The jewel thief
(Book)

Juliette Pitau, the daughter of a master gem-cutter, hopes to avoid execution by telling the court clerk--who is also her paramour--the story of how King Louis XIV's magnificent blue diamond was stolen. Includes author's note.

Juliet Pitau sits In the depths of the Bastille, charged with stealing what has come to be known as the Hope Diamond from King Louis XIV. Juliet has one final chance to convince the King that her motives were pure. Recording her confession is Rene, the man she loves-- and who won't forgive her for her betrayal of him. The young King Louis XIV hand-selected Jean Pitau to be his crown jeweler, and tasked him with cutting the Tavernier Violet, a large, deep-blue diamond. Pitau has never cut a diamond quite like this-- and his daughter Juliet takes it upon herself to have the diamond cut for the King. Now charged with stealing the diamond, she has brought her family closer to ruin-- and herself close to probable death. -- adapted from jacket

Ages 12+.,Viking.

Grades 7-9.,Viking.