Trap for Cinderella

The initial chapters build a lot of atmosphere and tension, but I wondered if this was to make the big reveal more impactful. Did the slow start work for others?

The French setting adds a layer of sophistication and intrigue, but I'm curious whether the author chose France for its cultural nuances or because of personal connections.

There are so many twists and red herrings—it's impressive how everything ties together in the end. I wonder what the process was like to keep all the threads clear.