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Flora Steele Mystery #7
Morderstwo w podróży
Właścicielka księgarni Flora Steele i przystojny pisarz Jack Carrington wyruszają na urokliwą francuską prowincję... A przy okazji rozwiązują mrożącą krew w żyłach zagadkę.
Jack otrzymuje telefon od matki, z którą od dawna nie utrzymywał kontaktu. Sybil prosi go, aby rzucił wszystko i przyjechał do Francji. Wraz z Florą pakują walizki, marząc o pachnących polach lawendy i świeżo upieczonych croissantach. Dopiero po przyjeździe odkrywają szokującą prawdę – przyjaciółka Sybil została zamordowana, a ona sama desperacko potrzebuje pomocy.
Trop prowadzi do malowniczej wioski na południu Francji. Jednak nawet błękit nieba i cudowne widoki nie przysłonią tego, że w okolicy nie jest bezpiecznie. Tajemnica staje się jeszcze bardziej mroczna, gdy Flora odkrywa, kto był właściwym celem ataku...
Podejrzenia kierują się w stronę hrabiego Massima Falconiego, bliskiego przyjaciela Sybil. Jego ukochana córka Allegra, bezwzględny partner biznesowy Pascal i zaborcza była żona mają powody, by pragnąć zemsty...
Czy Flora odkryje prawdę i uratuje matkę Jacka? A może kłopoty w raju oznaczają coś znacznie gorszego dla duetu detektywów?
Jack otrzymuje telefon od matki, z którą od dawna nie utrzymywał kontaktu. Sybil prosi go, aby rzucił wszystko i przyjechał do Francji. Wraz z Florą pakują walizki, marząc o pachnących polach lawendy i świeżo upieczonych croissantach. Dopiero po przyjeździe odkrywają szokującą prawdę – przyjaciółka Sybil została zamordowana, a ona sama desperacko potrzebuje pomocy.
Trop prowadzi do malowniczej wioski na południu Francji. Jednak nawet błękit nieba i cudowne widoki nie przysłonią tego, że w okolicy nie jest bezpiecznie. Tajemnica staje się jeszcze bardziej mroczna, gdy Flora odkrywa, kto był właściwym celem ataku...
Podejrzenia kierują się w stronę hrabiego Massima Falconiego, bliskiego przyjaciela Sybil. Jego ukochana córka Allegra, bezwzględny partner biznesowy Pascal i zaborcza była żona mają powody, by pragnąć zemsty...
Czy Flora odkryje prawdę i uratuje matkę Jacka? A może kłopoty w raju oznaczają coś znacznie gorszego dla duetu detektywów?
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2023
1169 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Merryn Allingham
42 books322 followersI was born into an army family and spent my childhood moving around the UK and abroad. Unsurprisingly it gave me itchy feet and in my twenties I escaped an unloved secretarial career to work as cabin crew and see the world.
I still love to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where I've lived ever since. It also gave me the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.
I've written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.
My latest novel, A Tale of Two Sisters, is set in Constantinople at the turn of the 20th century when rebellion within the Ottoman Empire is growing ever louder. Against this background the novel traces the fate of two sisters, Alice and Lydia Verinder, and explores themes of family, love and loss.
I still love to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where I've lived ever since. It also gave me the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.
I've written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.
My latest novel, A Tale of Two Sisters, is set in Constantinople at the turn of the 20th century when rebellion within the Ottoman Empire is growing ever louder. Against this background the novel traces the fate of two sisters, Alice and Lydia Verinder, and explores themes of family, love and loss.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
October 24, 2023
When writer, Jack Carrington, received a phone call from his estranged mother he was shocked. It was seven years since they'd spoken, yet Sybil expected Jack to drop everything in Abbeymead and head for Paris. With fellow sleuth and good friend Flora Steele by his side, they arrived in Paris, worn out but happy to be there. Flora had never been to Paris so she was in awe at everything she was seeing. But when Sybil told Jack of the death of her friend, when the car had deliberately driven toward them on the streets of Paris, he wondered if it was an accident and his mother was fantasizing as she was wont to do. Then, as Flora and Jack headed to the small village of Vaison, to meet up with his mother and Italian Count Massimo Falconi, whom Sybil had plans to marry, it soon became apparent that there was definitely something wrong, and that perhaps his mother hadn't imagined it all...
