Murder Most Delicious: A Novel

by Danielle Postel-Vinay

Starting over in Paris was supposed to be the opportunity of a lifetime for American sommelier Olivia Beech—until her dream job ends in murder.

Once a rising star in the wine world, Olivia was one of a handful of women in the world to hold the distinction of being a Master Sommelier before COVID stole her sense of taste—and her career. Adrift and depressed, she gets a second chance when beloved celebrity chef Jacques de Bizet invites her to Paris for a job interview. But as the interview begins, he collapses, poisoned, making Olivia the prime suspect.

Olivia is in trouble, but she has an advantage: her extraordinary nose is still sharp enough to detect the subtlest of scents, including the poison that killed Jacques. Olivia knows she’s innocent, but how can she prove it?

Enter the Paris Neighborhood Watch, an eccentric circle of locals determined to protect their quartier. At the helm is the mysterious Augusta Dupin, a brilliant but agoraphobic detective, aided by her intuitive British shorthair cat, Chateaubriand. Olivia and Augusta join forces with a group of neighborhood amateur sleuths—a pâtissier, a café owner, a part-time librarian, a florist and a kind-hearted cop who may be falling for Olivia—to solve the crime, a search that helps them find not only the killer but fresh purpose in their lives.

Warm, witty, and brimming with food, friendship, and intrigue, Murder Most Delicious transports you to a cozy Parisian neighborhood where the comforts of French daily life soothe the soul even in the darkest times.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Adult Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2026

About the author

French alter ego of Danielle Trussoni.

Danielle Postel-Vinay is an American writer who has lived extensively in France. She currently lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her Parisian husband and children.

Danielle was born in Wisconsin and made her first trip to France at the age of sixteen. She fell head over heels in love with France, but noticed that the French had very different ideas about everything from diet to manners to love. She met her first mentor in the art of French living soon after, Jacqueline Manon, an expatriate woman who had brought her French sensibility to her Midwestern home. They became close friends, and for the next decades Danielle became a passionate student of all things French. Danielle became intimately connected to the inner workings of French life when she met her husband, Hadrien, a filmmaker who grew up in Paris and Brittany. It was through the Postel-Vinay family that she was introduced to the private culture of French life, with all its beautiful rituals and unspoken expectations.

Reviews

[Christina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder Most Delicious was such an enjoyable read! The story follows Olivia as she travels to Paris for what should have been an exciting interview, but from the moment she arrives, everything starts to spiral out of control. The mystery kept me engaged, and I loved following Olivia as she tried to navigate all the chaos around her.

What I loved most about this book was the Paris setting. The descriptions of the city made me feel like I was right there alongside Olivia, soaking in the atmosphere, food, and charm of Paris while the mystery unfolded. It added such a fun and immersive backdrop to the story.

The pacing was solid, the characters were entertaining, and the mix of mystery and Parisian charm made this a really enjoyable read. Definitely worth picking up if you love cozy mysteries set in beautiful locations!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently all it takes to get me to consider abandoning my life and moving to Paris is one murder, a neighborhood full of nosy amateur sleuths, and an endless supply of pastries.

Danielle Postel-Vinay’s Murder Most Delicious completely charmed me from the very first page. Harper Perennial, thank you so much for the gifted copy of this delightful mystery.

Olivia Beech had finally been handed what felt like a second chance. Once one of the world’s few female Master Sommeliers, she lost her sense of taste after COVID and watched the career she loved slip through her fingers. So when an opportunity in Paris lands in her lap, she’s ready to start over. Unfortunately, that fresh start lasts about as long as a flaky croissant because the celebrity chef interviewing her promptly drops dead, and suddenly Olivia is the prime suspect.

Talk about a rough first day on the job.

What I loved most wasn’t even the murder mystery itself. It was the people. The Paris Neighborhood Watch completely stole my heart. This quirky collection of neighbors somehow manages to be equal parts helpful, meddlesome, hilarious, and lovable. Augusta Dupin, the agoraphobic former detective who helps lead the investigation from inside her apartment, was an absolute standout. Add in her cat Chateaubriand, a florist, a pâtissier, a café owner, and enough neighborhood gossip to fuel an entire arrondissement, and I was all in.

Olivia was such an easy character to root for because beneath the mystery, this is really a story about rebuilding your confidence after life knocks you flat. Watching her slowly find her footing again while being welcomed into this tight-knit community made my heart happy.

And can we talk about the setting? Between the wine, flowers, cafés, and charming Paris streets, this book felt like a little vacation. I finished every chapter craving a pastry and questioning my financial ability to impulsively book an international flight.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

“Experiencing the beauty and joy of being alive must be the most urgent thing you do each day.”

If you love cozy mysteries, found family, quirky characters, clever sleuthing, and books that transport you somewhere wonderful, put this one on your list. I honestly hope this is the start of a series because I’m not ready to say goodbye to Olivia, Augusta, or this neighborhood.

What’s a book that made you want to pack a suitcase and immediately visit its setting?

[Manon (mysterymanon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wanted to armchair travel to a picturesque Parisian neighborhood, now is your chance! I loved the close-knit cast of characters, the delicious descriptions of food, wine, and fragrance, and the indulgent descriptions of Gros-Caillou.

The murder mystery itself is a little unrealistic but still well-plotted, although it meanders just a bit—then again, don’t we all want to meander through Paris?

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olivia is an American sommelier who lost her sense of taste after getting COVID. But she still has an unusually discerning sense of smell. She loses her job because of this problem, but sees a possible way out when she gets a chance to interview with a famous restaurateur in Paris, Jacques.

During her interview, she smells something unusual with the wine Jacques asks her to identify. In his haste, Jacques tastes the wine himself and immediately dies.

A local witnesses the event and knows Olivia could not be the killer. She gathers the neighborhood watch group to come to her rescue, vowing to help find out who killed their beloved friend and neighbor while keeping Olivia away from the police.

The neighborhood watch group is quite a quirky bunch, and their investigation takes a bit of a meandering path. But it does all come together nicely in the end.

🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this delightful book. Oooh it made me feel like an afternoon in Paris. How could I not fall for this cozy eclectic group of neighbors, protecting each other, sleuthing and eating the most delicious French food. I admit I was starving basically the entire time and loved it. It made me want to get on a plane immediately. I love how the group immediately enveloped Olivia into their fold and trusted her and how everyone used their own skills and knowledge to investigate. The writing was beautiful and uber cozy which made it so fun to read. This book felt like a hug in the best way and I really really hope this will become a long running series! I loved the twists and my second favorite character might be Augusta with her wit and deductive skills, even while stuck at home (very big Miss Marple vibes). The genuine care and friendships and authentic French vibes made this such a success.

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.

[Stacy Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delight

[Samantha (bookstasamm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After losing her sense of taste and her career, sommelier Olivia Beech heads to Paris for a fresh start—only to become the prime suspect when a celebrity chef is poisoned during her interview. With a keen nose and an eccentric group of local sleuths, Olivia must solve the murder before her dream life disappears.

This was such a fun cozy mystery! I absolutely loved the Paris setting, and the author brought the city to life with vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was strolling through the streets alongside Olivia. And the food descriptions? Incredible. Between the pastries, wine, and delicious meals, my foodie heart was very happy.

The mystery itself was engaging and fun to follow, and while there were quite a few characters introduced, I never found myself confused about who was who—which says a lot considering I listened to the audiobook. Even though I figured out whodunit before the reveal, I still had such a great time with this one and would happily read more adventures with these characters!

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Imani Jade Powers was the perfect choice to narrate this audiobook! Her French accent felt natural and authentic, and I never struggled to understand her delivery. She brought so much personality and warmth to the characters, making it easy to get swept up in both the mystery and the charm of Paris. Her performance truly brought this story to life and made for such an enjoyable listening experience.

Thank you Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse and Harper Audio for an advanced listeners copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Sue - Recos and Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take a stroll through Gros-Caillou in Paris with an unconventional neighborhood watch group who love coffee and pastries almost as much as solving crimes.

📘 INSIDE THE PAGES

Olivia is an award-winning sommelier at the top of her game, until she loses her sense of taste during Covid. Initially able to hide this fact by relying on her sharp sense of smell, everything unravels after a major mistake that’s caught on camera and torn apart by social media.

When master chef Jacques de Bizet invites her to Paris, Olivia sees a chance at redemption. But during a wine tasting, she senses something off but it’s too late. Jacques drinks the wine, collapses, and dies instantly.

With Olivia as the prime suspect, she’s unexpectedly taken in by an eccentric neighborhood watch group of amateur sleuths who sense something isn’t right and set out, in their unique style, to solve the crime.

🌟 MY THOUGHTS

This is a perfect cozy mystery full of eccentric unconventional characters in a Parisian neighborhood that’s easy to picture with its outdoor cafes and gossiping locals. Plenty of delicious talk of food and wine, plus a cat with special talents called Chateaubriand.

I enjoyed the touches of humor throughout. Like Hedi who is taking better care of himself following a health scare by only drinking three or four glasses of wine and about the same number of double espressos daily! And Chantal who when feeling frustrated by not having answers likens it to waiting for Vogue to release its September issue.

This book feels like the perfect blend of The Thursday Murder Club charm and Hercule Poirot brilliance. If those two worlds had a literary child, this would be it.

[Stephanielikesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing as Danielle Postel-Vinay, Danielle Trussoni (The Puzzle Master, The Puzzle Box) has written a charming cozy mystery read!

This is a story about a quirky, lovable group of characters in a small Parisian neighbourhood. Calling themselves the Neighborhood Watch, the group of amateur sleuths springs into action when one of their own - a restaurant owner - ends up dead during a wine tasting event.

The story is an easy, fun read filled with lovely descriptions of the French neighbourhood, food, wine, and perfume. A real delight for the senses! I heard the author speak about this book and how the setting reflects her lived experience and that authenticity really came through.

While I figured out the murderer midway through, it was, nonetheless, a delightful, funny read to the end. The weaving of themes around community, friendship, and enjoying the simple things in life and living in the present, into the mystery was a nice touch.

A really fun, entertaining cozy mystery read that we at Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse enjoyed!

Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.

[Dea Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia Beech was once a well-known American sommelier. Now she's headed to Paris to interview with a celebrity chef and hopefully regain her notoriety. Except that interview ends in disaster when the chef winds up dead from poisoned wine. Olivia knows she's innocent, but in an unknown city, how can she prove it? Enter the Neighborhood Watch, a group of eclectic locals determined to keep their quarter safe. Together with Olivia, they are determined to find out who murdered their beloved local chef. This book was so much fun! It had me hooked from the beginning and determined to find out who poisoned the wine. From the delicious foods to the decadent wines to the quirky cast of characters, this novel completely transported me to Paris, and I felt like I was one of the Neighborhood Watch. This was such a cozy read, and I would love it if these characters made a reappearance in another book.

