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French Village Mystery #3
The French Market Murder
Want to know what mystery Zoe Pascal has to solve next? Don't miss The French Market Murder, the next book in the French Village Mystery series, available to pre-order now!
Readers love The French Village Mystery
'A delightful, original and cleverly plotted murder mystery with a rich sense of place that made me feel I had been transported to the quaint charm of Southern France' A.A. Chaudhuri
'A delight from start to finish' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A murder mystery that is heartwarming, cosy and delightfully bookish' Jamie West
'With memorable characters and a rich sense of place, this book is perfect for fans of cosy whodunits' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Combines the charm of a Provençal setting with a cleverly plotted puzzle that will keep readers guessing until the final page' Tim Stretton
'Utterly enjoyable' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Colourful characters, a beautifully drawn location and a mystery within a mystery make this an eminently satisfying cosy' Neil Daws
Readers love The French Village Mystery
'A delightful, original and cleverly plotted murder mystery with a rich sense of place that made me feel I had been transported to the quaint charm of Southern France' A.A. Chaudhuri
'A delight from start to finish' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A murder mystery that is heartwarming, cosy and delightfully bookish' Jamie West
'With memorable characters and a rich sense of place, this book is perfect for fans of cosy whodunits' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Combines the charm of a Provençal setting with a cleverly plotted puzzle that will keep readers guessing until the final page' Tim Stretton
'Utterly enjoyable' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Colourful characters, a beautifully drawn location and a mystery within a mystery make this an eminently satisfying cosy' Neil Daws
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 29, 2026
[NetGalley Read #78]
4.25 ⭐️
"Someone once told me that the 'needle in a haystack' thing isn't really very hard. You just have to set fire to the hay and you'll soon find the needle glinting in the ashes."
Very good.
This is the third book in The French Village Mystery Series and I'm at the point where I'd happily read about the lives of these characters even if there was no mystery element to the whole thing. The first part (of the four parts) did really feel like that with Zoe making a new friend and her reading group and other relationships progressing. I liked the different perspectives too, adding a little bit of mystery to each character and their motivations. And also Antoine dealing with his alcoholism and a few of the shop-owners of Sainte-Catherine dealing with financial troubles or committing financial crimes. The short, different perspectives were really well written.
The mystery is probably my favourite of the three books in this series. The point of view of Louis Bonhomme at the beginning was quite fun to read, giving creepy/serial killer-y vibes. Russell, as always, was good.
As far as new characters go, I didn't immediately warm up to Sandra Languet and her tall companion Marchand though I feel their roles were sort of limited. On the other hand, my favourite character was probably Nesrine Michel because everyone was wading through the rivers of their emotional, psychological, or financial troubles and she really was just here as a regular member of the book group, content to read her romance novels. Also liked the red herring with Ludwig Gutman at the end. All the regular characters were great: Zoe, Antoine, Marcel, Caroline, and Napoléon.
The play-like structure of these books can feel like a blessing and a curse at the same time. Because I do find myself enjoying and recognising certain elements that make you think 'this is almost written like a play' and then, at certain points, you want to get on with it because you are reading a novel.
One thing that did bug me was the inconsistency of Zoe's phone just before she discovers the body. She plugs the phone to charge and goes outside with Russell. Then in a few pages, she's texting Marcel while looking for Russell. Then, on the next page, she's inside the house, wishing she'd brought her phone with her for it's torch and after a few pages more, she disconnects her phone from the charger. It really bugged me.
It's a short-ish to medium length book (350+ pages). Easy to read. It's better to read the previous two entries in the series before reading this but I think you can read it as a standalone too. There's enough information given at every turn to not feel lost about the existing relationships.
Recommended. 👍
4.25 ⭐️
"Someone once told me that the 'needle in a haystack' thing isn't really very hard. You just have to set fire to the hay and you'll soon find the needle glinting in the ashes."
Very good.
