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Follet Valley Mysteries #1.5
Death and Papa Noel
A Christmas murder mystery from the author of Death & Croissants
A Christmas short story – the perfect stocking filler for cosy crime listeners
Richard Ainsworth is preparing for the Christmas of his quiet, no guests at his French B&B and his favourite films on the TV. None of which seems on the cards when his rural peace is shattered by the unexpected arrival of a familiar face.
Valérie d’Orçay has hotfooted it from Paris with her chihuahua in tow and an invitation to a Christmas themed murder mystery game. Richard begrudgingly dresses up as Father Christmas, but the costume becomes the least of his worries when he realises this isn't a game to everyone. As other guests arrive to join the hunt, can Richard work out who is the victim - and who is murderer?
A Christmas short story – the perfect stocking filler for cosy crime listeners
Richard Ainsworth is preparing for the Christmas of his quiet, no guests at his French B&B and his favourite films on the TV. None of which seems on the cards when his rural peace is shattered by the unexpected arrival of a familiar face.
Valérie d’Orçay has hotfooted it from Paris with her chihuahua in tow and an invitation to a Christmas themed murder mystery game. Richard begrudgingly dresses up as Father Christmas, but the costume becomes the least of his worries when he realises this isn't a game to everyone. As other guests arrive to join the hunt, can Richard work out who is the victim - and who is murderer?
Audible Audio
First published December 1, 2021
78 people are currently reading
924 people want to read
About the author
Ian Moore
13 books338 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 78 reviews
December 5, 2022
Having read ‘Death and Croissants’ I thought I’d read this festive follow-up novella to get me in the Christmas spirit.
Firstly, it’s not that festive feeling, despite being set at Christmas. Set around a set up murder mystery treasure hunt. The plot is fairly weak and the ending felt like it got a somewhat lost.
It has the same slightly confusing, slightly disjointed writing of the the first in the series. I like the two main characters, and I like the light writing. It’s a quick Christmas read, but I wanted more.
Firstly, it’s not that festive feeling, despite being set at Christmas. Set around a set up murder mystery treasure hunt. The plot is fairly weak and the ending felt like it got a somewhat lost.
It has the same slightly confusing, slightly disjointed writing of the the first in the series. I like the two main characters, and I like the light writing. It’s a quick Christmas read, but I wanted more.
May 12, 2023
This was more confusing than anything else. I would also rather say its part 1.5 in the series rather than 2.5.
I had no clue as to where the mystery was going. I thought it would only be a fake mystery this time. But no, it was a rather large one at the end.
I still claim that fans of Agatha Christie have to pick this series up and read it. I think it would fit them perfectly.
I had no clue as to where the mystery was going. I thought it would only be a fake mystery this time. But no, it was a rather large one at the end.
I still claim that fans of Agatha Christie have to pick this series up and read it. I think it would fit them perfectly.
December 20, 2022
Festive frolics for Richard as Valerie hosts a murder mystery themed dinner! 🎄🎁🎅🤶
December 13, 2025
Yeah, helemaal leuk: een kerstmysterie met murder game in Follet Valley!
December 28, 2022
Richard Ainsworth just wants a nice Christal on his own at his French B&B, but when Valerie d’Orcay shows up, he knows trouble is not far behind.
A wonderfully funny Christmas edition of a Follet Valley Mystery. The characters are just brilliant and make this series very entertaining.
A wonderfully funny Christmas edition of a Follet Valley Mystery. The characters are just brilliant and make this series very entertaining.
February 12, 2023
A fun, short easy read but it left me wanting more. The set up, the characters, the film references and the initial plot are great but the clues themselves seem confusing and the ending is a little disjointed. I'll definitely have to read it again, maybe next Christmas! 🧑🎄🧑🎄
December 27, 2025
This was a small but sweet read that reminded what I wanted Christmas with Hercule Poirot to be. I have to say this is my first book from the author (and I heard the audiobook that he narrates himself amazingly btw) and I hope to read more since it was such a nice read.
November 30, 2025
That was fun! I had no idea what was going on half the time, but it was fun!
December 24, 2025
It’s a light witty read and I love the main characters from the original books but the plot doesn’t tie together the way it normally does.
October 18, 2022
Really enjoyed. A quick read - 2.5 in the Follet Valley series, and the size of a ladybird book.
Clearly Moore is a great story teller, and to write a novella like this is very clever; 93 pages only, I think.
The story was clever, I love his witty writing, especially Richard’s thought processes, and I like Richard and Valerie (Martin and Genie put in an underdressed and bizarre appearance too as if a couple who run a swinger’s club in a French B&B are regular “walk on neighbours” … but the story … there’s still that jumpy thing where I think I’ve missed something or the characters get mixed up or I’m “how did we get here?”
But a pleasant and funny read, and I enjoy the author’s writing, the aside comments and observations, that I’ll be ordering the third one tout de suite or at least au plus vite!
Clearly Moore is a great story teller, and to write a novella like this is very clever; 93 pages only, I think.
The story was clever, I love his witty writing, especially Richard’s thought processes, and I like Richard and Valerie (Martin and Genie put in an underdressed and bizarre appearance too as if a couple who run a swinger’s club in a French B&B are regular “walk on neighbours” … but the story … there’s still that jumpy thing where I think I’ve missed something or the characters get mixed up or I’m “how did we get here?”
But a pleasant and funny read, and I enjoy the author’s writing, the aside comments and observations, that I’ll be ordering the third one tout de suite or at least au plus vite!
December 9, 2022
A little disappointing to be honest.
Too many characters to try and keep track of, the story confused me with all the odd clues and the ending was a bit of an odd duck too.
The writing style was a little more literary than I prefer anyway, and the characters were okay. This is only a novella between books but it would have been nicer perhaps if it was spread out a bit more and explained a bit more evenly.
Too many characters to try and keep track of, the story confused me with all the odd clues and the ending was a bit of an odd duck too.
The writing style was a little more literary than I prefer anyway, and the characters were okay. This is only a novella between books but it would have been nicer perhaps if it was spread out a bit more and explained a bit more evenly.
December 31, 2022
"He got into the car silently and wondered what it must be like to have some control over your own life. His day had started off with the Radio Times and a highlighter. It now had a murder hunt, erotic goblins, bickering couples and a boozed-up tramp. It was going to be a long Christmas."
Part of the Follett Valley cosy crime series (which I haven't read), this novella felt sufficiently stand-alone, being set over Christmas time, to read now. British B&B owner, Richard Ainsworth, in rural France finds himself unexpectedly and unwillingly taking part in a Christmas-themed, murder mystery treasure hunt, dressed up as 'Papa Noël', organised by femme fatale, Valérie d’Orçay, accompanied by her chihuahua. The suspects have been gathered together by the lure of prize money and Valerie tells Richard that the need to find the murderer is genuine. I liked the two protagonists, the humour and the setting. I found the other characters, of which there were too many, somewhat confusing (they are playing parts that hide their identities for most of the novel) as were the clues, leaving the plot feeling disjointed. Reminiscent of M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series, it's a pleasant, sillyand funny read, that left me wanting more.
Part of the Follett Valley cosy crime series (which I haven't read), this novella felt sufficiently stand-alone, being set over Christmas time, to read now. British B&B owner, Richard Ainsworth, in rural France finds himself unexpectedly and unwillingly taking part in a Christmas-themed, murder mystery treasure hunt, dressed up as 'Papa Noël', organised by femme fatale, Valérie d’Orçay, accompanied by her chihuahua. The suspects have been gathered together by the lure of prize money and Valerie tells Richard that the need to find the murderer is genuine. I liked the two protagonists, the humour and the setting. I found the other characters, of which there were too many, somewhat confusing (they are playing parts that hide their identities for most of the novel) as were the clues, leaving the plot feeling disjointed. Reminiscent of M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series, it's a pleasant, sillyand funny read, that left me wanting more.
February 11, 2024
Book 207 - Ian Moore - Death and Papa Noel
A return to France in this lovely little follow up to ‘The Case of the Beached Mermaid’ and ‘Death and Croissants’.
It is Christmas and Richard Ainsworth is looking forward to a seasonal movie marathon - from ‘White Christmas’ to ‘Die Hard’ and everything in between. A proper…feet up…popcorn ready…time on his own…
BUT…and it is a huge BUT the return of Valérie d’Orçay has put paid to that…what follows is a wonderful real life game of Cluedo…or as it is known in France…’Cluedo’…sorry couldn’t resist…even including Madame Noire, Mayor Bleu and Docteur Gris to name but three.
Moore is brilliant at writing witty characters who take on a life of their own and with clues that take them through their small town, we are slowly allowed to see a deeper meaning to each round of this ‘Murder Mystery’ game…as we race towards the denouement…true motives are revealed…a death is avenged and another life is…well..that would spoil the wonderful ending.
More to come from this simply wonderful series. Encore…encore…
A return to France in this lovely little follow up to ‘The Case of the Beached Mermaid’ and ‘Death and Croissants’.