This was the first time I've listened to a book narrated by Imani. She did a phenomenal job with the narration. It felt like I was on the streets of Paris as I was listening to her narrate.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced, atmospheric, and cosy!⁣
⁣
𝐌𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 is a crafty, ominous tale that whisks readers away to the charming streets of Paris, where Olivia Beech, reeling from a scandalous firing in New York, arrives both excited and anxious for an interview as a sommelier at a quaint French bistro, that is until the chef and owner suddenly drops dead during her interview and Olivia finds herself drawn into a murder investigation alongside a group of determined locals eager to uncover who killed one of their own.⁣
⁣
The prose is light and fluid. The characters are persistent, quirky, and endearing. And the plot serves up an irresistible blend of twists, turns, secrets, sabotage, jealousy, manipulation, shocking revelations, delectable French cuisine, priceless wine, and murder.⁣
⁣
Overall, 𝐌𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 is a mysterious, amusing, thoroughly satisfying treat by Postel-Vinay that, with its eccentric personalities, zany antics, and generous helping of drama, kept me entertained from the first page to the very last.⁣

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia is a well known sommelier when she loses her taste after getting COVID and tried to hide it only to be publicly exposed in the worst way! She wants to stay in the business and teaches her nose to replace her taste. Her big chance to impress a celebrity chef is ruined when the chef dies after drinking the wine.

What follows is a great cast of characters who try to solve the mystery. From a neighborhood watch who wants to be more involved to quirky ladies in the neighborhood this book didn’t have a dull moment! I flew through this book and would definitely read more by this author.

[Heather Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HaperPerennialAndPaperbacks for the book #MurderMostDelicious by #DaniellePostelVinay. I loved this book! Olivia was a Master Sommelier, until Covid hit and she lost sense of taste. She still had see sense of smell, so when chef Jacques de Bizet invites her for an interview, she can tell him the smell is off. But he still drinks it and dies because of poisoning. Now she, and a couple of others set out to find who the killer is and why they would want to kill and possibly frame her.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many bad ways for a job interview to go. You spill something. You blank on a question. You accidentally call someone by the wrong name. What you generally do not expect is for the famous chef interviewing you to take one sip of wine and immediately drop dead at the table like the universe just decided to throw a murder mystery at your face.

But that is exactly the deeply chaotic situation waiting in Murder Most Delicious by Danielle Postel-Vinay, and honestly… what a way to arrive in Paris.

Our heroine Olivia Beech was once a rising star in the wine world, one of the extremely rare Master Sommeliers who could sniff a glass and casually tell you the vineyard, the soil composition, and probably the childhood trauma of the grape. Then COVID showed up, stole her sense of taste, and basically detonated the career she built her whole identity around. Which is devastating in a way the book actually treats with surprising tenderness. Losing a job is one thing. Losing the thing that made you feel like yourself is a whole different emotional nightmare.

So when celebrity chef Jacques de Bizet invites her to Paris for a job interview, Olivia is understandably clinging to that opportunity like it is the last life raft on the Titanic. And the interview actually starts off promising. There is wine. There is charm. There is the intoxicating possibility of rebuilding a life in a beautiful Parisian neighborhood.

And then Jacques drinks the poisoned wine and dies right in front of her. Which, from a vibes perspective, is not ideal.

Naturally Olivia becomes the prime suspect because she was sitting right there when the man collapsed, and nothing screams “murderer” like being the extremely unlucky American holding the glass when a beloved local chef suddenly keels over. The only problem is Olivia knows she didn’t do it… and thanks to her still incredibly powerful sense of smell, she knows something in that wine was very, very wrong.

Enter the true MVPs of this book, the Paris Neighborhood Watch. And listen, when I hear “neighborhood watch” I picture retirees with binoculars and far too much time. What we actually get here is a delightfully chaotic group of locals including a pâtissier, a café owner, a librarian, a florist, and a sweet cop who may or may not be developing feelings for Olivia while technically investigating her. Is that professional? Probably not. Is it adorable? Absolutely.

Then we meet Augusta Dupin, who immediately stole my heart. She is a brilliant but agoraphobic detective who rarely leaves her apartment and basically orchestrates the entire investigation from inside her home like a French Sherlock Holmes who decided the outside world is exhausting. She is accompanied by her very intuitive British shorthair cat, Chateaubriand, and I’m just saying right now… if that cat is not heavily involved in future books I will personally riot.

One of the most fun elements of the mystery is how Olivia uses her heightened sense of smell instead of taste to piece together clues. Watching her analyze aromas and subtle scents in wine becomes this surprisingly clever investigative tool, and it adds a unique twist to the whole murder puzzle. It also makes every glass of wine feel slightly threatening, which is honestly impressive.

Now look, seasoned mystery readers might start side-eyeing certain characters before the official reveal. The clues are definitely there if you are paying attention. But the joy of this story is less about trying to outsmart the plot and more about sinking into this cozy little Parisian neighborhood full of eccentric people who love food, gossip, and solving crimes apparently.

And the atmosphere? Delightful. There are cafés, pastries, lingering conversations, and enough descriptions of food and wine that I spent a solid portion of the book wishing someone would hand me a baguette immediately. It is one of those settings where you can almost smell the butter and espresso through the page.

Underneath all the sleuthing and pastry appreciation, though, there is a really lovely thread about rebuilding your life after it falls apart. Olivia arrives in Paris feeling like the version of herself she used to be is gone forever. Watching her slowly find community, purpose, and maybe even a little hope again gives the story a surprising emotional backbone.

So yes, I had a genuinely wonderful time with Murder Most Delicious. It is charming, cozy, a little predictable in the mystery department, but full of heart, personality, and characters I absolutely want to spend more time with.

Four stars, easily. Pour me a glass of wine and hand me the sequel.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Immediately Trust the Cat More Than Half the Human Characters

And a huge thank you to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks and NetGalley for the ARC, which let me spend a few delightful hours wandering around Paris, side-eyeing suspicious wine, and forming a deep emotional attachment to a detective cat. Honestly, the dream.

[Shreya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for more of my reviews? Want to contact me? Check out my blog! Shreya Reads, Reviews, and Writes

⭐3.5 (rounded to 4)

TROPES YOU'LL LOVE:
🍷Cozy Mystery
🍷Female Friendships
🍷Amateur Sleuths
🍷Cop Love Interest
🍷Paris Scenery

--💟💟--

This was my first venture into cozy mystery, and after reading this book, I'm not sure anything else can compare!

MURDER MOST DELICIOUS follows Olivia, a disgraced sommelier who, after battling COVID, travels to France for a job interview. However, when Chef Jacques dies after tasting the wine Olivia was meant to drink, all eyes point to Olivia. Aided by Chantal, Augusta, handsome cop Romain, and several others in the Paris Neighborhood Watch, Olivia sets out to prove her innocence and find the real culprit.

What follows is a gentle paced mystery sprinkled with romance and blossoming friendships! Although Olivia was the protagonist, I loved Chantal more. She was sassy, smart, caring, and the epitome of a girl's girl. Chantal, I felt, was more of a detective than Augusta and really carried the book for me.

Augusta was an interesting character because of her agoraphobia. She was meant to be the main detective, and she was sort of a Sherlock Holmes-type because she immediately knew the answers and had to explain to everyone. However, I felt like that just made her more confusing, and I didn't see how her agoraphobia impacted the story in any way. Really, I felt like without Augusta, I don't think the story would have changed much.

There's a whole cast of characters, but many of them I felt were unnecessary. Gaston and Hedi, for example. If we already had Romain helping on the police side, I didn't really know what Hedi was supposed to be there for. If he was more of an antagonist who pushed for Olivia's arrest, then maybe it would make sense, but he was also sympathetic to her case. I also didn't quite understand what the point of making him attracted to Romain was. I mean, Romain was pretty much set up with Olivia as an endgame, so mentioning Hedi's attraction to Romain just felt like an extra page of unneeded information.

This brings me to another character I found interesting yet vague in a way; Richard Drake, Olivia's former boss. He's portrayed as this unforgiving, callous character who fires Olivia when he discovers she lied about being able to still taste wines. But then, when Olivia reveals that she lost her ability from COVID, he seems confused and almost apologetic. The miscommunication and villanization of Drake made me confused and a little annoyed. Had Olivia been upfront, I don't think Drake would have fired her, or at least been so rude to her. He seemed genuinely confused and sincere when she admitted the truth. The whole story was 'poor Olivia, bad Drake', but when the reveal happens it's more like Olivia manipulated the situation.

I wish I'd gotten more of Olivia and Romain! They had such sweet moments in the beginning that it was borderline edging 😂Their tension built into just one small paragraph at the end and honestly, I needed more to envision them as a strong couple. I needed more scenes of them sleuthing together and I think that scene where Romain would have joined Olivia in confronting Francoise would have been the perfect opportunity!

What I loved about the plot of this book was how cozy and immersive it was. Postel-Vinay may write lengthy paragraphs of description that slowed the pace of the book, but these descriptions built such a sense of warmth and comfort in me that despite the looming situation (i.e. Jacques's murder), I felt like I was watching the plot play out while drinking a cafe and eating pain au chocolat at a Paris bistro. It genuinely brought me back to my days exploring Paris and it's the kind of book where the world around you morphs into something else.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: May 26, 2026

Danielle Postel-Vinay is the pseudonym for author Danielle Trussoni, author of “The Puzzle Box”, which was one of my favourite reads last year. This novel, “Murder Most Delicious: A Novel” is nothing like the “Puzzle Box”, but it is engaging and intriguing in its own way.

Olivia Beech is a well-known sommelier, who seems to have a natural talent for recognizing wines by their taste. However, after a bout with Covid, Olivia loses her sense of taste, and her job right along with it. Desperate, she finds herself in Paris, interviewing for a sommelier job at a Michelin-star restaurant, run by the celebrity chef Jacques de Bizet. Olivia is hopeful that Jacques won’t discover her missing sense but what actually happens is far worse- after taking a sip of one of the bottles of wine Olivia is meant to test, Jacques drops dead, poisoned. Soon, Olivia, with the help of a neighborhood watch who takes Olivia under their wing, is determined to find out who killed the beloved chef to clear her own name.

“Delicious” is a love letter to the food, communities and the environs of the City of Love, which makes sense as the author spends a significant portion of her life there. The novel’s setting is a tight knit community right near the 7th arrondissement, close to the Eiffel tower, where the residents are all local shop owners, who all make up the members of the “Neighborhood Watch”.

The story is narrated in the third person by Olivia, primarily, but also by Chantal, the florist who is also a member of the neighborhood watch and occasionally by Hedi, a patrol officer. The collective that makes up the watch itself are an eccentric bunch of French stereotypes, and they are absolutely lovable and hilarious.

There are two murders in “Delicious” and, of course, both are solved by the end of the book. I was able to eventually guess the ending but it wasn’t until the story was almost over, so props to Postel-Vinay for creating a cozy murder mystery that didn’t give it all away at the start.

Wine and Michelin-level food, delicious pastries and eccentric personalities, “Delicious” is a cozy mystery that completely encapsulates the reader in the quaint Parisian neighborhood, where the smells, sights and sounds provide the immersive backdrop to a murder investigation. Although I am more of a “Puzzle” fan than a Parisian murder mystery, I still enjoyed Postel-Vinay’s “Delicious”.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are several ways to judge a book. If three are present – plot, character, and setting – the book (to me) is good, if not great. The x factor is prose style. This novel has three excellent elements – character, setting and lovely prose. The plot is OK and I figured out whodunnit long before the last page, but the prose just sings as does the setting of the novel, and I was carried away.

The story is set in a tiny Paris neighborhood, Gros-Caillou, which abuts the Eiffel Tower. The arrival of American sommelier Olivia Beech to a neighborhood anchor, Chez Jacques, is something of a sensation and made more so when, during a wine tasting, Jacques falls dead at Olivia’s feet. While Olivia has been gifted with an extraordinary “nose,” covid has taken away her sense of taste, which for a sommelier is a disaster. She’s surfacing from a career crisis to attempt to reclaim her life, and Chez Jacques was where she had set all her hopes for the future.

The stunned Olivia is immediately considered a suspect by the police, but the neighborhood cops on call think she’s not guilty, and they allow members of the neighborhood watch to whisk her away before she can be arrested. She’s taken to the home of Auguste Dupin (a shoutout to Poe’s character) who was with the police, but hasn’t left her home in years. Nevertheless, she was the best detective on the force, as she noticed details no one else did. Much like Olivia and her nose, Auguste’s skill marks her as different but also as invaluable. The skillsets between the two women are formidable.

Postel-Vinay introduces the reader the neighborhood watch – a motley group including a florist, a baker, a perfumier, a rebel who works as the American Library in Paris, and the now former partner of the dead man. The police are willing to step back to a degree to let the watch investigate. They almost immediately accept Olivia as one of their own, and she continues to stay at Auguste’s and enjoy her wonderful food. There’s a description of a souffle that will really have your mouth watering.

In their gentle way, the group solves the crime, bringing everyone together at the flower shop for the dénouement. Nothing goes quite as expected but the murderer is eventually caught. What makes this book a standout are the descriptions of the food and wine – the tasting of the wines has some especially technical detail that make the book memorable. The setting in this small slice of Paris is also special and made me head to my computer to look up the neighborhood.

The final thing that makes this book memorable was simply the lovely prose. I was arrested, captivated, bedazzled – the writing lifts the book up in every way. You’ll stop to savor as you read, just as you might with a wine or a pastry. The determination on the parts of the characters to embrace joy and beauty in a difficult world are the parts of the book that will stay with me.

[Darren Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Postel-Vinay's Murder Most Delicious: A Novel is a rather charming and cleverly constructed mystery set among the cafés, wine cellars, and tight-knit neighborhoods of Paris. When an American sommelier, Olivia Beech, becomes entangled in a suspicious death involving the classic poison hydrogen cyanide, what begins as a shocking discovery quickly unfolds into a layered whodunit involving stolen champagne, suspicious alliances, and a quickly changing list of suspects. Olivia must help find the murderer with her perplexing sense of smell or be put away for the crime herself.

A standout element of the novel is the neighborhood watch group that gradually forms around the investigation, particularly Augusta Dupin. She is a brilliant former detective with agoraphobia whose sharp mind and eccentric personality evoke shades of both Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot and television’s Monk. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives among the community members, creating a sense that the entire neighborhood is quietly piecing together the truth. Fans of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club will likely enjoy that same sense of community-driven sleuthing present here.

While the shifting third-person perspectives occasionally make the writing feel slightly choppy, the engaging characters, immersive Parisian setting, and satisfying mystery more than make up for it. Even with the frequent use of French street and place names, the story remains easy to follow and richly atmospheric. Overall, this is a delightful mystery filled with memorable characters and a strong sense of community. It’s an easy recommendation for fans of cozy mysteries, and I would happily read more from Danielle Postel-Vinay in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this novel. Murder Most Delicious publishes May 26, 2026.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy murder mystery read. In what is obviously the first in a new series, we meet an interesting cast of characters living in the same close-knit community in Paris. Chantel is the owner of the flower shop, Gaston of the bakery, Martine of the cafe and Jacques of the bistro. They all belong to the Neighborhood Watch group led by former police officer Augusta. Prosper, an employee at the American Library rounds out the group. Olivia, an American, is in town for an interview with Jacques to become his new sommelier. She lost her job in NYC after a bout of COVID caused her to lose her sense of taste. But she has an exceptional sense of smell and she thinks that it will compensate for her loss of taste. Before she can even get past the first glass of wine in her tasting with Jacques, she smells something strange, a hint of almonds that shouldn't be there. Before she knows it Jacques has taken the wine from her, drained it and then died from poisoning. Chantel, witnessing the whole scene, knows that Olivia is not guilty of murder so she spirits her away to Augusta's house, much to Hedi and Romain's chagrin. They are the patrol officers who roam the streets in their neighborhood and they know that eventually Olivia will have to come in for questioning but they also know that the watch group will help them investigate in ways that are limited to them. Their first suspect is Francoise who is the manager of the bistro- and Jacques's business partner. Her fingerprints are all over the bottle and she didn't show up for work. When Olivia follows her she learns that she is selling prized bottles of wine from Jacques's cellar to try to get the bistro out of debt. Jacques has a rare bottle of champagne that was brought up from a shipwreck that has gone missing. Is Francoise going to sell it? But the watch doesn't really think that she is guilty. Many of Olivia's former colleagues are in town for the Wine Expo, including her former roommate Laura. Is one of them guilty? My money was on Laura the whole time and it turns out that I was right. Laura, passing herself off as Olivia, stole a vintage bottle of perfume from the perfumery that was made with real almond oil, the consumption of which is deadly. She sprayed the perfume in the wine glass at the tasting, hoping to kill Olivia off once and for all. She has always been jealous of Olivia's abilities and gave her COVID purposely to try to get rid of her. When she heard that she might soon be working for Jacques, her mentor and idol, she couldn't take it. It seems that Olivia is going to stay in town so I look forward to another book with her and her quirky neighbors.

[Victoria Colotta]

Wine, food, and murder in a Parisian setting. What more could you ask for? MURDER MOST DELICIOUS is a delightfully delectable cozy mystery filled with an investigation into the death of a prominent chef, amateur sleuthing by a full cast of memorable characters, and even some duplicity mixed in.

This story is so much fun. The way Olivia is brought into the world of the Paris Neighborhood Watch and how she becomes close to each of these unique people pulls the reader in. Though a horrible event, the poisoning of chef Jacques de Bizet, sets the stage for what is to come, it is all those involved in the case that become center stage. I loved how the murder becomes only part of the story. Olivia, Augusta, Romain, and Chantal are such wonderful characters filled with doubts, flaws, and passions that the reader soon becomes instantly enthralled with their lives as well. Now, this is not to say that the murder investigation isn’t at the forefront of all their minds, after all, Olivia is a prime suspect. However, there is a perfect balance of sleuthing and more intimate relationships being formed as well as explored.

In MURDER MOST DELICIOUS, Postel-Vinay weaves together a mystery with wit, quirky personalities, and several twists and turns. The author opens Paris up to the reader in a way that feels real and makes you want to experience it for yourself. What a fabulous read from an author, I can’t seem to get enough of, no matter what genre she writes in.

Audiobook Note: Narrator Imani Jade Powers did a wonderful job bringing this story to life. Her inflections and French pronunciation enhance the overall listening experience.

Pace: ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕
Elocution: ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕
Characters: ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕

Reviewer Disclaimer: I have been experimenting with a hybrid reading method in which I read and listen to the same book. The publisher gave me the physical book and audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Highly Caffeinated Rating of… ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕

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[Anisha Choudhury | A Literary Autopsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Murder Most Delicious from Harper Perennial via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and experiences expressed in this review are entirely my own.

In Murder Most Delicious, Danielle Postel-Vinay delivers a stunningly beautiful, warm, and transportive cozy mystery that treats the city of Paris not just as a backdrop, but as a living character. This book reads like a sensory reclamation story—think Eat, Pray, Love but infused with a sharp, intoxicating scent of murder and French daily life.

Our protagonist, Olivia Beech, is a former rising star in the wine world who lost her career as a Master Sommelier when COVID stripped away her sense of taste. Adrift and seeking a second chance in Paris, her dream job evaporates when celebrity chef Jacques de Bizet is poisoned right during her interview, casting her as the prime suspect. Olivia’s saving grace—and the core investigative engine of the book—is her extraordinary sense of smell, which remains sharp enough to dissect the subtlest notes of the environment, including the very poison that killed the chef.

Postel-Vinay’s descriptions are flawless. She writes with such immersive precision that she effectively becomes the reader's eyes, ears, and nose on the Parisian streets. The mystery itself is brilliantly executed, presenting devastating consequences for both Olivia and the Neighborhood Watch—an eccentric, endearing circle of amateur sleuths led by the brilliant, agoraphobic Augusta Dupin (and her highly intuitive cat, Chateaubriand). The environment is incredibly witty, warm, and muddy all at once, showcasing a resilient community that clings tightly to continuity, comfort, and friendship even when the darkest times threaten their neighborhood.

I am genuinely rendered speechless by how beautifully this narrative was put together. It balances the stark reality of personal loss and unexpected violence with the soothing, soul-healing textures of community and French culture.
A flawless 5-star read that will linger in your senses long after the final page.

[Emily Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, lighthearted mystery perfect for those who love multiple POVs and Paris! It's clear that the author either lives there herself and loves the city, or just loves Paris in general. That was one consistent theme throughout the book. As someone who is learning to speak french and immerse herself in the culture, this book really hit the spot.

I adored all of the quirky characters we met. Each has a very different voice, and way of experiencing the world. Our first POV is with Olivia, an American sommelier who cannot taste, but has an extraordinary sense of smell. It is her arrival at the bistrot for a wine-tasting interview that sets off our murder mystery. Her experience of catching covid and losing her sense of taste was a really interesting and more modern concept. After Jacques (her potential employer) drops dead from poisoned wine, we are introduced to the Neighborhood Watch - a group of quirky, interesting and unique characters who believe Olivia is innocent and work together to find the culprit! Each character was interesting, and reminded me of other mysteries that I really enjoyed (the older woman genius detective who is a shut-in is a particular favorite trope of mine).

I felt the clues were well laid out, and maybe a bit obvious. I was able to determine the murderer pretty early on, due to some word-usage on behalf of the author. After that, I was just waiting for the other characters to figure it out. It kept me from enjoying the narrative as much as I would have liked to. I also wish it was a bit longer - I wanted to know the characters more. Perhaps that's something that Danielle Postel-Vinay will go into for her next book? It looks like this is the first fiction book she's written under this pseudonym, so I hope she's planning on expanding this universe. I do love a cozy mystery series, afterall!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review!

[Ann Onimaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Paris becomes the perfect backdrop for a cozy yet clever mystery where food, scent, and intrigue intertwine. Olivia Beech, once a celebrated Master Sommelier, is forced to rebuild her life after losing her sense of taste. When she’s invited to Paris for what could be a career-saving opportunity, things take a deadly turn, the chef interviewing her is poisoned mid-meeting, leaving Olivia as the prime suspect. What she does have left, however, is her extraordinary sense of smell, which becomes a fascinating and unique tool in unraveling the crime.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this novel is how vividly the investigation is tied to food and aroma. The sensory details, especially Olivia’s ability to track scents, add a fresh and immersive layer to the mystery that sets it apart from more traditional whodunits.
The story moves at a brisk pace, making it an engaging and easy read. While seasoned mystery readers may see through some of the red herrings and piece together the culprit early on, the journey remains entertaining thanks to the novel’s colorful cast and dynamic investigation. The multi-POV structure works well here, giving each character a chance to shine and adding variety to the storytelling.
The ensemble of quirky characters, from an agoraphobic detective and her perceptive cat to a tight-knit group of local amateur sleuths, brings warmth and charm to the story. Though this book appears to sit within a larger mystery series, it functions well as a standalone. There’s a sense of history among the characters that hints at past adventures, which adds depth without detracting from the central plot, and may even leave readers curious to explore more.
Overall, this book is a warm, fast-paced mystery that blends humor, heart, and a distinctly Parisian flair. Even if you guess the culprit early, the rich atmosphere, engaging characters, and unique sensory elements make the ride well worth it.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.

https://novelsalive.com/2026/05/26/4-...

Murder Most Delicious by Danielle Postel-Vinay transports us from New York City to Paris, summoning a range of aromas through food, wine, flowers, chocolate, and desserts.

When disgraced sommelier Olivia has a job interview in Paris, she thinks it’s a chance to redeem herself. Little does she know she’ll be thick in a murder scene when her potential boss is poisoned and drops dead. We are introduced to a cast of characters from the neighborhood watch in the area where the restaurant is located. Amateur sleuths, along with those who are trained or have been trained to solve murders and crimes, work hand in hand to solve the case. The informal investigation is being led by Augusta Dupin, who has retired as a detective and become a recluse, but sends the others out to search for clues at specific locations.

The book is divided into four parts, with many chapters and some group chats in each section. There are vivid descriptions that touch on all five senses as we walk through Paris and its many businesses. The story has a good flow and depth, with some dots connecting and more crimes than anticipated. As clues are gathered, they are discussed, verified, kept, or tossed, and we learn more about the crimes committed. The whodunnits were tallied, and when the murderer and the crimes were revealed, it was a shock to the group, but I’d seen hints and wasn’t surprised by the reveal or the outcome. Augusta’s cat is a cute addition to the story, and there’s even some romance.

Murder Most Delicious has secrets and crimes committed as Olivia and her new Parisian friends try to figure out whodunnit.

[Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In case you were unaware or this is your first experience with this author, Danielle Postel-Vinay has also written several best sellers under the name Danielle Trussoni. Her style in this foodie mystery is very different from her other fiction. Once I got myself past expecting the same style I was able to settle in and enjoy Murder Most Delicious. Olivia Beech is jobless as a result of long Covid, which has destroyed her sense of taste. That would not be a problem in most occupations, but Olivia had been a world known Master Sommelier. She is able to somewhat mitigate her new deficit by her extremely sensitive sense of smell. She has traveled to Paris to interview with Jacques de Bizet of Chez Jacques in the 7th Arrondissement to become his new sommelier. Naturally, she is nervous. She smells the first glass of Burgundy in her tasting trial and smells almonds, which is completely wrong for the variety poured. As she prepares to taste the wine, Jacques grabs the glass, tastes the wine, and falls to the floor, dead. Chantal, a member of the Neighborhood Watch, an informal but longstanding group of residents of Gros-Caillou walks in as Jacques is dying, calls the police, and whisks Olivia to safety before she can be arrested and questioned. Members of the Neighborhood Watch are identified as they prepare to meet at Augusta’s house. Various facts and observations are revealed about the restaurant, the residents, and their interactions in succeeding chapters as the reader is led toward possible motives and perpetrators for the murder. Reading this is like following a trail of crumbs to a destination; the reader only knows what the author wants her to know as the plot unfolds. After several possible culprits are suggested and a second murder, the solution is given. By this time, the reader has made a whole circle of new friends who she hopes to visit again.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good cozy mystery and this one was a delight! It has all the things I adore in a cozy mystery, a main character ‘detective’ that is likeable, lots of quirky characters, motives that keep you guessing, and a beautiful setting. I mean how could I not enjoy a book set in Paris with lots of wine, food, perfume, and flowers. The tradition of the Neighborhood Watch protecting the peaceful way of life in the area for generations makes their section of Paris a small community. The mystery, involving both wine and perfume, felt very luxurious and Parisian.

The characters are so interesting and enjoyable and I want to be invited to a Neighborhood Watch meeting. August Dupin, former detective who has not left her house in years, leads the Neighborhood Watch with a quirky group of friends and watching her figure things out is fascinating. Olivia, the sommelier who has lost her sense of taste, is witness to the crime and finds herself folded into the Neighborhood Watch. She is a character I was drawn to as she discovers things about herself she never imagined. The other members of the Neighborhood Watch added so much depth and humor to the story and I want to hang out at the cafe with them.

This book continues to live in my head as it is full of quotes that resonate. My favorite:
“Time is not infinite. Find what makes you happy, however small it may seem, and do it now. Experiencing the beauty and joy of being alive must be the most urgent thing you do each day.”

I hope this is the start of a series as I want more adventures with the Neighborhood Watch. I highly recommend this to readers of cozy mysteries set in beautiful places.

