# Sacré Bleu: A Comedy d'Art

By Christopher Moore

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/sacre-bleu-a-comedy-d-art-d79318d7/

In 1890, Paris baker and aspiring painter Lucien Lessard has two troubles: his elusive muse Juliette and the suspicious death of Vincent van Gogh. With Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, he follows the trail of a paint dealer whose extraordinary blue pigment has passed through some very famous studios.

## What makes it funny?

Moore lets revered painters behave with very little reverence. Publishers Weekly singles out the invented anecdotes about the great masters and the combination of verbal wit and slapstick. Readers in book groups enjoy the history, mystery and love story sharing the same canvas.

### The comedy at work

The art-history setting gives Moore famous reputations to puncture. Lucien’s investigation takes him among painters whose love affairs and encounters with the Colorman complicate their artistic achievements.

### Try this if…

An art-world mystery for readers who enjoy historical figures behaving badly and a comic detour through the Impressionists’ studios.

### Good to know

Expect bawdy language and modern slang in nineteenth-century France. The official book page reproduces a review that found the slang jarring.

## What to expect

- Genre: Historical · Mystery
- On the shelf: Historical mystery
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Format: Novel
- Published: 2012

## Sources & further reading

- Author commentary: [Author: description and editions](https://www.chrismoore.com/books-archive/sacre-bleu)
- Reader discussion: [Reader discussion](https://facebook.com/groups/bookrecommendations/permalink/3541314379276683)
- Review: [Publishers Weekly review](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780061779749)