The Doomsday Show

'Sumptuous and deeply engaging, Nancy Bilyeau's Versailles Formula is a gorgeously written adventure . . . brimming with mystery, beauty, romance, and history's most fascinating luminaries.' Emilya Naymark, author of Behind the Lie

'A plucky heroine, intriguing mystery, and rich, well-researched historical background. Nancy Bilyeau has found the winning formula!' Eva Stachniak, author of The School of Mirrors

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The Versailles Formula is Bilyeau at her best, a classic tale of mystery and intrigue.'

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A wonderful read, worthy of my five star rating.'

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Another wonderful historical mystery! I could not put it down!'

Author: Nancy Bilyeau
Publisher: Lume Books
Published: 04/10/2025
Pages: 354
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.76lbs
Size: 7.81h x 5.06w x 0.79d
ISBN: 9781839016028

About the Author
Bilyeau, Nancy: - NANCY BILYEAU, a Michigan native, has worked as an editor on the staffs of InStyle, Rolling Stone, and Good Housekeeping. Passionate about history and art, she wrote an award-winning trilogy set in Tudor England before creating a heroine, Genevieve Planché, who holds personal significance. Nancy is descended from a Huguenot settler who came to America in 1661 and draws on her fascination with French Protestant refugees when writing the character of Genevieve Planché, a Huguenot artist. Today Nancy lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children.