Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge

Mastering the Art of French Murder
by Colleen Cambridge

ISBN-13: 9781496739599
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Kensington
Released: April 25th 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
As Paris rediscovers its joie de vivre, Tabitha Knight, who 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 neighbour and friend Julia Child, another ex-pat who’s fallen head over heels for Paris, Tabitha is learning how to cook for her Grandpère and Oncle Rafe.

Between tutoring Americans in French, visiting the market, and eagerly sampling the results of Julia’s studies at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, Tabitha’s sojourn is proving 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 as a woman she’d met only the night before, at a party given by Julia’s sister, Dort. The murder weapon found nearby 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. Is this murder a case of international intrigue, or something far more personal?


My Review:
Mastering the Art of French Murder is a cozy mystery set in 1949 in Paris. While Tabitha had read many mysteries (from Nancy Drew to Sherlock Homes), her "inner sprite" seemed to be the main motivator of her actions. For example, she had the murdered woman's purse, which she was taking to the police detective. She decided to just ride her bicycle by the woman's apartment only to realize that wasn't enough. She used the keys to enter and snoop around the apartment, only later giving the detective the purse and the clues she found. She kept telling herself she wasn't investigating but couldn't stop asking questions and snooping around. She's nice enough and generally reasoned things out well. She seemed drawn to dangerous situations, but at least she's good at rescuing herself.

Some historical details about living in Paris at that time were woven into the story. The main characters were interesting. Julia was vivacious and gave Tabitha several (described) cooking lessons. Tabitha's grandpa was a part of the French resistance during WWII and currently lived with a younger man he worked with during the war. It's implied they're a romantic couple. They're charming with quirky pets and have interesting connections (from the war work) that they used to help Tabitha solve the murder. Whodunit was guessable, though Tabitha was shocked. She only solved it because she overheard a confession. Once she had that information, though, she was able to work out what was going on and the why behind the murder.

There was no sex. There was some bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable mystery.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.