Book review of Fatal Farandole by Ana T. Drew

The Fatal Farandole by Ana T. Drew

The Fatal Farandole by Ana T. Drew

The Fatal Farandoleis a cozy mystery full of plot twists and small-town secrets. It’s perfect for fans of character-driven crime novels with emotional depth.

A beloved Provençal festival.
A murderous conspiracy.
A bullfighter who knows too much.

When two local chefs are killed within a week, shockwaves ripple through the region’s tight-knit culinary world.

Suspicion lands squarely on baker Julie Cavallo.

As whispers turn to accusations, her eccentric family closes ranks, and her loyal friends rally to her side.

But Julie’s running out of time. Her pastry shop is at risk. Her love life is unraveling. The gendarmes are tracking her every move. Julie can’t afford to wait for the official investigation to uncover the truth.

Her instincts go into overdrive. Dots connect. Patterns appear…

Can Julie make it through this case, when asking the right questions has already gotten others killed?

The Fatal Farandole by Ana T. Drew

My review

As an avid reader of books set in France, and with a soft spot for cozy mysteries, how have I already missed so many books in this series? Shame on me, but now I’m here, I’ll be searching the others out. 

As the normally quiet Provencal town of Beldoc, prepares for its traditional Farandole festival, patisserie chef and amateur sleuth Julie, finds herself in trouble when someone begins targeting those in the local catering world. As well as escaping a near death encounter, knocked unconscious and locked in a chiller cabinet, the local Gendarmes have her down as the main suspect for the murder of her friend Mylene.

With her trusted team of colleague Eric, her sister Flo and eccentric grandmother Rose – someone I’d definitely like to meet, Julie must tread a fine line between finding the answers and keeping out of the Gendarme’s spotlight, all while staying alive. The closer she gets to exposing the truth, the more someone wants to silence her.

The Fatal Farandole by Ana T. Drew

From the beginning of this book, we are immersed into Provencal life, from the shady squares in the colourful towns, to the local customs and traditions as well as the delicious treats from the patisserie. I’ve never attended a Farandole, but I felt like I was there, feeling the excitement and tension building in the arena, enjoying the music and watching the costumes and dancing. I loved the way the author brought to life not only the area, but a wonderful cast of characters, each one with something unique to make them memorable.

Don’t worry, if like me, you too are new to this series, The Fatal Farandole can be read as a standalone novel. But why not enter the giveaway below to win a three-book box set? It really would be a perfect way to spend your summer.

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Amazon UK

Ana T. Drew, The Fatal Farandole

Author Bio

Ana T. Drew is the evil mastermind behind a recent string of murders in the fictional French town of Beldoc. A first-place winner of the Chanticleer MYSTERY & MAYHEM Awards, her books have been released in several languages, both independently and through traditional houses, including HarperCollins France and Straarup & Co.

When she’s not plotting mysteries, Ana can be found perfecting her low-carb cookie recipes or watching The Rookie to cope with the void left by Castle.

Ana lives in Paris with her husband and their dog, but her heart resides in Provence.

The Fatal Farandole by Ana T. Drew

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Giveaway 3-book box set Provence Mysteries

Giveaway to Win a boxset of the three books in the Provence Mysteries Series (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Gleam box below. The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize. 

Win a boxset of the three books in the Provence Mysteries Series (Open INT)

Book review of New Chapters on the French Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet

New Chapters on the French Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet

New Chapters on the French Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet

Can a grieving chef and a group of writers find their own happy endings?

Eight months after his wife Jacqueline died in a tragic car accident, Michelin stared chef and proprietor of Villa Celestia, Guy Lyon’s life has been in freefall. Consumed by grief and plagued by questions as to why she was in a taxi that fateful day, the doors to Villa Celestia have remained closed.

When a good friend, Sandy Thoreau, asks to rent the villa on the French Riviera for a fortnight to hold a women’s writers retreat after being let down, Guy reluctantly agrees.

All the women at the retreat are looking forward to being inspired. Helena and her friend Mandy are writing debut novels, Isobel is editing a cosy crime story, Liz is desperate to kickstart a new book, self-published author Lorraine is looking for advice and Becky, well Becky is a law unto herself.

Over the course of the next fortnight, two of these women will change the course of Guy’s life forever and new chapters - hopefully with happy endings - will begin for all of them.

The perfect tonic and escapist read to the South of France full of warmth and second chances.

New Chapters on the French Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet

My review 

Having been a fan of Jennifer Bohnet’s writing for more years than I can remember, opening a new book is always a treat that leaves me with a comforting, homely feeling. This book had everything I was looking for, and more, enabling me to escape to the south of France, in the company of some fascinating women.

