A dark murder. A secret brought to light{u2026} June, 1797. From his headquarters at the Villa Mombello near Milan, the French revolutionary army{u2019}s young general, one Napoleon Bonaparte , dictates peace terms to Europe{u2019}s monarchies with breath-taking ease and arrogance. But when a series of malicious events at Mombello threaten to set Italy ablaze once again, and talk of a ghoul stalking in the night committing atrocities spreads like wildfire among the assembled guests, Napoleon forces failed magistrate Felix Gracchus out of retirement to solve the puzzling murders. Gracchus{u2019}s unwilling escort in this military world is ambitious but underachieving young cavalry officer Dermide Vanderville . Aided by Napoleon{u2019}s unruly tomboy sister Paolette , they set about unravelling the twisted skeins of intrigue and terrible secrets clogging the mansion{u2019}s shadowy corridors. A rich and compelling debut historical mystery set around Napoleon Bonaparte{u2019}s conquests, perfect for fans of C. J. Sansom, Paul Doherty and Ellis Peters. Praise for Blood and Fireflies 'A fantastic read. I recommend it unreservedly. You will probably end up reading it in one fell swoop' Paul Doherty.