What do you think?
Rate this book
Maggie Newberry Mysteries #3
Murder in Provence
The third installment in the Maggie Newberry mysteries, this book takes the reader further into the sleepy little French town, of St. Buvard where Maggie and her new husband discover not one but four murders to spice up their tenure in Provence
Smart, sassy and decidedly un-French Maggie Newberry and her hunky French-chef husband are solving mysteries in Provence and eating very well along the way. No French necessary to enjoy every page of this deliciously exciting murder mystery series! Desperate to find something to do while she is away from her job and her support system back in Atlanta,
Maggie decides to write a French cookbook for American readers. The fact that she herself doesn't cook is only a small stumbling block since she is now married to a fabulous cook and a French one at that! Unfortunately, Laurent has other ideas of how he wants to spend his time. All of which comes to a head during that dreaded first year of marriage – which is made even more difficult with the regularity people seem to be dropping dead around them.
Shelving the cookbook idea (for everyone's sake!) Maggie and her trusty sidekick Grace begin their sleuthing in the ancient city of Arles. There is also an incredibly sexy, obviously smitten, French police detective who is investigating the murders at the same time he is seriously complicating Maggie's life in every possible way.
Smart, sassy and decidedly un-French Maggie Newberry and her hunky French-chef husband are solving mysteries in Provence and eating very well along the way. No French necessary to enjoy every page of this deliciously exciting murder mystery series! Desperate to find something to do while she is away from her job and her support system back in Atlanta,
Maggie decides to write a French cookbook for American readers. The fact that she herself doesn't cook is only a small stumbling block since she is now married to a fabulous cook and a French one at that! Unfortunately, Laurent has other ideas of how he wants to spend his time. All of which comes to a head during that dreaded first year of marriage – which is made even more difficult with the regularity people seem to be dropping dead around them.
Shelving the cookbook idea (for everyone's sake!) Maggie and her trusty sidekick Grace begin their sleuthing in the ancient city of Arles. There is also an incredibly sexy, obviously smitten, French police detective who is investigating the murders at the same time he is seriously complicating Maggie's life in every possible way.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2011
1615 people are currently reading
1307 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
October 22, 2015
My first and last read of this series. The story follows the main character Maggie, a bored newlywed who has relocated to France. She decides to write a cookbook but does not cook. Her best friend Grace, who is returning to live in the US, introduces her to a local artist Marie. They spend many hours meeting for lunch and at sometimes volatile family dinners. Maggie meets Marie's daughter Brigitte and decides this will be her new BFF. But Brigitte is murdered the day after they meet. Bored Maggie decides to solve the murder assuming the local police are incompetent, though the lead inspector is too sexy to resist (really?) She proceeds by intruding in potential suspects' homes and places of business and asking point blank if they were having an affair and with whom, or if they killed the victim. All accomplished despite the fact that she she does not speak French! This rambling storyline reminds me of the daydreams of bored pre adolescents who dream of being a hero and imagine unrealistic scenarios where they eventually save the day. The characters are one dimensional and not likeable. Maggie comes off as self centered, needy and emotionally immature. The proof readers missed numerous editing errors. The occasional French phrases interspersed in the characters' conversation read like the phrases a tourist learns before traveling to a foreign country. The book has nothing to do with French cuisine or with investigating a series of murders, and Maggie's arrogance is an insult to the French police and people.
October 4, 2015
I've now read #1,#6 and this one #3 in the Maggie Newberry series (in that order), all free via BookBub. I had planned to read them all before going to France last month but now I'm glad I didn't. It was so nice to really be able to picture the town of St. Buvard, the vineyards climbing up the hills, the grape harvesting, the mistral wind, Arles with its cobbled streets, narrow alleys and street cafes.
I loved this book. Maggie has certainly grown on me since the first one, Murder in the South of France, and helped fill in some more of the back story prior to Murder in Nice. Maggie and Laurent have been married for a year and are having their ups and downs. She is thrown into a murder investigation where the victim is someone she admires and hopes to be a new friend to ease her homesickness for Atlanta and boredom. She is trying to write a Provence cookbook while Laurent is totally invested in his grape harvest. Their is a mutual attraction between Maggie and the lead detective and he reluctantly agrees that she can ask questions and they can share information. Maggie finally figures out the murderer's identity but will it be too late? The relationships among the various characters and their secrets were fascinating and real. The story was so engrossing I couldn't put it down! Now I must read #2 and #4 to catch up with all of Maggie and Laurent's adventures.
I loved this book. Maggie has certainly grown on me since the first one, Murder in the South of France, and helped fill in some more of the back story prior to Murder in Nice. Maggie and Laurent have been married for a year and are having their ups and downs. She is thrown into a murder investigation where the victim is someone she admires and hopes to be a new friend to ease her homesickness for Atlanta and boredom. She is trying to write a Provence cookbook while Laurent is totally invested in his grape harvest. Their is a mutual attraction between Maggie and the lead detective and he reluctantly agrees that she can ask questions and they can share information. Maggie finally figures out the murderer's identity but will it be too late? The relationships among the various characters and their secrets were fascinating and real. The story was so engrossing I couldn't put it down! Now I must read #2 and #4 to catch up with all of Maggie and Laurent's adventures.
February 5, 2016
Increasingly unlikable heroine
I got a couple of the books in this series for free, and as I enjoyed the setting, continued to read it. I do like reading series, getting to know characters better with each sequel. The problem with this series, beyond the improbable plot details ... which I expect in an amateur sleuth cozy mystery ... is that the "heroine" is almost completely self-absorbed, petulant, lazy and absurdly smug and condescending, particularly given that she doesn't seem to do much besides pout, complain, snoop unintelligently into a series of murders, and flirt with any attractive man who comes along while she waffles between grudging affection and demanding exploitation of her seemingly hard working husband. He tends and manages a vineyard which has had to be largely replanted, makes wine, does all the cooking, and yet she complains when he doesn't also contribute enthusiastically to the latest project she has undertaken with little or no interest or effort herself.
I'm afraid my own interest in the 'expatriate in beautiful Provence' trope is no longer enough to put up with a main character who should either grow up or else become the murder victim in order to spark my desire to finish the series which, unfortunately, I already own. Tant pis.
I got a couple of the books in this series for free, and as I enjoyed the setting, continued to read it. I do like reading series, getting to know characters better with each sequel. The problem with this series, beyond the improbable plot details ... which I expect in an amateur sleuth cozy mystery ... is that the "heroine" is almost completely self-absorbed, petulant, lazy and absurdly smug and condescending, particularly given that she doesn't seem to do much besides pout, complain, snoop unintelligently into a series of murders, and flirt with any attractive man who comes along while she waffles between grudging affection and demanding exploitation of her seemingly hard working husband. He tends and manages a vineyard which has had to be largely replanted, makes wine, does all the cooking, and yet she complains when he doesn't also contribute enthusiastically to the latest project she has undertaken with little or no interest or effort herself.
I'm afraid my own interest in the 'expatriate in beautiful Provence' trope is no longer enough to put up with a main character who should either grow up or else become the murder victim in order to spark my desire to finish the series which, unfortunately, I already own. Tant pis.
October 6, 2015
Poor editing marred readability
The story line was fine but the editing or lack of, took away from the enjoyment and readability of the book. Sometimes even the characters names were mixed up.
The story line was fine but the editing or lack of, took away from the enjoyment and readability of the book. Sometimes even the characters names were mixed up.
August 23, 2012
Maggie has decided to write a cookbook because she is bored and her husband, Laurent, is a chef. She doesn’t know anything about cooking, but she figures she can get all she needs from him. It is driving him crazy. He seems to spend more time in the vineyard and with his friends at the bar than her.
Everyone had heard of the murder of the nurse who worked at the same hospital as Yves. It had been two weeks and there was no arrest or suspect in sight.
Maggie was losing her best friend, Grace, who was returning to the United States, but she had met Brigitte and they seemed to hit it off right away. Maggie’s life took an immediate turn for the worse when Brigitte, Marie’s daughter was murdered. Grace came for Maggie so they could go to Marie and help in any way possible.
Maggie hadn’t been told that Brigitte had been raped and beaten as she was killed. Rene, Marie’s husband hated Yves, Brigitte’s husband and told the police he knew it was him.
Maggie looked at Marie and she could feel her anguish. How do you handle losing your child? We’re supposed to go first. Maggie went to the kitchen thinking of coffee, just something she could do to help Marie. Detective Inspector Roger Bedard intercepted her, suggesting she come back at another time. That so wasn’t happening. She was not leaving her friend.
Maggie was surprised by her sudden feelings of attraction to the detective. She couldn’t help thinking, what’s this. She loved her husband, Laurent. Did the detective feel it too?
Maggie and Laurent were having dinner, when Maggie blurted out that she wanted to help find the killer. She had helped solve a murder a year earlier and cleared her friend of suspicion at the same time.
La Canard was the meeting place of the village. Maggie made an appointment to meet Detective Bedard at the cafe. He wouldn’t give her any information, but that wouldn’t stop Maggie.
