Mata Hari's Last Dance: A Novel [Paperback]

From the international bestselling author ofRebel QueenandNefertiticomes a captivating novel about the infamous Mata Hari, exotic dancer, adored courtesan, and, possibly, relentless spy.

Paris, 1917. The notorious dancer Mata Hari sits in a cold cell awaiting freedom…or death. Alone and despondent, Mata Hari is as confused as the rest of the world about the charges she’s been arrested on: treason leading to the deaths of thousands of French soldiers.

As Mata Hari waits for her fate to be decided, she relays the story of her life to a reporter who is allowed to visit her in prison. Beginning with her carefree childhood, Mata Hari recounts her father’s cruel abandonment of her family as well her calamitous marriage to a military officer. Taken to the island of Java, Mata Hari refuses to be ruled by her abusive husband and instead learns to dance, paving the way to her stardom as Europe’s most infamous dancer.

From Indian temples and Parisian theatres to German barracks in war-torn Europe, international bestselling author Michelle Moran who “expertly balances fact and fiction” (Associated Press) brings to vibrant life the famed world of Mata Hari: dancer, courtesan, and possibly, spy.Praise forMata Hari's Last Dance:

MATA HARI'S LAST DANCE is everything historical fiction should be: a transportive tale of a complex figure, brought to life in lush and evocative language, packed with too-good-to-be-true historical details. Michelle Moran's storytelling is as sumptuous and seductive as the subject herself. Like Mata Hari's spellbound audiences, you'll be cheering bravo. —Allison Pataki,New York Timesbestselling author of SISI"[Mata Hari] is a mysterious character, but Moran manages to formulate arealistic heroine....Readers of historical fiction will note the author’s signature attention to detail; however, the flawed Hari makes thisengrossls!