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Victor & Me in Paris
When retired academic Imogene Durant finds herself in Paris with Victor Hugo as her guide, a series of disturbing discoveries are made in local hotels. While Imogene hopes to settle in, read, and write a follow up to her acclaimed book, Fyodor & Me in Russia, she’s drawn into the mystery by her new friend and neighbour, the police detective assigned to the case.
344 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2024
24 people want to read
About the author
Janice MacDonald
14 books55 followersJanice MacDonald is a bestselling Canadian author who is best known for a series of crime novels featuring amateur sleuth Miranda "Randy" Craig; the latest of these popular mysteries is The Eye of the Beholder (2018). The Randy Craig Mysteries were the first detective series to be set in Edmonton, Alberta, where Janice lives and works. Janice is also the author of 2017's Confederation Drive, a work of creative non-fiction written for Canada's 150th birthday. Her other titles include an award-winning children's book (The Ghouls' Night Out), a university textbook, and several non-fiction/historical titles about her home province.
Born on the side of a mountain in Banff National Park, the daughter of a cowboy from southern Alberta and a schoolteacher who herself had been born in a pioneer log cabin in the Peace River Country, Janice considers herself to be a example of the quintessential Albertan. A dyed-in-the-wool Edmontonian, Janice makes no apologies for setting her novels in a recognizable Edmonton and celebrating the things that make this northern metropolis so vibrant and unique.
Born on the side of a mountain in Banff National Park, the daughter of a cowboy from southern Alberta and a schoolteacher who herself had been born in a pioneer log cabin in the Peace River Country, Janice considers herself to be a example of the quintessential Albertan. A dyed-in-the-wool Edmontonian, Janice makes no apologies for setting her novels in a recognizable Edmonton and celebrating the things that make this northern metropolis so vibrant and unique.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 16, 2025
This review was first published on https://miramichireader.ca/ on March 12th.
“There was something delightful in being able to place one’s self directly into a novel, even if it was a mystery dealing with grisly murders laid out with precise descriptive flair.”
― page 46
Imogene Durant “Une femme d’un certain age”, is an author with a secret passion for creating backstories for people around her. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, has recently retired from teaching Comparative Literature at the university, and is recently divorced. Her first book, which is still selling very well, is called Fyodor & Me in Russia. Her editor, Mariel, describes her as “A female Bill Bryson with a literary twist”. Being “almost sixty, with a full life of family and duties behind her and a promising future of travel and delight ahead”, and with the encouragement of her editor, she books a working vacation in Paris for six weeks to write her next book.
“The focus of her last book had been to show that reading a book in the same place as it was set offered a resonance to the plot and characters one didn’t find when reading the same book in a distant land, or without a personal understanding of that area.” ― page 225
Instead of staying in a hotel, Imogene rents herself an apartment for her stay. Her downstairs neighbour, Toni Lamothe, is a police officer with the Parisian Sûreté. Imogene and Toni quickly bond and Imogene even joins Toni’s weekly ballet stretch class. In the course of several conversations, Imogene asks Toni about the investigation she is currently working on, and eventually, Toni confides to her that she is investigating a case that deals with human body parts turning up in ice machines in various hotels throughout Paris. Together they brainstorm several ideas over wine and various delicious-sounding foods. “What was a detective besides a professional reader of clues and signs and subtext?” Imogene also meets a handsome Frenchman and they bond over cheese and wine.
I found this story to be a beautiful tribute to Paris and its classical literature, with the mystery being secondary. I particularly enjoyed all the literary references. If a visit to Paris isn’t on your bucket list, after reading this story it soon will be. I also love the concept of reading a book in the location it is set.
“…reading the book and knowing that most of the cobbles she walked to get to her morning baguette were the same ones that Hugo would have trod to explore the places where he was setting his story had an effect on Imogene that she hoped she could translate to others in her own writing.” ― page 242
Janice MacDonald mentions several well-known authors throughout her book including the late Alistair MacLeod of Nova Scotia. “Imogene had attended a lecture once by the late author Alistair MacLeod, who told the audience that his method of writing was to think of each sentence till it was perfect in his mind and then finally write it down and begin to think of the next sentence. There must have been an audible gasp that reached the podium, because he smiled into the crowd and said, ‘Well, I’m sixty-four and I’ve only written one novel and a handful of stories. So I’m not suggesting this is the best way to work.'” page 169. I sent a photo of the page to his son Alexander (Alex) who responded with: “Hi Sue: Thanks for sending this along. It’s beautiful and a very good characterization of dad.” Based on his response, I am presuming that all the other mentions of authors were accurate.
“There was something delightful in being able to place one’s self directly into a novel, even if it was a mystery dealing with grisly murders laid out with precise descriptive flair.”