This is the third book in The French Village Mystery Series and I'm at the point where I'd happily read about the lives of these characters even if there was no mystery element to the whole thing. The first part (of the four parts) did really feel like that with Zoe making a new friend and her reading group and other relationships progressing. I liked the different perspectives too, adding a little bit of mystery to each character and their motivations. And also Antoine dealing with his alcoholism and a few of the shop-owners of Sainte-Catherine dealing with financial troubles or committing financial crimes. The short, different perspectives were really well written.
The mystery is probably my favourite of the three books in this series. The point of view of Louis Bonhomme at the beginning was quite fun to read, giving creepy/serial killer-y vibes. Russell, as always, was good.
As far as new characters go, I didn't immediately warm up to Sandra Languet and her tall companion Marchand though I feel their roles were sort of limited. On the other hand, my favourite character was probably Nesrine Michel because everyone was wading through the rivers of their emotional, psychological, or financial troubles and she really was just here as a regular member of the book group, content to read her romance novels. Also liked the red herring with Ludwig Gutman at the end. All the regular characters were great: Zoe, Antoine, Marcel, Caroline, and Napoléon.
The play-like structure of these books can feel like a blessing and a curse at the same time. Because I do find myself enjoying and recognising certain elements that make you think 'this is almost written like a play' and then, at certain points, you want to get on with it because you are reading a novel.
One thing that did bug me was the inconsistency of Zoe's phone just before she discovers the body. She plugs the phone to charge and goes outside with Russell. Then in a few pages, she's texting Marcel while looking for Russell. Then, on the next page, she's inside the house, wishing she'd brought her phone with her for it's torch and after a few pages more, she disconnects her phone from the charger. It really bugged me.
It's a short-ish to medium length book (350+ pages). Easy to read. It's better to read the previous two entries in the series before reading this but I think you can read it as a standalone too. There's enough information given at every turn to not feel lost about the existing relationships.
Recommended. 👍
June 22, 2026
I really enjoyed The French Bookshop Murder, and I equally enjoyed The French Market Murder, set in the beautiful French town of Sainte Catherine — also known as the book village. It was lovely to return to Zoe Pascal, her little dog Russell, and the familiar faces who make the village feel so alive. Greg Mosse captures that charming, slightly eccentric atmosphere again, and it was a pleasure to slip back into their world.
Zoe Pascal joins forces with Denis, who runs the local guest house, to create a book tour where she curates a bespoke reading list for each visitor. The group is full of interesting characters, each carrying secrets of their own. When a body is discovered in the house next door to the bookshop, suspicion quickly spreads — could the culprit be one of the book tour guests, or someone from the village itself? With tensions rising and rumours swirling, it once again falls to Zoe to untangle the truth and uncover the killer.
What makes this book so enjoyable is the blend of gentle intrigue and the irresistible charm of Sainte Catherine, where every corner seems to hide a story. Greg Mosse balances the mystery with the warmth of the village community, and Zoe once again proves to be a thoughtful, quietly tenacious sleuth. It’s a cosy, satisfying read that keeps you guessing right to the end, especially as suspicions shift and village secrets slowly come to light.
Zoe Pascal joins forces with Denis, who runs the local guest house, to create a book tour where she curates a bespoke reading list for each visitor. The group is full of interesting characters, each carrying secrets of their own. When a body is discovered in the house next door to the bookshop, suspicion quickly spreads — could the culprit be one of the book tour guests, or someone from the village itself? With tensions rising and rumours swirling, it once again falls to Zoe to untangle the truth and uncover the killer.
What makes this book so enjoyable is the blend of gentle intrigue and the irresistible charm of Sainte Catherine, where every corner seems to hide a story. Greg Mosse balances the mystery with the warmth of the village community, and Zoe once again proves to be a thoughtful, quietly tenacious sleuth. It’s a cosy, satisfying read that keeps you guessing right to the end, especially as suspicions shift and village secrets slowly come to light.
March 30, 2026
I really wanted to love this, but it ended up being a disappointment. The biggest issue for me was the writing style—it just didn't click. We’d be following the main character and then suddenly jump into a different person's head or start talking about someone else entirely, which got really confusing.