When she returned home, Pijou, Brigitte’s, sister was there, drunk and flirting with Laurent. She told Maggie, not only was Brigitte’s best friend sleeping with Yves, so was she.
Maggie realized she was on her own, and she was surprised to find that it wasn’t so bad in Provence. It had finally started to feel like home.
She was sitting in a cafe when she noticed Madeline entering a house across the street. She decided to visit her to see what she could find out and was glad she did. They hit it off right away and Madeline proceeded to tell her who killed Brigitte. And made a point of telling her that the police hadn’t even questioned him yet.
I was offered this book in return for a fair, honest and unbiased review.
A nice cover with eye-catching colors. Title tells the story.
A light murder mystery for great summer reading on the beach or around the pool.
The descriptions of the area were so detailed that you could visualize the countryside.
Characters were real. It was interesting to watch Maggie as she grew and changed through the story. Friendship. Amazing how someone can influence you without you realizing it until long after.
There were some editing errors, but I find this a common occurrence in almost every book I read, even from the best sellers of the large publishing houses.
Murder in Provence Susan Kiernan-Lewis
Everyone had heard of the murder of the nurse who worked at the same hospital as Yves. It had been two weeks and there was no arrest or suspect in sight.
Maggie was losing her best friend, Grace, who was returning to the United States, but she had met Brigitte and they seemed to hit it off right away. Maggie’s life took an immediate turn for the worse when Brigitte, Marie’s daughter was murdered. Grace came for Maggie so they could go to Marie and help in any way possible.
Maggie hadn’t been told that Brigitte had been raped and beaten as she was killed. Rene, Marie’s husband hated Yves, Brigitte’s husband and told the police he knew it was him.
Maggie looked at Marie and she could feel her anguish. How do you handle losing your child? We’re supposed to go first. Maggie went to the kitchen thinking of coffee, just something she could do to help Marie. Detective Inspector Roger Bedard intercepted her, suggesting she come back at another time. That so wasn’t happening. She was not leaving her friend.
Maggie was surprised by her sudden feelings of attraction to the detective. She couldn’t help thinking, what’s this. She loved her husband, Laurent. Did the detective feel it too?
Maggie and Laurent were having dinner, when Maggie blurted out that she wanted to help find the killer. She had helped solve a murder a year earlier and cleared her friend of suspicion at the same time.
La Canard was the meeting place of the village. Maggie made an appointment to meet Detective Bedard at the cafe. He wouldn’t give her any information, but that wouldn’t stop Maggie.
When she returned home, Pijou, Brigitte’s, sister was there, drunk and flirting with Laurent. She told Maggie, not only was Brigitte’s best friend sleeping with Yves, so was she.
Maggie realized she was on her own, and she was surprised to find that it wasn’t so bad in Provence. It had finally started to feel like home.
She was sitting in a cafe when she noticed Madeline entering a house across the street. She decided to visit her to see what she could find out and was glad she did. They hit it off right away and Madeline proceeded to tell her who killed Brigitte. And made a point of telling her that the police hadn’t even questioned him yet.
I was offered this book in return for a fair, honest and unbiased review.
A nice cover with eye-catching colors. Title tells the story.
A light murder mystery for great summer reading on the beach or around the pool.
The descriptions of the area were so detailed that you could visualize the countryside.
Characters were real. It was interesting to watch Maggie as she grew and changed through the story. Friendship. Amazing how someone can influence you without you realizing it until long after.
There were some editing errors, but I find this a common occurrence in almost every book I read, even from the best sellers of the large publishing houses.
Murder in Provence Susan Kiernan-Lewis
May 2, 2012
3.5 stars
This story is about an unlikely American sleuth in a small town in France. Maggie has a rather uneventful life and takes on the project of writing a cookbook of American tastes in France. She drives her husband, the owner of a vineyard and excellent cook, to distraction. He often shoos away her inquiries driving Maggie to seek entertainment/answers for her cookbook elsewhere. Maggie has few friends and one of her friends Grace is moving back to the US, and Maggie goes in search of a replacement friend. When she meets Brigitte, it seems the balance in her world will be righted. Much to Maggie’s horror Brigitte is murdered and sets her on a quest to solve the mystery the bumbling police are unable to.
I usually enjoy murder mysteries, but unfortunately Murder in Provence fell flat for me. The pace in the beginning was slow and finally picked up halfway through the book where the story acknowledges movement to the murder committed in the prologue. It was hard to decipher the voices of the characters, and I confused Maggie and Marie often. The only character that really stuck out was Pijou, the jealous sister. I noticed some quirky uses of character perspectives and use of (dog’s name) instead of using a dog’s name. I think one more round of editing would polish the story and give it a bit more dimension.
