Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge

 For Paris in July 2023 Reading Challenge 

Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge, audiobook narrated by Polly Lee

Published April 25, 2023; Kensington

Genre: mystery, historical

I was so delighted with this audiobook about a post-WWII murder mystery in Paris, that I gave it five stars. First of all, the narrator was excellent; her French accents were perfect, as was her American accents. And the story's interest includes budding chef, Julia Child, during her early days in France taking cooking lessons at Le Cordon Bleu.

Julia, along with her fictional friend, Tabatha, and Tabatha's French grandfather and uncle, all collaborate, if only by offering tips, to solve the murder of a woman found murdered in the cellar of Julia's building. Tabitha does most of the sleuthing and investigating, taking risks to discover the truth about the murdered woman, whom she had met briefly after Julia's dinner party.

The plot of the story is also very well thought out. The setting of Paris and the time period just after the war are all important in this mystery. In addition, stories of Julia's cooking and her efforts to perfect her homemade mayonnaise add interest to this French mystery novel. (Hint: use warmed bowls to make the mayonnaise.)

I don't have a Julia Child cookbook, but I did learn how to make a simple omelet, French style, with butter and herbs. I tried it and it was delicious. What a difference cooking with butter makes!

Paris in July, 2023 Reading Challenge: Sunday Salon

 Words and Peace is hosting the Paris in July 2023 Reading Challenge. ##parisinjuly2023parisinjuly2023

Paris in July 2023
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During this month,
our goal is to embrace and honor our French encounters
by immersing ourselves in various activities
like reading, watching, listening, observing, cooking,
and indulging in all things French

The books I've chosen for the challenge and the descriptions from NetGalley/publishers

A Bakery in Paris

Historical novel set in nineteenth-century and post–World War II Paris follows two fierce women of the same family, generations apart, who find that their futures lie in the four walls of a simple bakery in a tiny corner of Montmartre. (publication August 30, 2023)

The Paris Assignment

A courageous wife, mother, and resister confronts the devastation of World War II in a heartbreaking and hopeful novel by the bestselling author of The Venice Sketchbook and The Tuscan Child. (publication August 2023)

The Paris Mystery

Intrepid reporter Charlotte "Charlie" James arrives in Paris in 1938 eager to make a fresh start, but little does she know the trouble that awaits her...

On the summer solstice eve, the Circus Ball is in full swing, with the Parisian elites entranced by burlesque dancers, tightrope walkers, a jazz band . . . and a horrific murder. A wealthy but unscrupulous investor is dead, and the list of suspects is a veritable who's who of le haut monde. As Charlie tries to determine who the murderer is, she finds herself drawn into the magical parties, couture houses, and bohemian wine bars of the City of Lights. ( publication September 2023)

A Paris Odyssey

Genre: novel, travel, France

American Grant Decker is in Paris on a photography assignment.

When he arrives at Gare du Nord train station, he discovers just how unprepared he is to navigate this new world where the language is both vaguely familiar and baffling. ‘”Vous ne parlez pas français?” My brain turned around three times and then went to sleep!’

Determined to get his bearings, Grant explores the length and breadth of the city on the metro. But it is when he makes new friends among some street performers that he discovers a different Paris. These off-beat characters help him sharpen his eye and open his heart to the many love stories that weave through ‘the city of light.’  (published April 2023)

The War Begins in Paris

A provocative and stylish literary noir about two female war correspondents whose fates intertwine in Europe.

Paris, 1938. Mielle, a shy pacifist and shunned Mennonite who struggles to fit in with the elite cohort of foreign correspondents stationed around the city; the other, Jane, a brash, legendary American journalist, who is soon to become a fascist propagandist. (publication November 2023)

My book choices: These are ARCs that are on my TBR list. Some have yet to be published. The Paris Odyssey was published in April and is the only nonfiction, and not set during the war. 

I will be trying to read some but maybe not all of the books for the challenge. #p#parisinjuly2023arisinjuly2023

What's on your reading schedule this week and/or the rest of the month?#parisinjuly2023

#parisinjuly2023

Memes: The Sunday Post hosted by The Caffeinated Bookreviewer. Also,  It's Monday: What Are You Reading, and Sunday Salon, Stacking the Shelves, Mailbox Monday. Paris in July 2023