The Joy of the Monster La Joie de la Pieuvre

In this first-ever translation of The Joy of the Monster by famed French author Gaston Leroux, Parisian newspaper investigative reporter Rouletabille is hot on the trail of a kidnapped gypsy princess. The kidnapping splashes across the front pages of early 1900s Paris newspapers with the fearsome and cult-like allure France's mainstream population always attached to the gypsies. The young princess named Odette, who had been adopted as a small child, is a jewel sought by more than one lover who wants to marry her. However, her gypsy compatriots also want her back, even if that means kidnapping her so she can be crowned their queen at their enclave in Sever-Turn. Her non-gypsy lover John tries to track her down after she disappears from her Paris home. Along the way, he must deal with a jealous and politically powerful gypsy man who also wants to marry Odette, even if that means using trickery and trying to kill John. Few police or government officials would dare to mingle in this purely gypsy affair, even if it means overlooking a brazen kidnapping. But then comes master of disguise and deception Rouletabille, pursuing a newspaper story but also trying to free Odette to marry her true love John. Gaston Leroux also is the author of The Phantom of the Opera and one of France's most renowned 20th century literary figures. The Joy of the Monster was translated by American author, journalist and lawyer Tom Ramstack, who uses his own literary skills to give readers an intriguing glimpse into a world that largely disappeared a century ago.