Book review of A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks

A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks

A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks

Feathers, diamonds, showgirls, oh la la… Paris is everything Opal Laplume could dream of. But she wasn’t expecting to be cast as the lead detective in a murder case…

Paris, 1930. The Honourable Opal Laplume has just started working as a seamstress in the most glamorous cabaret in Paris. The stage is set for a spectacular opening night, but tragedy strikes when the star of the show, Valentine Beaumanoir falls from her hotel balcony.

The police believe it’s an accident, but Opal isn’t convinced. Witnesses heard Valentine shout for help before she fell. But if she was pushed, how could the culprit have escaped when her room was locked from the inside? And who left a perfect white rose on her bedside table?

When a deadly note to another dancer is found, Opal ditches her threads and thimbles to take charge of the case. Stepping backstage, she finds everyone had a reason to want Valentine dead. The chorus girls were jealous of Valentine’s spot in the limelight. But did one of them want the lead role that badly? Before she fell, Valentine called out the name of her beau, costumier Christophe. Could the show-stopping murder have been a crime of passion?

But just as Opal thinks she’s on track to solve the mystery, the theatre is rocked by a murder on stage, where once again the killer vanishes into thin air. Opal soon realises a bigger plot is unfolding. Can she keep her composure and catch the cabaret killer? Or will it be her final curtain call?

A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks

My review

As Opal Laplume settles into her new life in Paris, sporting her unique style of headwear, and with her adorable companion Napolean at her side, it doesn’t take her long to realise that if she wants the truth about the mysterious disappearances happening to the cabaret cast, it is up to her to piece the clues together.

Opal was a fabulous character to get to know, and being with her in 1930’s Paris was a riot for my senses that put a huge smile on my face. Her observation skills were a gift, ensuring she picked up even the tiniest detail in every situation, and never failed to notice when something was amiss. The cabaret dancers were vibrant, as were the colours and textures of their costumes and feathery headdresses, and the arty society soirees she attended, with familiar names, swirling cigarette smoke and absinthe pipes all came alive from the pages.

I never doubted that Opal would succeed where the police had failed, but I wasn’t expecting the twists and turns this book gave me. It was one of those books that was easy to slip into, but not so easy to put down and I’m looking forward to reading more fabulous adventures from the Honourable Opal Laplume.

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Millicent Binks

Author Bio  

Millicent is a writer, former costume designer and burlesque performer from Suffolk. She now resides in North London with her husband and two cats, Queenie and Tarquin.

She has a BA (Hons) at Wimbledon College of Art in Costume Interpretation. Her writing credits include a column in the The London Evening Standard about her life as a burlesque starlet. She wrote the cover story “Alter Shego's” for The Sunday Times Magazine, in which she disguised herself as different women, took self-portraits, went out, introduced herself to random gentlemen and documented their reactions. This was optioned for TV by NBCUniversal.

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A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks

Book review of Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks

Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks

Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks

1346. France. King Edward III is restless. Despite earlier victories the French crown remains intact. Determined to bring France under his own rule, Edward has devised a new plan of attack – one which he believes will finally bring the French army to its knees: a final, cataclysmic battle ...

Berenger Fripper, Vintener of a pox-ridden mob of sixteen who make up the Vintaine of Sir John de Sully, storms the beaches of Normandy to bring victory to their king. But the French are nowhere to be seen…

And so Berenger leads his Vintaine through France and onward to battle - the Battle of Crécy – one which will both bond and break his men and be a decisive turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks

My review

For years, my only knowledge of the Battle of Crécy was from the brown tourist sign you see from the motorway when driving north from Rouen to Calais, a journey we do regularly. Its significance to England’s shared history with the French was unforgivably lost on me until recently, but honestly, my history lessons in good old 1980’s Blighty left a lot to be desired. Working at an historical tourist site in France has fired a passion in me for French history, and especially those periods where French and English history entwine. 

You can only imagine the delight I found in immersing myself in this book. Using the wonderful medium of well-written historical fiction enabled me to follow in their footsteps and added flesh to the bare bones of my knowledge. 

Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks

This book is gritty, gory and not for the faint-hearted, but I was in my element, and it certainly helped me visualise life for the invading army and the terror of medieval warfare. I now have a better understanding of some of the complexities around who thought they had rights to the French throne and why. 

I’ve also discovered this is the first in a trilogy, so I can’t wait to continue my journey back through time with books two and three. 

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Author Bio  

Studied actuarial science, then became a computer salesman for 13 years- after the 13th company folded, he turned to writing.

He’s the author of 50 novels, 6 novellas, 4 collaborative books and short stories. His tales are inspired by history and legends, but are all grounded in real life and real people, what motivates them, and why they turn to violence. 

