In need of a break, DI Archie Darling and his trusty Dalmatian companion Juno set off in their camper van to explore the quiet beauty of rural France.
Their journey begins in the Dordogne, to attend the wedding of an old friend Craig. Archie is instantly charmed by the incomparable soothing rhythms of French village life and the picturesque wedding venue, the Manoir la Poisse. So, when one guest is found dead and then another, Archie is reluctant to get involved.
When it becomes clear however that the French police are keen to brush the truth of the deaths under the carpet, Archie’s professional sleuthing instinct proves impossible to resist. Before he knows it, Archie is creating his own list of suspects from the many wedding guests, an alarming number of whom have dubious alibis, and ticking off clues.
And as he gets closer to unmasking the killer, Archie and Juno are faced with a dilemma – risk the consequences of meddling or leave town before they’re in the crosshairs of a killer…
With the perfect blend of sunshine and sleuthing, Death in the Dordogne is a page-turning treat for all fans of French holidays and cosy mysteries.
I really enjoyed this first in a new series! A cozy mystery set against the beautiful backdrop of the French countryside—what’s not to love? I especially enjoyed Archie, the main character, and his wonderful dog, Juno. They made such a great team, and I’d definitely like to spend more time with them. The French countryside was such a perfect setting and added so much charm and atmosphere to the story. There was also quite a bit of French language throughout the book. I don’t speak French, but somehow I understood enough from the context that it never took me out of the story. A fun mystery, a charming setting, interesting characters, and a dog I absolutely adored. A very enjoyable cozy mystery and a great start to a new series!
DI Archie Darling, and his beloved Dalmatian, Juno, left London in the camper van Archie had purchased, and headed to the Manoir la Poisse, Dordogne, France, for his ex-marine mate, Craig's wedding. Archie had lost his wife and daughter in a horrific accident not long prior, and his bosses had told him to take indefinite leave. Archie had been in the marines before he become a police officer, and he was looking forward to catching up with Craig, and another marine mate Rowley, for a few days. Camping near the river on the property, Archie & Juno met with the friends and relatives for the pre-wedding festivities. Elodie, Craig's fiancé, was a lovely woman, as French as they come,. Some of the relatives were over the top - but weren't the French like that?
But in the days that followed, first one, then another person died - made to look like suicide? Archie wasn't so sure. And when Archie realised the French police were marking both deaths as suicide, Archie felt the need to find the killer, putting himself in danger as he did so...
Death in the Dordogne is the 1st in the Archie Darling series by J.R. Leigh and I loved it! The 2nd is due out in the New Year, and I'm keen to read it. Archie is a wonderful character, kind, caring, compassionate while Juno, his dog, is adorable. Juno has helped Archie tremendously in his grief, and I can understand how. (Juno was born in June, hence the name). I have no hesitation in highly recommending Death in the Dordogne
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
I have totally fallen in love with a fictional character! Through #Netgally, I have been introduced to a new author, J. R. Leigh and a new series A DI Archie Darling Mystery. What a wonderful discovery! We discover Archie as he travels in a campervan to a friend's wedding in the beautiful southern region of France known as Dordogne. This book is a bit of a travelog as we maneuver thru some gorgeous French countryside and sites. It is mostly, though, a character study as we learn about DI Archie Darling, retired from the Marines, in France to attend a Marine buddy's wedding. Currently taking an extended leave to help reorient his life after the death of his wife and young daughter in an accident over a year ago, Archie is meandering with his traveling companion Juno, a young dalmatian, as he arrives at the wedding location. Saint-Amedee-de-Fleur is a stunning location, and Archie is pleased to see his buddy Craig the groom and Rowley, another Marine buddy, career, there for the celebration. When at the first evening's dinner, Rowley expresses that he thinks something is off with the beautiful picture, scenery, and people, Archie is not sure what to think as his buddy is pretty drunk. When he finds Rowley dead in what he is sure is a murder set up to look like suicide our real mystery begins. It is an a)bsolutely wonderful mystery, in a gorgeous setting with an MC you will fall in love with and definitely want more from. I can't recommend this book highly enough, and I can't wait for Archie and Juno's next adventure! Many thanks to #Netgally, #BoldwoodsBooks, and the author for an opportunity to read! #DeathintheDordogne #ADIArchieDarlingMystery #JRLeigh #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreadero
An extended holiday in France, a camper van and a dog, what more could anyone want? For DI Archie Darling the only things he wants he can't have, but he's about to meet up with two of his pals from the Marines, one of whom is getting married in the Dordogne, so life is very pleasant at least. Mourning the deaths of his wife and daughter Archie is keen to reconnect with his friends but when a body is found before the vows have even been uttered he knows he has to investigate. With secrets being kept by everyone and a police chief and town mayor wanting to downplay everything for fear of harming their tourist trade, Archie knows it won't be easy to work out what happened. That's never stopped him before however, and won't now, but killers are desperate people and this one has a lot at stake. Can Archie smoke out his villain or will they get the best of him and his friends first? I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Boldwood Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. The first in a new series this was a brilliant read. The main protagonist, Archie was already a well-rounded, likeable, and sympathetically drawn character along with his dog, Juno, who fitted right in. The storyline was fast moving, original, and full of suspects some of whom were far more likeable than others! Book two is available at the beginning of 2027 and I'll definitely be pre-ordering it. Highly recommended.
Set in the Dordogne region of France, Archie Darling and his Dalmatian dog, Juno, are in his battered VW campervan, going to a wedding. The bridegroom is Craig, he and Archie were in the Marines together. Archie lost his wife and daughter in an accident eighteen months ago. Craig and Archie meet up with another old pal, Ollie Rolland, known as “ Rowley”, at the pre wedding get together. After quite a few drinks, Rowley tells Archie, he can smell trouble, there are criminals and something crooked going on at the Manoir la Poisse. The next morning, Rowley has vanished, but he is later found dead from a suspected drug overdose. Archie is a Detective Inspector with the Bristol police, and he is concerned that the French police want a quick open and shut verdict, so he takes photos and forensic evidence and sends this to his colleagues back home. As the body count increases, everybody has a secret to hide, and Archie puts himself in danger in trying to find a killer. This is a piece of excellent writing, the killer is not obvious, but the secret of the Manoir can be guessed. It was a fresh and emotional story, with some intense thrills and a high stake scenario in play, a very clever storyline. The novel ends with some intriguing clues to be followed up in the next book, a body in Bordeaux. Perhaps the subtitle of this new series could be, A Murderous Guide to France?!! A wonderful and enjoyable read.
An ok read. Archie, a DI, is in the Dordogne for a friend's wedding, staying in a camper van. He talks to another mutual friend from the Marines, Rowley who indicates that there is something strange going on at the chateau/village and will tell Archie more tomorrow when he is sober. Unfortunately, Rowley is found dead the next day, a drug overdose. Archie is certain that he was not a drug user. Before too long there is at least one more suspicious death, set up to look like suicide or an accident. Archie cannot trust anyone, but starts looking into what happened, staying in touch with a colleague in the UK. He takes 2 American tourists into his confidence to some extent and it appears that someone also wants him to suffer an accident. The writing is OK, not really a cosy mystery, but not a police procedural either. I did like Archie's refection on his life, his wife and daughter were killed in a traffic accident, and the relationship with his dog. I found the group of villagers and ex-pats irritating and didn't get enough information about any of the characters, including the newly-weds, to be able to begin to work out who was doing the killing and why. Some clues did turn up later, but it was all too long and drawn-out for me, with a too hastily finished conclusion. A shame that there is not enough description about the location either . I'm not really drawn to carrying on with the series, I`m afraid Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
3.5🌟 stars This new murder mystery series started well, providing a sad background for Archie, a British police detective vacationing in France with his Dalmatian Juno to attend an old military buddy's wedding.
Some elements did not gel for me. For example, the French police procedures in the face of a spate of apparent suicides seemed too quickly described with next to no detail and I couldn't understand the actions and motivations of the French policeman leading the investigation. Archie, an experienced police detective, barely responds when he suspects foul play, keeping his suspicions awfully close to his chest.
The unpredictability and mystery was well maintained, however, and the killer's identity was not apparent until the big climactic reveal near the end. Archie's pet dog sidekick could have leant more to the action.
Will I read more in this series? Maybe. This genre of mystery is one I really like.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
It's great to have a new cosy crime book to read, and after reading this first book about Archie Darling and his companion, Juno the Dalmatian, I think the series has a lot of promise. Archie is a detective inspector in Bristol. After a devastating accident resulting in the death of his wife and daughter, he is trying to come to terms with his loss. Work has been his salvation, but he needs to recuperate and relax, so a touring holiday of the Dordogne seems appropriate, but it's not as relaxing as he imagined. The mystery and crime solving are engaging and suspenseful, and there is a dangerous sense of menace despite the story's cosy nature. I like Archie and invested in him as a character, hopeful his healing journey will continue alongside his touring holiday. Juno is lovely, and such a good companion to the grieving man, something many readers will appreciate. The setting is vividly brought to life and gives legitimacy to the clever mystery. I received a copy of this book from the publisher and have purchased an audiobook copy.
This is a great new cosy crime story from Judy Leigh in the Dordogne in France! A real joy to read and an absolute page turner!! Even enjoyed trying to translate the French comments and asides which cleverly pull you into being there! DI Archie Darling is on a road trip with his gorgeous Dalmatian dog Juno to the Dordogne for one of his old friends Craig’s wedding. However when another of his friends Oliver Rowley disappears and turns up dead the next morning, Archie is torn between finding the killer and letting the French Police solve a murder they are happy to think is an accident and sweep under the rug. This is a wonderful cozy crime, and a great read. Loved all the characters and of course all the French food and wine!! This one makes me want to go driving around France!! Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for the early read!
Archie Darling is on his way to a friend's wedding in the Dordogne. It's a beautiful place and he will reunite with his friend and another who all served in the marines. The night before the wedding he has a conversation with the still serving officer who voices his suspicion that something odd is going on, but doesn't give specifics saying that he will tell him in the morning when he is sober. Sadly he is found dead the next morning by drug overdose. The police are happy to believe that is what happened, but Archie has his doubts so starts looking into things quietly by himself. When there is another death, and attempts at his, he know he is onto something. With the help of his colleague back in the UK, what is uncovers will change several peoples lives. A nice read.
I enjoyed this book. J.R. Leigh is a new author to me, and I will be looking into more of his books. This book is the start of a new series, and it finds Detective Inspector Archie Darling and his dog Juno attending the wedding of an old Marine friend in Dorgogne, France. The setting for this book is a place I have never been, but the description of the area makes me want to. I found the storyline to be very believable, and the characters were interesting as well. I look forward to more adventures with Archie Darling and his wonderful dog Juno. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This review is my opinion.