Thanks to Thriller Book Lovers the Pulse and NetGalley for the free copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Adele Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5
Tropes/themes: small town, cozy murder mystery, found family, neighborhood watch, French custom, quirky neighbors

Olivia, a master sommelier lost her job and reputation when she lost her sense of taste after getting COVID. Much to her surprise, she is invited to France to interview with a chef and legend Jacques de Bizet. But when she smells something unusual in the first glass and refuses to try it, Jacques downs the glass and falls down dead.

The nosy neighbor and flower shop owner Chantal witnesses the whole thing and whisks Olivia away from the crime scene to the home of the recluse agoraphobic former detective Augusta Dupin, so the neighborhood watch can conduct their own investigation and find the killer before the incompetent and lazy police force charge Olivia with the murder.

The members of the neighborhood watch are all so vivid and well-developed and unique, and their special friendships with each other are the same. They are all so accepting and supportive of each other. I loved each character, Augusta with her uncanny realizations and wisdom, Chantal with her quirky antics and slight immorality for the fun of it, Prosper with his casual thievery and love of rule breaking, Francoise with her bourgeois and lassez-faire attitude, Gaston with his gastronomical prowess and quiet crush on Chantal, and Romain with his strong and silent demeanor. They all were special and interesting in their own way!

Although I knew who the murderer was from around chapter 3, that wasn't the heart of the book. The found family element was quirky and special and I loved it! I also liked how the author put herself in the book as a faceless neighbor who was referred to in comparison with crazy antics!

Loved this book!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder Most Delicious is just the cozy mystery the doctor ordered! Set in Paris, this delightful book is filled with delectable French dishes, warm neighborhood vibes, and a side of murder and mystery.

Olivia Beech works as a master sommelier, a job that relies completely on the senses of taste and smell. When she contracts COVID and loses her sense of taste, it lends a heavy blow to her career. Without a job and down on her luck, a new opportunity presents itself offering her a second chance. Olivia says goodbye to America and heads to Paris for an interview with celebrity chef Jacque de Bizet. During the interview, he collapses dead on the floor leaving Olivia as the prime suspect.

Set in the beautiful city of Paris, this book is a foodie’s dream. Filled with mouthwatering French cuisine and high-end wine and champagne, the food and beverages are described so eloquently and with such artistic notes that the reader can almost taste and smell them for themself.

The author does such a wonderful job creating a cast of characters that bring the story to life. The vibrant members of the “neighborhood watch” are so delightful and have such a sense of community, it makes me want to pack a bag and become the newest member.

The perfect rainy day read, Murder Most Delicious is a fun “who done it” and is a must read for any wine enthusiast out there….and of course should be enjoyed with a glass of wine and a delicious French dessert to accompany it!!

Thank you Harper Perennial for the gifted copy of this book. It was so easy to get lost in the pages and was just the read that I needed!

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder Most Delicious🍷🥐Review ✨ Thank you Partner @bibliolifestyle @harperperennial for the gifted copy!

Murder Most Delicious
by Danielle Postel-Vinay
out now!

After losing her sense of taste—and her career as a Master Sommelier—Olivia Beech gets a second chance when she’s invited to Paris for a dream job opportunity. But when the famous chef interviewing her is poisoned right in front of her, Olivia becomes the prime suspect.

Determined to clear her name, Olivia teams up with an eccentric group of local sleuths led by a brilliant agoraphobic detective and her intuitive cat. Together, they must uncover the killer hiding in the heart of Paris before Olivia’s fresh start is over before it begins.

My thoughts 💭:

This was exactly the cozy mystery I needed. From the charming Paris setting to the lovable cast of characters, this book hit the spot. It was a fast, engaging read that kept me turning the pages while simultaneously making me crave every pastry, meal, and glass of wine mentioned along the way... well maybe except that one glass… iykyk. I really enjoyed the mystery itself. While I was a little sad about who the culprit ended up being, I have to give the author credit because I didn’t see it coming. The characters were a huge highlight for me, and the pacing felt just right. The story moved quickly without ever feeling rushed, and there was a perfect balance between the cozy atmosphere and the amateur sleuthing. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery filled with delicious food, Parisian charm, memorable characters, and a satisfying whodunit, this one is definitely worth picking up!

Happy reading 📖🔪🥐🍷

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A sommelier who can’t taste, a chef who drops dead, poisoned wine, and Parisian pandemonium? Yes, please, I live for this kind of drama.

Olivia Beech was once a rising star in the wine world and one of the rare women to earn the title of Master Sommelier. Then COVID steals her sense of taste. She still has her killer sense of smell, though, and that nose deserves its own LinkedIn profile.

After her life falls apart and she loses her job, Olivia gets another shot in Paris working with celebrity chef Jacques de Bizet. Glamorous? Definitely. Dreamy? For sure. Safe? Not even close. Jacques dies during a wine tasting after someone poisons the wine, and suddenly, Olivia is the main suspect. Talk about rude.

“Murder Most Delicious” is a Parisian cozy mystery packed with nosy neighbors, food disasters, amateur detectives, and just enough murder to keep things interesting. The Neighborhood Watch is run by an agoraphobic genius and her British shorthair cat, Chateaubriand. It’s over-the-top in the best way. HarperCollins describes it as “warm, witty, and brimming with food, friendship, and intrigue.” They nailed it.

Bonus points for the real-life twist: Danielle Postel-Vinay is actually the French alter ego of bestselling author Danielle Trussoni, and this story is inspired by her Paris adventures.

This book is more of a cozy mystery than a dark thriller, but there’s still a lot to love: poisoned wine, shady locals, a main character trying to get her life back on track, and so many French food mentions you’ll want a chocolate eclair ASAP.