― page 46
Imogene Durant “Une femme d’un certain age”, is an author with a secret passion for creating backstories for people around her. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, has recently retired from teaching Comparative Literature at the university, and is recently divorced. Her first book, which is still selling very well, is called Fyodor & Me in Russia. Her editor, Mariel, describes her as “A female Bill Bryson with a literary twist”. Being “almost sixty, with a full life of family and duties behind her and a promising future of travel and delight ahead”, and with the encouragement of her editor, she books a working vacation in Paris for six weeks to write her next book.
“The focus of her last book had been to show that reading a book in the same place as it was set offered a resonance to the plot and characters one didn’t find when reading the same book in a distant land, or without a personal understanding of that area.” ― page 225
Instead of staying in a hotel, Imogene rents herself an apartment for her stay. Her downstairs neighbour, Toni Lamothe, is a police officer with the Parisian Sûreté. Imogene and Toni quickly bond and Imogene even joins Toni’s weekly ballet stretch class. In the course of several conversations, Imogene asks Toni about the investigation she is currently working on, and eventually, Toni confides to her that she is investigating a case that deals with human body parts turning up in ice machines in various hotels throughout Paris. Together they brainstorm several ideas over wine and various delicious-sounding foods. “What was a detective besides a professional reader of clues and signs and subtext?” Imogene also meets a handsome Frenchman and they bond over cheese and wine.
I found this story to be a beautiful tribute to Paris and its classical literature, with the mystery being secondary. I particularly enjoyed all the literary references. If a visit to Paris isn’t on your bucket list, after reading this story it soon will be. I also love the concept of reading a book in the location it is set.
“…reading the book and knowing that most of the cobbles she walked to get to her morning baguette were the same ones that Hugo would have trod to explore the places where he was setting his story had an effect on Imogene that she hoped she could translate to others in her own writing.” ― page 242
Janice MacDonald mentions several well-known authors throughout her book including the late Alistair MacLeod of Nova Scotia. “Imogene had attended a lecture once by the late author Alistair MacLeod, who told the audience that his method of writing was to think of each sentence till it was perfect in his mind and then finally write it down and begin to think of the next sentence. There must have been an audible gasp that reached the podium, because he smiled into the crowd and said, ‘Well, I’m sixty-four and I’ve only written one novel and a handful of stories. So I’m not suggesting this is the best way to work.'” page 169. I sent a photo of the page to his son Alexander (Alex) who responded with: “Hi Sue: Thanks for sending this along. It’s beautiful and a very good characterization of dad.” Based on his response, I am presuming that all the other mentions of authors were accurate.
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November 20, 2024Excellent Read. It's the best Janice MacDonald novel yet.
The protagonist is beautifully crafted - a 'woman of a certain age' just a bit jejune, enough to make us chuckle with her.
And the book takes us on a magical escape to Paris - that dazzling enchanting, intoxicating city. MacDonald brings back all those memories of the city and more, making sure you'll put it on your bucket list to visit or revisit again.
This book is intelligent, playful, charming and comfortable - just like her heroine.
I could go on and on, but I won't give away the ending.
Buy it, you'll love it.
The protagonist is beautifully crafted - a 'woman of a certain age' just a bit jejune, enough to make us chuckle with her.
And the book takes us on a magical escape to Paris - that dazzling enchanting, intoxicating city. MacDonald brings back all those memories of the city and more, making sure you'll put it on your bucket list to visit or revisit again.
This book is intelligent, playful, charming and comfortable - just like her heroine.
I could go on and on, but I won't give away the ending.
Buy it, you'll love it.
January 18, 2025
Full disclaimer!! I’m friends with the author! This book was on my Christmas wishlist & gifted to me by another friend. Very much enjoyed & looking forward to a new series & now I want to go back to Paris!!
September 10, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Victor & Me in Paris is an intelligent academic standalone mystery by Janice MacDonald, the first to feature writer Imogene Durant. Released 7th Nov 2024 by Turnstone Press, it's 344 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
Cerebral and beautifully constructed, this is a "writerly" story with a relatable protagonist set in Paris. The author does a great job of describing the Parisian vibe and it's easy to set oneself into the story.
It's not at all derivative, but readers who enjoyed Amanda Cross' (Carolyn Heilbrun) Kate Fansler mysteries will find a lot to love here. The pace is sedate, but the meandering is a big part of the draw. The mystery is secondary to the story, and the book is peppered with literary references and Easter eggs.