DI Archie Darling, along with his canine companion Juno. Is headed to France to celebrate the marriage of an ex-Marine pal Craig and reconnect with Rowdy, another ex-Marine also attending the wedding. After Rowdy mentions to Archie that there's shady going on, Archie finds Rowdy the next day, dead, cause of death heroin overdose. Archie begins to investigate, only to have another wedding guest found dead, supposedly by suicide. Archie places himself in the killer's path, determined to uncover the murderer. Interesting characters make this a fast cozy read. #DeathintheDordogne #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley
Archie is on holiday with his dog Juno in a campervan, they are in the Dordogne for the wedding of Craig and Eloise, Craig was in the Marines with Archie. Rowley is also there, he is still a marine, but the three friends are happy to meet up again. Rowley tells Archie he has uncovered something, but he will tell him the next day when he sober, unfortunately he can’t as Archie finds him dead. The French police are convinced it’s a drugs overdose, Archie knows it’s not, his detectives nose is twitching. A well written murder mystery with plenty of twists and turns. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
Archie and his dog Juno are off to France to attend a friend’s wedding and take a leisurely vacation. Mourning the deaths of is wife and young daughter, Archie is looking forward to seeing old friends. He gets uncomfortable feelings from the wife and several of the wedding guests. When he finds a body, he worries the local police are going to write it off as a simple overdose. Set in the French countryside, the setting is beautiful. I enjoyed the story as Archie begins his new life and solves mysteries along the way. Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
A wedding guest found dead interrupts the wonderful feelings that Archie is experiencing in the picturesque French village. However, when the police show no interest in getting to the bottom of the crime, Archie along with Juno feel compelled to intervene even though it could mean that they are the next target. The descriptions of the French village brought back fond memories of holidays in similar French settings. The story was an easy flowing cozy crime, well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
Just when you think Judy has reached the end of her extensive writing repertoire, she gives us DI Archie Darling and his adorable companion Juno. Exploring France in their campervan winding in Dordogne at a friend’s wedding . Here things start to get tricky. The bodies start to stack up. As a DI and former Marine, Archie is hell bent on working out “Who Dunnit”! Will he make it out alive? If he does I hope for a Book 2 and that his Marine Pal and the American Ladies leap over into the next instalment. Fabulous. In awe of JR Leigh. What a versatile talent.
Death in the Dordogne is a wonderful cozy mystery, set in a rural village in sunny France. There was plenty of French in the book, which helped with setting the scene. It’s well-written, with an interesting plot and lovely characters. The ending was a bit disappointing and felt a bit rushed to me. I’m looking forward to Archie and Juno’s next adventure!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this review copy.
DI Archie Darling and his trusty Dalmatian companion Juno set off in their camper van to explore the quiet beauty of rural France. and attend the wedding of an old army colleague in the Dordogne. When quests start to get murdered Archie is reluctant to get involved, but the French police seem reluctant to treat the deaths as suspicious and he feels compelled to investigate. This was well written and very enjoyable to read.
This is a great read for the mystery lover and armchair traveler combined! It also looks to be the first in a new series. Win-win-win!!! I was cheering on Archie and his dog Juno from the very beginning, cringing at every personal attack and setback. This was definitely a story that kept me up late, wanting to find out who the guilty party was and how all would be resolved.
It was a nice little cozy, though perhaps a bit too long. For example, the whole part in the caves felt like a way to add pages, nothing more, the story would've worked perfectly fine without it because it didn't really add to anything. And I'm certain we will see the female journalist again - her making Archie's reservation was a bit too on the nose, dear author ;)
A new detective and a new series. Set in France I immediately fell in love with Archie and of course Juno. Looking forward to more adventures and sleuthing with Archie Darling which is a brilliant name.
I’m an immense fan of Judy Leigh’s wonderful never-too-late books, and the historical fiction she writes as Elena Collins - the Morwenna Mutton cosy mysteries (with apologies) a little less so. But I couldn’t resist a new series, and a bit of a departure for the author - a murder mystery set in the Dordogne - although the camper van and detective plus dog felt strangely familiar from other books I’ve read recently. But I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this one - a sympathetic detective, Archie, mourning the death of his wife and child, accompanied by a characterful dalmatian, attending the wedding of a friend from his days in the Marines as the first stop on an extended holiday.
A shocking death - and the cover-up that follows - sets him on the trail of the killer. The setting is perfect - and the locals are keen to hide anything unsavoury lest it puts off the tourists - but there are a few disturbing undercurrents to their various relationships that he needs to tease out, while himself becoming a target. I thought it was excellent - the plot nicely convoluted, the story well paced, the multiple suspects, the originality of the conclusion - and I’ll be rather looking forward to Archie and Juno’s next adventure.