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Maggie Newberry Mysteries #25
Murder in Toulouse: A Maggie Newberry Mystery
Revenge may be a dish best served cold,
but vengeance is best when it sizzles.
When Laurent gets word that his friend Michel LaBon, head chef at a top culinary bistro in Toulouse was brutally murdered on the opening day of the city's famous Merguez Sausage Festival, he drives to Toulouse, determined to find the killer.
As Laurent interrogates staff and rival chefs, it becomes clear that more than reputations are at stake. When Maggie joins her husband in Toulouse to help in any way she can, she is brutally abducted and vanishes without a trace and Laurent told to stop looking for the killers or she will die.
Maggie’s job now is to stay alive and try to leave a trail of breadcrumbs for Laurent to follow. Working with the Toulouse police, Laurent knows he must find Maggie in the treacherous Pyrenees mountains before it's too late. To do that he will have to outwit two cunning killers who kidnapped her and who will stop at nothing to keep their crimes buried—including killing her.
In this edge-of-your-seat mystery infused with the rich culture and cuisine of southern France, Maggie will once more risk everything during a pulse-pounding game of cat and mouse high in the French alps.
This book is a clean read with no graphic violence, sex or strong language.
culinary mystery, women amateur sleuth.
but vengeance is best when it sizzles.
When Laurent gets word that his friend Michel LaBon, head chef at a top culinary bistro in Toulouse was brutally murdered on the opening day of the city's famous Merguez Sausage Festival, he drives to Toulouse, determined to find the killer.
As Laurent interrogates staff and rival chefs, it becomes clear that more than reputations are at stake. When Maggie joins her husband in Toulouse to help in any way she can, she is brutally abducted and vanishes without a trace and Laurent told to stop looking for the killers or she will die.
Maggie’s job now is to stay alive and try to leave a trail of breadcrumbs for Laurent to follow. Working with the Toulouse police, Laurent knows he must find Maggie in the treacherous Pyrenees mountains before it's too late. To do that he will have to outwit two cunning killers who kidnapped her and who will stop at nothing to keep their crimes buried—including killing her.
In this edge-of-your-seat mystery infused with the rich culture and cuisine of southern France, Maggie will once more risk everything during a pulse-pounding game of cat and mouse high in the French alps.
This book is a clean read with no graphic violence, sex or strong language.
culinary mystery, women amateur sleuth.
- GenresAmazon
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 30, 2026
As a young man, Laurent spent his days in the south of France, conning tourists. Now, as a much more steady and mature grandfather, his life revolves around his wife, Maggie, his children, his grandchild and his vineyard. But lately, Laurent has felt restless, and following advice, he visits a friend from his past, now a grand chef in Toulouse. The trip goes well, and Laurent meets up with his crony, only to hear the man is dead, murdered after having spent a night socialising with Laurent.
Previously, I had seen Laurent as a side character, an important one, to be sure, but not one that I could know. I didn't understand Maggie's devotion to Laurent, who seemed to be a bit of a tyrant. But having access to Laurent's inner thoughts, his worries, and his motivations, I finally get it. This story was a fantastic role reversal where Laurent came alive and walked off the page. I loved it.
As the 25th book (twenty-five!) in the series, I give my standard warning: you can read this as a standalone, but there is so much history in the previous books that a lot will be lost if at least some of them aren't read first. This story in particular hinges on the past, and you'll be cheating yourself!
Previously, I had seen Laurent as a side character, an important one, to be sure, but not one that I could know. I didn't understand Maggie's devotion to Laurent, who seemed to be a bit of a tyrant. But having access to Laurent's inner thoughts, his worries, and his motivations, I finally get it. This story was a fantastic role reversal where Laurent came alive and walked off the page. I loved it.
As the 25th book (twenty-five!) in the series, I give my standard warning: you can read this as a standalone, but there is so much history in the previous books that a lot will be lost if at least some of them aren't read first. This story in particular hinges on the past, and you'll be cheating yourself!
October 11, 2024
Laurent, always loyal to his family and friends. Maggie, always caring about her family and hopelessly in love with Laurent and he with her. Their life is busy. These stories give us a glimpse into the true life of a Frenchman and an expat. Who wouldn’t want to live in that town and soak in that life?
October 6, 2025
Absolutely love this series! Laurent is visiting an old friend from his former life of crime in the French city of Toulouse. When this man is found murdered in the deep freezer of his top bistro, Laurent is suspicious. His wife, Maggie, decides to come and help Laurent investigate, but when she is kidnapped Laurent is compelled to investigate both the murder and kidnapping. It’s a roller coaster ride as clues are revealed and reaches a surprising conclusion!
April 9, 2026
Laurent saves the day!
It's nice to see Laurent featured prominently and having Maggie take a lesser role. The one thing that was a bit annoying is that the author mentioned that when Laurent was frustrated he ran his fingers through his hair. Well, he was frustrated at least 15 times or more! That got a little tedious. But, as usual, the book is enjoyable!
It's nice to see Laurent featured prominently and having Maggie take a lesser role. The one thing that was a bit annoying is that the author mentioned that when Laurent was frustrated he ran his fingers through his hair. Well, he was frustrated at least 15 times or more! That got a little tedious. But, as usual, the book is enjoyable!
April 23, 2026
Maggie Kidnapped, Laurent devestated
Visiting a long ago friend Laurent is disturbed by his murder. When Maggie arrives to support him, she is suddenly kidnapped. In vivid terms her captivity is described. Laurent is frustrated trying to find his friend,s murderer and devastated by Maggie,s kidnapping.
A very well described story
Visiting a long ago friend Laurent is disturbed by his murder. When Maggie arrives to support him, she is suddenly kidnapped. In vivid terms her captivity is described. Laurent is frustrated trying to find his friend,s murderer and devastated by Maggie,s kidnapping.
A very well described story
November 15, 2024
Excellent!
January 25, 2025
I love this series from the beginning! They may not be the best books but I have enjoyed them.
February 26, 2025
Another crazy adventure for Maggie and Laurent. Always complicated and unrealistic, but I enjoy them!
March 26, 2025
One of my favorite Maggie Newberry books. Fun and suspenseful all the way through.
December 24, 2025
my least favorite Maggie Newberry book
With the focus on Laurent the book lagged. The story line could have been more fully developed beyond Laurent’s feelings.
With the focus on Laurent the book lagged. The story line could have been more fully developed beyond Laurent’s feelings.
April 2, 2026
I found the book par for the genre. However, the editing left something to be desired. There were several spelling and grammar errors.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews