Mastering the Art of French Murder
A Charming New Parisian Historical Mystery
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4.4 • 45 Ratings
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
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.
“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
From fine Bordeaux and freshly baked baguettes to the friendly chatter of the green market, postwar Paris is indulging its appetite for food, and life, once more, as Tabitha Knight, a young American woman, makes friends with chef-in-training Julia Child—and finds herself immersed in a murder most unsavory . . .
As Paris rediscovers its joie de vivre, Tabitha Knight, recently arrived from Detroit for an extended stay with her French grandfather, is on her own journey of discovery. Paris isn't just the City of Light; it's the city of history, romance, stunning architecture . . . and food. Thanks to her neighbor and friend Julia Child, another expat who's fallen head over heels for Paris, Tabitha is learning how to cook for her Grandpère and her Oncle Rafe.
Between tutoring Americans in French, and sampling the results of Julia's studies at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, Tabitha's sojourn is thoroughly delightful. That is, until the cold December day they return to Julia's building and learn that a body has been found in the cellar. Tabitha recognizes the victim from a party given by Julia's sister, Dort, the night before. The murder weapon is recognizable too—a knife from Julia's kitchen.
Tabitha is eager to help the investigation, but is shocked when Inspector Merveille reveals that a note, in Tabitha's handwriting, was found in the dead woman's pocket. Now, from the shadows of the Tour Eiffel, to the Childs' tiny kitchen, to the grungy streets of Montmartre, Tabitha navigates the city, hoping to find the real killer before she or one of her friends ends up in prison . . . or worse.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This enchanting series launch from Cambridge (A Trace of Poison) pairs a fictional amateur sleuth with Julia Child for a murder investigation in postwar Paris. The night after Child's sister, Dort, hosts a party at Child's apartment, a guest is found dead in the basement—and the murder weapon is one of Child's knives. Tabitha Knight, a hopeless cook and fellow American expat who's befriended Child in hopes some of her culinary skills might rub off on her, takes interest in the crime. Tabitha's investigation leads her to a local English-language theater where Dort worked with the victim, and where most of the suspects are rehearsing an Agatha Christie play. While Tabitha serves as a competent narrator for this spry, sturdy whodunit, Cambridge captures Child's distinct voice and energy so perfectly—especially as she prepares meals like Madame Poulet and Monsieur Jambon—that readers will wish the chef played a larger role. Still, expect to leave this vacation hoping for a return trip.
Customer Reviews
Great Read!
Tabitha Knight worked during WWII at the Willow Run bomber plant, helping to build B24 Liberator planes until the war ended and the men returned to their jobs. After the job ended, Tabitha was invited by her French Grandfather to come live with him. Tabitha became friends with Julia Child after she offered to fix her radio. They were neighbors, both American and had both recently moved to Paris.
After a dinner party, Julia and Tabitha heard a scream and found a dead woman in Julia’s cellar. Julia’s knife and apron are discovered at the crime scene. Also a note with Tabitha’s handwriting. Will they be charged with her murder or was the evidence planted with a different motive? Tabitha was afraid that Julia and her husband, Paul, would be accused of the murder, so she took it upon herself to try to solve the murder. Will she be able to figure it out? This book will have you turning the pages to find out who did it!
A unique imagining of a murder mystery involving Julia Child. Even though this wasn’t part of Julia Child’s history, it was a highly entertaining story of who did it! I have mixed emotions about this story. I liked the story, but the fact that this didn’t even occur with Julia Child, it’s hard to accept! Given Julia’s professional background, I would have thought she would have been more driven to help Tabitha in investigating the murders, instead she mostly leaves it up to Tabitha.
Overall, it was entertaining, well written, and made you feel satisfied in the end! I did enjoy how the author intermixed historical facts and Julia Child facts into the book. This is book #1 in the An American in Paris series, so I look forward to reading the second book when it comes out. This would make a great book club pick, as it would lead to many interesting discussions.
Excellent
So much fun! A mystery, learning about post war Paris, and Julia child French cooking.
Very entertaining!
Absolutely charming
You can’t miss with Julia Child in Paris post WWII and her young American friend. I love to see a sequel to this title.