I would recommend this book as a good, soft mystery that has a strong, albeit predictable ending.
This story is about an unlikely American sleuth in a small town in France. Maggie has a rather uneventful life and takes on the project of writing a cookbook of American tastes in France. She drives her husband, the owner of a vineyard and excellent cook, to distraction. He often shoos away her inquiries driving Maggie to seek entertainment/answers for her cookbook elsewhere. Maggie has few friends and one of her friends Grace is moving back to the US, and Maggie goes in search of a replacement friend. When she meets Brigitte, it seems the balance in her world will be righted. Much to Maggie’s horror Brigitte is murdered and sets her on a quest to solve the mystery the bumbling police are unable to.
I usually enjoy murder mysteries, but unfortunately Murder in Provence fell flat for me. The pace in the beginning was slow and finally picked up halfway through the book where the story acknowledges movement to the murder committed in the prologue. It was hard to decipher the voices of the characters, and I confused Maggie and Marie often. The only character that really stuck out was Pijou, the jealous sister. I noticed some quirky uses of character perspectives and use of (dog’s name) instead of using a dog’s name. I think one more round of editing would polish the story and give it a bit more dimension.
I would recommend this book as a good, soft mystery that has a strong, albeit predictable ending.
August 21, 2012
French countryside, French food, and a sexy French husband are not quit fulfilling American transplant, Maggie Newberg's life in her French country vineyard. Plus, her best friend is returning to the states. Though Maggie is trying to fill her time writing a French cookbook with a twist, she's just finding that to be one more annoying part of her dull and duller days. Besides that, she can't cook and her chef husband isn't cooperating or collaborating as she had wished .
Then people start dying all around her. When one of these is the daughter of a friend who is convinced her daughter's philandering cheating husband beat her to death, Maggie finds her calling--again. The hunky French policeman is missing many clues and really does not seem to have his heart in his work. Maggie finds herself wondering if she would like his heart to be drawn to her. But they eventually decide to compare notes when there is another attempted murder.
This is a fun mystery with many twists and turns. The setting, food and scattered French phrases made me feel like I was taking one of those mystery vacation packages in Provence!! The clues and solutions may fool you into following the wrong suspect, and the life threatening tension at the end of the book will make you glad it's a book instead of a real life mystery. Great vacation beach read!!
Then people start dying all around her. When one of these is the daughter of a friend who is convinced her daughter's philandering cheating husband beat her to death, Maggie finds her calling--again. The hunky French policeman is missing many clues and really does not seem to have his heart in his work. Maggie finds herself wondering if she would like his heart to be drawn to her. But they eventually decide to compare notes when there is another attempted murder.
This is a fun mystery with many twists and turns. The setting, food and scattered French phrases made me feel like I was taking one of those mystery vacation packages in Provence!! The clues and solutions may fool you into following the wrong suspect, and the life threatening tension at the end of the book will make you glad it's a book instead of a real life mystery. Great vacation beach read!!
January 30, 2020
Just too much. . . Immorality and ignorance
Three reasons to not read this book:
1. The people in it are shallow. 2. This book has indiscriminate sex as if it's okay and normal with all French. It also has statements which sway the reader to ignorant indoctrination. I don't even care to read any more or find out who the killer is. 3. The main character says, "A handgun’s only purpose is to kill another human.”
Why would you want to make your main character stupid? Why put wrong statements into her mouth? The purpose of a handgun is to protect and save human beings and defend against criminals who would use one to harm you. Insisting her husband get rid of it leaves them unable to defend if the killer comes for them. No person who has learned to handle a gun and practiced at the range would say this, and yet this author tries to tell her reader that Maggie has done this.
Three strikes and this book is out. I ceased to read it - no great loss.
Three reasons to not read this book:
1. The people in it are shallow. 2. This book has indiscriminate sex as if it's okay and normal with all French. It also has statements which sway the reader to ignorant indoctrination. I don't even care to read any more or find out who the killer is. 3. The main character says, "A handgun’s only purpose is to kill another human.”
Why would you want to make your main character stupid? Why put wrong statements into her mouth? The purpose of a handgun is to protect and save human beings and defend against criminals who would use one to harm you. Insisting her husband get rid of it leaves them unable to defend if the killer comes for them. No person who has learned to handle a gun and practiced at the range would say this, and yet this author tries to tell her reader that Maggie has done this.
Three strikes and this book is out. I ceased to read it - no great loss.
May 15, 2012
This was a super quick read! I think I would have been more comfortable reading the previous books in the series first though. The author gives you some background info, but you just feel like you haven't heard the whole story, and might be missing some key elements that are the reason for the way the primary characters react the way they do. But it's not a bad little read. I have to admit I did not see the ending coming! Some clues were there, but I just guessed wrong. Bummer, but good for the reader!
I will definitely be checking out the other 2 books in the series, so see how it all started. This book is a light read and perfect for by the pool/at the beach!
I will definitely be checking out the other 2 books in the series, so see how it all started. This book is a light read and perfect for by the pool/at the beach!
August 31, 2012
This was a free book from a Goodreads writer..the story was really good , there were a few typos, but that did not hurt the story. There was a great mystery, the refences to food, I enjoyed some of the characters, and some I did not. I would recommend this to my friends.
August 19, 2012
I loved this book. I probably would have liked it no matter what because it combines two of my favorites - France and mysteries. But this was a really well written, enjoyable book with a good mystery. I already ordered the other books in the series and can't wait to read them.
August 19, 2012
Great cozy mystery book with lots of twists and turns. The descriptions of the scenery and surroundings will make you want to visit France, and all the talk of recipes and French food will make you hungry! This book will keep you guessing right up to the end.
August 27, 2012
This book was better than I expected! It was really interesting, it pulls you into the story. You connect with the characters in the book, you can't help but continue reading. I couldn't put the book down. I would definitely recommend this book to others!
September 9, 2012
I really liked this who done it, kept me guessing till the end of the book. I also liked how this author painted pictures with her words. It kept bringing images to mind from time to time.
August 28, 2012
Love, friendship, and murder in the beautiful setting of Provence. An enjoyable read that kept me guessing to the end! I will definitely return to the series!
August 16, 2012
Just finished reading and this was a very good book. I am going to have to read the first two now to see what I have missed. This book grabs hold of you from the first chapter.
March 31, 2024
3.5 - 4 Stars
Murder in Provence is the third book in the Maggie Newberry Mysteries series by Susan Kiernan-Lewis.
The Maggie Newberry series of books by Susan Kiernan-Lewis turned out to be a great cozy mystery series that kept me engrossed the whole way through. Throughout the series we follow thirty-something, Maggie Newberry, an advertising copywriter who has been unlucky in love. Her ‘normal’ life gets upended when her sister, who has been missing for quite some time, turns up dead. Then to add an extra layer of complication, Maggie must now travel to France to locate her young niece that she didn’t even know existed. Arriving in France, thing take a dangerous turn when her sister’s murderer then sets his sights on Maggie and her niece. Add in a sexy Frenchman to add a little extra layer of intrigue, plenty of dramatic developments, secrets, lies, crime & investigation, and the story takes an engrossing turn.
From book #2 onwards-
Maggie’s sexy (French) boyfriend, who we met in the first instalment has inherited an ancient vineyard in a small rural village in France- so Maggie quits her job and sets off for a year abroad. But trouble soon follows, when a vicious murder takes place, thrusting them into the middle of an investigation that links to a 50year-old murder. What happens makes for intriguing reading….and so the series unfolds, with each book bringing another cozy mystery for Maggie to investigate. Sprinkled with mystery suspense, tension, drama, danger, romance, marriage, motherhood, travel, and recipes- made this series a memorable read. It is a light-hearted and enjoyable series, the ‘clean’ stories mean there are no sexy times, violence, or profanity.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Susan Kiernan-Lewis!
Murder in Provence is the third book in the Maggie Newberry Mysteries series by Susan Kiernan-Lewis.
The Maggie Newberry series of books by Susan Kiernan-Lewis turned out to be a great cozy mystery series that kept me engrossed the whole way through. Throughout the series we follow thirty-something, Maggie Newberry, an advertising copywriter who has been unlucky in love. Her ‘normal’ life gets upended when her sister, who has been missing for quite some time, turns up dead. Then to add an extra layer of complication, Maggie must now travel to France to locate her young niece that she didn’t even know existed. Arriving in France, thing take a dangerous turn when her sister’s murderer then sets his sights on Maggie and her niece. Add in a sexy Frenchman to add a little extra layer of intrigue, plenty of dramatic developments, secrets, lies, crime & investigation, and the story takes an engrossing turn.