Founder of Medieval Murderers, he has served on the committees of: Historical Writers’ Association, CWA and Detection Club. He has judged the Debut Dagger, Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and other prizes, as well as serving as Dagger liaison officer and CWA Chair. He has taught writing at Swanwick and Evesham, and tutored for the Royal Literary Fund. He now runs South West Writers in Devon. 

His work has been celebrated by Visconti and Conway Stewart pens; 2014 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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Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks

Book review of Where Do We Go From Here by Nick Alexander

Where Do We Go From Here by Nick Alexander

Where Do We Go From Here by Nick Alexander

When all seems lost, can she find herself again?

For years, Wendy has put others first. A loving wife, mother and nurse, she has never taken time for herself. But now with her children flying the nest, she decides, alone, to rent a little house in a forgotten corner of the French Alps where she can try and answer the question: what next?

But when she arrives, Wendy starts to regret her decision. This retreat suddenly looks so very different from the dream. As she walks the hill paths alone, thoughts of her family leave her with a pang in her chest.

With no one else to care for, Wendy is suddenly forced to confront something she’s tried her best to hide: the real reason her family is falling apart. Is she strong enough to face it alone?

Then, just when she thinks she’s hit rock bottom, she discovers that help can come from the most unlikely places: a newfound friendship giving her the strength to start again. Wendy always thought she knew how her story would end but she’s learning that this is only the beginning.

An absolutely heartbreaking and uplifting story about love, loss, unlikely friendships and finding strength you never knew you had. Perfect for fans of Mike Gayle, Amanda Prowse and Matt Haig. 

My review

Wow, I have to admit that it has been a while since I read a Nick Alexander book and although they have never disappointed, this one turned out to be a much more powerful  read than I was expecting.

To begin with I felt sorry for Wendy, acclimatising to time alone in her mountain cabin, in the wilds of the Alps, just above Nice, although I enjoyed the memories the views of her vistas gave me of our holidays in the area. As her story was revealed, I felt hurt and angry for her, at the traumas she witnessed as a nurse in England during the pandemic and her family’s seemingly lack of understanding at what she experienced. Then things took a darker, more difficult twist. I don’t think this is a spoiler, but I do feel there should be a trigger warning for alcohol issues in the description of this book, meaning that at times it wasn’t an easy read.

Where Do We Go From Here by Nick Alexander

Wendy wasn’t always an easy character to like, but there was an ever-present optimism in my head that she would find the signs she was hoping for, and in doing so “find herself”. The people she met in France, or those from her past who she tried to reconnect with, all had interesting stories to throw into the mix of emotions that this book stirred within me. It was a page-turner, but not how I imagined it would be. 

If you are looking for something a bit grittier and more grown-up than cosy, and that is guaranteed to make you think, then add this book to your kindle today.

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Author Bio  

Nick Alexander is a bestselling British Author of nineteen novels. He has sold more than two million copies of his books to date. His works have been translated into nine different languages and he has had bestsellers in France, Germany and Norway.

Nick lives in a sleepy village in the southern French Alps with his partner, three cats and a mischief of screechy magpies that the cats just love to hate.

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Book review of Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky by Jennifer Bohnet

Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky by Jennifer Bohnet

Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky by Jennifer Bohnet

As one door closes, another one opens…

When Agnes Agistini receives a phone call from Theo, her brother-in-law informing her that her estranged, abusive husband Oscar has died in an accident, she feels nothing but relief. But that relief is short-lived as Oscar’s vengeance from an early grave forces Agnes to return to the place she fled from over forty years ago. A place and time she’s not keen to revisit.

At the request of a French notaires dealing with Oscar’s last will, Agnes travels to Cannes in the South of France alongside their daughter Francine and her grand-daughter Jasmine.

Agnes knows that going back will inevitably drag up deep, dark memories which she is yet to reconcile, but what choice does she have?
What she wasn’t prepared for are the family secrets that will come to light, or the cruel way in which Oscar treats her right until the bitter end.

As always Theo remains by her side, helping to navigate the myriad of bombshells Oscar leaves in his wake. But as wonderful memories begin to resurface Agnes begins to wonder if she can finally make peace with the past and find an everlasting happiness? 

Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky by Jennifer Bohnet

My review

The title of this book perfectly sums up what you will discover inside when you meet the three generations of the Agistini women, Agnes, Francine and Jasmine. 

Their lives in Devon have always had the shadow of their French past hanging over them. For Agnes, it is the painful memories of her disastrous marriage to husband, Oscar. For Francine, it is the control her absent father had over her and for her daughter Jasmine, it is the mystery of an unknown grandfather who her mother and grandmother refuse to talk about.

