The Red Widow by Sarah Horowitz

1889 Belle Epoque Paris
There lived a woman who wanted to be the queen of Parisian society, loved by all especially the powerful and rich men. She had learned how to use her sex appeal early in life taking lessons from her father who she had more than a close relationship with. Marguerite Steinheil would marry out of necessity and flaunt her charms to live the life she really craved. Meg had a range of lovers from the president of France to the richest and most powerful men in government but that almost didn't save her from a double murder scandal. After her mother and husband are found murdered and Meg tied up but unharmed, her accounts of what happened became more absurd and the police failed to turn up any suspects. Eventually Meg was tried for the murders. A fascinating and strange story of sex, politics and ambition in a time of great abandon in the city of light awash in sin. True crime lovers will be all in as will those who appreciate the lengths that women had to go to in order to enjoy the same freedom as men.  4 stars