The following version of this book was used to create this study guide: Ahdieh, Renée. The Beautiful. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, 2019.

In the Winter of 1872, Celine Rousseau arrived in New Orleans after escaping from her past life in France. With her new friend Pippa, she went to live at the Ursuline Convent with a group of other women. A young woman was murdered in the middle of the night, causing a stir among the ladies in the convent. Celine met Odette, a fashionable woman who wanted Celine to make dresses for her. The Mother Superior, the head of the convent, allowed Celine and Pippa to meet Odette. On their way to Jacques’, they met Bastien Saint Germain and his friend, who were beating a man in an alley. After this encounter, the women were pleased to meet Odette inside. Odette introduced them to the Court of the Lions. Bastien and Celine flirted. Then, the court discovered the dead body of a young woman from the convent, with a symbol drawn beside her in blood. The Metropolitan Police force, led by Detective Michael Grimaldi, arrived to question everyone. Celine tried to charm her way out of the investigation, but the detective was suspicious of her. The Mother Superior arrived to bring Celine and Pippa back to the convent.

The next day, Bastien’s friend Arjun offered to help as Celine and Pippa’s legal representation when they met with the detective again. Celine felt nervous because she had murdered a man in France who had tried to rape her. Detective Grimaldi questioned Celine and Pippa with Arjun present. Michael revealed that he and Bastien used to be childhood friends, though it was clear to Celine that they hated each other now. Later, Celine joined Odette for dinner at Jacques’. Bastien walked in as they gossiped about him. Celine wanted to leave alone. On her walk home, a creature attacked her and Bastien saved her. Bastien walked her home through the crowded square and they spoke earnestly with one another. Celine decided that they should not pursue a romantic relationship.

One night in the convent, Celine encountered the creature again while walking back to her room with Pippa. The creature killed the convent’s gardener and left behind another cryptic symbol in blood. The Mother Superior told Celine to find another place to live. Celine began walking through the city and found Michael Grimaldi and Odette. They went to a hotel where Celine checked in and came up with a plan to trap the killer. The next day, Celine made a costume to wear to the Midsummer Night’s soirée, where Bastien would be in attendance. They spoke during the event and Bastien promised to answer all her questions. He brought her to his uncle’s room and warned her not to trust anyone, including the Court of the Lions. They kissed, then found the severed body of Nigel, a member of the Court.

Celine waited in Michael’s office at the police headquarters. Michael introduced her to his grandmother and cousin. She escaped the police station to meet Bastien, but instead ran into Basiten’s uncle Nicodemus and the Court of the Lions instead. They threatened her. Nicodemus wanted her to reject Nicodemus. That night, at the masquerade ball, Celine made an offer to Nicodemus: she would reject Bastien if Nicodemus gave her a place to live and a dress shop in New Orleans and allow her to speak privately with Bastien one last time. He agreed and told her to meet Bastien on the terrace. As Celine waited, Pippa approached her and told her how upset she was that Celine had been avoiding her. After Pippa left, a creature attacked Celine.

Bastien went out to the terrace and Celine was not there. He suspected that the killer had taken her and went to Michael’s office to look at his notes. He punched Michael, breaking the Brotherhood’s treaty. Celine woke up in a church. Nigel was her captor. He was no longer loyal to the Court of the Lions. He was a vampire. Bastien arrived and attacked Nigel. Celine stabbed Nigel, but he had already hurt Bastien before he fled. Nicodemus arrived and Celine pleaded with him to save Bastien’s life. Nicodemus did not want to turn Bastien into a vampire, but agreed once Celine promised to forget Bastien once he did. Celine woke up later under Michael’s care.