With news of Oscar’s death, the three women return to Cannes, hoping to sort out the formalities of his estate and finally lay their demons to rest. However, the more they discover about Oscar’s life and the secrets from his past, the more they learn about themselves and the secrets they too have kept from each other. It soon becomes an interesting tangle of stories, with lots of grit to get stuck into as Oscar makes his presence felt from beyond the grave.

Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky by Jennifer Bohnet

All three women are strong, likeable characters, as I’ve come to enjoy when I open a Jennifer Bohnet novel, and discovering their stories kept me turning the pages hoping they would find peace in their present lives. They don’t so much grieve for Oscar, but as his life unravels, it enables them to understand each other, accept the changes thrust upon them and find ways to forge new futures. All this with the backdrop of the French Riviera, the cafés, markets and food – it was a pleasure to escape to Cannes, and this is another Jennifer Bohnet book I can recommend.

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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.

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My books  

Jennifer Bohnet

 

Author Bio  

Jennifer Bohnet is the international bestselling author of twenty-one novels, including 'Secrets Beneath A Riviera Sky', 'A French Adventure', 'Summer at the Château', ‘Villa of Sun and Secrets' and 'A Riviera Retreat'. Jennifer's stories usually span the generations with characters ranging in age and having to cope with unexpected problems in their lives - but there is always a hopeful ending, even if there are tears before. Living in France for twenty-five years she has happily adapted to the French lifestyle including the long lunches with friends and the wine.

Here are some of my reviews of Jennifer’s previous novels (all of which I recommend).

A French Adventure 

Summer on the French Riviera 

Christmas on the Riviera 

Villa of Second Chances 

Summer at the Château 

A French Country Escape

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Secrets Beneath a Riviera Sky by Jennifer Bohnet

Book review of Under a Riviera Moon by Helen McGinn

Under a Riviera Moon by Helen McGinn

Under a Riviera Moon by Helen McGinn

When a heartsick Maggie is sent on an errand by her mother to Cannes, she is keen to get it over with as quickly as possible.

She has been tasked with collecting a treasured box of photos from her late grandmother Elizabeth’s best friend, the impossibly glamorous Allegra Morgon who is desperate to tell Maggie all about the year she and Elizabeth spent in Paris. The sixties were in full swing, the air hummed with jazz, artists and students made the streets their own, and the City of Love was weaving its magic. And against this backdrop, two people were beginning a love story that would last a lifetime - but be over too soon.

As Maggie hears more about Allegra’s life, first in Paris, then New York, and finally on the Riviera, she is captivated and inspired. Was life always leading Maggie to this moment, this beautiful place so she could finally learn to stop living in the past? Because if she can, then another love story for the ages might just be within her reach…

Helen McGinn’s deliciously escapist, unashamedly romantic story is perfect for fans of Carol Kirkwood, Karen Swan and Erica James. 

Under a Riviera Moon by Helen McGinn

My review

Maggie is at a low, both personally and professionally, so as a favour to her mother agrees to a few days on the French Riviera, to collect a box of her late grandmother’s possessions. What she hopes will give her a change of scenery, turns into an adventure from the moment she meets the enigmatic Allegra.

As the sun sets on Allegra’s terrace in the old part of Cannes, the wine is poured, the stories begin to flow, and Maggie’s eyes are opened to a life lived in a different era. Paris in the 1960’s is alive with jazz clubs, art, but also political unrest. It is also where a chance meeting brings together four young people with passion and ideas, whose lives are on the brink of change. 

Under a Riviera Moon by Helen McGinn

Allegra now has the wisdom of old age, so as well as sharing the passions and heartbreaks she has experienced, she also encourages Maggie to open up about her heartache. This is a crucial step in helping her move forward from a traumatic period and begin her healing. I loved watching Maggie slowly come back to life as she enjoyed her time with Allegra.

This is a beautifully written dual time-line novel, whose characters piqued my interest, especially the wonderful Allegra, and I was easily immersed into their stories. Be warned, this book is not your usual love story, but it will make you think and reflect on the importance of living your best life every day.

I’ll be looking out for more books from Helen.

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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.

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My books  

 

Helen McGinn

Author Bio  

Helen McGinn is a wine writer, international wine judge and author of the award-winning Knackered Mother’s Wine Guide. She spent almost a decade sourcing wines around the world as a supermarket buyer and appears regularly on BBC1's Saturday Kitchen and ITV's This Morning as their wine expert. She writes about drinks for Waitrose Food Magazine among others and awards include Fortnum & Mason’s Online Drink Writer of the Year. Her bestselling debut novel This Changes Everything was published in February 2021 and her second fiction book In Just One Day later that same year. This Is Us, her third novel, was released in September 2022 and her fourth, The Island of Dreams, in February 2024. 

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Under a Riviera Moon by Helen McGinn