A Cyclist’s Guide To Poppies & Predicaments

A CYCLIST’S GUIDE TO POPPIES & PREDICAMENTS by Ann Claire is the third book in the Oui Cycle series after A Cyclist's Guide to Crime & Croissants and A Cyclist's Guide to Villains & Vines. In this cozy mystery, a cycling adventure is disrupted by murder as the Velo Vixens, a group on a bachelorette party trip, become suspects. The proprietor of Oui Cycle, Sadie Greene, is caught (again and again) between keeping her clients happy and occupied and making safer choices. Honestly, that gets a bit wearisome, especially when she says, “‘I don't ascribe to ye olde toxic saying that the customer (or bride) is always right.’” Not sure that is accurate; she seems like too much of a pushover, but thankfully Laurent (her boyfriend and police officer) is friends with the best man and so is available as a support in the face of murder and all. “And all, in this case, would include murder, stalking, extortion, punching, arrest, lies, omissions, temporary van theft, and phone confiscation.” With all of that happening and despite plenty of clues, the ending was still a surprise. A CYCLIST’S GUIDE TO POPPIES & PREDICAMENTS is a cute story and provides some interesting facts (who knew that the phrase déjà vu originated as late as 1870?) and touristy info about Provence, its charming towns, and beautiful vistas.

A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker

A MURDER IN SPRINGTIME by Martin Walker is the latest (19th) in the Inspector Bruno mystery series set in rural, southwestern France. Walker excels at conveying the village life, particularly as Bruno is working on a project to revitalize the market at St. Denis. He also once again shares numerous details of meal preparation and ingredients, including a huge lamb roast to celebrate Easter. The mystery, involving the death of a relatively unknown outsider, is almost secondary to the sense of community and celebration through food. Due to a possible conflict in the case for Bruno, a young inspector (Fabien) associated with the Police Judiciaire arrives to lead the investigation and the two become fast friends. As always, I look forward to more in this rather cozy, but thoroughly entertaining, series. A MURDER IN SPRINGTIME received a starred review from Booklist (“If, by some magic, you could live within any book (or series), you would do well to choose Martin Walker’s Bruno, Chief of Police mysteries...”).

The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden

THE UNICORN HUNTERS by Katherine Arden is a work of historical fiction, based in part on a real person, Anne, Duchess of Brittany. The story occurs in 1491 and centers around her attempts to keep Brittany separate from France, despite the efforts to have her wed the French King. Initially, the unicorn hunt is conceived as a delaying tactic, but it opens connections to The Lost Lands and the magic – sorcery and enchantments – still practiced there. As a result, Anne, her sister, and her kingdom are in great peril. In its starred review, Booklist says, “The lush historical details, descriptive language, and intriguing relationships will draw readers into this world of mystery, deception, danger, and fantasy.” THE UNICORN HUNTERS blends romance (including some bedroom scenes), folklore (with a legendary missing city and sea dragons), pageantry, and political intrigue for a memorable reading experience.

The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles

THE PARISIAN CHAPTER by Janet Skeslien Charles (Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade and The Paris Library) is another work of historical fiction closely tied to her other books. I have read and recommended those, but the latest (centered on Lily and her friend Mary Louise in 1995 Paris) was my least favorite mostly because it referenced the earlier work without sufficiently reprising the story for readers. Perhaps if I had read these titles more closely together than the five years between their publication, I would have felt differently. That said, I made my way through all of THE PARISIAN CHAPTER, enjoying the “found family” at the American Library in Paris and empathizing with the struggles of life as an expat (especially when one cranks Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves). Library Journal summed up the positives nicely, “A colorful tapestry shot through with themes of friendship, the power of books, the importance of history, and the joys and trials of an artist’s life. It’s told with charm and flair and filled with genuine joie de vivre.”

