An Art Lovers Guide To Paris And Murder

Dianne Freeman's utterly delightful historical cozy mystery series returns!

BOOK TOUR AND FEATURE

Thank you to Austen Prose and Kensington Books for my spot on this tour and the beautiful gifted copy of An Art Lover's Guide To Paris And Murder by Dianne Freeman

Pub Day: June 25, 2024

304 pages

This is book 7 in the Countess of Harleigh Mysteries

SYNOPSIS:

July 1900

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, 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.

MY REVIEW:

I've wanted to read this series and am glad to have finally done it because this was delightful! Set in the Victorian era and featuring a charming couple/sleuthing duo, I enjoyed the dynamic and banter between Julia and George and how they worked together. The mystery was well-plotted and kept me guessing. There was a wide suspect pool and plenty of misdirection. The writing is excellent, well-paced, and entertaining from start to finish. What stood out most to me was how beautifully and organically all the various bits of historical detail were incorporated. It made me feel like I was there, from the dialogue to the incredible imagery of the Paris Exposition. It was fascinating, never reading like a dry historical account. I must go back and read the previous books in this series. I can see why this series is so beloved!

My steep was Amandier Blanc (White Almond) by Mariage Freres available in the US at The Cultured Cup