It also felt way too long. The first 30-40% was just "cozy" vibes without anything actually happening, and by the middle, I was skimming big chunks because I just wasn't interested anymore. Because I couldn't get into the writing, I lost focus and didn't even care much about the ending. It could have been a lot shorter and tighter.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It also felt way too long. The first 30-40% was just "cozy" vibes without anything actually happening, and by the middle, I was skimming big chunks because I just wasn't interested anymore. Because I couldn't get into the writing, I lost focus and didn't even care much about the ending. It could have been a lot shorter and tighter.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Greg Mosse again delivers a fun yet intriguing cozy mystery with “The French Market Murder.”
Bookshop owner Zoe Pascal is joining forces with Denis from the local guest house to create a book tour in the lovely French village of Sainte-Catherine, known as “the book village.” With the first group set to appear, she’s excited to open a new chapter in her business. At the market in town she also meets Virginie, a lavender farmer who finds herself exhausted but also in a potentially exciting new chapter of her life. But when a new business partner goes missing, Virginie reaches out to Zoe for help.
In the meantime, Zoe’s spunky dog Russell, a Jack Russell terrier, makes an alarming discovery right next door to the Bookshop of My Dreams, which just might bring together the book tour’s members as well as Virginie’s experience.
Once again Mosse creates a fun quirky plot filled with twists, turns and misdirections, while also creating a unique and mysterious cast of characters. He even frequently references his own past Maisie Cooper series and gives a shout out to his author wife.
He does fill “The French Market Murder” with several good themes, too, like learning to understand people and their intentions; the power and impact of curiosity; and learn to trust your feelings about people.
Fans of stories about quaint village life and cozy mysteries, and series like Ian Moore’s “Follet Valley Mysteries,” Peter Boland’s “Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries” and Dee MacDonald’s “Ally McKinley Mysteries” will love “The French Market Murder,” which is due out June 4.
Five stars out of five.
Hodder & Stoughton provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Bookshop owner Zoe Pascal is joining forces with Denis from the local guest house to create a book tour in the lovely French village of Sainte-Catherine, known as “the book village.” With the first group set to appear, she’s excited to open a new chapter in her business. At the market in town she also meets Virginie, a lavender farmer who finds herself exhausted but also in a potentially exciting new chapter of her life. But when a new business partner goes missing, Virginie reaches out to Zoe for help.
In the meantime, Zoe’s spunky dog Russell, a Jack Russell terrier, makes an alarming discovery right next door to the Bookshop of My Dreams, which just might bring together the book tour’s members as well as Virginie’s experience.
Once again Mosse creates a fun quirky plot filled with twists, turns and misdirections, while also creating a unique and mysterious cast of characters. He even frequently references his own past Maisie Cooper series and gives a shout out to his author wife.
He does fill “The French Market Murder” with several good themes, too, like learning to understand people and their intentions; the power and impact of curiosity; and learn to trust your feelings about people.
Fans of stories about quaint village life and cozy mysteries, and series like Ian Moore’s “Follet Valley Mysteries,” Peter Boland’s “Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries” and Dee MacDonald’s “Ally McKinley Mysteries” will love “The French Market Murder,” which is due out June 4.
Five stars out of five.
Hodder & Stoughton provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Netgalley Review
The writing was detailed and kept me in suspense until right near the end.
The chapters were generally long and sometimes split. I loved the Prologue and hearing the thoughts of the dog. At the beginning there were a couple of time jumps, but after that you read straight through.
Each chapter had a title which I liked. It gave a tantalising description of what you could expect to read about.
There was a slow pace to the book, brought about by the number of characters that we had to keep an eye on, the main character's thoughts on what she thought was happening (in addition to what was actually happening) and the in depth description of food. This technique fully immersed you in the characters' world and grounded the story well.
There was a good flow between the chapters. Little bits of information were gradually coming to light with each chapter, keeping me in suspense until the end. We constantly moved forward with the main character helpfully summarising what she had learnt every so often.
The characters were good. There were a lot to keep up with, but there was a handy list at the beginning to help. The number of characters gave the story a more realistic feel to it. There were a lot of suspicious characters which kept me guessing until the end.