New Chapters on the French Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet

Sandy’s writing retreat in Antibes brought together six writers at different stages in their careers all hoping for inspiration, fun and advice as they switched off from their daily lives and made the most of having the time to write. Friendships were forged as ideas flowed, fed as much by the stunning setting of the villa as the delicious food served by mysterious chef Guy. It was easy to imagine I was on the retreat with them.

They all brought some interesting back stories to the villa, and I couldn’t wait to see how these played out. While some lived a wild and exciting life, time had stood still for some of them, and others were just turning the page for new beginnings. Add in a lovely twist of a second plot that delved deep into the past bringing new relationships to light, and I was in my element.

Never underestimate the magic of the Riviera and meeting the right people at the right time. If you are looking for a feelgood read for some pure escapism, add this book to your reading list now.

Purchase links

French Village Diaries is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk at no extra cost to you.

Ebook – all digital retailers 

 

Jennifer Bohnet

Author Bio  

Jennifer Bohnet is the bestselling author of over 14 women's fiction titles, including Villa of Sun and Secrets and A Riviera Retreat. She is originally from the West Country but now lives in the wilds of rural Brittany, France.

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New Chapters on the French Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet

You can read my reviews of some of Jennifer’s previous novels here:

A French Inheritance

Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky 

A French Adventure 

Christmas on the Riviera 

Summer on the French Riviera 

Villa of Second Chances 

Summer at the Château 

A French Country Escape 

Book review of Treaty of Blood by Michael Jecks

Treaty of Blood by Michael Jecks

Treaty of Blood by Michael Jecks

Once they'd had enough of war... Now they've had enough of peace

1359, Northern France. With the ink still drying on the Treaty of Bretigny, an agreement most believed to be nothing more than a stalemate between King Edward III of England and John II of France, the country is left riddled with both English and France armies – exhausted, adrift and directionless.

An atmosphere ripe for rebellion.

Berenger Fripper returns to the only life he truly understands, among the troops of Hawkwood’s company. But danger and treachery lurk around every abandoned French farm or village. When the company comes across the promise of riches hidden in a monastery, the motley crew finally feel as though their luck is changing…

But as quickly as they find the treasure, quicker still it’s stolen from under their noses, and as they seek revenge on the unknown thief, they find themselves swept up in the might - and the politics - of the Great Company… Will any of them get out alive?

Treaty of Blood by Michael Jecks

My review

We are back once again with the company of Englishmen from the previous books in this series, trying to make their fortunes on the battle grounds of France, as they serve their king and try their best to stay alive.

This book is a gritty telling of some of the bloodiest times in the history between England and France, bringing to life the horror of battles fought in remote areas of the countryside. Once again it sparked my imagination, especially where I can visualise the locations as they are today. Walls and ancient bastides may not be able to divulge what they witnessed all those centuries ago, but immersing yourself into the pages of a good book can flesh out what history has told us.

Treaty of Blood by Michael Jecks

As I’ve read my way through this series, I can’t say these men have become my friends, they are not those sorts of characters, however something about them has ignited something within me. The dangers of their chosen path meant there were many times I was reading through held-in breaths, almost willing the chapter to finish and the action to calm a little. Maybe reading at bedtime wasn’t my best idea!

This book is certainly one for the summer wish lists of the historical fiction fans out there.

Purchase links

French Village Diaries is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk at no extra cost to you.

Ebook – all digital retailers  

 

Author Bio  

Michael Jecks is the author of over 50 novels inspired by history and legend. He is the founder of Medieval Murderers, and has served on the committees of the Historical Writers’ Association, the CWA and he Detection Club. He was International Guest of Honour at the Bloody Words festival in Toronto, and Grand Master of the first parade in the New Orleans Mardi Gras.

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You can read my reviews of Fields of Glory and Ashes of Rebellion, also by Michael Jecks here:

Fields of Glory

Ashes of Rebellion

Treaty of Blood by Michael Jecks

 

  

Chateaux hunting in the Charente

La Rochefoucauld Chateau

As 2026, and life in general, hurtles by at an ever-increasing pace, last weekend gave us a welcome pause and time to reconnect.

Gallerie 16, Chef Boutonne

Saturday morning saw me giving a brief talk about the history of the Château de Javarzay at a local art gallery, and while this may seem a little close to work, it actually mentally prepared me for this coming weekend’s opening of the château. My mind could retrieve the knowledge stored over winter, dust it off and make sure all was where it should be. 

Gallerie 16, Chef Boutonne

Gallerie 16, in the heart of Chef Boutonne, is a wonderful venue and so much more for the community than just an art gallery. As well as showcasing the works of local artists, the gallery, run by a dynamic woman who is as passionate as I am about promoting our area, holds regular events and talks in its delightful setting. It was an honour for me to be invited along to share my local knowledge with a welcoming and appreciative audience.

