To Die in Provence

Michael Danton #1

by Norman Bogner

Jennifer Bowen, a young art history professor, agrees to chaperone the spoiled daughter of a successful TV producer during a trip to Provence and finds a young woman with a depraved ex-con boyfriend who will do anything to control the wealthy heiress

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

382 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was a little too much graphic sex for me, especially at the beginning, but the story was really interesting. The psychopath killer was well drawn, though I am not sure that a rich and relatively well educated young woman, Mattie, would, in fact, be drawn in with his schemes. I guess some females are more responsive to sexual obsessions than others. To be fair, the author, throughout, does give reasons for her compliance with the killer (Boy). I liked the picture of Provence, especially during the season, and how it contrasts with the local culture. About half way through, the story became very gripping, as a reader I was never sure if killer would be caught, if lovers would be killed, etc. This is not, to me, great literature, but a very diverting summer read.

[Cathy Talley · Rating 1 out of 5]

The dialogue was ridiculous and unrealistic for characters that are in their 20s in the midlate 90s. Beyond that, I felt like I was reading some old man’s depraved fantasy. I dislike this book so much that I will never read anything again by Bogner nor any author that left “glowing recommendations” on the back cover. That means you, Barbara Taylor Bradford and Harold Robbins. Trash.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can rarely resist a mystery set in France. This one features some of the most chilling hitters out there, and at the same time some charming and eccentric French characters, plus plenty of focus on food and art. I recommend this to any francophile mystery lover.

[Amberlori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Usually I love a good twisted murder mystery but this one turned my stomach. I read to the end simply to to find out if the bad guys got their comeuppance. Based on this one novel, I don't think I'd pick up another by Norman Bogner. Had never heard of him before this, and will likely never read him again.

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Michel Danton, a police detective in the south of France, is featured in: To Die In Provence '98 - French murder mystery art historian Jennifer Bowen hired to tutor and babysit Maddie, 19 year old heiress, who lover wants to kill parents and Madie

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I do enjoy a good murder mystery book, this author really seemed to include gratuitous sex in this book...but maybe this was the author's take in capturing life in Provence, France.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little heavier on the grisly than I would have liked.
Not enough on the Provence...