It is Christmas and Richard Ainsworth is looking forward to a seasonal movie marathon - from ‘White Christmas’ to ‘Die Hard’ and everything in between. A proper…feet up…popcorn ready…time on his own…
BUT…and it is a huge BUT the return of Valérie d’Orçay has put paid to that…what follows is a wonderful real life game of Cluedo…or as it is known in France…’Cluedo’…sorry couldn’t resist…even including Madame Noire, Mayor Bleu and Docteur Gris to name but three.
Moore is brilliant at writing witty characters who take on a life of their own and with clues that take them through their small town, we are slowly allowed to see a deeper meaning to each round of this ‘Murder Mystery’ game…as we race towards the denouement…true motives are revealed…a death is avenged and another life is…well..that would spoil the wonderful ending.
More to come from this simply wonderful series. Encore…encore…
June 15, 2025
The more I read, the more I feel like cozy mysteries are a genre where the author's gender speaks fully to the intended audience. To be clear, I don't expect my husband to read a cupcake bakery mystery. And given that, I recognize I am not who this book is written for. It's why I placed it at a 3 - which for me is where a cozy mystery generally sits in ratings, with the writing bringing it up or down.
This is well written. The plots are expected fare for a cozy, and I'll admit that the swingers running the hotel next door are a fun/unexpected addition.
The part where I would identify with the mid-life crisis of the British man living in France is missing for me. I enjoy them enough to continue with the series so far. It's not like I necessarily identify with Kurt Wallander or John Rebus either - but I read those books for different reasons. There is a risk that these will wear thin at some point as cozies. But here we are.
This is well written. The plots are expected fare for a cozy, and I'll admit that the swingers running the hotel next door are a fun/unexpected addition.
The part where I would identify with the mid-life crisis of the British man living in France is missing for me. I enjoy them enough to continue with the series so far. It's not like I necessarily identify with Kurt Wallander or John Rebus either - but I read those books for different reasons. There is a risk that these will wear thin at some point as cozies. But here we are.
January 18, 2024
Richard's Christmas sounded perfect to me before Valerie came along!
What started as a simple murder mystery soon developed into something much more complex - I just wish there was more book to explore that. The crime was interesting and I could imagine the devastation it would cause.
I was quite confused by some of the clues - I wasn't sure if I was meant to be able to figure them out. I also didn't like Valerie - but maybe reading some other books in the series would alter my view.
Overall, a brief introduction to Ian's writing and clever mind - I'm intrigued to go back and read Death and Croissants.
What started as a simple murder mystery soon developed into something much more complex - I just wish there was more book to explore that. The crime was interesting and I could imagine the devastation it would cause.
I was quite confused by some of the clues - I wasn't sure if I was meant to be able to figure them out. I also didn't like Valerie - but maybe reading some other books in the series would alter my view.
Overall, a brief introduction to Ian's writing and clever mind - I'm intrigued to go back and read Death and Croissants.
November 2, 2022
Another enjoyable adventure with our favourite film loving hotel owner and his Bounty Hunter guest.
Whilst I still really enjoyed this story I struggled with the shortness of the book as the fast pace of the story confused this reader and some aspects a little harder to follow. Although this is likely to be intentional so that the reader experiences the encounter in the same confused manner as Richard.
Look forward to reading the second long form novel in this series.
Whilst I still really enjoyed this story I struggled with the shortness of the book as the fast pace of the story confused this reader and some aspects a little harder to follow. Although this is likely to be intentional so that the reader experiences the encounter in the same confused manner as Richard.
Look forward to reading the second long form novel in this series.
November 13, 2022
A True Christmas Present!
Yet again, Ian has come up trumps with a super Christmas-themed storyline with plenty twists and turns with favourite characters, Valérie, Richard and adorable chihuahua, Passepartout. It keeps the reader guessing right to the end with a very satisfying - and uplifting - conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and would highly recommend it. A super read.
Yet again, Ian has come up trumps with a super Christmas-themed storyline with plenty twists and turns with favourite characters, Valérie, Richard and adorable chihuahua, Passepartout. It keeps the reader guessing right to the end with a very satisfying - and uplifting - conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and would highly recommend it. A super read.
November 28, 2025
The mystery is overly complex and there are too many characters for a novella but Moore’s writing style is such fun to read. Richard’s haplessness in the face of Valerie’s overwhelming force of personality is adorable. Humor is laced into dialogue and description with Dickensian skill. While focused on a murder mystery game, the narrative is imbued with Christmas decorations, customs, and spirit - an essential factor that many holiday mysteries neglect.
