Set in Europe in the 1600s, The Irrationalist: The Tragic Murder of René Descartes is an overlong but enthralling mystery.

The Irrationalist by Andrew Pessin

Told from the point of view of Adrien, a Jesuit sent by his church to investigate Descartes’ death. As the amateur sleuth finds a multitude of suspects, the book quickly becomes a mystery set in an unusual environment, the court of Sweden’s Queen Christina.

Most thrillers are relatively short around 350 pages to keep the action exciting. The Irrationalist: The Tragic Murder of René Descartes is much longer at 508 pages.  Adding in all the historical details takes a few pages, I get it.  However, once past the length, the story draws the reader into a different time and place.  There are few books so good at making you totally forget your own problems (and occasionally to eat). In addition, you will learn quite a bit about history and philosophy though I don’t know enough to know what is fact and what is fiction. This book is highly recommended to historical fiction fans.  For thriller fans, probably not as much. It would make a good public television mini-series. 4 stars!