John Hartig

Who Killed Jean-Marie Leclair? John Hartig

Jean-Marie Leclair was an 18th century violinist and composer who founded the French school of violin. He was stabbed to death either on October 22nd late at night, or October 23rd early morning, in 1764, when it was still dark. His body was found in the vestibule of his home which was located on the seedy side of Paris. No one was ever accused or arrested in the case, despite strong suspicions. It could have been a nephew, Guillaume-François Vial, who was envious of Leclair's success with the violin, playing in King Louis XV's Orchestra. It could have been his ex-wife. Louise Roussel, who made money out of publishing and printing his manuscripts. This novella follows the clues in the list of suspects. It also follows the life of the man and describes the time in which he lived. It weaves a tale where nothing was proved and no arrests were ever made. An unsolved murder mystery of the Baroque Era! Until perhaps, now!