Opening weekend festivities at the Chateau de Javarzay, Chef-Boutonne

This year, the opening of the château tourist season will be vibrant as the colours and costumes of Venice and its carnival come to life. The opening weekend usually marks the start of my working year but not this year. My role at the Chef Boutonne council has evolved into a full-time position, splitting my time between the library and the château, as well as other communication tasks, including social media posts and event posters, working in a dynamic and supportive team of creative women. It really is a dream role for me.

Hedgerow blossoms in March

Sunday proved to be just as awakening. The weather was perfect for a bike ride, so we set off for a 50 km châteaux hunt, in the Charente. The frost and snow of early January, that were followed by storms and flooding in February, have given way to a lush and vibrant March. The wildflowers in the verges: cowslips, wild daffodils, aconites and snake’s head fritillaries, seem more prolific than ever this year, and the first hedgerow blossoms (that will hopefully give way to sloes in autumn) are stunning to look at and alive with bees. 

La Rochette

It was a delight to be out and about, butterflies trying to keep pace with me one minute, bird song breaking through my thoughts another. We paused in La Rochette to admire the turreted château and the Romanesque Church, with special mention going to its stone carvings and gilded altar. Our destination was La Rochefoucauld, which is home to a very impressive Renaissance château whose family have links with the Château de Javarzay. I hadn’t realised it would be open for visits, so that treat will have to wait for another day, but we did have time to explore the town and learn about its history thanks to the Terra Aventura geocaching app, and treat ourselves to a flan from a boulangerie - that was open on a Sunday afternoon, in rural France, in March. What a win!

The Romanesque church, La Rochette, Charente

While cycling has still featured to get to and from work this winter (when it’s not been stormy), our last 50 km day on the bikes was five months ago, when we were in the Creuse for a few days in October. While the weather isn’t entirely to blame for this, work and two trips back to England have played their part too, almost half a year without a cycling day trip adventure is crazy. I hadn’t appreciated how much I’d missed it, and it was a real tonic for the mind and body. Luckily, we have a few mini adventures in the pipeline this spring.

Book review of The Resistance Knitting Club by Jenny O'Brien

The Resistance Knitting Club by Jenny O'Brien

The Resistance Knitting Club by Jenny O'Brien

Inspired by the true story of a woman who used knitting patterns to encode intelligence during World War Two.  

Guernsey, 2010. After a stroke, an elderly woman shocks her family by speaking perfect French – a language they never knew she possessed. As her granddaughter unravels seventy years of silence, a hidden wartime story emerges...

Paris, 1941. After her brother is declared missing in action at Dunkirk, eighteen-year-old Lenny Gallienne vanishes into Churchill’s secret army. In a bookshop on Rue de la Pompe, she poses as a simple shop girl while encoding intelligence from Nazi headquarters into knitting patterns. Each sweater smuggled to prisoners contains flight paths. Each scarf holds radio frequencies. Each mistake means execution.

Fellow agent, Harry Dennison is the only person who knows her real name. But when the SS close in, Lenny faces an impossible choice in the Metro tunnels beneath Paris – one that will haunt her family for generations. Because in the resistance, the most dangerous secrets are the ones you keep from those you love most.

The Resistance Knitting Club by Jenny O'Brien

My review

Set partly in Guernsey, as well as London, Scotland and occupied Paris, this dual timeline novel tells an emotional story of determination, espionage, heartbreak and above all family bonds.

Lenny is pushed to her limits, physically and mentally, but shows a resilience to adapt and keep going whatever her superiors and the Germans throw at her. Desperate to find a way to remember the morse code, Lenny practises it over and over again, in her knitting. This ingenious idea, born out of the practicality of a woman doing her best to be accepted into the male-dominated SOE (special operations executive) world, sparked a whole new adventure for her in this book, before circumstances led to the unravelling of her dreams.

The Resistance Knitting Club by Jenny O'Brien

The knitting element to this book intrigued me and really added that new edge to a genre I’m well-read in. I’m not a knitter but do know my knit and pearl stitches and just loved how something so simple as knitting was used in the storyline, although, I would have liked to have seen it play a more important role out in the field.

This book was an enjoying step back in time for those, like me, who love a book set during the Occupation of Paris.

Purchase links

French Village Diaries is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk at no extra cost to you.

Amazon link UK / US

 

 

Author Bio  

Jenny O’Brien writes complex thrillers and heartbreaking historical fiction, as well as intriguing romances. Silent Cry, initially self published, topped the Amazon kindle chart in both the UK and the USA. Most of her books have followed suit. 

Jenny has over 40 years experience as a qualified nurse. She turned to creative writing as a hobby when her children were born. 

Born in Ireland, she now lives in Guernsey with her husband and children.

BOOK NEWS 

The Resistance Knitting Club comes out in February, 2026. A blend of Jenny’s two hobbies - knitting and reading. For more check out The Resistance Knitting Club Facebook Page. Join the conversation as well as share your crafting projects. 

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The Resistance Knitting Club by Jenny O'Brien