Murder at the French Country Inn

by Clyde Deighton

Jaded by divorce and big-city corruption, a former Chicago cop returns to his boyhood home and takes a job as a rural police chief. All he wants is a quiet life and the occasional stiff cocktail at his favorite haunt- a secluded lakeside resort that was once a gangster hideaway. Then trouble walks into the bar wearing a tight black skirt, a snowmobiling sniper takes aim, and there's a murder at the French Country Inn. It's been a long, cold winter in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, but when crime heats up and passions flare, it's almost more than one man can handle... A tale of modern crime in a town filled with colorful characters...and echos of the Roaring Twenties.

357 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this book early this morning. My wife and I stayed there and I had to pick up a copy while there. A good first book. I believe he (or she) is a local talent. If you are willing to give this author a try you might enjoy this book. More so if you are a part time cheese head. Or just like Lake Geneva. Lots of historical information about past gangsters.

The story finishes well and I would read more by this author. This story needed further development of subplots and about twenty to fifty pages of less bulk. A good edit would equal a first class read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in rural Wisconsin on Lake Como, the cast of characters is the same you'll find in most small towns. The Inn itself is historic and has a fun history as a speakeasy and a hideaway for gangsters from the early 1900s. It reads well and is entertaining.

[Karenbooksit · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s an entertaining read, but I guessed at who the culprit was early on. Didn’t even think about motive, just based on things that were written about them gave me the impression that they were the culprit. So the story is a bit predictable, but still nicely written with some great visuals, characters, and anecdotes.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book and Man Inn Trouble, also written by this author, while staying at the French Country Inn recently. The desk clerk told me that the author is also the owner of the inn, Tony Navilio. I love a mystery and this book didn't disappoint. I'm from the Chicago suburbs and have been to Lake Geneva several times so I enjoyed reading about the history of the area. I just started the second book and it's also good so far. I know this isn't TripAdvisor, but the inn and restaurant, now called The Getaway, are worth visiting!

[Mary Hood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and the characters, though not well developed, were likeable and reasonably authentic. A few typos somewhat distracted from the story. I am probably somewhat biased as I grew up close to the area and now live about 12 miles from Lake Geneva. The historical aspect is a bonus. As an aside, I had one of the best dinners I have ever eaten at Kirsch's restaurant there many years ago.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I know the area so it was nice to have an idea where things were. I really enjoyed the characters as well. I was able to go see the actual Inn. That was incredible. I'll be reading the next book Mr. Deighton wrote. Can't wait.

[Donna Kelley]

I really liked this book. It kept my attention from the first page. It was well written, witty, unpredictable and the characters were believable. I like Clyde Deighton's writing style and I look forward to reading the next one, Man Inn Trouble.

[Jessica Tengstrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I visited the Inn the book is based on-that is where I found this book. It was a really good book and I could envision all the places discussed in the book. I really enjoyed reading it!!!

[Colleen Flaherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure I would recommend this book. However, reading this while staying at The French Country Inn was for sure a 4 star experience.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. Great characters, it was a compelling read from start to finish.

[Michelle Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is set in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin about 2 hours from where I live. When I finally got around to making a visit I picked up this novel in a local store as my souvenir. I figured I’d get around to reading it…eventually (I do have rather a long list of books to read on Goodreads, not to mention piles around my house). But once I started, you know…just skimming…I got hooked. Not able to read it as much as I wanted to, once I started it I actually packed it and took it to the UK with me so I could finish it while travelling!

It was a very fun read, likeable characters, a bit of romance, a mystery to solve with a clue that once revealed makes you do a palm slap to the forehead. The author didn’t seem to get weighed down in proving himself. Though the story tells some gangster history, this wasn’t a book about gangsters, nor were they involved in the crime.

I would love to see more stories centering around the Chief (who, like Lt. Columbo lacks a first name…and come to think of it a last name too!) and his crew, including, of course, Dawg (his dog)!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book on several levels. First, it's set in the Lake Geneva/Lake Como area. I remember staying with my friend, Karen, and her family back in the early 60's at their cottage on Lake Como and we had a blast. So it was fun going back to that place, if not that era.

Secondly, it's a mystery and I love mysteries. Thirdly, it goes into some of Lake Como's connections with the 1920/30 mobsters, Al Capone, Bugs Moran, and Baby Face Nelson. It takes place in what was then called the Lake Como Hotel, then The Red Chimney Inn. Not sure what's it's called today, if it's even open. There's even pictures!

So all in all, not a bad way to spend a rainy Saturday.

[Brenda Valadez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up the book at the French Country Inn after spending a night there a couple of weekends ago. I enjoyed the book, but found a few mistakes that should have been caught by someone who proof read the book before publishing. Other than that, I would recommend this book. The description of the Inn was perfect, the history of the gangster era was interesting, and the "who done it" effect of this murder mystery kept me reading.

[KATHY BURBURY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book - now my family is reading it. Grew up in Elgin, Il & am familiar with all of the towns mentioned. We just had to stay at The French Country Inn after reading, & were lucky enough to meet the Author & Owner of the Inn. I recommend reading the book & then staying at the Inn.
Kathy

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really fun, light murder mystery that made me want to go to Lake Geneva and do some investigating! I've been there before, but never knew that it's history included the likes of John Dillinger, Al Capone and more famous gangsters.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because we stayed there last year on a little weekend getaway. Not a very well-written book but a decently entertaining mystery. It includes a good amount of true Mob history that took place outside of Lake Geneva.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading books that take place in locations where I have been. This book's setting was Lake Geneva and Lake Como, and made reference to so many familiar landmarks and businesses. The mystery was excellent, as well!

[Wendy Lord · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun read. I enjoyed learning about the gangster history of Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. I enjoyed the variety of characters. It makes me want to stay at the French Country Inn!

[Deb Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takes place in and around Walworth County WI!!! Fun and interesting!

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Includes history of Chicago/Lake Geneva gangsters; murder mystery was just alright

[Robin Randolph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun light reading. I live where the book was written about and knew many of the places and characters.

[Brenda Dahlfors · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED the writing style, and so did my husband….I will definitely read anything else the author comes up with. I am familiar with the area, and that just added to the enjoyment!

[Frank Cavanaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read that is more interesting if you know the lake Geneva area. Flawed cop that solves a complex crime. Good characters and history lesson.