M.J. Rose returns with 'Seduction'

“Seduction,” M.J. Rose's follow-up to her acclaimed “The Book of Lost Fragrances,” seduces the reader from the very first page.

Rose creates an enticing thriller based on French writer Victor Hugo's reaction to the death of his 19-year-old daughter, Didine. Hugo initiates seances in the hope of contacting her.

“Seduction” also focuses on the present day with the return of Jac L'Etoile, the mythologist from “The Book of Lost Fragrances.” She's still recuperating from the events in that book when she's summoned by an old friend to visit some ancient Druid ruins. However, her friend has an ulterior motive.

The Hugo sections are fascinating and provide a window into the author's life and times along with insight into what made him so complicated. The juxtaposition between the past and the present collide in unexpected ways.

Rose has written another winner.