A Murder Most French

March 11, 2024
Julia Child returns in Cambridge’s sprightly second cozy featuring the legendary chef (after Mastering the Art of French Murder), who once again asks her American expat neighbor, Tabitha Knight, to help solve a mystery—this time, a series of wine-based slayings in 1950s Paris. During a cooking demonstration at L’École du Cordon Bleu, where Julia studies French cuisine, a famous chef dies after taking a sip of Volnay Clos de la Rouge from the rare 1893 vintage. Toxicology reports indicate that cyanide is the culprit—but who would add poison to such a precious wine? When a string of other figures in the Parisian culinary scene also die from poisoned vino, Julia taps Tabitha to flex her formidable powers of deduction, decipher clues, and risk her life and limb to ferret out the culprit. While fair-play fans will have plenty of fun following along with the friends’ investigations, it’s Julia’s sensuous recipes, lusciously described visits to the market, and fascinating tour of a subterranean mushroom farm that give this book its tantalizing flavor. The results will satisfy foodies, armchair travelers, and old-fashioned mystery lovers alike. Agent: Maura Kye-Casella, Don Congdon Assoc.

September 13, 2024

Polly Lee returns to voice erstwhile amateur detective Tabitha Knight in Cambridge's sequel to Mastering the Art of French Murder. Having decided to settle firmly into life in 1950s Paris, Tabitha is focusing on her tutoring jobs and learning more recipes from her friend and neighbor Julia Child. She certainly isn't looking to get involved in another murder investigation, but one lands in her lap when a renowned chef is killed with a bottle of poisoned wine during a cooking demonstration. Despite her better judgment and the wrath of Inspector Merveille, Tabby pursues a cold-blooded killer through the streets--and tunnels--of Paris. Lee brings back Tabby's friendly Midwestern twang and Julia's bighearted clamor for this new, fast-paced mystery. She fills out the many characters of the story with appropriate Parisian accents up and down the class system, managing to make them distinct and recognizable as Tabby's incurable curiosity leads her to talk to food vendors, street urchins, Michelin-starred chefs, and anyone else who can help her crack the case while working on the art of the perfect scrambled egg. VERDICT Cozy foodie fun for fans of Rhys Bowen and Jacqueline Winspear.--Natalie Marshall

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