The main character was very thorough in her investigation and sometimes wasn't sure when/if she was crossing the line. I have mixed feelings about her!
Lastly the settings. There were some lovely in depth details surrounding the characters which brought the story to life.
Overall a detailed cosy mystery.
The writing was detailed and kept me in suspense until right near the end.
The chapters were generally long and sometimes split. I loved the Prologue and hearing the thoughts of the dog. At the beginning there were a couple of time jumps, but after that you read straight through.
Each chapter had a title which I liked. It gave a tantalising description of what you could expect to read about.
There was a slow pace to the book, brought about by the number of characters that we had to keep an eye on, the main character's thoughts on what she thought was happening (in addition to what was actually happening) and the in depth description of food. This technique fully immersed you in the characters' world and grounded the story well.
There was a good flow between the chapters. Little bits of information were gradually coming to light with each chapter, keeping me in suspense until the end. We constantly moved forward with the main character helpfully summarising what she had learnt every so often.
The characters were good. There were a lot to keep up with, but there was a handy list at the beginning to help. The number of characters gave the story a more realistic feel to it. There were a lot of suspicious characters which kept me guessing until the end.
The main character was very thorough in her investigation and sometimes wasn't sure when/if she was crossing the line. I have mixed feelings about her!
Lastly the settings. There were some lovely in depth details surrounding the characters which brought the story to life.
Overall a detailed cosy mystery.
June 8, 2026
Set in the heart of Provence, The French Market Murder by Greg Mosse follows bookseller Zoe Pascal and her loyal dog, Russell, as they discover an unidentified body in an abandoned house just as the bustling May bank holiday festivities are beginning in Sainte-Catherine. I always love when a bookshop is at the heart of a story, and the gorgeous South of France setting provided a lovely backdrop for this cosy mystery. Unfortunately, those were the only elements that really worked for me.
This is the third book in the French Village Mystery series, and because it frequently references the first book, The French Bookshop Murder, I would recommend to read the previous titles first to fully understand Zoe's background and character. As a reader, I struggled with the premise, finding it unbelievable that the local police would recruit a civilian bookseller to help solve a murder case. The book also helpfully includes a cast of characters at the beginning, which I appreciated as a reference guide since there are quite a few individuals to keep track of. The narrative suffers from an unbalanced pace; the build-up feels incredibly long and weighed down by unnecessary, sometimes stereotypical details, while the actual resolution of the mystery is zipped through far too quickly. Combined with a writing style that I found difficult to keep up with, the book lacked any gripping plot twists or a compelling central mystery, leaving me feeling largely confused and lost throughout the read.
This is the third book in the French Village Mystery series, and because it frequently references the first book, The French Bookshop Murder, I would recommend to read the previous titles first to fully understand Zoe's background and character. As a reader, I struggled with the premise, finding it unbelievable that the local police would recruit a civilian bookseller to help solve a murder case. The book also helpfully includes a cast of characters at the beginning, which I appreciated as a reference guide since there are quite a few individuals to keep track of. The narrative suffers from an unbalanced pace; the build-up feels incredibly long and weighed down by unnecessary, sometimes stereotypical details, while the actual resolution of the mystery is zipped through far too quickly. Combined with a writing style that I found difficult to keep up with, the book lacked any gripping plot twists or a compelling central mystery, leaving me feeling largely confused and lost throughout the read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is another new series and author for me. I enjoy finding all these new series on Netgally! I did think I was getting the first book in a new series, so warning, it is the third book in the French Village Mystery series. The mistake was mine, and it did not interfer with my ability to enjoy this book. I liked it well enough to think I would eventually go back and read the first two. Zoe, Madame Pascal, is an English woman living in Provence, where she has purchased the town's small bookshop and settled in. Madam is a minor celebrity in Place Sainte-Catherine because of her helping in a couple of recent mysteries where she aided police. Along with her dog Jack, a Jack Russell terrier, they are enjoying life and making friends in this wonderful village. Along with her friend Denis, who, with his partner, runs a small inn, they have put together a vacation and book therapy group to promote both businesses. There are also the summer markets that bring new vendors and tourists to town. While Zoe and Denis are happy to make new friends, they are not too happy when a murder occurs locally and some of their new friends and customers may be involved. Besides an interesting mystery, I really enjoyed the whole French vibe. The sites, the markets, the food, wine, and community add a lot to the story. Thanks to #Netgally, #HodderStoughton, and the author for an opportunity to read. #TheFrenchMarketMurder #AFrenchVillageMystery #GregMosse #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was sent a copy of The French Market Murder by Greg Mosse to read and review by NetGalley. In the first instance let me say I did not finish this book. I had forgotten that I didn’t really like this author’s style of writing very much after reading The French Bookshop Murder and I found this new novel even more irritating. I almost gave up at about a third of the way through but then persevered until halfway. I just couldn’t carry on with the rather dull quite repetitive story (once told that the protagonist Zoe’s jeans were ‘stretch’ jeans I certainly didn’t need to be told that detail again!) and constantly recapping what had gone on before in her thoughts was tiresome, but finally when the author couldn’t seem to get to grips with the fact that Zoe had left her phone locked inside her building but then went on to manage to text whilst outside - and then a bit later hear her phone pinging when she was inside a different building, was just an error too far for me! I personally don’t think this author is a particularly good writer at all, though I only have these two novels to go by, and I think perhaps he should get his incredibly good writer wife, Kate Mosse, to vet his work before going to publication! I do hate not giving a positive review but I’m afraid I have to be honest and that’s all I can say.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The delightful town of Sainte-Catherine, nestled in the heart of Provence, is preparing for the May bank holiday. Zoe Pascal, who runs the bookshop, is ready for a busy weekend recommending books to tourists and locals alike. Especially as she’s starting a new venture with Denis, the guest house owner – they are creating a book tour. Zoe and her loyal companion, Russell the dog, discover a body in an abandoned house behind her bookshop. The police are quick to decide that they're investigating a murder but they're unable to identify the body.
The third outing for Zoe & I love the descriptions of the area & the more I get to know Zoe the more I like her. She’s joined by a delightful set of secondary characters, most I like but one I thoroughly dislike. The case is interesting & it wasn’t hard to work out who was murdered & why but the who had me foxed as there were quite a few suspects. There are plenty of twists & turns as well as red herrings. A very enjoyable book & I look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The third outing for Zoe & I love the descriptions of the area & the more I get to know Zoe the more I like her. She’s joined by a delightful set of secondary characters, most I like but one I thoroughly dislike. The case is interesting & it wasn’t hard to work out who was murdered & why but the who had me foxed as there were quite a few suspects. There are plenty of twists & turns as well as red herrings. A very enjoyable book & I look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
June 25, 2026
As usual in my reviews I will not rehash the plot or publisher's blurb - instead I recommend that you read this for yourself.
This is the first book in the "Zoe Pascal" series that I've read. Although it can be read as a standalone (and works rather well), I think I'd have benefitted from knowing more about some of the characters from the earlier novels. I'll now seek those earlier titles out...
I liked the main characters of Zoe, her little varmint of a dog (Russell), and Denis, but wasn't too keen on some of the others - which is a sign of good writing! The plot was well thought out, and believable - though I did guess how part of it would turn out.
I enjoyed the references to the "Maisie Cooper" series by Greg Mosse (Zoe and Maisie are half sisters), which I've read previously.
As expected, this was an enjoyable read. I really like Greg Mosse's writing style - his characters and dialogue feel realistic, and the location is spot on. Looking forward to more in this series.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
This is the first book in the "Zoe Pascal" series that I've read. Although it can be read as a standalone (and works rather well), I think I'd have benefitted from knowing more about some of the characters from the earlier novels. I'll now seek those earlier titles out...
I liked the main characters of Zoe, her little varmint of a dog (Russell), and Denis, but wasn't too keen on some of the others - which is a sign of good writing! The plot was well thought out, and believable - though I did guess how part of it would turn out.
I enjoyed the references to the "Maisie Cooper" series by Greg Mosse (Zoe and Maisie are half sisters), which I've read previously.
As expected, this was an enjoyable read. I really like Greg Mosse's writing style - his characters and dialogue feel realistic, and the location is spot on. Looking forward to more in this series.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Zoe is a bookseller in a small village in France and is preparing for a busy market weekend when a body is discovered behind her bookshop. Suddenly, Zoe finds herself pulled into uncovering the truth while trying to keep life moving in her charming little corner of Provence.
This was such an enjoyable cozy mystery. The delightful secondary characters and the charming French village setting made me want to stay awhile. There were enough red herrings and twists woven through the story to keep me turning pages and second-guessing who was responsible.
And in my opinion… Zoe’s dog Russell is the real star of the book He completely stole the show for me and added so much warmth and personality to the story.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with small-town charm, memorable characters, and a touch of France, this one is worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the chance to read this story and give my opinion
This was such an enjoyable cozy mystery. The delightful secondary characters and the charming French village setting made me want to stay awhile. There were enough red herrings and twists woven through the story to keep me turning pages and second-guessing who was responsible.
And in my opinion… Zoe’s dog Russell is the real star of the book He completely stole the show for me and added so much warmth and personality to the story.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with small-town charm, memorable characters, and a touch of France, this one is worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the chance to read this story and give my opinion
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the third book in Greg Mosse's series set around a bookshop in a small town in Provence. I think I liked this the most of the three in terms of writing style and the regular characters but I found the solution to the mystery pretty predictable - I figured out most of it pretty quickly after the body was found, which actually happened quite late on for a murder mystery. But I do really like the setting and set up for this and would happily read more, and every time I read one I think that I should go and read his other series which features a much younger Zoe as a side character to the main sleuth, although without reading them it's hard to tell how prominent she is but they get plenty of references in these! I really do fancy a holiday to Provence now though...
****Copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.******
****Copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.******
July 3, 2026
Zoe Pascal is now comfortably ensconced in the small french town of Sainte Catherine, her bookshop is providing a living and she has made friends. Joining up with the local B&B to offer reading retreats, she finds the first group an intriguing mix, and she is latched onto by a lonely woman with issues. However when Russell the dog finds a dead body in the adjoining house, Zoe is thrust back into a murder case.
There's a lot to love about Mosse's cosy crime series. the setting is wonderfully imagined and then there is an interesting set of local characters who are developing nicely in this third instalment. However I did find this book very slow for the first half as the scene was set (and then repeated several times). The plot was clear from the start, no surprise twists etc, but as an undemanding read it is good.
There's a lot to love about Mosse's cosy crime series. the setting is wonderfully imagined and then there is an interesting set of local characters who are developing nicely in this third instalment. However I did find this book very slow for the first half as the scene was set (and then repeated several times). The plot was clear from the start, no surprise twists etc, but as an undemanding read it is good.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the third book in the French Village Mystery series and as enjoyable as the previous books. Zoe finds herself wrapped up in a mystery and a murder when she befriends a woman selling lavender products who has gotten entangled in a scam. Zoe also offers bibliotherapy to a group staying at Denis' inn and while they seem friendly there is something off about some of them.
I like this series. Zoe is likeable and level headed. The pacing of the story is good and the descriptions of the village make you want to move to France and open a bookshop. I like the occasional phrases that are in French and appreciate the author translating them for the reader. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC
I like this series. Zoe is likeable and level headed. The pacing of the story is good and the descriptions of the village make you want to move to France and open a bookshop. I like the occasional phrases that are in French and appreciate the author translating them for the reader. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC
June 4, 2026
Many thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the opprotunity to read this book.
Zoe is getting ready for the summer season and a new book group idea. The first group have arrived but soon there is a crime afoot. Just what is going on and is Zoe ready to play detective again,
This is book 3 in the series. I haven't read book two but the first one was very good so I had a feeling I would enjoy this too and I wasn't wrong. The setting is beauutiful and all the characters are lively and fun. I still love Russel and his sneaky ways. The plot was clever and quite relevant to current day. The ending was good and finished the story off well. I like how all loose ends were covered. Plus all the mention of books is always a bonus. A fun, mystery.
Zoe is getting ready for the summer season and a new book group idea. The first group have arrived but soon there is a crime afoot. Just what is going on and is Zoe ready to play detective again,
This is book 3 in the series. I haven't read book two but the first one was very good so I had a feeling I would enjoy this too and I wasn't wrong. The setting is beauutiful and all the characters are lively and fun. I still love Russel and his sneaky ways. The plot was clever and quite relevant to current day. The ending was good and finished the story off well. I like how all loose ends were covered. Plus all the mention of books is always a bonus. A fun, mystery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first book in the series, it still had its charms. The setting and characters were entertaining and remained the main highlight of the story for me.
However, the pacing felt quite slow at times, with a lot of detail that didn’t always seem necessary. Unfortunately, the mystery itself was also fairly predictable, which was disappointing even for a cosy mystery.
I also noticed an obvious continuity error involving a phone that seemed to appear, disappear and then reappear. Hopefully this will be corrected before the publication date as I read an advance copy.
However, the pacing felt quite slow at times, with a lot of detail that didn’t always seem necessary. Unfortunately, the mystery itself was also fairly predictable, which was disappointing even for a cosy mystery.
I also noticed an obvious continuity error involving a phone that seemed to appear, disappear and then reappear. Hopefully this will be corrected before the publication date as I read an advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A charming mystery set in a French village. Greg Moses brought the village to life with its market days and wholesome events.
Full of suspicious and quirky characters, the author was able to fully flesh out the potential motives and suspects. I was really grabbed by the opening from the dog’s point of view, but there were definitely areas of the book that felt slow, particularly getting to the crime.
Overall a fun read with great characters, motive and setting. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Hodder&Stoughton for an ARC
Full of suspicious and quirky characters, the author was able to fully flesh out the potential motives and suspects. I was really grabbed by the opening from the dog’s point of view, but there were definitely areas of the book that felt slow, particularly getting to the crime.
Overall a fun read with great characters, motive and setting. Thank you to #NetGalley and #Hodder&Stoughton for an ARC
June 4, 2026
After a bustling market weekend, bookseller Zoe and her dog discover a body in an abandoned house behind her shop. Drawn into the investigation, Zoe must uncover the victim’s identity—and the killer hiding within her charming village.
Unlike most murder mysteries, the crime in this novel isn’t discovered until well into the story. So, part of the suspense is in discovering who was killed and when. The characters are interesting and the plot full of intrigue.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Unlike most murder mysteries, the crime in this novel isn’t discovered until well into the story. So, part of the suspense is in discovering who was killed and when. The characters are interesting and the plot full of intrigue.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was the first book I have read in this series and I am hooked! I’m a Francophile and this book really hit all the marks for me. Cozy, check. Solid Mystery, check. A likable protagonist, check. Cute pup, check. Red herrings, twist and turns, check.
With a solid whodunit and feeling like I was in the village at times, I was completely checked in and loving this read. I’ll be back for more in this quaint and cozy series.
With a solid whodunit and feeling like I was in the village at times, I was completely checked in and loving this read. I’ll be back for more in this quaint and cozy series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Love a good cozy mystery. This book helped me feel like my French classes may not have been as forgotten as they seemed and gave me hope that I may not be too far removed from picking it back up again. My thoughts wandered to wanting more stories with these characters, perhaps several of them vacation together and Zoe happens upon more mysteries to solve. Don’t forget about little Russell though, he was the heart of the story!! Highly recommend!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the second of this series I have read in advance of publication, care of NetGalley. While I like the characters and the way Greg Mosse portrays them and provides their back and current stories, I enjoyed this book less than the Book Shop Murder. I found Zoe's interference in the case annoying, though enjoyed reading her thoughts. The story though, and the way that the group at the centre of this story were brought together was rather far fetched. I don't think I'd rush to read another.