Just Another Dead Author by Katarina Bivald

JUST ANOTHER DEAD AUTHOR by Katarina Bivald (The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend) follows Swedish writer Berit Gardner after her initial adventures in The Murders in Great Diddling. She is now in France as a guest speaker at a writers’ conference. Once again, Berit utilizes her powers of observation and analysis to unconventionally aid the local police in solving a murder. The dead author is John Wright, a distinctly unpleasant character who has managed to offend or alienate most people, resulting in plenty of suspects amongst the speakers and guests at the conference. To further complicate the investigation, they are all writers (“basically in training to become liars”) and therefore prone to flights of imagination: “…used to bending the truth to suit their needs and wishes. An intoxicating habit of playing God, of being able to control reality, change it, stretch it according to their own ideas and wishes.” Secrets and surprises are rampant in this entertaining tale in which Bivald deftly employs humor and Berit’s refreshing perspective on the writing life: “When writing is at its best, it lets us imagine things and play like a child … see the world with the wide eyed fascination of a child, talk to imaginary friends inside our head, travel all over the world without leaving our chair, befriend dragons, find love, save the world.” A Reading Group Guide and notes from a Conversation with the Author are included.

Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen

MRS. ENDICOTT'S SPLENDID ADVENTURE is the latest historical fiction from Rhys Bowen (In Farleigh Field). She is a personal favorite and a prolific author of novels including The Constable Evans mysteries, The Royal Spyness series, and many featuring Molly Murphy in addition to several dealing with WWII and its impact.  This novel begins in 1938 in Surrey, England and moves fairly quickly to the South coast of France (near Marseille) throughout the war. After Mrs. Endicott’s husband seeks a divorce, she – and a group of “strays” – settle in a charming village whose inhabitants, including many fishermen, are largely self-sufficient. Gradually, Mrs. Endicott and her companions (an older woman with health problems, a kind-hearted cleaner fleeing spousal abuse, and a young, unmarried lass) build a community and start to thrive. Even in this remote area, the war years are predictably difficult, but most everyone (including other English ex-pats, a broad-minded priest, and the head of a nearby monastery), pull together. Mrs. Endicott learns to try new adventures, reflecting, “All my life I've been sensible and reasonable. I've done the right thing, tried to please everybody, but nobody ever tried to find out what I wanted.” Instead of giving into despair, she and the others grow and manage to find happiness. At one point, the abbot advocates prayer: “Why don't you start with three things you're blessed with, three things you're afraid of and finally three things you ask of him? And don't forget to listen, too.” An uplifting story in a beautiful setting. 

An Enemy in the Village by Martin Walker

AN ENEMY IN THE VILLAGE by Martin Walker is book 18 in the Bruno, Chief of Police series. This mystery is set in St. Denis, a small village in the Périgord (Dordogne) region of France, a little over two hours southwest of Paris by train. Walker recently appeared at Politics and Prose bookstore in Washington, DC and commented then on the way Bruno seems to have entered into the hearts of readers around the world. His own affection for Bruno and his many fictional friends (like the mayor, the riding school director, local author, and the doctor) and their families is evident, too; Walker describes this special camaraderie as having “taken on a life of its own which I feel particularly delighted about.” AN ENEMY IN THE VILLAGE has Bruno investigating the apparent suicide of Monique, a local entrepreneur in the real estate and hospitality field. There is also a new romantic interest, Laura, who shares Bruno's interests, especially in basset hounds. And whiffs of internal corruption between the cops and gendarmes, bolstered by the Greens contributing to a misinformation campaign which could harm Bruno. Always full of twisty mysteries, sumptuous food and wine, and adventure in a European setting, be sure to look for titles in this excellent series.

A Cyclist's Guide to Villains & Vines by Ann Claire

A CYCLIST’S GUIDE TO VILLAINS & VINES by Ann Claire (A Cyclist's Guide to Crime & Croissants) finds the head of Oui Cycle, Sadie Greene, leading a group of older cyclists (the Silver Spinners) in Alsace. Nothing is ever easy for Sadie as a body is discovered and several members of the group are considered prime suspects. The local gendarmes are not big fans of Sadie and her group (pointing out that they have broken into a private residence, recreated a murder scene without police involvement, and confessed to murder), but luckily romantic interest (and police officer) Jacques Laurent arrives to run interference. These stories, while rather improbable, are light and amusing with some touristy background on French regions, foods, and wines. The mystery itself was puzzling and no doubt Sadie will soon be embroiled in another.

