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Miss Underhay #16
Murder on the French Riviera
A grand old hotel, fresh coffee on the balcony, a perfect view of the sparkling ocean and… surely not another murder? Thank heavens Kitty Underhay is on the case!
Late spring, 1936. As Kitty Underhay steps onto the sun-drenched station platform in Nice, on orders from Whitehall to track down a missing man, she hopes there will still be time to lie by the pool, preferably with a cocktail in hand. But when she and her husband Matt take a brief evening stroll, instead of finding a perfect croissant, they stumble across a body…
Kitty and Matt quickly realise it is Fred Bennett, the man from Whitehall they were hoping to find. Had he simply drunk too much fabulous French wine, or is something fishy going on in this seaside city?
When Kitty and Matt uncover a casino matchbook in Fred’s pocket, they head to the glamorous waterfront establishment where a wealthy widow, a disreputable aristocrat and a cash-strapped reporter swiftly make their suspect list. But with more questions than cards in a pack, can Kitty and Matt nail the killer before he comes after them too? Or will they realise that everything isn’t always nice in Nice?
Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey or Lee Strauss will adore this utterly charming murder mystery. Set on the stunning French Riviera, this novel is the perfect treat for cozy crime fans!
Late spring, 1936. As Kitty Underhay steps onto the sun-drenched station platform in Nice, on orders from Whitehall to track down a missing man, she hopes there will still be time to lie by the pool, preferably with a cocktail in hand. But when she and her husband Matt take a brief evening stroll, instead of finding a perfect croissant, they stumble across a body…
Kitty and Matt quickly realise it is Fred Bennett, the man from Whitehall they were hoping to find. Had he simply drunk too much fabulous French wine, or is something fishy going on in this seaside city?
When Kitty and Matt uncover a casino matchbook in Fred’s pocket, they head to the glamorous waterfront establishment where a wealthy widow, a disreputable aristocrat and a cash-strapped reporter swiftly make their suspect list. But with more questions than cards in a pack, can Kitty and Matt nail the killer before he comes after them too? Or will they realise that everything isn’t always nice in Nice?
Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey or Lee Strauss will adore this utterly charming murder mystery. Set on the stunning French Riviera, this novel is the perfect treat for cozy crime fans!
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2024
917 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Helena Dixon
30 books304 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
For other authors of this name, see also:
see: Helena Dixon - Erotica
This author also writes as:
Nell Dixon - Contemporary Womens Fiction
Nell is an multi-award winning author who splits her time between Devon and the Black Country. She lives with her husband, daughters, a tank of tropical fish, and a crazy Cockerpoo called Teddy. She writes contemporary romance as Nell Dixon and historical cozy crime set in 1930's Dartmouth as Helena Dixon. She is represented by the Kate Nash Literary Agency.
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
For other authors of this name, see also:
see: Helena Dixon - Erotica
This author also writes as:
Nell Dixon - Contemporary Womens Fiction
Nell is an multi-award winning author who splits her time between Devon and the Black Country. She lives with her husband, daughters, a tank of tropical fish, and a crazy Cockerpoo called Teddy. She writes contemporary romance as Nell Dixon and historical cozy crime set in 1930's Dartmouth as Helena Dixon. She is represented by the Kate Nash Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 22, 2024
This is the sixteenth book in the Miss Underhay Mystery series. (although Kitty is no longer a miss and is well married to Matt).
It is Spring 1936 and a spy has gone missing in Nice along with some very important papers. Matt and Kitty are sent, ostensibly to have a relaxing Riviera holiday, but actually to see what they can find out. They do manage a little sightseeing and some lovely meals, even a few moments by the pool, but there are murders to investigate, papers to find and a lot of sleuthing to do. There are also some very dangerous moments for both of them.
I have read this series from the beginning and love the way the author keeps coming back with something new. Now that Kitty and Matt are a team the possibilities for fresh plotlines have also opened up and I look forward to many more adventures for our intrepid duo.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
It is Spring 1936 and a spy has gone missing in Nice along with some very important papers. Matt and Kitty are sent, ostensibly to have a relaxing Riviera holiday, but actually to see what they can find out. They do manage a little sightseeing and some lovely meals, even a few moments by the pool, but there are murders to investigate, papers to find and a lot of sleuthing to do. There are also some very dangerous moments for both of them.
I have read this series from the beginning and love the way the author keeps coming back with something new. Now that Kitty and Matt are a team the possibilities for fresh plotlines have also opened up and I look forward to many more adventures for our intrepid duo.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 21, 2024
It was 1936 when Captain Matthew Bryant and his wife Kitty (formerly Miss Underhay) arrived in Nice, under orders from Whitehall in London. They were to meet up with a stranger, collect papers from him and return to London as quickly as possible. But shortly after their arrival in the luxurious hotel, they decided to take a walk before dinner and when they became lost, walked through an alley in hopes of meeting the main thoroughfare. But what they found was a dead body, and Matt was horribly convinced it was the man they were due to meet.
With Inspector Villiers interviewing everyone, including Matt and Kitty, plus the group of people in the hotel sticking close to their sides, Kitty wondered if these people were ones they'd been warned about. When another body was discovered, Kitty and Matt knew the dangers were getting closer and they were far from discovering where the papers were. What would they do? They didn't want to disappoint Whitehall, but neither did they want to put themselves in danger...
Murder on the French Riviera is the 16th in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon and I thoroughly enjoyed it! This one seemed to have more danger attached to it for Kitty and Matt - the tension was heightened, and the thrills were accelerating. A fabulous episode, and one I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
With Inspector Villiers interviewing everyone, including Matt and Kitty, plus the group of people in the hotel sticking close to their sides, Kitty wondered if these people were ones they'd been warned about. When another body was discovered, Kitty and Matt knew the dangers were getting closer and they were far from discovering where the papers were. What would they do? They didn't want to disappoint Whitehall, but neither did they want to put themselves in danger...
Murder on the French Riviera is the 16th in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon and I thoroughly enjoyed it! This one seemed to have more danger attached to it for Kitty and Matt - the tension was heightened, and the thrills were accelerating. A fabulous episode, and one I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2024
Under the guise of vacationing in the French Riviera, Kitty Bryant and her husband Matt have been asked to conduct a bit of espionage. Their purpose is to retrieve papers from a man named Fred Bennett. Instead, Matt stumbles upon his body. The papers are nowhere to be found. Did his apparent drunkenness the previous night lead to his death, or was there foul play involved?
Despite the fact that they should contact the police immediately, Kitty and Matt first examine the body. Although they don’t find the papers they were looking for, they did discover something on his body which may lead to the cause of his death, and who, in fact, murdered him. Kitty pockets what they found and the pair begin to do what they do best, try to find out what happened. More than several times in the past, the pair have been more than adept at solving crimes, and this time they expect no difference.
Currently in Nice, Italy, checking out the beautiful surroundings and scenery may not be possible. They work independently at times, and sometimes with the local police chief to not only find the killer, but also the papers they were sent to retrieve. Finding someone to trust is no easy matter, not even the police, so Kitty and Matt do their best to stay under the radar as they look for the papers, as well as any answers they can unearth.
Helena Dixon has written another enjoyable book. Although 16 books into the series, each cozy mystery is a delight. Not only are Kitty and Matt wonderful characters, their skill at deducing what happens in their cases is always on point. Then the different settings always make each story quite enjoyable. In this case, their work has more of a nature of a spy story, and with a Second World War seeming more and more likely, this adds an extra layer to an already good book. The stories provide just enough intrigue to keep me tapping my Kindle from beginning to end in one sitting.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Despite the fact that they should contact the police immediately, Kitty and Matt first examine the body. Although they don’t find the papers they were looking for, they did discover something on his body which may lead to the cause of his death, and who, in fact, murdered him. Kitty pockets what they found and the pair begin to do what they do best, try to find out what happened. More than several times in the past, the pair have been more than adept at solving crimes, and this time they expect no difference.
Currently in Nice, Italy, checking out the beautiful surroundings and scenery may not be possible. They work independently at times, and sometimes with the local police chief to not only find the killer, but also the papers they were sent to retrieve. Finding someone to trust is no easy matter, not even the police, so Kitty and Matt do their best to stay under the radar as they look for the papers, as well as any answers they can unearth.
Helena Dixon has written another enjoyable book. Although 16 books into the series, each cozy mystery is a delight. Not only are Kitty and Matt wonderful characters, their skill at deducing what happens in their cases is always on point. Then the different settings always make each story quite enjoyable. In this case, their work has more of a nature of a spy story, and with a Second World War seeming more and more likely, this adds an extra layer to an already good book. The stories provide just enough intrigue to keep me tapping my Kindle from beginning to end in one sitting.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 28, 2024
This was an interesting entry in the Miss Underhay mystery series. In this book, Kitty and Matt are sent on a mission to the French Riviera by the government. This was definitely different than their usual mysteries at home, as the two get involved with a potential network of spies. I'm wondering if we'll get more like this, or if the author will go back to more usual mysteries.
April 23, 2024
It is early 1936, and Kitty Bryant is off on her travels once again. With husband, Mattt, she has been sent to Nice to locate and collect some diplomatically sensitive papers. Unfortunately, before they can begin their assignment, an evening stroll leads to the discovery of a body and an interview with the local police chief.
Staying in a beautiful hotel they soon make friends with a few of the guests and find themselves living the high life, visiting some of the more popular tourist attractions, and enjoying the best of Nice's nightlife. Unfortunately, close by when a second victim is discovered means the task of remaining incognito becomes increasingly difficult. With their safety compromised and the location of the documents as elusive as ever, will they find the information they were sent to retrieve, or could this latest and most dangerous case become their last?
Book 16 in this consistently excellent series takes the jeopardy up a notch or two! As the time frame moves to the years just before the start of the Second World War there is understandably a more serious tone adopted here than in most of the previous novels and it is without many of the familiar characters and locations of earlier storylines. It still works well, however, and even though I would prefer to read about a less tense period of our history, I still thoroughly enjoyed my latest visit with Kitty and Matt.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a great addition to a much loved series and, as always, is easy to recommend.
Staying in a beautiful hotel they soon make friends with a few of the guests and find themselves living the high life, visiting some of the more popular tourist attractions, and enjoying the best of Nice's nightlife. Unfortunately, close by when a second victim is discovered means the task of remaining incognito becomes increasingly difficult. With their safety compromised and the location of the documents as elusive as ever, will they find the information they were sent to retrieve, or could this latest and most dangerous case become their last?
Book 16 in this consistently excellent series takes the jeopardy up a notch or two! As the time frame moves to the years just before the start of the Second World War there is understandably a more serious tone adopted here than in most of the previous novels and it is without many of the familiar characters and locations of earlier storylines. It still works well, however, and even though I would prefer to read about a less tense period of our history, I still thoroughly enjoyed my latest visit with Kitty and Matt.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a great addition to a much loved series and, as always, is easy to recommend.
May 13, 2024
May 1936. Under the disguise of a holiday on the French Riviera Kitty and Matt Bryant are recruited to retrieve documents from British agent Federico Benedetto aka Fred Bennet. Unfortunately on arrival they actually fall over his dead body. Who can they trust among their new acquaintances and police Inspector Villier while trying to finish their mission.
An entertaining cozy spy thriller/mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its likeable main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining cozy spy thriller/mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its likeable main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2024
Maybe 3,5 stars
review to follow
review to follow
May 21, 2024
4.25*
Welcome to France, Kitty Underhay! Finally our intrepid investigator/hotelier has made it abroad and, under the guise of holidaying, will be sampling the delights of Nice with Matt whilst they wait to collect some politically sensitive papers from British agent Federico Benedetto aka Fred Bennet.
Unfortunately instead of collecting the papers they stumble over his body in a dark alley in the wrong part of town which leads to a lot of questions, no answers and the need for a bit of sleuthing to work out who can be trusted to then solve the case and save the day by finding the documents.
Kitty and Matt can always be trusted to dig deep and investigate thoroughly and I really enjoyed the espionage aspect to this particular story. Overall it was a really enjoyable addition to the series and I liked the new elements added. Taking the Bryant's to a new locale, out of their comfort zone and isolated from their support network worked really well and building up to the breakout of WW2 gave it a new dimension with lots of potential for future stories.
We still have plenty glitz and glamour which I love but to have such a monumental period of world history shaping events makes for a really interesting dynamic and I'm interested in how the series will develop with that in mind.
For me this series is a fun, reliable and comfort read. I love the characters, I love the situations they get into and how the mystery unravels - in this case with an action packed conclusion that brought everything together in a really satisfying way. At Book 16 Helena Dixon shows no signs of slowing down in pace or quality and I, as always, look forward to the next instalment!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital review copy of "Murder on the French Riviera" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
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Raw notes - really enjoyed - different - abroad and espionage
Building up to the breakout of WW2 - interested in the direction the series will take.
Welcome to France, Kitty Underhay! Finally our intrepid investigator/hotelier has made it abroad and, under the guise of holidaying, will be sampling the delights of Nice with Matt whilst they wait to collect some politically sensitive papers from British agent Federico Benedetto aka Fred Bennet.
Unfortunately instead of collecting the papers they stumble over his body in a dark alley in the wrong part of town which leads to a lot of questions, no answers and the need for a bit of sleuthing to work out who can be trusted to then solve the case and save the day by finding the documents.
Kitty and Matt can always be trusted to dig deep and investigate thoroughly and I really enjoyed the espionage aspect to this particular story. Overall it was a really enjoyable addition to the series and I liked the new elements added. Taking the Bryant's to a new locale, out of their comfort zone and isolated from their support network worked really well and building up to the breakout of WW2 gave it a new dimension with lots of potential for future stories.
We still have plenty glitz and glamour which I love but to have such a monumental period of world history shaping events makes for a really interesting dynamic and I'm interested in how the series will develop with that in mind.
For me this series is a fun, reliable and comfort read. I love the characters, I love the situations they get into and how the mystery unravels - in this case with an action packed conclusion that brought everything together in a really satisfying way. At Book 16 Helena Dixon shows no signs of slowing down in pace or quality and I, as always, look forward to the next instalment!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital review copy of "Murder on the French Riviera" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raw notes - really enjoyed - different - abroad and espionage
Building up to the breakout of WW2 - interested in the direction the series will take.
May 2, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "Murder on the French Riviera" in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is book number 16 in the Miss Underhay series and once again Ms. Dixon has surpassed the previous books with this incredible addition to the series. There is high tension and drama, leaving the reader wondering how Matt and Kitty will make it out of this one.
As always the story starts with the front page of the Torbay Herald - this time dated 7th May, 1936. It has foreign news about the happenings in France and Ethiopia. Matt, Kitty and Bertie are visiting her Aunt Hortense and Uncle Lord Medford at Enderley Hall in Exeter. Her cousin Lucy and her husband Rupert are also there on a visit. Much of the conversation surrounds the unrest in Europe. Matt often gets called to London by his former government employers.
Also visiting is Brigadier Remmington-Blythe, Matt's employer at Whitehall. Kitty isn't sure who does what because everything is covered by the Official Secrets Act. A coded telegram has been received and Matt & Kitty have been asked to travel to Nice to retrieve papers from Federico Benedetto/Fred Bennet - a dual nationality operative.
No sooner have they arrived in Nice than they find a dead body. Kitty seems to be a magnet for murders no matter where she is. They fear that the person they have stumbled upon is the man they were sent there to meet. He is too clean and neat to be a tramp. He is wearing expensive shoes and has well-kept hands. There is nothing in his pockets to identify him - no money or ID, just a key and a matchbook.
The Brigadier had warned them that there might be people who would like to get close to them because they think that they might be there to retrieve the documents. A group traveling together takes an interest in Matt and Kitty. Mrs. Deleware and her daughter Candace, Sir Montague and Comte Luciano Malfiore. Mrs. Delaware is eager for her daughter to date Sir Montague so that she will have a title - Lady Savernake and an estate. But Candace is in love with Roland Fetherington, a reporter and wants to marry him. They all go to Casino Plessy where Matt and Kitty find the identical book of matches that was on the body they found. Rumours run rampant that he was a spy from Italy. While they are at the casino there is another murder. They soon find that someone has been in there room at the hotel and searched it. They feel that their new acquaintances are a little too attached to them. The owners of the Casino - the Duponts, Sir Montague, the Compte and Mrs. Delaware all want the documents.
There are many scenes of high drama and tension which have the reader turning the pages to see what will happen next. As always Matt and Kitty find themselves in several tight spots. Ms. Dixon has written these scenes so brilliantly that the reader feels that they are with Matt and Kitty helping them.
Sadly Alice was not featured a lot in this story but there was great news for her at the end which hopefully we will read more about in future books. This story is more than a 5 star read!!!
This is book number 16 in the Miss Underhay series and once again Ms. Dixon has surpassed the previous books with this incredible addition to the series. There is high tension and drama, leaving the reader wondering how Matt and Kitty will make it out of this one.
As always the story starts with the front page of the Torbay Herald - this time dated 7th May, 1936. It has foreign news about the happenings in France and Ethiopia. Matt, Kitty and Bertie are visiting her Aunt Hortense and Uncle Lord Medford at Enderley Hall in Exeter. Her cousin Lucy and her husband Rupert are also there on a visit. Much of the conversation surrounds the unrest in Europe. Matt often gets called to London by his former government employers.
Also visiting is Brigadier Remmington-Blythe, Matt's employer at Whitehall. Kitty isn't sure who does what because everything is covered by the Official Secrets Act. A coded telegram has been received and Matt & Kitty have been asked to travel to Nice to retrieve papers from Federico Benedetto/Fred Bennet - a dual nationality operative.
No sooner have they arrived in Nice than they find a dead body. Kitty seems to be a magnet for murders no matter where she is. They fear that the person they have stumbled upon is the man they were sent there to meet. He is too clean and neat to be a tramp. He is wearing expensive shoes and has well-kept hands. There is nothing in his pockets to identify him - no money or ID, just a key and a matchbook.
The Brigadier had warned them that there might be people who would like to get close to them because they think that they might be there to retrieve the documents. A group traveling together takes an interest in Matt and Kitty. Mrs. Deleware and her daughter Candace, Sir Montague and Comte Luciano Malfiore. Mrs. Delaware is eager for her daughter to date Sir Montague so that she will have a title - Lady Savernake and an estate. But Candace is in love with Roland Fetherington, a reporter and wants to marry him. They all go to Casino Plessy where Matt and Kitty find the identical book of matches that was on the body they found. Rumours run rampant that he was a spy from Italy. While they are at the casino there is another murder. They soon find that someone has been in there room at the hotel and searched it. They feel that their new acquaintances are a little too attached to them. The owners of the Casino - the Duponts, Sir Montague, the Compte and Mrs. Delaware all want the documents.
There are many scenes of high drama and tension which have the reader turning the pages to see what will happen next. As always Matt and Kitty find themselves in several tight spots. Ms. Dixon has written these scenes so brilliantly that the reader feels that they are with Matt and Kitty helping them.
Sadly Alice was not featured a lot in this story but there was great news for her at the end which hopefully we will read more about in future books. This story is more than a 5 star read!!!
October 4, 2024
Book Review: Murder on the French Riviera by Helena Dixon
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently finished Murder on the French Riviera, the latest installment in Helena Dixon's delightful Miss Underhay series, and I have to say, it was quite the ride! Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the French Riviera in late spring 1936, the novel transports you to sun-soaked beaches and glamorous hotels, where the only thing more shocking than the stunning views is the sudden appearance of a dead body.
The story kicks off when Kitty Underhay, on a mission from Whitehall to find a missing man, arrives in Nice with hopes of enjoying some leisurely poolside time. But, as fate would have it, instead of savoring a perfect croissant, she and her husband Matt stumble upon the lifeless body of Fred Bennett, the very man they were sent to locate. As they navigate through the vibrant yet dangerous world of casinos and suspicious characters, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary murder mystery. With a cast of intriguing suspects—including a wealthy widow and a dubious aristocrat—Kitty and Matt are thrust into an investigation that feels like a high-stakes spy thriller.
What I loved about this book was how it blended the charm of a cozy mystery with a palpable sense of danger. It felt like there was always something lurking just beneath the surface, making each page turn feel more thrilling than the last. Dixon has done an excellent job crafting a well-plotted narrative that keeps you guessing until the end. The tension was definitely ramped up compared to previous entries in the series, which made for an exhilarating read!
Kitty and Matt are wonderful characters that you can't help but root for. Their chemistry and sharp deductive skills shine throughout the investigation, making you feel confident in their abilities—even when the odds seem stacked against them. Plus, the picturesque settings Dixon creates always add an extra layer of enjoyment to each story. This time around, with the ominous shadow of an impending World War II looming over Europe, the stakes feel even higher, enhancing the plot beautifully.
All in all, Murder on the French Riviera is a fabulous episode in the Miss Underhay series and one I highly recommend! If you enjoy a good mystery with a touch of glamour and suspense—especially for fans of Agatha Christie or cozy crime novels—this book is sure to captivate you. So grab your favorite beverage, settle into your favorite reading nook, and prepare for a delightful escape into a world where nothing is quite as it seems!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently finished Murder on the French Riviera, the latest installment in Helena Dixon's delightful Miss Underhay series, and I have to say, it was quite the ride! Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the French Riviera in late spring 1936, the novel transports you to sun-soaked beaches and glamorous hotels, where the only thing more shocking than the stunning views is the sudden appearance of a dead body.
The story kicks off when Kitty Underhay, on a mission from Whitehall to find a missing man, arrives in Nice with hopes of enjoying some leisurely poolside time. But, as fate would have it, instead of savoring a perfect croissant, she and her husband Matt stumble upon the lifeless body of Fred Bennett, the very man they were sent to locate. As they navigate through the vibrant yet dangerous world of casinos and suspicious characters, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary murder mystery. With a cast of intriguing suspects—including a wealthy widow and a dubious aristocrat—Kitty and Matt are thrust into an investigation that feels like a high-stakes spy thriller.
What I loved about this book was how it blended the charm of a cozy mystery with a palpable sense of danger. It felt like there was always something lurking just beneath the surface, making each page turn feel more thrilling than the last. Dixon has done an excellent job crafting a well-plotted narrative that keeps you guessing until the end. The tension was definitely ramped up compared to previous entries in the series, which made for an exhilarating read!
Kitty and Matt are wonderful characters that you can't help but root for. Their chemistry and sharp deductive skills shine throughout the investigation, making you feel confident in their abilities—even when the odds seem stacked against them. Plus, the picturesque settings Dixon creates always add an extra layer of enjoyment to each story. This time around, with the ominous shadow of an impending World War II looming over Europe, the stakes feel even higher, enhancing the plot beautifully.
All in all, Murder on the French Riviera is a fabulous episode in the Miss Underhay series and one I highly recommend! If you enjoy a good mystery with a touch of glamour and suspense—especially for fans of Agatha Christie or cozy crime novels—this book is sure to captivate you. So grab your favorite beverage, settle into your favorite reading nook, and prepare for a delightful escape into a world where nothing is quite as it seems!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
May 19, 2024
It is 1936 and Europe is in a state of unease. France has just held a general election and the Italian forces have captured Addis Ababa. Mussolini is putting his men into power, looking at a very long game and in general the British Government is finding this situation seriously disturbing.
There are people at work gathering information which needs to be clandestinely bought to London and when Kitty Bryant and her husband Matt are propositioned to go to France and bring back some documents, they agree to do so reluctantly.
Kitty and Matt arrive in Nice, enjoying the luxury of the very elegant Hotel they have been booked into before deciding to go for a walk. Wandering down a series of small side streets they come across the body man of a who looks like a tramp, but has very good shoes.
In his pocket they find a book of matches from the Casino Plessy and a metal key with a wooden label and so begins the latest adventure in the Miss Underhay Mystery series Murder on the French Riviera.
The plot is fast moving, very cleverly planned and full of more twists and turns than the streets of Nice, as Kitty and Matt discover that the ‘holiday’ to collect the papers is far more dangerous than they were lead to believe. Innocent people are being killed, they have come under suspicion by the local Police, and it is fast becoming apparent there is something really sinister happening.
Attending the Gala birthday party, of Helene Dupont, where the guests are an eclectic mix of wealth and power, they realise they are under suspicion, not just by the Police but the very people who are involved with Mussolini and Hitler; the people who want the missing documents back!
Deciding they need to leave Nice as soon as possible, even though they have not got the papers, they take the train to Paris believing they will be safely away from the murderous intent of the someone in Nice, whom it appears will stop at very little to get back what they want.
But they are very, very wrong!
Murder on the French Riviera is a real cliff hanger of a murder mystery with a very well hidden murderer and an excellent secondary plot running through the narrative.
A great afternoon on the couch read.
There are people at work gathering information which needs to be clandestinely bought to London and when Kitty Bryant and her husband Matt are propositioned to go to France and bring back some documents, they agree to do so reluctantly.
Kitty and Matt arrive in Nice, enjoying the luxury of the very elegant Hotel they have been booked into before deciding to go for a walk. Wandering down a series of small side streets they come across the body man of a who looks like a tramp, but has very good shoes.
In his pocket they find a book of matches from the Casino Plessy and a metal key with a wooden label and so begins the latest adventure in the Miss Underhay Mystery series Murder on the French Riviera.
The plot is fast moving, very cleverly planned and full of more twists and turns than the streets of Nice, as Kitty and Matt discover that the ‘holiday’ to collect the papers is far more dangerous than they were lead to believe. Innocent people are being killed, they have come under suspicion by the local Police, and it is fast becoming apparent there is something really sinister happening.
Attending the Gala birthday party, of Helene Dupont, where the guests are an eclectic mix of wealth and power, they realise they are under suspicion, not just by the Police but the very people who are involved with Mussolini and Hitler; the people who want the missing documents back!
Deciding they need to leave Nice as soon as possible, even though they have not got the papers, they take the train to Paris believing they will be safely away from the murderous intent of the someone in Nice, whom it appears will stop at very little to get back what they want.
But they are very, very wrong!
Murder on the French Riviera is a real cliff hanger of a murder mystery with a very well hidden murderer and an excellent secondary plot running through the narrative.
A great afternoon on the couch read.
May 29, 2024
Kitty and Matt are visiting her family at Enderley when they get a request from the Brigadier, Matt's former boss. He wants them to head to Nice and meet up with a British operative who has information for Whitehall. They agree to go, thinking it will be a nice time away and help their country at the same time. A couple will not be as suspect as a lone male agent. Shortly after arriving in Nice, they stumble upon a man, dead in an alley. He looks like the person they are supposed to meet. It doesn't take long for a group at their hotel to latch onto them and take them around town, introducing them to casino owners and going to parties. Matt and Kitty are still trying to find the papers, but are sure this group is also looking for them. When another person ends up dead and they are still no closer to finding the papers, they decide it is time to go home, but others are not in agreement.
Murder on the French Riviera is the 16th book in the Miss Underhay series, although Kitty is now Mrs. Bryant after marrying Matt. Although several of the books in this series are set away from Devon, this is the first I have read outside the UK. Normally the mystery involves murder, but add espionage to this one. I was pulled in right away and was trying to sort out who the bad guys were right along with them. There were a group that were suspect and I was sure they were, but why and how? The biggest mystery was where are the papers? I do like Kitty's mind and how she goes about figuring things out. She is a great puzzler and in this book, she finally sorts it out and shares her hunch with Matt, who figures out the final step. The secondary characters in this one were both good guys and not so good, but they sure added an edginess to this story. I really loved this one, in fact the best one yet in my opinion. So, how are you going to top this one, Helena Dixon?
Murder on the French Riviera is the 16th book in the Miss Underhay series, although Kitty is now Mrs. Bryant after marrying Matt. Although several of the books in this series are set away from Devon, this is the first I have read outside the UK. Normally the mystery involves murder, but add espionage to this one. I was pulled in right away and was trying to sort out who the bad guys were right along with them. There were a group that were suspect and I was sure they were, but why and how? The biggest mystery was where are the papers? I do like Kitty's mind and how she goes about figuring things out. She is a great puzzler and in this book, she finally sorts it out and shares her hunch with Matt, who figures out the final step. The secondary characters in this one were both good guys and not so good, but they sure added an edginess to this story. I really loved this one, in fact the best one yet in my opinion. So, how are you going to top this one, Helena Dixon?
May 21, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Helena Dixon for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder on the French Riviera coming out May 28, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Late spring, 1936. As Kitty Underhay steps onto the sun-drenched station platform in Nice, on orders from Whitehall to track down a missing man, she hopes there will still be time to lie by the pool, preferably with a cocktail in hand. But when she and her husband Matt take a brief evening stroll, instead of finding a perfect croissant, they stumble across a body…
Kitty and Matt quickly realise it is Fred Bennett, the man from Whitehall they were hoping to find. Had he simply drunk too much fabulous French wine, or is something fishy going on in this seaside city?
When Kitty and Matt uncover a casino matchbook in Fred’s pocket, they head to the glamorous waterfront establishment where a wealthy widow, a disreputable aristocrat and a cash-strapped reporter swiftly make their suspect list. But with more questions than cards in a pack, can Kitty and Matt nail the killer before he comes after them too? Or will they realise that everything isn’t always nice in Nice?
I was really excited to receive this book. I own several books in the series. I love cozy historical mysteries, especially when they take place in other parts of the world. I love Kitty and Matt as a couple. I think it’s so fun they go on adventures together. Kitty’s a smart, engaging character. I love that this book had a bit of glamor and espionage along with the murder mystery. I loved it! I do wonder if these books will eventually head towards WWII. But I’m excited to read more in the series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy historical mysteries!
Late spring, 1936. As Kitty Underhay steps onto the sun-drenched station platform in Nice, on orders from Whitehall to track down a missing man, she hopes there will still be time to lie by the pool, preferably with a cocktail in hand. But when she and her husband Matt take a brief evening stroll, instead of finding a perfect croissant, they stumble across a body…
Kitty and Matt quickly realise it is Fred Bennett, the man from Whitehall they were hoping to find. Had he simply drunk too much fabulous French wine, or is something fishy going on in this seaside city?
When Kitty and Matt uncover a casino matchbook in Fred’s pocket, they head to the glamorous waterfront establishment where a wealthy widow, a disreputable aristocrat and a cash-strapped reporter swiftly make their suspect list. But with more questions than cards in a pack, can Kitty and Matt nail the killer before he comes after them too? Or will they realise that everything isn’t always nice in Nice?
I was really excited to receive this book. I own several books in the series. I love cozy historical mysteries, especially when they take place in other parts of the world. I love Kitty and Matt as a couple. I think it’s so fun they go on adventures together. Kitty’s a smart, engaging character. I love that this book had a bit of glamor and espionage along with the murder mystery. I loved it! I do wonder if these books will eventually head towards WWII. But I’m excited to read more in the series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy historical mysteries!
May 17, 2024
The 16th book in this historical fiction cozy mystery series.
Matt and Kitty are off on holiday to Nice, France, in the spring of 1936. Well, that’s what they want everyone to think — just a married couple, hoteliers, checking out the luxurious Le Neresco and enjoying some time together. However, what they’ve been asked to do by the brigadier has nothing to do with a vacation. They are on a risky spy mission and meant to retrieve some sensitive documents about the state of Italy’s military strength and future plans. When they arrive, they shortly discover that their contact is dead. The documents are nowhere to be found. And the police are eying them as possible suspects.
I have really enjoyed all the previous books in series but I wish Matt and Kitty would just return to Torbay and the Dolphin Hotel. I prefer the characters from that particular setting to rejoin the plots. Also, they could have a little more zing in their relationship considering they are not that long married. I don’t mind that there’s no mention of intimacy, etc., but wowza they are barely affectionate even in the most romantic of places. The story line really wasn’t all that gripping and I missed my usual pleasure at reconnecting with these characters, the place and time, and the intrigue in their own home town. I still enjoy the period details.
Thank you to Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
Matt and Kitty are off on holiday to Nice, France, in the spring of 1936. Well, that’s what they want everyone to think — just a married couple, hoteliers, checking out the luxurious Le Neresco and enjoying some time together. However, what they’ve been asked to do by the brigadier has nothing to do with a vacation. They are on a risky spy mission and meant to retrieve some sensitive documents about the state of Italy’s military strength and future plans. When they arrive, they shortly discover that their contact is dead. The documents are nowhere to be found. And the police are eying them as possible suspects.
I have really enjoyed all the previous books in series but I wish Matt and Kitty would just return to Torbay and the Dolphin Hotel. I prefer the characters from that particular setting to rejoin the plots. Also, they could have a little more zing in their relationship considering they are not that long married. I don’t mind that there’s no mention of intimacy, etc., but wowza they are barely affectionate even in the most romantic of places. The story line really wasn’t all that gripping and I missed my usual pleasure at reconnecting with these characters, the place and time, and the intrigue in their own home town. I still enjoy the period details.
Thank you to Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
August 1, 2024
Kitty and her husband Matt are invited to swap Torbay and the English Riviera for Nice and the French Riviera. The trip is actually a secret mission to retrieve some important papers from a spy as Europe reacts to the rise of fascism. But on their arrival, they find their contact dead...
Murder on the French Riviera is the 16th book in the Kitty Underhay (now Bryant) series of cosy murder mysteries.
Under cover of sightseeing, Kitty and Matt are exploring their holiday destination while keeping their true purpose a secret. Unfortunately they discover their contact murdered in an alley. The killer may be looking for the papers so the race is on to find them first, but this could also lead to danger for the pair.
I enjoyed the change in dynamic that is offered by the new setting. The backdrop of the international political situation in 1936 brings the plot to life and has been well researched. Matt and Kitty have the respect of government officials and are entrusted with an important mission. It is nice to see 'amateur' sleuths being given the respect they deserve!
Kitty's focus is upon the other guests at their hotel and also the casino where the victim was last seen. There are a range of characters to explore and suspect. I thought the mystery was sustained well and the characters act in keeping with the historical era depicted.
Murder on the French Riviera is an enjoyable addition to this well established series.
Murder on the French Riviera is the 16th book in the Kitty Underhay (now Bryant) series of cosy murder mysteries.
Under cover of sightseeing, Kitty and Matt are exploring their holiday destination while keeping their true purpose a secret. Unfortunately they discover their contact murdered in an alley. The killer may be looking for the papers so the race is on to find them first, but this could also lead to danger for the pair.
I enjoyed the change in dynamic that is offered by the new setting. The backdrop of the international political situation in 1936 brings the plot to life and has been well researched. Matt and Kitty have the respect of government officials and are entrusted with an important mission. It is nice to see 'amateur' sleuths being given the respect they deserve!
Kitty's focus is upon the other guests at their hotel and also the casino where the victim was last seen. There are a range of characters to explore and suspect. I thought the mystery was sustained well and the characters act in keeping with the historical era depicted.
Murder on the French Riviera is an enjoyable addition to this well established series.
June 25, 2024
Having read all of the previous Miss Underhay Mysteries, I have come to sadly realize this series is going downhill and this 16th installment has hit rock bottom. The protagonist was feistier when she was still a "Miss"; since her marriage she has become less confident and spends many pages worrying about her abilities as a detective. This has resulted in a much less appealing heroine. Her husband, Matt, is overly protective and somewhat condescending even for a 1930s spouse. This makes the reader wonder if the author is moving towards having this partnership fail in favor of a much hinted at parenthood. A very unappealing change for Kitty
The mystery itself is very thin and with a small group of characters it was easy to determine who are the wrong doers. There are two twists at the end of this book adding the only bit of excitement in the novel but the resolutions (yes, two "scary moments") are first pathetically obvious and secondly, genuinely laughable.
The author also continues to repeatedly over describe objects, scenery, table settings, and food. Once might be informative but not multiple times especially as some historic references are inaccurate or anachronistic
The mystery itself is very thin and with a small group of characters it was easy to determine who are the wrong doers. There are two twists at the end of this book adding the only bit of excitement in the novel but the resolutions (yes, two "scary moments") are first pathetically obvious and secondly, genuinely laughable.
The author also continues to repeatedly over describe objects, scenery, table settings, and food. Once might be informative but not multiple times especially as some historic references are inaccurate or anachronistic
May 24, 2024
Late spring, 1936. Matt & Kitty are spending time with her aunt & uncle when Brigadier Remmington-Blythe arrives & asks them to travel to Nice to meet Frederico Benedetto aka Fred Bennett & collect some sensitive papers. Arriving in Nice they take a brief evening stroll, instead of finding a perfect croissant, they stumble across a body. Kitty and Matt quickly realise it is Fred Bennett.
The sixteenth outing for Kitty & new husband Matt & a totally different setting. Another very well written cosy mystery, with strong characters & a well paced story. I love both Kitty & Matt & how they complement each other. There are twists & turns but it quickly becomes apparent that their new friends are not all they seem. I liked the different setting but things come to head on the train from Nice to Paris. I hope the reasons for Alice’s failed romance will be revealed. A captivating murder mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The sixteenth outing for Kitty & new husband Matt & a totally different setting. Another very well written cosy mystery, with strong characters & a well paced story. I love both Kitty & Matt & how they complement each other. There are twists & turns but it quickly becomes apparent that their new friends are not all they seem. I liked the different setting but things come to head on the train from Nice to Paris. I hope the reasons for Alice’s failed romance will be revealed. A captivating murder mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
May 24, 2024
Kitty and Matt have been given a fairly straightforward assignment. Papers will be delivered, just bring them back. A paid holiday on the French Riviera, sunny weather, the beach, a lovely hotel. It seemed idyllic.
They were warned they were on their own, adversaries were unknown, but both seasoned hands knew that adversaries there will be. Finding the person supposed to give them the documents was hard, because they stumbled on his corpse before any contact could be made. The second murder of a photo journalist was alarming because they were first on both scenes which raised eyebrows with all.
The enemy could be the German ambassador and his charming wife, the rich American widow and her daughter, the impoverished English Lord pursuing said daughter or the suave Comte.
Escaping their opponents who had not revealed themselves was tricky, and Matt and Kitty thought they had put the worst behind them, when they got on the train but this was where the real danger and action happened.
Very nicely narrated, perfectly in tune with the time of 1936 very good reading.
They were warned they were on their own, adversaries were unknown, but both seasoned hands knew that adversaries there will be. Finding the person supposed to give them the documents was hard, because they stumbled on his corpse before any contact could be made. The second murder of a photo journalist was alarming because they were first on both scenes which raised eyebrows with all.
The enemy could be the German ambassador and his charming wife, the rich American widow and her daughter, the impoverished English Lord pursuing said daughter or the suave Comte.
Escaping their opponents who had not revealed themselves was tricky, and Matt and Kitty thought they had put the worst behind them, when they got on the train but this was where the real danger and action happened.
Very nicely narrated, perfectly in tune with the time of 1936 very good reading.
May 26, 2024
3.75 stars
This is an appealing historical cozy series. We have followed hotel manager Kitty Underhay through her courtship with Captain Matt Bryant and their embarking on their life together and partnership as investigators. Matt's Great War experience and Kitty's level-headed clear-mindedness make them very effective. We are now in the mid-30s, leading up to World War II.
Matt and Kitty are on a break staying with her family when Matt's boss recruits him for an undercover exploit. They need to go to the French Riviera and help retrieve some sensitive documents from an agent who has been compromised. But when they arrive, the stumble on his body -- and the documents are missing.
Their fellow hotel guests are a shady bunch and Matt and Kitty don't trust any of them. They carefully explore the area while trying to stay incognito. These are always enjoyable reads without too much personal drama, thankfully. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is an appealing historical cozy series. We have followed hotel manager Kitty Underhay through her courtship with Captain Matt Bryant and their embarking on their life together and partnership as investigators. Matt's Great War experience and Kitty's level-headed clear-mindedness make them very effective. We are now in the mid-30s, leading up to World War II.
Matt and Kitty are on a break staying with her family when Matt's boss recruits him for an undercover exploit. They need to go to the French Riviera and help retrieve some sensitive documents from an agent who has been compromised. But when they arrive, the stumble on his body -- and the documents are missing.
Their fellow hotel guests are a shady bunch and Matt and Kitty don't trust any of them. They carefully explore the area while trying to stay incognito. These are always enjoyable reads without too much personal drama, thankfully. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 27, 2024
Kitty and Matt are once again in the middle of a murder investigation, this time in Nice, France, after being sent there to find a man and get some documents. Of course, the man they are looking for is the one they find dead, and since they have no idea who they can trust on foreign soil it's up to them alone to uncover the truth.
I always enjoy coming along with Matt and Kitty as they solve murders. I love going with them as they investigate and put the puzzle pieces together. I hope soon they get to go back home and to the Dolphin as I love the cast of characters that come along with that place. The story is fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next, and if they were going to find anyone else dead.
This is a fun cozy mystery series and I can't wait to see where they will end up and whose murder Kitty and Matt are going to end up investigating next!
I always enjoy coming along with Matt and Kitty as they solve murders. I love going with them as they investigate and put the puzzle pieces together. I hope soon they get to go back home and to the Dolphin as I love the cast of characters that come along with that place. The story is fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next, and if they were going to find anyone else dead.
This is a fun cozy mystery series and I can't wait to see where they will end up and whose murder Kitty and Matt are going to end up investigating next!
May 27, 2024
Wow, I can't believe this is the sixteenth Kitty Underhay mystery! Honestly, I don't think I'm ever going to tire of reading a new book featuring Kitty and Matt.
This time, the pair are in Nice, tasked to pick up important and confidential documents from a spy who had found himself compromised. The moment they set foot in town, they stumble across a body and find themselves the prime suspects.
What a great addition this was to this already entertaining series.
While I've enjoyed the books set in Britain, I really loved the change of setting in this book. The Riviera seems all glitter and glamour, but it doesn't take long for the sleuths to find the more seedy underbelly of the place.
I'm not usually a big fan of spy novels or books featuring espionage, but I ended up really enjoying this one. It still kept the elements of a cozy mystery and didn't become too outlandish or overly complicated.
I'm already looking forward to what will happen next for Kitty and Matt!
This time, the pair are in Nice, tasked to pick up important and confidential documents from a spy who had found himself compromised. The moment they set foot in town, they stumble across a body and find themselves the prime suspects.
What a great addition this was to this already entertaining series.
While I've enjoyed the books set in Britain, I really loved the change of setting in this book. The Riviera seems all glitter and glamour, but it doesn't take long for the sleuths to find the more seedy underbelly of the place.
I'm not usually a big fan of spy novels or books featuring espionage, but I ended up really enjoying this one. It still kept the elements of a cozy mystery and didn't become too outlandish or overly complicated.
I'm already looking forward to what will happen next for Kitty and Matt!
May 31, 2024
It always sounds strange when you discover you read the 16th instalment in a series and you enjoyed them all.
Kitty, Matt, their family and friends of all kind are character I’m always glad to meet and spend time with them.
This is a bit different, more on the internationl intrigue side and it’s set from the usual Devon setting.
Ms Dixon did an excellent job in recretating the atmosphere of the Negresco, the mix of very rich and morally ambiguous characters. I also appreciated the attention to the details and how the historical events were presented
There’s the feeling of of spy story d’antan mixed with a cosy story. It was a pleasant and highly entertaining read that kept me hooked and turning pages.
I read it in one afternoon and it was an excellent way to travel in time a space.
I look forward to the next story, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Kitty, Matt, their family and friends of all kind are character I’m always glad to meet and spend time with them.
This is a bit different, more on the internationl intrigue side and it’s set from the usual Devon setting.
Ms Dixon did an excellent job in recretating the atmosphere of the Negresco, the mix of very rich and morally ambiguous characters. I also appreciated the attention to the details and how the historical events were presented
There’s the feeling of of spy story d’antan mixed with a cosy story. It was a pleasant and highly entertaining read that kept me hooked and turning pages.