July 28, 2026
A rather average murder mystery with a plot that seemed somewhat far fetched and drawn out and it had a lot of multi pov's that did make it hard to follow the mystery as a whole.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an arc.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Third in the series, these charming mysteries are set in a small town in France where an outgoing bookseller cannot help stumbling into dead bodies.
July 15, 2026
As advertised, Sometimes you need a cozy mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The French Market Murder is a sun‑drenched delight with a sly, simmering edge — the kind of cosy mystery that lulls you with lavender-scented charm before slipping something far darker beneath the surface. Sainte‑Catherine feels wonderfully alive here: the bustle of the May market, the clink of wine bottles, the swirl of pastries and soap and second‑hand books. It’s a setting so vivid you can almost hear the chatter drifting across the cobbles.
Zoe Pascal remains an utterly endearing guide through it all. There’s something quietly compelling about the way she balances bookshop life with an instinctive curiosity she can’t quite switch off. When she and Russell stumble upon a body in the abandoned house behind her shop, the shift from festive anticipation to creeping unease is beautifully handled — subtle, believable, and tinged with that delicious “oh no, here we go again” energy that makes this series so comforting.
The mystery itself is neatly layered. An unidentified victim, a village full of familiar faces suddenly cast in a new light, and a police force that knows Zoe’s talents well enough to rope her in. The author plays with the contrast between the market’s cheerful chaos and the secrets threading quietly through Sainte‑Catherine, giving the story a lovely tension without ever losing its warmth.
What makes it sing is the balance: the gentle humour, the affection for the community, the soft companionship of Russell trotting at Zoe’s heels, all woven around a plot that keeps you guessing just long enough. It’s cosy without being twee, atmospheric without slowing the pace, and full of that Provençal charm that makes you want to linger in every chapter.
A charming, clever addition to the French Village Mystery series — perfect for readers who love their whodunits served with sunshine, good food, and a heroine you can’t help rooting for.
With thanks to Greg Mosse, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Zoe Pascal remains an utterly endearing guide through it all. There’s something quietly compelling about the way she balances bookshop life with an instinctive curiosity she can’t quite switch off. When she and Russell stumble upon a body in the abandoned house behind her shop, the shift from festive anticipation to creeping unease is beautifully handled — subtle, believable, and tinged with that delicious “oh no, here we go again” energy that makes this series so comforting.
The mystery itself is neatly layered. An unidentified victim, a village full of familiar faces suddenly cast in a new light, and a police force that knows Zoe’s talents well enough to rope her in. The author plays with the contrast between the market’s cheerful chaos and the secrets threading quietly through Sainte‑Catherine, giving the story a lovely tension without ever losing its warmth.
What makes it sing is the balance: the gentle humour, the affection for the community, the soft companionship of Russell trotting at Zoe’s heels, all woven around a plot that keeps you guessing just long enough. It’s cosy without being twee, atmospheric without slowing the pace, and full of that Provençal charm that makes you want to linger in every chapter.
A charming, clever addition to the French Village Mystery series — perfect for readers who love their whodunits served with sunshine, good food, and a heroine you can’t help rooting for.
With thanks to Greg Mosse, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
July 24, 2026
Zoe Pascal,a bookshop owner, and her friend Denis, who owns an inn, have decided to put together a vacation and book group to help promote their businesses. This will help bring new tourists to their town. But when a murder happens locally, it may set back their businesses if one of their tourists is involved in the murder.
The town of Sainte-Catherine sounds delicious and cozy. I enjoyed reading about the town, the shops, the food and the friendly people. My favorite was Jack, Zoe's dog. that had a few thoughts of its own. He was so charming and had a great personality. The whole French Vibe was very enjoyable and the murder mystery was icing on the cake!
Thank you Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
The town of Sainte-Catherine sounds delicious and cozy. I enjoyed reading about the town, the shops, the food and the friendly people. My favorite was Jack, Zoe's dog. that had a few thoughts of its own. He was so charming and had a great personality. The whole French Vibe was very enjoyable and the murder mystery was icing on the cake!
Thank you Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
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