A Murder Most French
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Average rating3.8
Postwar Paris is surging back to life, and its citizens are seizing every opportunity to raise a glass or share a delicious meal. But as American ex-pat Tabitha Knight and chef-in-training Julia Child discover, celebrations can quickly go awry when someone has murder in mind . . . The graceful domes of Sacré Coeur, the imposing cathedral of Notre Dame, the breathtaking Tour Eiffel . . . Paris is overflowing with stunning architecture. Yet for Tabitha Knight, the humble building that houses the Cordon Bleu cooking school, where her friend Julia studies, is just as notable. Tabitha is always happy to sample Julia’s latest creation and try to recreate dishes for her Grand-père and Oncle Rafe. The legendary school also holds open demonstrations, where the public can see its master chefs at work. It’s a treat for any aspiring cook—until one of the chefs pours himself a glass of wine from a rare vintage bottle—and promptly drops dead in front of Julia, Tabitha, and other assembled guests. It’s the first in a frightening string of poisonings that turns grimly personal when cyanide-laced wine is sent to someone very close to Tabitha. What kind of killer chooses such a means of murder, and why? Tabitha and Julia hope to find answers in order to save innocent lives—not to mention a few exquisite vintages—even as their investigation takes them through some of the darkest corners of France’s wartime past . . .
Series
Featured Series
3 primary books#2 in An American in Paris
An American in Paris is a 3-book series with 3 released primary works first released in 2023 with contributions by Colleen Cambridge.
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Book Review: A Murder Most French by Colleen Cambridge
Rating: 4 Stars
As someone who loves a good mystery, particularly when it's set against the backdrop of postwar Paris, I was thrilled to dive into A Murder Most French by Colleen Cambridge. The cover alone drew me in—how beautiful is that? But once I started reading, it was clear that the story itself would keep me captivated.
In this charming historical mystery, we meet American expat Tabitha Knight, who is navigating life in a Paris that is just beginning to sparkle with life again after the war. She's close friends with Julia Child, who is training to become a chef at the famed Cordon Bleu cooking school. The story kicks off with a tantalizing demonstration at the school that takes a dark turn when one of the chefs suddenly collapses after sipping a rare vintage wine. And just like that, we are thrown into a whirlwind of poisonings that quickly become personal for Tabitha when someone close to her receives a deadly gift of cyanide-laced wine.
What I truly adore about this book is how it weaves together rich descriptions of Parisian life with a compelling murder mystery. Tabitha is such a relatable protagonist; her curiosity and resourcefulness shine through as she tries to piece together the clues surrounding the murders. She's led an interesting life and is still figuring out what she wants to do next, which I think many of us can relate to. Plus, her detective father's influence gives her a unique edge in solving the case.
The inclusion of Julia Child is not just a delightful nod to culinary history; it's also a clever twist. Her cooking scenes made my mouth water but also served as fantastic red herrings throughout the plot. As Tabitha navigates fine wines and French cuisine, the tension builds, and I found myself engrossed in every twist and turn.
I also appreciate the historical context woven through the narrative. The discussions surrounding fine wines, the Parisian catacombs, and the recent memories of the German Occupation added depth to the story. The hints about Tabitha's grandfather and uncle's involvement in the Resistance provided an engaging layer to the mystery and made me eager to learn more about their pasts.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the growing personal connection between Tabitha and Inspector. Their interactions added a delightful layer of complexity to the story—who doesn't love a little romantic tension?
Overall, A Murder Most French is an enchanting mix of historical intrigue and cozy mystery that kept me turning pages well into the night. I can't get enough of this series and am eagerly awaiting what Colleen Cambridge has in store for us next! If you enjoy a good murder mystery sprinkled with rich food and fascinating history, this book definitely deserves a spot on your reading list.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