December 28, 2025
In this Christmas themed novella, Valerie d'Orcay pulls a perfectly content Richard Ainsworth out from his quiet holiday reverie to aid as an extra character in a murder mystery game. However, is it possible that a real murder is being investigated among the other cast of characters?
As someone whose mood fluctuates regarding the holidays, I was synergizing in my misery with Richard after being pulled from his comfortable (AND QUIET) plans.
An okay book with an interesting resolution.
As someone whose mood fluctuates regarding the holidays, I was synergizing in my misery with Richard after being pulled from his comfortable (AND QUIET) plans.
An okay book with an interesting resolution.
December 28, 2025
Death and Papa Noël was a book I picked up because I wanted something short and festive. I’ll admit I felt a bit lost at first, but it turns out this is book two (or perhaps 1.5) in what I can only assume is a series.
That said, it’s a witty, fast-paced read with likeable characters and plenty of charm. Despite the initial confusion, I really enjoyed it, enough that I’m now tempted to read the other books as well.
That said, it’s a witty, fast-paced read with likeable characters and plenty of charm. Despite the initial confusion, I really enjoyed it, enough that I’m now tempted to read the other books as well.
September 29, 2024
A great, quick read for the fireside
I am really enjoying this series and appreciate the character growth despite being a novella vs a full novel. I'm also a huge classic film fan, and the references are such a bonus! Please keep up the series :) It's rare to meet fellow middle aged characters having real adventures. Love it!
I am really enjoying this series and appreciate the character growth despite being a novella vs a full novel. I'm also a huge classic film fan, and the references are such a bonus! Please keep up the series :) It's rare to meet fellow middle aged characters having real adventures. Love it!
October 4, 2024
Short and sweet. Richard is still grumpy, Valerie is still organising him and Christmas looks bleak for a man who prefers to spend it alone watching Christmas films. But in the end all works out for the best, despite his usual lack of awareness as to what is actually happening. It’s a short story just 84 pages but enjoyable all the same.
November 2, 2024
This story was very clever. The mystery was well thought out and perfectly plotted. I did not expect it to be as finely crafted as it was in only 73 pages.
I bought it with digital credit on Amazon in kindle format. I’m not sure it’s worth some of the prices I’ve seen before on Amazon, eBay and other book sellers.
I bought it with digital credit on Amazon in kindle format. I’m not sure it’s worth some of the prices I’ve seen before on Amazon, eBay and other book sellers.
December 27, 2024
The perfect book to get into Ian Moore's Follet Valley Mystery series. Whilst chronologically set after the first few books it does a good job at introducing the main characters and has a brief, fun mystery fill with humour and "Golden Age of Hollywood" references. Ideal for a little read on a cold winters night and will leave wanting to read more in the series. It certainly piqued my interest :)
December 22, 2025
His day had started off with the Radio Times and a highlighter. It now had a murder hunt, erotic goblins, bickering couples and a boozed-up tramp. It was going to be a long Christmas.
I love this series, so much! Richard and his hens! And this time, the case was quite touching. A real Christmas story :)
I love this series, so much! Richard and his hens! And this time, the case was quite touching. A real Christmas story :)
January 25, 2023
A lovely little novella that kept me occupied for a couple of days. A mad little Christmas romp with Richard and Valerie and Passepartout with the Loire valley as the backdrop. Funny and entertaining.
May 24, 2023
Truthfully, I was confused by the book. It felt as though you needed previous knowledge of every little thing to enjoy it.
The mystery and the clues confused me and seemed rather pointless. The anagram at the end wasn't even resolved so I am, once again, missing something.
The mystery and the clues confused me and seemed rather pointless. The anagram at the end wasn't even resolved so I am, once again, missing something.
October 12, 2023
Death and Papa Nowl
An interesting but very short story to follow the first two books in the series. You are left to draw your own conclusions as to Richard and Valerie's future lives, together in business or in a relationship.
An interesting but very short story to follow the first two books in the series. You are left to draw your own conclusions as to Richard and Valerie's future lives, together in business or in a relationship.
December 27, 2023
This was a cosy Christmas themed mystery! I really enjoyed it, easy to read and a nice festive story. I have to be honest and say the clues were a bit too ambiguous for me… you definitely have to be part of the story to understand all the links. But for a short story couldn’t complain too much :)
April 6, 2024
How... no... just no. Like the author was binded by contract to write a Christmas novella. How did Valerie get the Parisiens to the Follet Valley?
I'm still trying to figure out who liked Ava Gardner in book 1 and why...
I'm still trying to figure out who liked Ava Gardner in book 1 and why...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews