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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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MY REVIEW:
Genre: Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery
Rating: 4 out of 5 ⭐
Take a trip down memory lane in the summer of July 1900 in Paris, France where the World Fair is thriving and people are coming to the city from all over the world to see the sights. Frances and her husband George, are a married duo of private investigators, that have been invited to Paris by George’s Aunt on important business. Aunt Julia’s long time friend, and past lover, Paul Ducasse is dead and she believes foul play.
But not long after they arrive does a tragedy befall Julia as well. Most likely for bringing the couple there in the first place to investigate what was supposed to look like an accident for Paul Ducasse. But the investigation must continue and the police don’t have much to go on, so Frances and George must pick up the reins and sift through all the possible suspects to figure it out.
But nothing pans out the way the team expected and they find themselves embroiled in the artist lifestyle of Paris attempting to piece together the events.
What I loved most about this cozy mystery, was the witty banter and relaxed relationship between the adorably married Frances and George. While they haven’t been married all that long, according to the story, they have a chemistry together that is comforting and makes the rest of the story so enjoyable. Around them, is the unfolding of personal dynamics about George’s Aunt Julia and the life she’s lived, as well as the lifestyle of artists in Paris, France during this time.
It was well done – mashing together a story that highlights and focuses on art and those that aspire to the lifestyle of artist, as well as on the investigative nature of trying to solve two different murders. Plus, you get the added historical fan fare of envisioning the World Fair in all its glory in the year 1900.
A delightful cozy mystery that had me giggling at the dialog between Frances and her husband George, as well as embroiled in trying to figure out whodunnit in this classical depiction of Paris.
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Filled with Victorian-era intrigue for readers of Rhys Bowen, Deanna Raybourn, Tasha Alexander, and Julia Seales, Dianne Freeman’s Agatha Award-winning series takes a delightful jaunt to the City of Light as Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, encounters a murder scene at the Paris Exposition.
Frances and her husband, George, have two points of interest in Paris. One is an impromptu holiday to visit the Paris Exposition. The other is personal. George’s Aunt Julia has requested her nephew’s help in looking into the suspicious death of renowned artist Paul Ducasse. Though Julia is not entirely forthcoming about her reasons, she is clearly a woman mourning a lost love.
At the exposition, swarming with tourists, tragedy casts a pall on the festivities. A footbridge collapses. Julia is among the casualties. However, she was not just another fateful victim. Julia was stabbed to death amid the chaos. With an official investigation at a standstill, George and Frances realize that to solve the case they must dig into Julia’s life—as well as Paul’s—and question everything and everyone in Julia’s coterie of artists and secrets.
They have no shortage of suspects. There is Paul’s inscrutable widow, Gabrielle. Paul’s art dealer and manager, Lucien. Julia’s friend Martine, a sculptress with a jealous streak. And art jurist, Monsieur Beaufoy. The investigation takes a turn when it’s revealed that George has inherited control of Julia’s estate—and another of her secrets. While George investigates, Frances safeguards their new legacy, and is drawn further into danger by a killer determined to keep the past buried.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dianne Freeman
Dianne Freeman is the acclaimed author of the Agatha and Lefty Award winning Countess of Harleigh Mysteries, a two-time finalist for the Macavity’s Sue Feder Memorial Award, and a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. She spent thirty years working in corporate accounting and finance and now writes full-time. Born and raised in Michigan, she and her husband now split their time between Michigan and Arizona. Visit her at DiFreeman.com.
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