A Candle for D'Artagnan: An Historical Horror Novel, Third in the Atta Olivia Clemens Series

In this conclusion to the trilogy chronicling the life of vampire Atta Olivia Clemens, Yarbro depicts the reigns of Louis XIII and young Louis XIV and the battles waged by Cardinals Richelieu and Mazarin to uphold the power of the monarchy. Living quietly on her estate in Italy, Olivia, now a wealthy widow, agrees to join Mazarin's retinue and move to France where she can serve as his agent and provide a place for him to hold informal meetings. Once there, she meets and falls in love with Charles D'Artagnan of the King's Musqueteerssp ok , uncovers treachery and is dogged by a secret enemy. The story often advances obliquely, with much of the action taking place offstage and reported to the reader through letters or later commentary. This often boring approach is here a brilliant device, illuminating motivation and providing the necessary compression for tumultuous events that span more than a decade. Yarbro writes sympathetically about the loneliness and perils of near-immortality. ( Nov. )