The Count of Sainte-Helene, or The Lure of Infamy is a historical novel full of intrigue, mystery, romance, and colorful characters that begins in the year 1816. Napoleon has been defeated and the Bourbons restored to the throne of France. The Count of Sainte-Helene, an intimate friend of the king, is Lieutenant-Colonel of the Legion of the Seine, the regiment charged with the security of Paris and the royal family. When the capital is rocked by a series of spectacular burglaries targeting the homes of the aristocracy, the brilliant ex-convict-turned-detective Vidocq, chief of the Police Security Brigade, is unable to solve the crimes. But a series of events leads him to suspect that Saint-Helene himself is somehow involved. In accusing such a highly placed aristocrat, Vidocq may have made the biggest blunder of his career..."