Four stars. The second book in the series is due out in 3rd quarter 2025 (October).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Victor & Me in Paris is an intelligent academic standalone mystery by Janice MacDonald, the first to feature writer Imogene Durant. Released 7th Nov 2024 by Turnstone Press, it's 344 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
Cerebral and beautifully constructed, this is a "writerly" story with a relatable protagonist set in Paris. The author does a great job of describing the Parisian vibe and it's easy to set oneself into the story.
It's not at all derivative, but readers who enjoyed Amanda Cross' (Carolyn Heilbrun) Kate Fansler mysteries will find a lot to love here. The pace is sedate, but the meandering is a big part of the draw. The mystery is secondary to the story, and the book is peppered with literary references and Easter eggs.
Four stars. The second book in the series is due out in 3rd quarter 2025 (October).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
November 8, 2024
The first entry in Janice MacDonald's new mystery series features an appealing protagonist, charming scenes of Parisian life (and pastries), and a mystery initiated by a grisly discovery in a hotel ice machine.
Imogene Durant is a recently retired comparative literature professor from Alberta. She is relishing her weeks in Paris, intending to research a new book--she quickly shifts her focus from Simenon to Hugo--and sample the varied wares of cheese shops. Her neighbour, Toni, a police officer with the Parisian Sûreté, quickly becomes a friend. Intrigued by Imogene's Victor Hugo research and her acute insights into psychology and storytelling, Toni invites her feedback about the puzzling crime she is investigating. A handsome Frenchman soon adds to Imogene's delight in her Parisian sojourn.
Janice MacDonald's previous mystery series was set largely in Edmonton, allowing the author to pay loving tribute to local music festivals and heritage. It's a pleasure to see the author tackle a more storied city and bring it to fresh life. While the mystery occasionally recedes for a stretch, readers seeking the vicarious pleasures of travel and French food will particularly relish this first offering in a promising new series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Turnstone Press for the advance read.
Imogene Durant is a recently retired comparative literature professor from Alberta. She is relishing her weeks in Paris, intending to research a new book--she quickly shifts her focus from Simenon to Hugo--and sample the varied wares of cheese shops. Her neighbour, Toni, a police officer with the Parisian Sûreté, quickly becomes a friend. Intrigued by Imogene's Victor Hugo research and her acute insights into psychology and storytelling, Toni invites her feedback about the puzzling crime she is investigating. A handsome Frenchman soon adds to Imogene's delight in her Parisian sojourn.
Janice MacDonald's previous mystery series was set largely in Edmonton, allowing the author to pay loving tribute to local music festivals and heritage. It's a pleasure to see the author tackle a more storied city and bring it to fresh life. While the mystery occasionally recedes for a stretch, readers seeking the vicarious pleasures of travel and French food will particularly relish this first offering in a promising new series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Turnstone Press for the advance read.
January 11, 2025
I understand that the book is about the main character who travels to Paris and Victor Hugo being her inspiration while there, but I can't get past the fact the author throws in major spoilers in this book about Les Misérables just to justify the main character visiting certain locations in Paris. WOW. I haven't read Les Misérables, so a big spoiler alert on the cover or the first couple pages would have been nice. That's the main reason I gave this book a one star. Another reason was that it was taking too long to get to the murder mystery. A little better blending of the travelogue and mystery at the start of the book would have developed a better whodunit atmosphere, than just going shopping with the main character to all the nice little shoppes in Paris. Spoiler alert: I DNF'd this one.
January 20, 2025
A wonderful introduction to Paris, Victor Hugo and Imogene Durant! MacDonald brings us down narrow ruelles, impasses and beautiful spaces as Imogene explores the city, at times tracing the routes traversed by Hugo's characters in "Les Misérables". Her musings on Hugo's work are [almost] as interesting as her personal encounters. She's a warm, funny, thoughtful woman who engages effortlessly with those she meets. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
November 18, 2024
I very much enjoyed meeting Imogene Durant, and seeing Paris through the eyes of a literary academic of a certain age. Victor & Me in Paris is a love letter to Paris and to literature wrapped up in a cozy mystery. Janice always has such an excellent eye for detail and atmosphere (atmosphere!). I am looking forward to the next novel in the series.
January 19, 2025
Imogene is a wonderful travel companion, noticing things large and small and making connections which are both clever and delightful. I'm SO EXCITED that she is planning further adventures in other interesting parts of the world!
April 17, 2025
This was given to me via NetGally. Thanks to Literary Press Group of Canada for the ARC.
I enjoyed this mystery and the romp through Paris. that being said, when I accepted this copy, I believed it would be a historical mystery (based on the description)... it is not. BUT once I got past that, I enjoyed it!
I enjoyed this mystery and the romp through Paris. that being said, when I accepted this copy, I believed it would be a historical mystery (based on the description)... it is not. BUT once I got past that, I enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews