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Juge Lombard Mystery #1
The Man Who Didn't Burn
A KILLER. A SAINT. A TOWN FULL OF WHISPERS
–––––––––––
When an English expat is brutally murdered, his charred corpse left on a Loire Valley hillside, the police turn to juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard to find the perpetrator.
Instead, Lombard discovers a wealth of secrets, grudges and feuds in the idyllic town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire. He begins to suspect that the remaining members of the Comité des Fêtes know more about the death than they are letting on.
But rather than towards an arrest, each clue he uncovers seems to point in one, unexpected Joan of Arc. Is the answer to the murder hiding in the barroom gossip of the Lion d’Or? Or in another century altogether?
The thrilling new crime series from The Times -bestselling author of Death and Croissants
–––––––––––
When an English expat is brutally murdered, his charred corpse left on a Loire Valley hillside, the police turn to juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard to find the perpetrator.
Instead, Lombard discovers a wealth of secrets, grudges and feuds in the idyllic town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire. He begins to suspect that the remaining members of the Comité des Fêtes know more about the death than they are letting on.
But rather than towards an arrest, each clue he uncovers seems to point in one, unexpected Joan of Arc. Is the answer to the murder hiding in the barroom gossip of the Lion d’Or? Or in another century altogether?
The thrilling new crime series from The Times -bestselling author of Death and Croissants
Paperback
First published October 12, 2023
59 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Ian Moore
13 books337 followersBest-Selling author Ian Moore is also a stand-up comedian and conference host in the UK, and husband, father of three boys, farmhand, chutney-maker and Basil Fawlty impersonator in France. Since doing less stand-up, he's stopped taking himself so seriously.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 4, 2023
Set in France 🇫🇷 this book draws you in straight from the the opening line “He knew he was dying.”
Set in the small town of Saint Genèse sir Loire, Juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard is called in to investigate the brutal murder of an English expat.
The case brings clues that lead to Joan of Arc, and a whole bunch of secrets and mystery.
A great selection of characters that leave you wanting to know more at every encounter.
Very cleverly done and loved the pace it seemed relaxed but also with pace.
Will definitely be looking out for more of this series.
Thanks to @instabooktours @ianmooreauthor and @duck_books for having me on this book tour
#instabooktours #bookbookbook #jugelombard #themanwhodidntburn #ianmoore #thrillerafterthriller
September 4, 2025
Good for what I needed. A good mystery with some twists. A few self-indulgent characters, but a decent read overall.
September 9, 2023
I really rather enjoyed this book. It sounds awful putting it that way, as though I'm not sure I'd expected to, but that's definitely not the case. I was fortunate to hear the author speak at Harrogate, largely about his other series of books, but I think sometimes you can just tell when listening to an author whether their books are going to be up your street. This absolutely was and, if I'm honest, I'm very much intending to go back and read his earlier books too. I have no doubt they will be a real treat.
Back to The Man who Didn't Burn though. Everything about this book just clicked for me. It had the intrigue, the mystery, the murder - just what we came for, right? It also had brilliant characters, people I could root for and those I could dislike. It kept me hooked from the very beginning, with a prologue that was almost mundane in pace, but in truth was anything but. An inventive and, perhaps, symbolic or ritual murder (in fact you could almost say it was a touch of 'overkill') but it is only the beginning of a mini wave of crime in the picturesque town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire. We are drip fed details of the first victims gruesome demise in a very careful way, giving us just enough to understand that this is no ordinary case, but keeping the full extent of the crime from us until just the right moment. It's very effective and pulled me into the story, wanting to know the who and, more importantly, the why.
Now the latter is a question that is not answered until very late on in the book, and is something that puzzled not only me as a reader but our protagonist, Juge Matthieu Lombard, and lead police investigator, Commissaire Guy Aubret, too. Now it's fair to say that the pair have a somewhat strained relationship for reasons that will be eventually explored and explained in the book, but I really rather liked them both. Lombard is a bit of a tortured soul, are the very edge of his career and drawn back into this investigation for somewhat political reasons. Partly his heritage, partly because he makes a perfect patsy if it all goes wrong. He has nothing left to lose. Aubret is a different matter and whilst they may initially appear to be chalk and cheese, two people who just happen to rub each other up the wrong way, the more time I spent with them, the more I could see how they complimented each other and were more alike than they cared to admit. Did they work in perfect harmony? Not a bit - where would be the fun in that? But they worked well as a team and I'm looking forward to hearing more from them.
This is a story packed with political tension, both due to the nationality of the first victim and due to his standing within the local community. A British Ex-Pat, living in the Loire Valley, he has insinuated himself into the town in such a way that we are faced with no shortage of suspects and yet no real motive for his murder. From his wife, to his nemesis and neighbour, we are left with the impression that it could be anyone from the community that is responsible, and Ian Moore has done a brilliant job of creating such a variety of authentic and yet duplicitous characters that it was hard to know where to look for the real suspect. Tying in to local folk lore and legend surrounding Joan of Arc, there are a lot of questions to be answered which the author duly does in turn, leading us to a very satisfying, and yet in a way surprising ending.
The pacing of this book works really well. it flows as freely as the Loire itself, and the story is just as tumultuous as I am certain the river can be when it so chooses. I have to say I learned a lot about the French legal system in reading the book too, but not in a way that felt cumbersome or detracted from the story. It is intrinsically different from the UK system and the author managed to portray it well whilst maintaining his compelling storytelling. It did take a while to get into the habit of reading the various French titles (it's been several decades since I last studied French!), but once I was in the flow (and admitting the pronunciation in my head was probably enough to make every native French speaker cringe and want to pelt me with bricks) I barely noticed them.
If you like a solid and intriguing mystery, set in lush surroundings, with characters who really get under your skin, for good reasons and bad, then this is definitely recommended. As I said before, I really did like Lombard and Aubret as characters, and am happy that this is the start of a series as I'm looking forward to spending more time in their company. Top stuff.
Back to The Man who Didn't Burn though. Everything about this book just clicked for me. It had the intrigue, the mystery, the murder - just what we came for, right? It also had brilliant characters, people I could root for and those I could dislike. It kept me hooked from the very beginning, with a prologue that was almost mundane in pace, but in truth was anything but. An inventive and, perhaps, symbolic or ritual murder (in fact you could almost say it was a touch of 'overkill') but it is only the beginning of a mini wave of crime in the picturesque town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire. We are drip fed details of the first victims gruesome demise in a very careful way, giving us just enough to understand that this is no ordinary case, but keeping the full extent of the crime from us until just the right moment. It's very effective and pulled me into the story, wanting to know the who and, more importantly, the why.
Now the latter is a question that is not answered until very late on in the book, and is something that puzzled not only me as a reader but our protagonist, Juge Matthieu Lombard, and lead police investigator, Commissaire Guy Aubret, too. Now it's fair to say that the pair have a somewhat strained relationship for reasons that will be eventually explored and explained in the book, but I really rather liked them both. Lombard is a bit of a tortured soul, are the very edge of his career and drawn back into this investigation for somewhat political reasons. Partly his heritage, partly because he makes a perfect patsy if it all goes wrong. He has nothing left to lose. Aubret is a different matter and whilst they may initially appear to be chalk and cheese, two people who just happen to rub each other up the wrong way, the more time I spent with them, the more I could see how they complimented each other and were more alike than they cared to admit. Did they work in perfect harmony? Not a bit - where would be the fun in that? But they worked well as a team and I'm looking forward to hearing more from them.
This is a story packed with political tension, both due to the nationality of the first victim and due to his standing within the local community. A British Ex-Pat, living in the Loire Valley, he has insinuated himself into the town in such a way that we are faced with no shortage of suspects and yet no real motive for his murder. From his wife, to his nemesis and neighbour, we are left with the impression that it could be anyone from the community that is responsible, and Ian Moore has done a brilliant job of creating such a variety of authentic and yet duplicitous characters that it was hard to know where to look for the real suspect. Tying in to local folk lore and legend surrounding Joan of Arc, there are a lot of questions to be answered which the author duly does in turn, leading us to a very satisfying, and yet in a way surprising ending.
The pacing of this book works really well. it flows as freely as the Loire itself, and the story is just as tumultuous as I am certain the river can be when it so chooses. I have to say I learned a lot about the French legal system in reading the book too, but not in a way that felt cumbersome or detracted from the story. It is intrinsically different from the UK system and the author managed to portray it well whilst maintaining his compelling storytelling. It did take a while to get into the habit of reading the various French titles (it's been several decades since I last studied French!), but once I was in the flow (and admitting the pronunciation in my head was probably enough to make every native French speaker cringe and want to pelt me with bricks) I barely noticed them.
If you like a solid and intriguing mystery, set in lush surroundings, with characters who really get under your skin, for good reasons and bad, then this is definitely recommended. As I said before, I really did like Lombard and Aubret as characters, and am happy that this is the start of a series as I'm looking forward to spending more time in their company. Top stuff.
July 28, 2023
Graham Singleterry is an English expat living in the idyllic French town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire. Seemingly very involved with village life, and known by everyone, it is a shock when he is found murdered. Even more so that he was crucified on a hill overlooking the Loire valley, his body burned while on the cross.
Juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard has not been working since the death of his wife. He is not quite sure if he has quit or if he is suspended, but either way he doesn’t care, as he is content to drown in his grief. With this gruesome murder, he is pulled back into work, and forced to work with the commissaire (senior police officer) Guy Aubret. Guy doesn’t trust Lombard, as it was not only his wife's death that has cast doubts over his suitability to act as a juge d’instruction, with rumours of evidence tampering floating around.
Lombard starts to dig into the case and as he unearths more clues and pieces of evidence, more and more links turn up with connections to Joan of Arc. As the body count starts to rise, Lombard has to quickly figure out what ancient history has in common with murders in their small village, and how this can help him catch the killer before it is too late.
This was an interesting read, with a different take on the usual police procedurals. Lombard as a juge d’instruction is a different role to what we commonly see in stories like this. Having a different take on a justice system than the usual UK or US system was a nice touch, and brought in a bit of added interest to the story. We were introduced to a wide range of characters, each with their own interesting backstory, and each was quite well drawn, to give us good insight into potential motives. Lombard himself is a complex, odd and unique character. His relationship with Guy is tense, and I did find myself wondering why Lombard didn’t just simply explain the situation about the evidence to put things to end. I won’t say any more so as not to ruin the story, but it did seem at times that Lombard was just causing issues for himself out of spite or contrariness, when a simple conversation could have cleared much up!
The story was good, with complex enough plots to keep you guessing for most of the book. After the initial body discovery, the story moved slowly and took some time to get going. Other points were a bit belaboured at times, and the history elements drawn out and somewhat stretched. Once the pace picked up at the end the story got to page turning tempo, with the race to solve the mystery before a final murder. Overall a good read, and I would probably read the next in the series. Hopefully with a little less drawn out history, and a touch less angst from the lead character!
*I received this book from NetGalley for review, but all opinions are my own.
Juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard has not been working since the death of his wife. He is not quite sure if he has quit or if he is suspended, but either way he doesn’t care, as he is content to drown in his grief. With this gruesome murder, he is pulled back into work, and forced to work with the commissaire (senior police officer) Guy Aubret. Guy doesn’t trust Lombard, as it was not only his wife's death that has cast doubts over his suitability to act as a juge d’instruction, with rumours of evidence tampering floating around.
Lombard starts to dig into the case and as he unearths more clues and pieces of evidence, more and more links turn up with connections to Joan of Arc. As the body count starts to rise, Lombard has to quickly figure out what ancient history has in common with murders in their small village, and how this can help him catch the killer before it is too late.
This was an interesting read, with a different take on the usual police procedurals. Lombard as a juge d’instruction is a different role to what we commonly see in stories like this. Having a different take on a justice system than the usual UK or US system was a nice touch, and brought in a bit of added interest to the story. We were introduced to a wide range of characters, each with their own interesting backstory, and each was quite well drawn, to give us good insight into potential motives. Lombard himself is a complex, odd and unique character. His relationship with Guy is tense, and I did find myself wondering why Lombard didn’t just simply explain the situation about the evidence to put things to end. I won’t say any more so as not to ruin the story, but it did seem at times that Lombard was just causing issues for himself out of spite or contrariness, when a simple conversation could have cleared much up!
The story was good, with complex enough plots to keep you guessing for most of the book. After the initial body discovery, the story moved slowly and took some time to get going. Other points were a bit belaboured at times, and the history elements drawn out and somewhat stretched. Once the pace picked up at the end the story got to page turning tempo, with the race to solve the mystery before a final murder. Overall a good read, and I would probably read the next in the series. Hopefully with a little less drawn out history, and a touch less angst from the lead character!
*I received this book from NetGalley for review, but all opinions are my own.
October 11, 2023
Crucifixion is an unusual way to kill a man – do you put the cross up first or attach the victim first? Does it require more than one murderer? The cross is on a small hill in rural France, and these questions are asked early on by Juge d’Instruction, Mattieu Lombard, to Commissaire Guy Aubret. The French criminal investigation system is quite complicated, but for the purpose of this review (and the story) there are three main positions: the Procureur, in overall charge of an area (in this case the Loire area centered on Tours), the Juge d’Instruction, his deputy so in day-to-day charge of the case, and the Commissaire, the local Head of the Police Judiciaire. Usually the first two are not involved in the actual investigation, but Lombard is not a ‘usually’ kind of chap. Both of the others have concerns about him, partly because of his tendency to get ‘hands on’ and partly because of a possible case of tampering with evidence. The Procureur in particular would like an excuse to fire him. Lombard has been on compassionate leave for the last year following his wife’s death, but is called back for this case because he is part English and the victim is an English ex-pat living, and now dying, in the environs of the village of Saint Genèse sur Loire, a few kilometres from Tours. The corpse has various features which provoke thoughts about Joan of Arc, which may or may not be clues, or motivational links, or obfuscations. As it happens, the village fête the previous evening centered around a putative historical visit by St Joan, and the dead man was on the committee. The other members of the committee are clearly suspects, as are his wife, the girls who found the body, a local tour guide, and a local History professor who happens to be an expert on St Joan. However, none of these has an obvious motive. And then one of them is also killed.
This is basically a police procedural, albeit a French one, with a troubled investigator (Lombard) with a past that affects his ability to focus on the crime. It is well constructed overall, but is very slow to begin with as it fills in Lombard’s past, links between the suspects and the victim, the necessary details about the judicial system, and brief details about Joan of Arc. Lombard’s progress is logical based on the clues presented, and the reader hits the same conclusions as he does up to the final sequence where he makes a jump which is not, I think, quite so soundly based on evidence. Not a major issue. This is the first of a new series, which I hope will be less cluttered by Lombard’s personal life.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is basically a police procedural, albeit a French one, with a troubled investigator (Lombard) with a past that affects his ability to focus on the crime. It is well constructed overall, but is very slow to begin with as it fills in Lombard’s past, links between the suspects and the victim, the necessary details about the judicial system, and brief details about Joan of Arc. Lombard’s progress is logical based on the clues presented, and the reader hits the same conclusions as he does up to the final sequence where he makes a jump which is not, I think, quite so soundly based on evidence. Not a major issue. This is the first of a new series, which I hope will be less cluttered by Lombard’s personal life.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
October 3, 2023
The story:
On the brink of giving up his job and leaving the city of Tours in the Loire Valley that has been his home for most of his life, Juge d’Instruction Matthieu Lombard is pulled back in by a case that is as disturbing as it is mysterious.
A local Englishman has been found murdered in a brutal fashion resembling the death of Joan of Arc. Can his death be put down to anger at the perceived English invasion of rural France? Or is there something more personal at play? Lombard will need to shake off his own demons to find the killer. Because this death is just the first…
My thoughts:
I have previously enjoyed author Ian Moore’s Follet Valley books — a comic mystery series set in rural France featuring the hapless, out of his depth B&B owner-turned-investigator Richard Ainsworth. So I was excited to read “The Man Who Didn’t Burn”; the first in a new, more darkly toned series featuring Juge Matthieu Lombard.
Lombard lives in Tours in the Loire Valley, but with a French mother and English father, has a “foot in both camps” (which someone has once pointed out to him means, “both sides hate you”). He is therefore well placed to take on the case of a murdered Englishman in nearby Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire.
Lombard is an immediately intriguing character, with the requisite troubled past and no home life to speak of following the recent death of his wife. He has essentially been on compassionate leave for the past year, although is also somewhat in disgrace over claims of mishandling evidence. This has led to a strained relationship with by-the-book Commissaire Guy Aubret, head of the Tours Brigade Anti-Criminalité (BAC), whose gruff, no-nonsense manner is the perfect balance for Lombard’s more abstract investigative techniques.
Author Moore himself lives in rural France, and although the tone of this novel is somewhat different to the Follet Valley series, what carries through is his clear affection for his chosen home, allowing him to create a detailed and believable cast of characters in Saint-Genèse.
Overall this is a twisting and clever start to what promises to be a great new series, and in Lombard we have a flawed but brilliant addition to the world of maverick investigators. I look forward to reading more!
On the brink of giving up his job and leaving the city of Tours in the Loire Valley that has been his home for most of his life, Juge d’Instruction Matthieu Lombard is pulled back in by a case that is as disturbing as it is mysterious.
A local Englishman has been found murdered in a brutal fashion resembling the death of Joan of Arc. Can his death be put down to anger at the perceived English invasion of rural France? Or is there something more personal at play? Lombard will need to shake off his own demons to find the killer. Because this death is just the first…
My thoughts:
I have previously enjoyed author Ian Moore’s Follet Valley books — a comic mystery series set in rural France featuring the hapless, out of his depth B&B owner-turned-investigator Richard Ainsworth. So I was excited to read “The Man Who Didn’t Burn”; the first in a new, more darkly toned series featuring Juge Matthieu Lombard.
Lombard lives in Tours in the Loire Valley, but with a French mother and English father, has a “foot in both camps” (which someone has once pointed out to him means, “both sides hate you”). He is therefore well placed to take on the case of a murdered Englishman in nearby Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire.
Lombard is an immediately intriguing character, with the requisite troubled past and no home life to speak of following the recent death of his wife. He has essentially been on compassionate leave for the past year, although is also somewhat in disgrace over claims of mishandling evidence. This has led to a strained relationship with by-the-book Commissaire Guy Aubret, head of the Tours Brigade Anti-Criminalité (BAC), whose gruff, no-nonsense manner is the perfect balance for Lombard’s more abstract investigative techniques.
Author Moore himself lives in rural France, and although the tone of this novel is somewhat different to the Follet Valley series, what carries through is his clear affection for his chosen home, allowing him to create a detailed and believable cast of characters in Saint-Genèse.
Overall this is a twisting and clever start to what promises to be a great new series, and in Lombard we have a flawed but brilliant addition to the world of maverick investigators. I look forward to reading more!
October 11, 2023
Having read some of Ian Moore’s other books I was really looking forward to reading this one the start of a new series. Set in France in the Loire Valley region we are introduced to Matthieu Lombard. His mother keeps getting in trouble protesting her latest one is in a foodhall and she is targeting the chocolate spread Nutella claiming something to do with palm oil and orangutans. It seems it’s not the first time Lombard has been called to pick his mum up, he is told it has to stop. But how do you stop your mum?
The opening scenes of the story really grab you, if you don’t like a gritty, dark murder scene then this one may not be for you. The French policing system is different to the Uk in that we have a superior in the police force overseeing a murder investigation. In France they have a Juge d’Instruction he oversees and advises the Commissaire which in this case is Aubret. But both have to report to someone higher, but what does Lombard have in his past that these officers don’t really want to work with him? He had tried to hand his resignation in to another officer in command but it hadn’t been taken. Now Lombard is assigned to this brutal murder.
It’s clear that Lombard is good at his job, although he doesn’t always share all of his thoughts which doesn’t really help with his relationship with Commissaire Aubret. The murders are made to look as if it is something to do with Joan of Arc, but to Lombard the whole thing is a set up. But there isn’t just one murder. Who wants these people dead?
There are a number of characters but the plot is very complex I had no idea who the killer was or why. The characters are all well developed, they are believable and relatable. I loved how you gradually learnt more about Lombard and his past, it really brought him to life. This is an engaging, engrossing read, with a good pace drawing you in. A great start to a new series I look forward to what comes next.
I was lucky enough to win a proof copy of this, thank you to the publishers @duckworthbooks and @IanMooreAuthor this is a new series you don’t want to miss go grab yourself a copy now especially if you like your crime dark and gritty. If you like a more cosy crime then give The Follet Valley Series a go starting with Death and Croissants available now.
The opening scenes of the story really grab you, if you don’t like a gritty, dark murder scene then this one may not be for you. The French policing system is different to the Uk in that we have a superior in the police force overseeing a murder investigation. In France they have a Juge d’Instruction he oversees and advises the Commissaire which in this case is Aubret. But both have to report to someone higher, but what does Lombard have in his past that these officers don’t really want to work with him? He had tried to hand his resignation in to another officer in command but it hadn’t been taken. Now Lombard is assigned to this brutal murder.
It’s clear that Lombard is good at his job, although he doesn’t always share all of his thoughts which doesn’t really help with his relationship with Commissaire Aubret. The murders are made to look as if it is something to do with Joan of Arc, but to Lombard the whole thing is a set up. But there isn’t just one murder. Who wants these people dead?
There are a number of characters but the plot is very complex I had no idea who the killer was or why. The characters are all well developed, they are believable and relatable. I loved how you gradually learnt more about Lombard and his past, it really brought him to life. This is an engaging, engrossing read, with a good pace drawing you in. A great start to a new series I look forward to what comes next.
I was lucky enough to win a proof copy of this, thank you to the publishers @duckworthbooks and @IanMooreAuthor this is a new series you don’t want to miss go grab yourself a copy now especially if you like your crime dark and gritty. If you like a more cosy crime then give The Follet Valley Series a go starting with Death and Croissants available now.
October 5, 2023
This is the first time I have read a book by this author and it was a thoroughly enjoyable book. This is the first book in the Juge Lombard Mystery series and it is set in France. Lombard is called back to oversee a crime and it is the first case he is attending since the death of his wife.
The French Police system is different to ours in the UK, and this made for interesting reading in itself. It is interesting to see how other countries' departments work. Lombard is not like others, rather than sit behind a desk he likes to be out investigating, much to the annoyance of police officers and others. Lombard is sarcastic, often found to be mulling and keeping his thoughts to himself, being vague and going off on a different tangent. I liked him.
When a body is discovered disguised as a scarecrow, but crucified, then Lombard has his work cut out. There is little in the way of clues, but there is a link, this is one that becomes longer and longer as the case continues and another body is found. What starts as a coincidence, now becomes something that is almost a hindrance. Too much is fitting too well together, but does that mean the team are being sidetracked, set up or being led too well?
I really liked the pacing of this story, the mystery and investigation are not too fast-paced and there are some interesting locations and some history mixed into the storyline. Having mentions of bureaucracy, ways of doing things, councils, mayors and other positions of office makes for interesting reading. There is also the murder and the accompanying investigation, as I said a different style compared to UK or US styles and this is what I have read most so it was great to see.
This is a murder mystery and also crime and police procedural, there are some wonderful twists and I do like Lombard, he is a little bit like Poirot and Morse, or at least he reminded me of them! Not a brutal and bloodthirsty thriller, but more than a cosy mystery. Very enjoyable story and I am looking forward to picking up more by this author. I would happily recommend this one.
The French Police system is different to ours in the UK, and this made for interesting reading in itself. It is interesting to see how other countries' departments work. Lombard is not like others, rather than sit behind a desk he likes to be out investigating, much to the annoyance of police officers and others. Lombard is sarcastic, often found to be mulling and keeping his thoughts to himself, being vague and going off on a different tangent. I liked him.
When a body is discovered disguised as a scarecrow, but crucified, then Lombard has his work cut out. There is little in the way of clues, but there is a link, this is one that becomes longer and longer as the case continues and another body is found. What starts as a coincidence, now becomes something that is almost a hindrance. Too much is fitting too well together, but does that mean the team are being sidetracked, set up or being led too well?
I really liked the pacing of this story, the mystery and investigation are not too fast-paced and there are some interesting locations and some history mixed into the storyline. Having mentions of bureaucracy, ways of doing things, councils, mayors and other positions of office makes for interesting reading. There is also the murder and the accompanying investigation, as I said a different style compared to UK or US styles and this is what I have read most so it was great to see.
This is a murder mystery and also crime and police procedural, there are some wonderful twists and I do like Lombard, he is a little bit like Poirot and Morse, or at least he reminded me of them! Not a brutal and bloodthirsty thriller, but more than a cosy mystery. Very enjoyable story and I am looking forward to picking up more by this author. I would happily recommend this one.
October 12, 2023
Having a crime story set abroad has been interesting as the criminal investigation system is quite different to the UK so although it took me a little while to understand the investigative hierarchy it did give me the opportunity to witness how things are done in France. The story starts with a distressing opening first chapter which sets the scene for an investigation which is about to test those involved to their absolute limits.
Juge Matthieu Lombard is on compassionate leave when he is asked to return to work in order to take the lead in a perplexing murder investigation which sees him back working with Commissaire Guy Aubrey who, as head of the Brigade Anti-Criminalité (BAC), is the first officer at the scene of this brutal murder. That these two men have a shared, and rather complicated, history is obvious which adds an extra layer to the story dynamic. Lombard is an interesting protagonist, definitely a flawed character, with secrets and shadows in his past, he is looked upon with some suspicion by his superiors and known as someone who does things his own way. However, Lombard, with his French/English nationality, is the best choice to investigate why an English ex-pat has been so brutally murdered in the sleepy French town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire.
I have enjoyed the slower pace of this investigation and the way the author brings everything to life in a detailed way without ever over-complicating the police procedural parts of the story. The sleepy quiet of the little French town, and the way everyone seems to know each other’s business, is done really well and there’s a distinct French feel to the story, which I enjoyed observing. The intricacies of the investigation seem to be centred around the Joan of Arc legend and this brings an interesting twist to what is, after all, a complex murder mystery.
The Man Who Didn’t Burn is the first in a proposed new crime series and this first book certainly sets the standard high and gets the series off to a good start. I look forward to meeting with Juge Matthieu Lombard again soon.
August 18, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Duckworth Books for an advance copy of The Man Who Didn’t Burn, the first novel to feature juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard, set in and around Tours.
Englishman Graham Singleterry is found brutally murdered on the outskirts of Saint Genèse, a small village in the Loire. Lombard is asked to lead the investigation, but nothing is straightforward. He uncovers grudges, feuds and an unexpected link to Joan of Arc.
I enjoyed The Man Who Didn’t Burn, although it is slow to start and a bit convoluted in the story it has to tell. I was surprised that it is nothing like the author’s Follet Valley series - it is more a police procedural (not that Lombard has any interest in procedure) and has no humour. The author is to be applauded for trying a new direction.
As I said the plot is slow to start and that’s quite necessary in a new series as the characters have to be introduced and relationships between them explained and, boy, is there some explaining to do. Lombard lost his wife to cancer and a some of his grip on life. He hasn’t worked in the past year, perhaps due to suspension, perhaps due to bereavement leave it’s not quite clear, so this case is a baptism of fire, in terms of his colleagues not trusting him and the nature of the case. I found him quite dreary and couldn’t be bothered with his introspection (too much like the French literary tradition of troubled protagonists).
Once all the introductions are done the plot soon heats up with several more bodies and a fair amount of misdirection. It’s all go, not least because they have no idea of motive or a suspect, not that I did either, so that kept me turning the pages. The struggle with the investigation is compounded by friction between Lombard and the commissaire and his navel gazing. To be honest, I think the novel lacks the sharpness and clarity of a really good read, but it’s a solid start. 3.5*
Englishman Graham Singleterry is found brutally murdered on the outskirts of Saint Genèse, a small village in the Loire. Lombard is asked to lead the investigation, but nothing is straightforward. He uncovers grudges, feuds and an unexpected link to Joan of Arc.
I enjoyed The Man Who Didn’t Burn, although it is slow to start and a bit convoluted in the story it has to tell. I was surprised that it is nothing like the author’s Follet Valley series - it is more a police procedural (not that Lombard has any interest in procedure) and has no humour. The author is to be applauded for trying a new direction.
As I said the plot is slow to start and that’s quite necessary in a new series as the characters have to be introduced and relationships between them explained and, boy, is there some explaining to do. Lombard lost his wife to cancer and a some of his grip on life. He hasn’t worked in the past year, perhaps due to suspension, perhaps due to bereavement leave it’s not quite clear, so this case is a baptism of fire, in terms of his colleagues not trusting him and the nature of the case. I found him quite dreary and couldn’t be bothered with his introspection (too much like the French literary tradition of troubled protagonists).
Once all the introductions are done the plot soon heats up with several more bodies and a fair amount of misdirection. It’s all go, not least because they have no idea of motive or a suspect, not that I did either, so that kept me turning the pages. The struggle with the investigation is compounded by friction between Lombard and the commissaire and his navel gazing. To be honest, I think the novel lacks the sharpness and clarity of a really good read, but it’s a solid start. 3.5*
October 16, 2023
When an English expat is brutally murdered, his charred corpse left on a Loire Valley hillside, the police turn to juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard to find the killer.
Instead, Lombard discovers a wealth of secrets, grudges and feuds in the idyllic town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire. He begins to suspect that the remaining members of the Comité des Fêtes know more about the death than they are letting on.
But rather than leading towards an arrest, each clue he uncovers seems to point in one, unexpected direction: Joan of Arc. Is the answer to the murder hiding in the barroom gossip of the Lion d’Or? Or in another century altogether?
I loved this book, a new series is always a treat and this was no exception. It’s engrossing from the very start, with a cruel murder and then we meet Matthieu Lombard, the juge d’instruction, put upon by his French activist mother. Half English and not allowed to forget it, it’s a beautiful mix of French town life, lasseiz faire and sharp plotting.
I enjoyed the Joan of Arc references and the wry humour that everyone in France seems to claim her as their own ‘Joan woz ‘ere!’
Juge Lombard has a back story, as you would expect. But he is a fantastic character, I could really picture him and I’m looking forward to see how he develops in future books. I loved the back and forth battling with the proceurer and commissaire, it’s quite bickery which was great fun! The twists and turns and unravelling of the story was spot on and kept me glued to the pages, I whizzed through in a couple of days, so keen was I to find out who did it!
An engrossing and addictive new series, you are going to love this one!
Instead, Lombard discovers a wealth of secrets, grudges and feuds in the idyllic town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire. He begins to suspect that the remaining members of the Comité des Fêtes know more about the death than they are letting on.
But rather than leading towards an arrest, each clue he uncovers seems to point in one, unexpected direction: Joan of Arc. Is the answer to the murder hiding in the barroom gossip of the Lion d’Or? Or in another century altogether?
I loved this book, a new series is always a treat and this was no exception. It’s engrossing from the very start, with a cruel murder and then we meet Matthieu Lombard, the juge d’instruction, put upon by his French activist mother. Half English and not allowed to forget it, it’s a beautiful mix of French town life, lasseiz faire and sharp plotting.
I enjoyed the Joan of Arc references and the wry humour that everyone in France seems to claim her as their own ‘Joan woz ‘ere!’
Juge Lombard has a back story, as you would expect. But he is a fantastic character, I could really picture him and I’m looking forward to see how he develops in future books. I loved the back and forth battling with the proceurer and commissaire, it’s quite bickery which was great fun! The twists and turns and unravelling of the story was spot on and kept me glued to the pages, I whizzed through in a couple of days, so keen was I to find out who did it!
An engrossing and addictive new series, you are going to love this one!
February 24, 2025
Matthieu Lombard, a juge d'instruction (investigating magistrate) based in Tours, is asked to investigate the brutal murder of Graham Singleterry, an Englishman living in the small town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire.
The question is why Singleterry was targeted. He was on the local Comité des Fêtes and suspicion naturally falls on the remaining members.
Lombard is half English and half French, which gives him a unique insight into the minds and motives for the murder; however, the case is baffling, with its heavy handed allusions to Joan of Arc.
Things are further complicated by the uneasy relationship Lombard forms with Guy Aubret, the detective assigned to help him with the investigation.
A second body turns up, and then a third killing is attempted. Finally, Lombard works out who the killer is, but will he be in time to prevent another murder?
Having read the Follet Valley book, 'Death and Croissants', I was familiar with Ian Moore's writing style. The narrative draws the reader in, with small pieces of information judiciously deployed.
Lombard is flawed, but likeable nevertheless. He is a recent widower, which partly explains his detachment at times. His nose for the truth leads him to make some unconventional decisions.
I also liked Aubret, despite his French reserve and suspicion of Lombard at the beginning.
This is the first in a series featuring Juge Lombard and I look forward to further instalments.
I received a free digital ARC via Duckworth Books and am voluntarily leaving this review.
The question is why Singleterry was targeted. He was on the local Comité des Fêtes and suspicion naturally falls on the remaining members.
Lombard is half English and half French, which gives him a unique insight into the minds and motives for the murder; however, the case is baffling, with its heavy handed allusions to Joan of Arc.
Things are further complicated by the uneasy relationship Lombard forms with Guy Aubret, the detective assigned to help him with the investigation.
A second body turns up, and then a third killing is attempted. Finally, Lombard works out who the killer is, but will he be in time to prevent another murder?
Having read the Follet Valley book, 'Death and Croissants', I was familiar with Ian Moore's writing style. The narrative draws the reader in, with small pieces of information judiciously deployed.
Lombard is flawed, but likeable nevertheless. He is a recent widower, which partly explains his detachment at times. His nose for the truth leads him to make some unconventional decisions.
I also liked Aubret, despite his French reserve and suspicion of Lombard at the beginning.
This is the first in a series featuring Juge Lombard and I look forward to further instalments.
I received a free digital ARC via Duckworth Books and am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 13, 2025
I returned to this book; having joined the author’s mailing list and receiving two prequel teasers.
This cemented in my mind a new and original character in crime mysteries, Juge d’Instruction Matthieu Lombard. A largely redundant role in police procedurals other than a facilitator. Seen as an interference in many Maigret novels, hampering investigations and slowing down cases.
The brilliance here in Ian Scott’s incarnation of this office of state is that Lombard is very much hands on; very involved in investigations.
This is a book run through with historical context; set in the Loire Valley and centred in Tours. Quite a wonderful treat to read a book set in foreign culture. Laid back and taking into account the atmosphere and local establishments. A ready fit for a fan like me of Andrea Camilleri, Georges Simenon, Michael Dibdin and Adrian Magson’s Inspector Rocco series.
A detailed investigation which is complicated by political ambition, personality clashes and an ever present cloud of grief and depression hanging over Lombard and his effectiveness.
I really enjoyed the locations and range of characters. The book seemed fresh and a little different from the psychological thrillers and cozy crime offerings doing the rounds. It is so well written the pages flow as the language carries you along as the Loire running through the valley.
The first in a series which I sincerely hope develops into a long and lasting collection of books.
This cemented in my mind a new and original character in crime mysteries, Juge d’Instruction Matthieu Lombard. A largely redundant role in police procedurals other than a facilitator. Seen as an interference in many Maigret novels, hampering investigations and slowing down cases.
The brilliance here in Ian Scott’s incarnation of this office of state is that Lombard is very much hands on; very involved in investigations.
This is a book run through with historical context; set in the Loire Valley and centred in Tours. Quite a wonderful treat to read a book set in foreign culture. Laid back and taking into account the atmosphere and local establishments. A ready fit for a fan like me of Andrea Camilleri, Georges Simenon, Michael Dibdin and Adrian Magson’s Inspector Rocco series.
A detailed investigation which is complicated by political ambition, personality clashes and an ever present cloud of grief and depression hanging over Lombard and his effectiveness.
I really enjoyed the locations and range of characters. The book seemed fresh and a little different from the psychological thrillers and cozy crime offerings doing the rounds. It is so well written the pages flow as the language carries you along as the Loire running through the valley.
The first in a series which I sincerely hope develops into a long and lasting collection of books.
August 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It is set in France in the Loire Valley. The town has a very much village feel with everyone knowing everyone. One day a body is found on a crucifix but in the style of the one Joan of Arc was burnt on. The Judge (Juge) who has been instructed to deal with the case is Matthiew Lombard (French mother, English father) and he sometimes feels he does not belong to either camp. The man who is murdered is an English expat and the work begins to find out the mystery behind the murder. Lombard and the senior police offer (Guy Aubret) are at odds about the circumstances. Aubret hanging his hat on the Joan of Arc theory whereas Lombard feels there is more to this and continues to do his own thing annoying Aubret immensley . As Lombard works the case another body is found and there does not seem to be any indication that the two murders go together. The plot gets more complicated but in a good way. While investigating these crimes another person is severely injured and this leads Lombard to some way out thoughts which prove to be correct in the end. I liked the story and enjoyed the characters especially Aubret who had to put up with Lombard’s laboured ways. At times he could have just said what he thought rather than going off on his own but at the same time he did solve the case. Will read more of this author
October 11, 2023
A KILLER. A SAINT. A TOWN FULL OF WHISPERS
When an English expat is brutally murdered, his charred corpse left on a Loire Valley hillside, the police turn to juge d'instruction Matthieu Lombard to find the killer.
Instead, Lombard discovers a wealth of secrets, grudges and feuds in the idyllic town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire. He begins to suspect that the remaining members of the Comité des Fêtes know more about the death than they are letting on.
But rather than towards an arrest, each clue he uncovers seems to point in one, unexpected direction: Joan of Arc. Is the answer to the murder hiding in the barroom gossip of the Lion d'Or? Or in another century altogether?”
After the initial gripping first few chapters, the story became a real slow burn. As this is the first book of the series, I totally understand the need to give the reader back story and make us really form a connection with the main character. However, I think it would have been better sprinkling this throughout the story to make for a more engaging read throughout.
The book picks up again as it follows the investigation. I really enjoyed this part of the book. I found the plot and the main character really unique and it was like breath of fresh air.
I would definitely try the next book in this series as hopefully it has all the action of this book without the fluff!
When an English expat is brutally murdered, his charred corpse left on a Loire Valley hillside, the police turn to juge d'instruction Matthieu Lombard to find the killer.
Instead, Lombard discovers a wealth of secrets, grudges and feuds in the idyllic town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire. He begins to suspect that the remaining members of the Comité des Fêtes know more about the death than they are letting on.
But rather than towards an arrest, each clue he uncovers seems to point in one, unexpected direction: Joan of Arc. Is the answer to the murder hiding in the barroom gossip of the Lion d'Or? Or in another century altogether?”
After the initial gripping first few chapters, the story became a real slow burn. As this is the first book of the series, I totally understand the need to give the reader back story and make us really form a connection with the main character. However, I think it would have been better sprinkling this throughout the story to make for a more engaging read throughout.
The book picks up again as it follows the investigation. I really enjoyed this part of the book. I found the plot and the main character really unique and it was like breath of fresh air.
I would definitely try the next book in this series as hopefully it has all the action of this book without the fluff!
October 20, 2023
This is a new series from Moore and has a darker, more serious vibe than his previous series, The Follet Valley Mysteries. Which was a series I really enjoyed so I was eager to read this one.
An expat is brutally murdered, the police turn to juge d'instruction Matthew Lombard to find the killer.
Along his investigation he uncovers secrets, lies and grudges. All set in the idyllic town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire
This was such an enjoyable read with plenty of plot to keep you guessing and going to and fro with who you think whodunit.
Once again it set in beautiful surroundings. Which just add to the enjoyment and atmosphere.
It's a well paced book that leads you through a great murder mystery. The main characters are interesting and have you wondering and questioning. Lombard and Commissaire Aubret are such an interesting pairing and I enjoyed both of these characters and the slow build of their relationship and discovering their back history. Lombard's mum is wonderful.
There is lots to dive into and unpick for the armchair detective.
The murders are a bit gruesome but never went overboard to have you reaching for a bowl or comfort blanket.
On the whole the book easily held my attention right up until the end.
I look forward to reading the second book in the series now.
Another win for @ianmooreauthor
An expat is brutally murdered, the police turn to juge d'instruction Matthew Lombard to find the killer.
Along his investigation he uncovers secrets, lies and grudges. All set in the idyllic town of Saint-Genèse-sur-Loire
This was such an enjoyable read with plenty of plot to keep you guessing and going to and fro with who you think whodunit.
Once again it set in beautiful surroundings. Which just add to the enjoyment and atmosphere.
It's a well paced book that leads you through a great murder mystery. The main characters are interesting and have you wondering and questioning. Lombard and Commissaire Aubret are such an interesting pairing and I enjoyed both of these characters and the slow build of their relationship and discovering their back history. Lombard's mum is wonderful.
There is lots to dive into and unpick for the armchair detective.
The murders are a bit gruesome but never went overboard to have you reaching for a bowl or comfort blanket.
On the whole the book easily held my attention right up until the end.
I look forward to reading the second book in the series now.
Another win for @ianmooreauthor
November 5, 2023
"The Man Who Didn't Burn" by Ian Moore is a gem of a mystery novel that cleverly weaves together intricate elements of the French legal and police system with a sharp wit that keeps you turning the pages.
At the heart of the novel is the enigmatic lead character, Juge Lombard who is beautifully layered with self-doubt and determination. His internal struggles and relentless pursuit of justice add depth to the narrative, and you can't help but root for him.
The narrative itself is filled with clever twists and turns, ensuring that you're trying to piece together the puzzle alongside Juge Lombard. The plot unfolds with just the right balance of suspense and surprises.
What truly sets "The Man Who Didn't Burn" apart is its wit and humor. Moore's writing is peppered with clever and often humorous observations that add a delightful layer to the story. It's not just a gripping mystery; it's a delightful one that can bring a smile to your face as you navigate the intricacies of the plot.
If you're a fan of Martin Walker's Bruno series, you'll find "The Man Who Didn't Burn" to be a delightful addition to your reading list. It captures the essence of French life, culture, and the complexities of law enforcement in a way that will resonate with fans of the genre.
Well worth reading, I hope there is more to come.
At the heart of the novel is the enigmatic lead character, Juge Lombard who is beautifully layered with self-doubt and determination. His internal struggles and relentless pursuit of justice add depth to the narrative, and you can't help but root for him.
The narrative itself is filled with clever twists and turns, ensuring that you're trying to piece together the puzzle alongside Juge Lombard. The plot unfolds with just the right balance of suspense and surprises.
What truly sets "The Man Who Didn't Burn" apart is its wit and humor. Moore's writing is peppered with clever and often humorous observations that add a delightful layer to the story. It's not just a gripping mystery; it's a delightful one that can bring a smile to your face as you navigate the intricacies of the plot.
If you're a fan of Martin Walker's Bruno series, you'll find "The Man Who Didn't Burn" to be a delightful addition to your reading list. It captures the essence of French life, culture, and the complexities of law enforcement in a way that will resonate with fans of the genre.
Well worth reading, I hope there is more to come.
November 13, 2023
From the ominous and bleak opening, I was hooked!! This is the first in the series, and the first I've read from this author, but I'll be back for more if the stories are always going to be this absorbing!
Set in France, we get to witness life amongst the expats and when one is found crucified it sets off a chain of events that expose the darker underbelly of life in France. Judge Lombard is sent in to investigate, and he's still dealing with his own demons after losing his wife. So he starts spending time amongst the people in the community and there's some that don't seem too upset over the death of the victim and he begins to expose the local gossip and feuds that have been rumbling. The link with Joan of Arc was also a fascinating thread throughout and an unexpected little twist on proceedings!
We also get an insight into the personal life of the Judge and it was fascinating to watch him as aspects of his marriage were opened us for us to get a better understanding of the pressures that he'd been under.
I loved the feel of this story from start to finish! The clues along the way were really well paced and that kept the intrigue going as I often find with some mysteries that you lose interest when it all becomes too clear! This definitely didn't do that as new feuds and grudges were always being uncovered! Can't wait for the next in the series!
Set in France, we get to witness life amongst the expats and when one is found crucified it sets off a chain of events that expose the darker underbelly of life in France. Judge Lombard is sent in to investigate, and he's still dealing with his own demons after losing his wife. So he starts spending time amongst the people in the community and there's some that don't seem too upset over the death of the victim and he begins to expose the local gossip and feuds that have been rumbling. The link with Joan of Arc was also a fascinating thread throughout and an unexpected little twist on proceedings!
We also get an insight into the personal life of the Judge and it was fascinating to watch him as aspects of his marriage were opened us for us to get a better understanding of the pressures that he'd been under.
I loved the feel of this story from start to finish! The clues along the way were really well paced and that kept the intrigue going as I often find with some mysteries that you lose interest when it all becomes too clear! This definitely didn't do that as new feuds and grudges were always being uncovered! Can't wait for the next in the series!
October 23, 2023
I saw Ian Moore on the cosy crime panel at Harrogate Crime Festival where he also talked about this (his first not quite as cosy) novel. It sounded right up my street and I was delighted when I was offered an early copy.
Half English half French juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard is brought back from suspension to investigate the brutal death of English expat Graham Singleterry.
In Saint Genese sur-Loire a small town claiming connections with Joan of Arc, Lombard discovers a community full of secrets, corruption and more murders.
Lombard is a complex character, a grieving husband who doesn’t follow rules and has history with many of the police investigators. This leads to some interesting interactions particularly with senior Procureur D’Archambeau and his relationship with the investigating Commissaire Guy Aubret is joy as it develops through the book. What is clear the French judiciary system is rather complicated!
I enjoyed the book, it’s darker and more graphic than the authors previous books but its humour keeps it on the right side of cozy. I look forward to catching up with Lombard and Aubrey in The next in the series!
Thank you for this early copy Laura Sherlock and Duckworth books .
Half English half French juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard is brought back from suspension to investigate the brutal death of English expat Graham Singleterry.
In Saint Genese sur-Loire a small town claiming connections with Joan of Arc, Lombard discovers a community full of secrets, corruption and more murders.
Lombard is a complex character, a grieving husband who doesn’t follow rules and has history with many of the police investigators. This leads to some interesting interactions particularly with senior Procureur D’Archambeau and his relationship with the investigating Commissaire Guy Aubret is joy as it develops through the book. What is clear the French judiciary system is rather complicated!
I enjoyed the book, it’s darker and more graphic than the authors previous books but its humour keeps it on the right side of cozy. I look forward to catching up with Lombard and Aubrey in The next in the series!
Thank you for this early copy Laura Sherlock and Duckworth books .
January 17, 2024
Part of chapter 10 page 64
Lombard gave Helen Singleterry a few moments to gather herself when she returned while she played with a tissue. And you’ve had no contact with the son? he resumed quietly, walking silently around the room.
‘I’m not the maternal type, I’m afraid.’
‘I meant in terms of letting him know about his father.’
He stopped by a glass table under a large wall mirror. On it was a collection of photographs, of only the two of them and a succession of dogs. An apparently happy couple, gradually getting older together until the more recent ones when the age difference becomes marked and the smiles become more than camera-forced.
‘Ah Sorry. I see. Well, I’ve sent an email to a fairly distant relative in England. I know I should have rung but I wasn’t up to it. I’ve not heard back yet.’
Her eyes caught Lombard’s reflected in the mirror.
‘When did you last see your husband alive Madame?’
He held her gaze, and didn’t turn around.
She sighed heavily, whether trying to control her emotions or feigned boredom at the same question she’d been asked already, he wasn’t sure.
Lombard gave Helen Singleterry a few moments to gather herself when she returned while she played with a tissue. And you’ve had no contact with the son? he resumed quietly, walking silently around the room.
‘I’m not the maternal type, I’m afraid.’
‘I meant in terms of letting him know about his father.’
He stopped by a glass table under a large wall mirror. On it was a collection of photographs, of only the two of them and a succession of dogs. An apparently happy couple, gradually getting older together until the more recent ones when the age difference becomes marked and the smiles become more than camera-forced.
‘Ah Sorry. I see. Well, I’ve sent an email to a fairly distant relative in England. I know I should have rung but I wasn’t up to it. I’ve not heard back yet.’
Her eyes caught Lombard’s reflected in the mirror.
‘When did you last see your husband alive Madame?’
He held her gaze, and didn’t turn around.
She sighed heavily, whether trying to control her emotions or feigned boredom at the same question she’d been asked already, he wasn’t sure.
July 15, 2024
Life for locals in an in an idyllic small Loire Valley town is shattered with a gruesome murder. An expat Brit’s mutilated body is found crucified and burnt on a hillside overlooking the town. Evidence at the scene appears to link the crime to Joan of Arc who historically travelled through the area on her way to Orleans. Called in to oversee the investigation is Anglo-French Juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard who returns from suspension and the death of his wife. Lombard is torn about whether he actually wants to resume work and feels sure he has only been recalled in order to be made a scapegoat in the likely event of him misstepping. In charge of the case is Commissaire Guy Aubret who has his own concerns about working with Lombard. The hesitant relationship between the two is well drawn and both are strong, believable characters. As the pair delve into the crime, a number of suspects emerge and they discover connections involving local politics and corruption. There are plenty of twists and turns as another murder and more violence occurs. Well paced and plotted, a mystery that kept me guessing.
July 15, 2023
3 stars
This book is a slow moving police procedural. The two main protagonists are two men who are suspicious of one another and who really don’t like each other. This made reading it rather tedious for me. When I read a detective novel, I prefer action.
I did respect Juge Lombard’s wide range of knowledge. I’ve always gotten a kick out of people who can rattle off obscure facts. I didn’t like the tension between him and his Commissaire partner.
The method of murder was unusual, but perhaps a little overdone. (I suspect the perpetrator wanted to get his point across?)
I do appreciate Mr. Moore’s talent for writing a good story. His premise is original and the characters, while I didn’t particularly like them, were well fleshed out and I can believe that their actions were true to life. Perhaps this just wasn’t the book for me.
I want to thank NetGalley and Duckworth Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book so that I may read, enjoy and review it. The opinions included in this review are solely my own.
This book is a slow moving police procedural. The two main protagonists are two men who are suspicious of one another and who really don’t like each other. This made reading it rather tedious for me. When I read a detective novel, I prefer action.
I did respect Juge Lombard’s wide range of knowledge. I’ve always gotten a kick out of people who can rattle off obscure facts. I didn’t like the tension between him and his Commissaire partner.
The method of murder was unusual, but perhaps a little overdone. (I suspect the perpetrator wanted to get his point across?)
I do appreciate Mr. Moore’s talent for writing a good story. His premise is original and the characters, while I didn’t particularly like them, were well fleshed out and I can believe that their actions were true to life. Perhaps this just wasn’t the book for me.
I want to thank NetGalley and Duckworth Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book so that I may read, enjoy and review it. The opinions included in this review are solely my own.
March 5, 2024
This is an excellent mystery story, set in the Loire valley, but with a less than picturesque murder to deal with. Juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard is (in the way of policemen with tortured souls) still suffering acute depression after the death of his wife, but is called in from "sick leave" to apply his unique skills - or more cynically to act as a useful scapegoat. Despite the usual antagonistic figures in authority over him, he manages to pull himself together, uncover all the local secrets and solve the case.
The author lives in the Loire valley and is thus able to offer convincing insights into a local community as well as the French Judicial system. In addition to his writing, Moore currently runs a B&B - his previous novels have been more lighthearted and comedic (about a middle-aged man who runs a B&B in the Loire Valley...).
I can't help but draw - positive - comparisons with Peter May's series, set in France, with a mystery-solving university professor of Scottish/Italian descent. If you miss Enzo as much as I do, you will certainly enjoy this book.
The author lives in the Loire valley and is thus able to offer convincing insights into a local community as well as the French Judicial system. In addition to his writing, Moore currently runs a B&B - his previous novels have been more lighthearted and comedic (about a middle-aged man who runs a B&B in the Loire Valley...).
I can't help but draw - positive - comparisons with Peter May's series, set in France, with a mystery-solving university professor of Scottish/Italian descent. If you miss Enzo as much as I do, you will certainly enjoy this book.
June 16, 2024
As I will be going to a book festival at which Ian Moore will be talking, I decided to give him a try. One of the things I love about attending festivals is that it prompts you to read authors you may not have tried before. Ian Moore has one established series and this is the first in his new series, so I decided to read this one and I am glad that I did.
Set in France, Judge d'instruction Mattieu Lombard is half-English and half-French. Recently widowed, he is called back to work after an Englishman is found crucified on a hill. Working alongside Commissaire Guy Aubret, the two try to discover both the murderer and the reason for such a cruel and theatrical murder. I really loved the setting, the difficulties that Lombard has negotiating both the French and the British, and the various suspects.
Of all the new authors (to me) appearing at this festival so far, Ian Moore is my favourite so far. I have pre-ordered the next in this series, recommend this highly and will definitely be trying his other books.
Set in France, Judge d'instruction Mattieu Lombard is half-English and half-French. Recently widowed, he is called back to work after an Englishman is found crucified on a hill. Working alongside Commissaire Guy Aubret, the two try to discover both the murderer and the reason for such a cruel and theatrical murder. I really loved the setting, the difficulties that Lombard has negotiating both the French and the British, and the various suspects.
Of all the new authors (to me) appearing at this festival so far, Ian Moore is my favourite so far. I have pre-ordered the next in this series, recommend this highly and will definitely be trying his other books.
September 10, 2023
An English ex-pat brutally murdered in the Loire Valley, a group of decidedly dodgy town officials and what appears to be a connection to Joan of Arc. There’s only one man for this case, and that’s Juge d’Instruction, Matthieu Lombard.
Lombard has been on extended leave following the death of his wife but, thanks to having an English father and a French mother, he is perfect for the case. If nothing else, it saves the need for a translator. Lombard has to delve into both the sizeable ex-pat community and the local one to find who would commit such a heinous crime?
I really liked this book. An insight into the French judicial system is new to me, and while the book is essentially a police procedural, there were a lot of things going on besides that. Personally, I found the references to Joan of Arc fascinating and made me want to find out more about her.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lombard has been on extended leave following the death of his wife but, thanks to having an English father and a French mother, he is perfect for the case. If nothing else, it saves the need for a translator. Lombard has to delve into both the sizeable ex-pat community and the local one to find who would commit such a heinous crime?
I really liked this book. An insight into the French judicial system is new to me, and while the book is essentially a police procedural, there were a lot of things going on besides that. Personally, I found the references to Joan of Arc fascinating and made me want to find out more about her.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2023
I have read this author before & thought I knew what I was getting with this new series. How wrong I was. This Juge Lombard Mystery was right up my street - an intriguing opening, some cracking characters (vile & otherwise), an alternative judicial system & a crime drawing on centuries old history.
A British expat is brutally murdered. He had ingratiated himself in to his local town in the Loire Valley to such an extent that everyone appeared to have a reason to be thankful to him. Or want to kill him. Including his much younger wife. Juge Matthieu Lombard, on his first case since the death of his wife, & Commissaire Guy Aubret are like chalk & cheese; they almost work together well partly due to Lombard’s dual heritage & his insight in to ‘the British’ but also because Aubret is a bit of a stickler.
A solid mystery &, once I’d got to grips with the French job titles etc, it was a well paced read. Looking forward to the next one.
A British expat is brutally murdered. He had ingratiated himself in to his local town in the Loire Valley to such an extent that everyone appeared to have a reason to be thankful to him. Or want to kill him. Including his much younger wife. Juge Matthieu Lombard, on his first case since the death of his wife, & Commissaire Guy Aubret are like chalk & cheese; they almost work together well partly due to Lombard’s dual heritage & his insight in to ‘the British’ but also because Aubret is a bit of a stickler.
A solid mystery &, once I’d got to grips with the French job titles etc, it was a well paced read. Looking forward to the next one.
August 15, 2023
Detective novel set in the Loire Valley - quite original and an easy read.
Juge Lombard is the" juge d'instruction" who is called upon to help to investigate a grisly murder in a small town near Tours. With his own problems close to his chest, he goes about this in a suitably maverick way for his line of work. The novel moves along at a reasonable pace and the characters are well-developed. There's a lot to learn about the French way of life in small towns and in the police, which I was already acquainted with. It's quite good and a different type of novel. My usual gripe, usually about American thriller writers: the author doesn't need to show his extensive knowledge of the streets of his town - which doesn't add anything to the plot. An enjoyable read, recommended to lovers of detective fiction. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Juge Lombard is the" juge d'instruction" who is called upon to help to investigate a grisly murder in a small town near Tours. With his own problems close to his chest, he goes about this in a suitably maverick way for his line of work. The novel moves along at a reasonable pace and the characters are well-developed. There's a lot to learn about the French way of life in small towns and in the police, which I was already acquainted with. It's quite good and a different type of novel. My usual gripe, usually about American thriller writers: the author doesn't need to show his extensive knowledge of the streets of his town - which doesn't add anything to the plot. An enjoyable read, recommended to lovers of detective fiction. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2023
I received this book as an ARC via Netgalley. Thank you so much as well as Duckworth Books.
After an English Expat was murdered near a French village Matthieu Lombard, the juge d'instruction, was called in to investigate.
Every clue is pointing towards a link with Joan of Arc but Lombard sees past it and tumbles head first into secrets, grudges and feuds between the residents of this idyllic French village.
It did take me a few chapters to get into this book and figure out who everyone was but the more I read, the more background of the characters I learned and the tempo is quicken as the investigation was progressing.
I liked how all the characters were connected and those connections were explored during the book. It was like a really village were everyone know everyone and most of their secrets.
I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
After an English Expat was murdered near a French village Matthieu Lombard, the juge d'instruction, was called in to investigate.
Every clue is pointing towards a link with Joan of Arc but Lombard sees past it and tumbles head first into secrets, grudges and feuds between the residents of this idyllic French village.
It did take me a few chapters to get into this book and figure out who everyone was but the more I read, the more background of the characters I learned and the tempo is quicken as the investigation was progressing.
I liked how all the characters were connected and those connections were explored during the book. It was like a really village were everyone know everyone and most of their secrets.
I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
September 22, 2023
I can't get enough of Matthieu Lombard, my new favorite literary character! He's an Englishman living in France, or a Frenchman who grew up in England, depending on your perspective, which means he never seems to fully fit in. This first book in what I hope is a long series centers around a symbolic murder at a small town Joan d'Arc festival in rural France. Lombard has been on leave from his position, (sort of an investigating prosecutor? It's explained, basically the police answer to him. Sort of). and returns to look into this case where his ability to annoy both the local French and the English ex-pats makes for a great read. It's a great plot, the twists fit in well, and has plenty of chuckles along the way. I anxiously await the next in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Duckworth Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Duckworth Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2023
This was a good and enjoyable story but a bit slow for me. The premise behind it was very interesting with links to Joan of Arc and I enjoyed the small town vibes where everyone knows everyone and knows what's going on.
I was totally in the dark as to who would have committed the murder and things became more complicated when more violent acts occur. I enjoyed the Juge Lombard character and his turmoil , which we don't find out the reason for until quite far along in the story. He is a really exasperating character and I was screaming at him to tell his colleagues the truth instead of letting them believe otherwise. Although it's slow, I still found myself intrigued and I would read another book if this was to become a series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was totally in the dark as to who would have committed the murder and things became more complicated when more violent acts occur. I enjoyed the Juge Lombard character and his turmoil , which we don't find out the reason for until quite far along in the story. He is a really exasperating character and I was screaming at him to tell his colleagues the truth instead of letting them believe otherwise. Although it's slow, I still found myself intrigued and I would read another book if this was to become a series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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