From book #2 onwards-
Maggie’s sexy (French) boyfriend, who we met in the first instalment has inherited an ancient vineyard in a small rural village in France- so Maggie quits her job and sets off for a year abroad. But trouble soon follows, when a vicious murder takes place, thrusting them into the middle of an investigation that links to a 50year-old murder. What happens makes for intriguing reading….and so the series unfolds, with each book bringing another cozy mystery for Maggie to investigate. Sprinkled with mystery suspense, tension, drama, danger, romance, marriage, motherhood, travel, and recipes- made this series a memorable read. It is a light-hearted and enjoyable series, the ‘clean’ stories mean there are no sexy times, violence, or profanity.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Susan Kiernan-Lewis!
May 9, 2024
When the first murder of the book not only happens "off screen", but is also barely mentioned again before the second murder 3 chapters later, why even bother having a first?
I got this free from Bookbub, and that was the right price. The protagonist is spoiled, selfish and generally unlikeable. Her husband is trying to revive his family vineyard and she positions herself as unemployable in France for her previous American job. Probably because she doesn't know any French and hasn't made any effort to learn from what I could see (this is book 3 in the series!)
The author struggles with describing characters. Some depictions were unpleasant or just awkward. For example, "an expressive woman and years of lively animation had worn grooves in her face that blander women would not have." Worn grooves? Blander women? The word choice feels strange and doesn't depict an older, active, animated and expressive woman with anything resembling respect for the character or women.
The same character is also later described as looking "like she was over sixty but she was as charismatic and alluring as a movie star". There are lots of charismatic and alluring female movie stars over age sixty, but this reads as if the protagonist (and author?) thinks that's not normally possible for people over sixty.
Two separate chapters specifically mention dog poop being found "everywhere" in Provence France... A weird thing to include, and unless it had some bearing on the plot later, completely unnecessary (and possibly prejudiced too).
The story was pretty bland for the first 4 chapters, mostly the protagonist whining about how her new life in France is hard and not what she expected. Between that and the descriptions that were agist, prejudiced and just awkward I couldn't continue.
I got this free from Bookbub, and that was the right price. The protagonist is spoiled, selfish and generally unlikeable. Her husband is trying to revive his family vineyard and she positions herself as unemployable in France for her previous American job. Probably because she doesn't know any French and hasn't made any effort to learn from what I could see (this is book 3 in the series!)
The author struggles with describing characters. Some depictions were unpleasant or just awkward. For example, "an expressive woman and years of lively animation had worn grooves in her face that blander women would not have." Worn grooves? Blander women? The word choice feels strange and doesn't depict an older, active, animated and expressive woman with anything resembling respect for the character or women.
The same character is also later described as looking "like she was over sixty but she was as charismatic and alluring as a movie star". There are lots of charismatic and alluring female movie stars over age sixty, but this reads as if the protagonist (and author?) thinks that's not normally possible for people over sixty.
Two separate chapters specifically mention dog poop being found "everywhere" in Provence France... A weird thing to include, and unless it had some bearing on the plot later, completely unnecessary (and possibly prejudiced too).
The story was pretty bland for the first 4 chapters, mostly the protagonist whining about how her new life in France is hard and not what she expected. Between that and the descriptions that were agist, prejudiced and just awkward I couldn't continue.
January 17, 2017
Somehow I started this series in order, but that didn't last long- so I can assure you that while I read the book that introduced Maggie and Laurent, I seem to have skipped a book in between. It did not make one iota of difference in my enjoyment of Murder in Provence. I will be reading #2 in the near future, Murder in the South of France (or Nice). Having picked up and packed up and moved to France with her 'reformed' con artist now husband, Maggie is now living what promises to be a wonderful life now amongst ex-pats and native French friends inhaling the vines and the fragrance of lavender.
However, while Laurent is tending to the fields and seemingly staying out of trouble(Maggie says no guns or dogs in the house..oh really) Maggie is a magnet for bodies being found in unusual places and dealing with a bit of homesickness. When the next body is found to be the it may still be too soon to say 'serial killer'. Ah, this is a good one. But who is committing these murders so close to a group of women so close to Maggie's soon to be departing for the States demi BFF's social circle?
I found this book a good semi whodunit amongst some glorious background. Now I must get back and read #2. A Bientot!
However, while Laurent is tending to the fields and seemingly staying out of trouble(Maggie says no guns or dogs in the house..oh really) Maggie is a magnet for bodies being found in unusual places and dealing with a bit of homesickness. When the next body is found to be the it may still be too soon to say 'serial killer'. Ah, this is a good one. But who is committing these murders so close to a group of women so close to Maggie's soon to be departing for the States demi BFF's social circle?
I found this book a good semi whodunit amongst some glorious background. Now I must get back and read #2. A Bientot!
January 29, 2021
Hmmm ... I've now read books 1 and 3 of the Maggie Newberry Mysteries. On one hand, the author does a good job in allowing a mystery to unfold gradually, and let the reader absorb the clues as the story progresses, and Maggie tells the story. On the other hand, I found myself to be confused about certain character interactions that didn't make sense to me, as well as some descriptions. Perhaps this improves as the stories continue and the characters grow. As I really like informative environmental descriptions, I would have liked to have seen more good, descriptive passages that educate me about the area in which Maggie lives. Admittedly, I am not overly fond of the character of Maggie. Nevertheless, I do have a moderate interest in seeing how these characters' lives continue to unfold. However, this does seem to be a successful series that many other people enjoy thoroughly, and perhaps you will, too.
September 11, 2022
This is 3rd in series and my first to read.
Expat Maggie Newberry (from GA) lives in a small French town with her native husband of a year. She wants a job but not sure doing what so she begins writing a cookbook.
Meanwhile, two young woman (one she knows) are raped and beaten to death and another is left in a coma. When she is questioned by DI Bedard she decides to help in the investigation. On the personal front, her best American friend is moving back to the States, and the honeymoon has worn off.
I wanted to like Maggie more (she had her good moments), but I found myself feeling that her husband was a saint as he cooked for her, provided emotional support and put up with her moods. I also found it eyebrow-raising when she decided to help investigate after she met the handsome DI who she had an instant attraction to. Hmmm.
A plus for the tense conclusion. But just a “meh” for me.
Expat Maggie Newberry (from GA) lives in a small French town with her native husband of a year. She wants a job but not sure doing what so she begins writing a cookbook.
Meanwhile, two young woman (one she knows) are raped and beaten to death and another is left in a coma. When she is questioned by DI Bedard she decides to help in the investigation. On the personal front, her best American friend is moving back to the States, and the honeymoon has worn off.
I wanted to like Maggie more (she had her good moments), but I found myself feeling that her husband was a saint as he cooked for her, provided emotional support and put up with her moods. I also found it eyebrow-raising when she decided to help investigate after she met the handsome DI who she had an instant attraction to. Hmmm.
A plus for the tense conclusion. But just a “meh” for me.
Read
January 18, 2020This is the third of these books that I've read. I find them enjoyable.
This one, however, has an antiquated word in it that used to be used for a cleft lip but is now considered offensive. As the mother of a child who was born with a cleft lip, I'm sure that's something that stands out to me more than it would some people. Do not use the word harelip. That's not an acceptable term.
At one point JK Rowling got flack for using the phrase and she changed the description of a character in subsequent releases. Sometimes we just need to educate people. So here you go, if you've read this you now know that phrase, comparing my child to an animal, is not OK. Don't use it.
***
Now I'm done and she used something like "walking piece of dementia" as an insult. Why? Dementia is tragic. It isn't some dumb insult.
I had enjoyed these books but it is unlikely I will read more by this author.
This one, however, has an antiquated word in it that used to be used for a cleft lip but is now considered offensive. As the mother of a child who was born with a cleft lip, I'm sure that's something that stands out to me more than it would some people. Do not use the word harelip. That's not an acceptable term.
At one point JK Rowling got flack for using the phrase and she changed the description of a character in subsequent releases. Sometimes we just need to educate people. So here you go, if you've read this you now know that phrase, comparing my child to an animal, is not OK. Don't use it.
***
Now I'm done and she used something like "walking piece of dementia" as an insult. Why? Dementia is tragic. It isn't some dumb insult.
I had enjoyed these books but it is unlikely I will read more by this author.
October 17, 2022
Good
Good story of Maggie and Laurent’s life at his vineyard in France.
Maggie agreed to stay for a year but despite her misgivings she married Laurent and stayed for longer, meeting new friends. Unfortunately one of these friends ends up getting murdered and Maggie is easily distracted from writing a cookbook to investigate the murder.
Lots of suspects, lots of doubts about her marriage and her husband’s devotion to his vineyard rather than her leads Maggie into danger.
I can’t say this series of books would be well received by the French tourist board as it’s put me off buying a home there. However, unlike Maggie I do love the food and can learn some very useful French phrases that, bien sur, are mentioned in the story.
The crime is well set out and I didn’t really get the murderer until later in the story.
Good story of Maggie and Laurent’s life at his vineyard in France.
Maggie agreed to stay for a year but despite her misgivings she married Laurent and stayed for longer, meeting new friends. Unfortunately one of these friends ends up getting murdered and Maggie is easily distracted from writing a cookbook to investigate the murder.
Lots of suspects, lots of doubts about her marriage and her husband’s devotion to his vineyard rather than her leads Maggie into danger.
I can’t say this series of books would be well received by the French tourist board as it’s put me off buying a home there. However, unlike Maggie I do love the food and can learn some very useful French phrases that, bien sur, are mentioned in the story.
The crime is well set out and I didn’t really get the murderer until later in the story.
March 1, 2020
I am really loving this series, set in France; Maggie, an American advertising copywriter moved to France to be with Laurent after he helped to find her Niece in Book 1. Living on a vineyard, Maggie gets involved with solving murders in the locality.
Her best friend, Grace, an American too, is taking watercolour classes; when her tutors' Daughter is murdered, she turns to Maggie to help find the murderer. With problems between her and Laurent, Maggie is happy to help, but will the dishy detective assigned to the case be a distraction?
Twists and turns galore in this book, they get better and better, real page turners which are hard to put down. I can see me buying the whole set of these, they're a really good read.
Her best friend, Grace, an American too, is taking watercolour classes; when her tutors' Daughter is murdered, she turns to Maggie to help find the murderer. With problems between her and Laurent, Maggie is happy to help, but will the dishy detective assigned to the case be a distraction?
Twists and turns galore in this book, they get better and better, real page turners which are hard to put down. I can see me buying the whole set of these, they're a really good read.
May 21, 2023
This is a good book. I like the location in Provence France with the scent of lavender in the air. The book is not overly-long and moves at a good pace. The main characters are mostly likable, with a few minor characters that are either quirky or unlikable. Maggie is the main character - an American now living in France with a French husband of two years. This is the third book in a series, but I didn't read the first two and had no difficulty with just reading this one. There is murder and more murder, and also several "affairs" that are not described, only mentioned as perhaps contributing to criminal intent. Maggie ends up being an amateur sleuth and you know what often happens to them along the way. It's a good story.
October 30, 2019
I've really enjoyed this series. First, I love everything about France and especially the south of France so setting-wise, her books are quite attractive to me. She also has a nice story-telling style and there is a great dynamic between Maggie - the American ex-pat and heroin, and her French husband Laurent. It's interesting to follow their relationship.
The stories are realistic, engaging and the characters are believable. I'm currently on my 3rd book in the series (I actually read #3 before #2) so I'm going back a bit to catch up. Kiernan-Lewis grabs you quickly and doesn't let go. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
The stories are realistic, engaging and the characters are believable. I'm currently on my 3rd book in the series (I actually read #3 before #2) so I'm going back a bit to catch up. Kiernan-Lewis grabs you quickly and doesn't let go. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
April 4, 2020
As we progress, each book of the series gets one star lower. Since we are at one there will be no more reviewing. That’s a relief. In this, the third, the author painfully details the frustration Maggie feels as Laurent ignores her. A true Frenchman. She has a mild flirtation with a police detective that is about as electric as a dead eel, and discovers through logic who the murderer of four people is just before he takes her prisoner. A good writer might make this work. This is not a good writer. For the life of me I can’t figure out who would want to read more by her?. It’s pretty awful.
June 18, 2023
This is the 3rd in the series. The main character is Maggie. Maggie is an American who has married a vineyard owner and they live in France. Her best friend is moving back to America. Maggie meets a young woman who is later found murdered. Maggie starts to try and figure out what happened because the police don't seem to be very good at their job. As she asks questions and starts to get answers, the young woman's husband is murdered. She thinks she may know who did it and then she realizes someone has been hiding in her car. Can she still get away or is it too late for her?
November 30, 2021
Maggie Newberry Mystery, Bk. 3, EBK-M, Kindle, @ 2011, Read 11/29/21, Fiction, Mystery, France. Gave this series a second chance. Again, not in order, but still not impressed - doubt I will read any more. Main character is not at all subtle while questioning her suspects (she's a bored, ex-patriot housewife). If this were real life, I would expect her to be killed 10 times over!!! 2☆'s = Okay.
July 22, 2023
Another good story
I’m a big fan of the Maggie Newberry mysteries. The descriptions of life in the small French village are delightful and make me ling to go back to France. I’ve given this one four stars for two reasons. Maggie is quite unpleasant in the first half of of the book, petulant and childish. Her demeanor improved and the story along with it. The mystery was a bit light while the murders were not.
I’m a big fan of the Maggie Newberry mysteries. The descriptions of life in the small French village are delightful and make me ling to go back to France. I’ve given this one four stars for two reasons. Maggie is quite unpleasant in the first half of of the book, petulant and childish. Her demeanor improved and the story along with it. The mystery was a bit light while the murders were not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews