A Murder Most French - (An American in Paris Mystery) by Colleen Cambridge (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Set in midcentury Paris and starring Julia Child's fictional best friend, this magnifique reimagining of the iconic chef's years at Le Cordon Bleu blends a delicious murder mystery with a unique culinary twist.

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 . . .

Review Quotes

"It's Child's ebullient personality that is the heart of the book. Part historical fiction, part mystery, Mastering the Art of French Murder is totally delectable entertainment for fans of lighthearted detective fiction." --The Washington Post

"[An] enchanting series launch...Expect to leave this vacation hoping for a return trip." --Publishers Weekly

"Agatha Christie meets cozy mystery in this fun tale from Cambridge. Historical fiction readers and fans of cozy suspense will want to add this mystery to their to-be-read pile." --Library Journal

"The City of Light, whose ancient streets Tabitha traverses on her bike as she hunts for the truth, is vivified here, with even its cuisine described in mouthwatering detail...Mastering the Art of French Murder is a delectable historical mystery novel set in romantic postwar Paris." --Foreword Reviews

"This cute and clever mystery is perfect for historical fiction buffs." --Buzzfeed

"Cambridge skillfully blends fact with fiction... [and] captures Julia's joie de vivre and passion for French cuisine, transporting readers into her kitchen during her early years at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school...Mastering the Art of French Murder is a love letter to the sights, sounds and delights of Paris, from the small daily markets to the thriving nightlife. Readers will enjoy navigating the city alongside Tabitha as she untangles the mystery, as well as getting to see a whole new side of the beloved Julia Child." --BookPage

"[Cambridge] expertly evokes postwar Paris: its elegance and weariness, as well as the droves of Americans who bring fresh energy (and perhaps less-welcome elements) to the city. Julia's joie de vivre and enthusiasm for food will be familiar to fans of her cooking show or writings, and Tabitha proves an engaging narrator: she has a nose for clues and a total disregard of any danger she might encounter...Witty, well-plotted, and full of délicieux culinary concoctions, Tabitha's first adventure is an entertaining start to Cambridge's new mystery series." --Shelf Awareness

"Clever...Cambridge has clear affection for both subject and setting. The amount of butter used is totally authentic, and Julia gets the last word." --Christian Science Monitor

"Who knew Julia Child and murder mystery was the crossover we needed for 2023?" --Country Living Magazine

"We loved the descriptions of the atmosphere, architecture, history, and food to be found in the City of Light. But expat Tabitha Knight's friendship with Julia--Tabitha is newly arrived from Detroit and learning how to cook so she can feed her French grandfather--is great fun too...Adding an intriguing murder mystery, which takes us to some of the grimier areas of the city, makes this series starter a thoroughly enjoyable read. For foodies and mystery fans though, spending time with Child is simply the cherry on le sundae." --Amazon (May 2023 Editor's Pick)

"I don't often find cozy mystery super accessible, but Colleen Cambridge has whetted my appetite by contextualizing her historical mystery in post-World War II Paris, where (fictional) American expat Tabitha Knight befriends none other than Julia Child." --Paste Magazine

"A first-rate traditional mystery with strong characterization that is certain to appeal to a broad readership, especially fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Rhys Bowen, and Cambridge's own Phyllida Bright series." --First Clue, STARRED REVIEW

"This book is an absolute delight from beginning to end. Tabitha is a great character, intelligent and strong, whose natural curiosity leads her into dangerous situations. She is a big fan of classic mysteries, especially Agatha Christie's, and the plot is definitely a tribute to Christie, but with a hint of Cold War intrigue. The scenes featuring Julia Child's cooking are a highlight of the book, and made me hungry as I was reading them. Her gregarious personality and genius in the kitchen are conveyed very well. The book gives you a wonderful sense of Paris just after World War II and the German occupation as rationing is coming to an end, and the city is coming back to life." --Historical Novel Society

"A delightful and enchanting murder mystery full of charm and wit." --Mystery and Suspense Magazine

"A fun romp through post-war Paris in the company of the fictional Tabitha and the very real, very inspirational Julia. Viewing Paris through Tabitha's eyes is such a delight...It's wonderful to follow along as Tabitha sleuths and, just as importantly, learns how to cook under the tutelage of the charming Julia Child herself. What home chef hasn't dreamt at least a little of learning to cook in Paris with one of the most famous names in culinary history?" --Criminal Element

"A wonderfully and cleverly constructed mystery...The setting of post war Paris is wonderful, and Cambridge really gives the reader a feel of being there as things begin to open up again. There's a wonderful scene where she describes watching all the lights come back on after the long wartime blackout, including the illumination of the Eiffel Tower. It brought a little tear to my eye and sometimes that's all that's required for a satisfying read." --Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine

About the Author