Jean-François Parot (27 June 1946 ) is a French diplomat and writer of historical mysteries, born in Paris. is best known as the author of the Nicolas Le Floch crime series. Parot conceived the idea of his eighteenth-century police Commissaire when stationed in Sofia. The characteristic feature of his novels is the accuracy of the historical Parisian background blended with action and mystery. Parot’s books are mysteries but they are more than that—they are history as it happens. “I find the beginning of a plot,” says Parot, “then launch my hero and follow him. I don’t use an outline. An outline isn’t life!”