The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict

THE QUEENS OF CRIME by Marie Benedict received a starred reviews from Library Journal and Booklist; it was also a LibraryReads Hall of Fame selection for February. In her latest work of historical fiction (1930s England and France), Benedict conveys the personalities of five Golden Age mystery writers.  She teams Dorothy Sayers with Agatha Christie, plus Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy. As part of an effort to impress the male writers at the Detection Club, these women work together to solve a murder of a young English nurse, May Daniels, in France. They trace her stops at the ferry and various shops, often employing their own characters’ techniques to learn much more than the local police while still providing plenty of suspense for readers. In the process, they redeem Daniels’ reputation and enhance their own. A great historical whodunit.

I was fortunate in being able to listen to the Audio Book narrated by Bessie Carter. She did a great job of using Benedict’s words to help readers picture these five authors and their varied personalities. 

The Liberty Scarf

THE LIBERTY SCARF by Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan is a work of historical fiction set on both sides of the Atlantic during WWI. This novel has three parts and they all share the connection of a beautiful Liberty scarf. Thoughts of Liberty fabrics and the main store’s gorgeous building in London were some of the reasons I so liked this book. The heroines were strong women and self-reliant. In the first section, readers meet Iris who aspires to be a designer for Liberty, and Rex, a wounded soldier/architect. The second part is my favorite and features Geneviève Tremblay. Jenny, as she is called, is a telephone operator who faces prejudice in the States because of being a French Canadian. Ironically, it is her native language (and operator skills) which makes her especially valuable in the war effort in Europe where she meets Maxim, a vintner. The third part of the novel tells the story of Clara, a nurse, and Roman, a violinist.  The three stories connect eventually in December 2018 and combine romance and history; as the publisher says, THE LIBERTY SCARF is “a testament to the resilience of women and the enduring power of hope and unity in the harshest of times.” Emily Dickinson’s Hope is the thing with Feathers is an oft-quoted reference and there is reflection about having faith and courage to find a new path. The authors’ notes further explain their writing to celebrate unsung heroines like the telephone operators. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ann Marie Gideon; Gary Furlong; Caroline Hewitt; and Saskia Maarleveld; I would definitely recommend.

A Grave in the Woods by Martin Walker

A GRAVE IN THE WOODS by Martin Walker is the latest Bruno, Chief of Police mystery story set in the Dordogne, in the southwest of France.  And this novel contains familiar elements from the series: close-knit characters, emphasis on good food and the French countryside. In addition, it focuses on historical WWII events because the bodies involved in this mystery are an Italian naval officer and two young female soldiers, all apparently killed by the Resistance. A theme is certainly the horrors and inhumanity of war, especially as the women of Saint-Denis react to the deaths. Bruno calls upon a variety of contacts to smooth relations for a diplomatic ceremony and to help with a hacking campaign against the police network. A GRAVE IN THE WOODS received a starred review from Booklist, saying, “Bruno’s expansive character (he’s an archeology, cooking, and sports enthusiast) adds spice to this series.”

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles

MISS MORGAN'S BOOK BRIGADE by Janet Skeslien Charles (The Paris Library) is a work of historical fiction based on the true story of Jessie “Kit” Carson, an American librarian who worked with the American Committee for Devastated France (CARD) during and after WWI. It is a truly educational story as it explains about the CARD organization and takes place in or around an area in the north of France called the Red Zone which is still uninhabited 100 years later due in large part to the quantity of unexploded ordinance. More importantly, this story is also inspirational as Kit is exposed to wartime trauma and devastation, but finds a strong community of women who serve by providing food, clothing, furniture, ambulance rides, and so much more. The cast of characters includes nurses, fundraisers, chauffeuses, and many local villagers, each with a moving story to share. In addition, the novel shifts roughly 70 years later to when Wendy Peterson works at the NYPL and comes across archival material about the CARDs; she decides to write about them, ultimately befriending the last living CARD member. Charles clearly loves books and she cleverly intersperses some of Kit’s favorite quotes, like these from Anne of Green Gables: “Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” And, “As Anne Shirley would say, ‘Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.’” I am eagerly looking forward to the next “library” story which Janet Skeslien Charles chooses to tell. 

