In the waning days of the Paris 1889 World Exposition, a beautiful model disappears. Several artists, including Toulouse Latrec, have painted her or want to. Inspector Achille Lefebvre is nicknamed the Professor. He will be the detective who must find out what happened to Virginie Menard before anyone decides that Jack the Ripper has crossed the channel.

This book is both historical novel, bringing Paris to life, and police procedural. Achille uses the most scientific methods he can to solve this crime, including fingerprints. Fingerprints aren't yet accepted by the courts, but Achille finds them a useful tool in eliminating suspect.

I found this book informative as well as entertaining. It was occasionally too wordy, but otherwise a very good read.