I read it in one afternoon and it was an excellent way to travel in time a space.
I look forward to the next story, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 23, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded down after deliberation. It’s good that Matt and Kitty vary the location for this one, which sees them start and end in Exeter, but feature Nice (and briefly Paris and London) in between. They are sent to meet a contact and retrieve some papers, but no sooner have they arrived than they stumble onto his dead body… while I will always love Kitty and Matt, this plot was just a little simpler than I think the previous books, and the limited cast of characters meant there wasn’t much difficulty in spotting what was going on and who was responsible. It was good to see Matt and Kitty flex their investigative muscles a bit on foreign soil, but it won’t particularly tax the reader to figure out whodunnit here, unfortunately.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
April 27, 2024
In MURDER ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA Kitty and Matt Bryant are visiting Kitty’s aunt and Uncle at Enderly Hall in Exeter. There are troubling signs abroad and Kitty and Matt are sent to Nice by Brigadier Remington-Blythe, Matt’s boss, to meet the brigadier’s son who has been compromised and can’t complete his mission. When Kitty and Matt are in Nice and find a man who has been stabbed to death, they suspect he was their contact. I read on to find out if the man was the Brigadier’s son and find out who killed the man.
It is good to return to Kitty’s world. I like the 1930’s setting, especially when Kitty and Matt are in Nice. What fun it is to be with them on their adventure. I am glad I have many books in the Miss Underhay series yet to read. Thank you, Boukouture and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of MURDER ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA.
It is good to return to Kitty’s world. I like the 1930’s setting, especially when Kitty and Matt are in Nice. What fun it is to be with them on their adventure. I am glad I have many books in the Miss Underhay series yet to read. Thank you, Boukouture and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of MURDER ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA.
April 24, 2024
In 1936, Matt and Kitty are sent to Nice to try to recover some documents from a British agent - documents with details of Italy's military that many countries would like to possess. They stumble across a couple of bodies, search for the documents, make friends with suspects, and try to avoid the interest of the French police, with the occasional jaunt to a casino. The mystery itself is not too complicated to resolve, with a limited circle of people to investigate, but the backdrop of growing instability in Europe, Germany's aspirations for power, and assorted spies searching for the documents amps up the tension. I enjoyed the setting and the political overtones to the mystery, and Matt and Kitty are a delightful couple. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Bookouture for the eARC.
June 3, 2024
Our 16th outing with Kitty and Matt and another exciting adventure for us all. A well written book with plenty of suspense and fast action sees Kitty and Matt on a trip to Nice at the behest of Kitty’s uncle and the Brigadier. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest book from Helena, her descriptions of Nice and its society life in the 30’s are fascinating. Can’t wait for the next instalment.
Only criticism is not with the book but with the publication format. Because I always buy these books for Kindle, the endless list of the other books in the series at the end of the book throws out the progress counter on the Kindle so I always think I have more left to read than I have to. The end always comes at about 90% read. Surely just the list of the other books at the end is sufficient?
Only criticism is not with the book but with the publication format. Because I always buy these books for Kindle, the endless list of the other books in the series at the end of the book throws out the progress counter on the Kindle so I always think I have more left to read than I have to. The end always comes at about 90% read. Surely just the list of the other books at the end is sufficient?
December 25, 2024
Exciting Pre WWII Spy Stuff
This book is part of a wonderful series that takes place in Britain between the World Wars. The series needs to be read in order for the first 6 books, or so. After that point, it is more fun to read in order, but not essential. In this episode, our favorite couple is asked to go to the French Riviera to retrieve some important documents from an Italian agent. It evolves into something unforeseen. The reader learns the clues along with our main characters and the final denouement is very interesting. The book is filled with all of the class restrictions that were so common in British society in that era. This book, and the entire series, is a clean mystery with no foul language, minimal violence, no gore, and no bedroom scenes. I love this series.
This book is part of a wonderful series that takes place in Britain between the World Wars. The series needs to be read in order for the first 6 books, or so. After that point, it is more fun to read in order, but not essential. In this episode, our favorite couple is asked to go to the French Riviera to retrieve some important documents from an Italian agent. It evolves into something unforeseen. The reader learns the clues along with our main characters and the final denouement is very interesting. The book is filled with all of the class restrictions that were so common in British society in that era. This book, and the entire series, is a clean mystery with no foul language, minimal violence, no gore, and no bedroom scenes. I love this series.
November 13, 2025
Kitty and Matt are pressed into service for the Crown. Their job is to collect some important secret documents from a courier in Nice, but within hours of arriving in the French city, they discover their contact person dead in an ally. Going back to their hotel, they are swept into a friendly but odd group including an American woman and her daughter, an Italian count, and an English gentleman. Kitty and Matt decide to look for the missing documents without raising the suspicions of their new acquaintances, since they’re not sure whom they can trust, especially when a photographer for local gossip columns is also fatally attacked. There are several scary moments, and the mystery is well done.
May 23, 2024
I’ve loved the Miss Underhay Mysteries series since the very first book (Murder at the Dolphin Hotel), so I was excited to read Murder on the French Riviera, the 16th book.
This time, Kitty and Matt are on holiday in France, and so they don’t have their usual assistants and friends to back them up. I enjoyed seeing them work together in difficult circumstances.
The mystery itself was intriguing, with plenty of suspicious characters to keep me guessing.
Overall, this was an intriguing mystery, with favourite characters. What more could you want?
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
This time, Kitty and Matt are on holiday in France, and so they don’t have their usual assistants and friends to back them up. I enjoyed seeing them work together in difficult circumstances.
The mystery itself was intriguing, with plenty of suspicious characters to keep me guessing.
Overall, this was an intriguing mystery, with favourite characters. What more could you want?
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
May 26, 2024
An excellent addition to this amazing and truly addictive cozy mystery which sees our duo of Kitty and Matthew in Nice, undercover and looking for important documents during a troubled era in Italy and France.
Blending in with the locals they seamlessly immerse themselves into the society and try and track down the papers. Two deaths makes the local police concerned and most suspicious of the duo as they are there for both.
Great writing and plot. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Kitty and Matthew.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Blending in with the locals they seamlessly immerse themselves into the society and try and track down the papers. Two deaths makes the local police concerned and most suspicious of the duo as they are there for both.
Great writing and plot. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Kitty and Matthew.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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