A Cyclist's Guide to Crime & Croissants by Ann Claire

A CYCLIST'S GUIDE TO CRIME & CROISSANTS by Ann Claire is exactly what the cover portends – a light, relaxing vacation via bicycle in rural southern France. Well, almost… there is vandalism, threats, and multiple deaths so the police (Jacques Laurent) are involved and readers will definitely be puzzled by the who-dun-it. Sadie Greene is the new proprietor of Oui, Cycle! (cute name, right?). And she sets off on the anniversary of her best friend’s death along with friends from home, two Scottish sisters, a German tourist, an unpleasant travel critic, and her new “family” of employees. They get into quite a few scrapes and sample many croissants along the way. The mystery is intriguing and enjoyable, but one change I would suggest for the final version is to include a map to guide readers on this fun adventure. I was a little surprised when Sadie desperately throws money at every obstacle (changes in schedule, extra accommodations needed, van rentals), but it signifies her new willingness to take risks and grow the business. Look for more in the Cyclist's Guide Mysteries series featuring Sadie and Laurent. Even Ellery Adams praises A CYCLIST'S GUIDE TO CRIME & CROISSANTS: “A delightful blend of mystery, travel, and joie de vivre!”

The French Ingredient by Jane Bertch

THE FRENCH INGREDIENT is the first book and memoir from Jane Bertch who started La Cuisine Paris in 2009. Despite the early setbacks which she describes that business has become the largest nonprofessional culinary school in France. Bertch subtitles her text “Making a Life in Paris One Lesson at a Time” and very engagingly depicts nearly two decades living and working in Europe. It is an eventful transition from a retail banker to a founder of a cooking school. Entrepreneurs will relate to her comments: “I was on a roller-coaster ride -- at one moment thinking, Forget it this will never work, the next feeling euphoric because we had booked a client or got some press.” She also does an entertaining job of contrasting her own grandmother’s “chaotic” kitchen with the French mise en place: the preparation for the meal with everything washed, chopped, measured, etc. before cooking begins, noting “this is likely why in a French cookbook, you will often see ingredients presented in order of quantities (highest to lowest), rather than when you use them (as in American cookbooks).” She also writes about the importance of relationships, particularly clients and regulars at a food establishment. A fun and informative read, and Bertch says, “I hope that something within these pages inspires you to do whatever you dare to think you can do -- despite all the obstacles and doubts.”

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl

THE PARIS NOVEL by Ruth Reichl is an April 2024 Hall of Fame Title for Library Reads. Reichl has written a cookbook, another novel, and several memoirs (Garlic and Sapphires is a personal favorite). In her latest, she builds once again on her own love of food and experience as a restaurant critic to describe several delightful meals. All were prepared and presented in Paris or nearby, and many are attributed to real life chefs “who changed the shape of dining in France,” including Antoine Magnin, Marc Meneau, Jean Troisgros, and Alain Passard. Reichl’s main character is a “lost soul” named Stella, a thirty-three-year-old woman who suffered abuse as a child and has yet to find confidence in herself. Travelling to Paris after her neglectful mother’s death, Stella gradually develops a sense of purpose and begins to flourish. Even as an adult, Stella is incredibly naïve, fearful, and introverted, so it is not always easy to accept the decisions she makes, but her life is transformed through food, art, and books. Finding community and support allows her to feel safe and to open up to possibilities. A hopeful tale from a talented writer.  

Mastering the Art of French Murder

MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH MURDER, a historical mystery by Colleen Cambridge, is a LibraryReads selection for April and the first book in a new series subtitled An American in Paris. Cambridge has written numerous other mystery stories and this one’s twist is that budding chef Julia Child is neighbor and friend to the protagonist, Tabitha Knight. The story takes place in post-WWII Paris and a young woman is found dead after a late night party at Julia Child’s residence. Tabitha (recently arrived from Detroit) sets out to solve the murder and keep blame from falling on Julia and/or her family. Unfortunately, Tabitha seems rather naïve and impulsively reckless, leading to some unnecessarily dangerous situations. For me, the time period and the descriptions of the city itself (with scenes near the Eiffel Tower and in Montmartre) were stronger aspects than the puzzle of the murder; the party guest list in effect limited suspects to a narrow, sometimes hard to distinguish, list. However, the series has potential and fans of historical mysteries (and, as others have noted, of authors like Jacqueline Winspear and Rhys Bowen) are likely to enjoy MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH MURDER.