Staying in the chateau was an experience in itself, but both Jack and Flora were uncomfortable in the tensions that were flowing between the residents. Moving into an hotel seemed sensible, but when Flora was attacked and in danger not once, but twice, their move was immediate. Finding out who was the culprit for all the misdeeds was proving difficult, but Flora and Jack had their suspicions. Would they be right? And could they stop the perpetrator before anyone else lost their life?
Murder in a French Village is the 7th in the Flora Steele Mystery series by Merryn Allingham and once again, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Flora and Jack make a good team, and with the setting in a completely different place, it was fresh and new. I'm looking forward to #8 very much. Highly recommended - but my advice: read from #1 to get full benefit of the series.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Staying in the chateau was an experience in itself, but both Jack and Flora were uncomfortable in the tensions that were flowing between the residents. Moving into an hotel seemed sensible, but when Flora was attacked and in danger not once, but twice, their move was immediate. Finding out who was the culprit for all the misdeeds was proving difficult, but Flora and Jack had their suspicions. Would they be right? And could they stop the perpetrator before anyone else lost their life?
Murder in a French Village is the 7th in the Flora Steele Mystery series by Merryn Allingham and once again, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Flora and Jack make a good team, and with the setting in a completely different place, it was fresh and new. I'm looking forward to #8 very much. Highly recommended - but my advice: read from #1 to get full benefit of the series.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2023
The seventh book in the Flora Steele series. I have read and enjoyed all of them.
Murder in a French Village begins with Jack Carrington receiving a surprise call from his estranged mother demanding that he drops everything and comes to Paris because she is in fear for her life. This sends Flora and Jack rushing across the Channel where Flora will be visiting Paris for the first time. When they arrive not one but two murders put them into super sleuthing mode.
Nicely written as always, and with two charming characters and a deepening relationship, there's lots to look forward to in the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Murder in a French Village begins with Jack Carrington receiving a surprise call from his estranged mother demanding that he drops everything and comes to Paris because she is in fear for her life. This sends Flora and Jack rushing across the Channel where Flora will be visiting Paris for the first time. When they arrive not one but two murders put them into super sleuthing mode.
Nicely written as always, and with two charming characters and a deepening relationship, there's lots to look forward to in the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 31, 2023
4 Stars
One Liner: A little slow but entertaining
Jack’s mother calls him in the middle of the night, demanding that he travel immediately to Paris and help her. Jack obliges despite being estranged from his parent. Flora decides to accompany him. After all, she needs to find out about the supposed latest discovery of her late parents.
The duo spends time in Paris and Provence, trying to find out if Jack’s mother, Sybil, is really being targeted. Is her lover’s family a threat to her life? Soon, they realize that the list of suspects is growing, but there are hardly any solid leads to follow. With Jack and Flora also under threat, the amateur sleuthing couple has to work fast and smart to uncover the truth.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Flora and Jack.
My Thoughts
Despite being the seventh book in the series, this one can be read as a standalone. However, you will enjoy it more if you read at least the previous book or two.
The setting, especially Provence, is vivid and beautiful to read. We get a majority of the descriptions from Flora’s POV. It helps that this is her first visit to the country. The narration has a sense of awe and makes it a delightful read.
Sybil is quite a character. She’s annoying and infuriating; someone we would love to hate. Luckily, Jack and Flora know how to deal with her tantrums (which is to let her go on until she’ll shut up).
The other characters, aka suspects, also have definite personalities, some bordering on stereotypes. Still, this is a cozy mystery, so it works well for the plot.
The pacing is slow due to the focus on the setting, but I don’t mind it much. Reading about new destinations is always fun, and the duo is a favorite of mine. We also see progress in their personal lives (Flora’s backstory feels anticlimactic, though I suspect it’s a deliberate choice and necessary).
The mystery has multiple elements, though if you pay attention, it is easy to identify the actual culprit. Most questions get answered by the end, while a couple of them are left to guess (even for the main characters). The reveal comes in two stages, followed by a nice rounded ending. I’m also sure we have two leads for the next book.
To summarize, Murder in a French Village is slower but never boring. It combines mystery, emotions, and introspection to deliver an enjoyable read. The book is a solid addition to the series, and I can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MurderinaFrenchVillage
One Liner: A little slow but entertaining
Jack’s mother calls him in the middle of the night, demanding that he travel immediately to Paris and help her. Jack obliges despite being estranged from his parent. Flora decides to accompany him. After all, she needs to find out about the supposed latest discovery of her late parents.
The duo spends time in Paris and Provence, trying to find out if Jack’s mother, Sybil, is really being targeted. Is her lover’s family a threat to her life? Soon, they realize that the list of suspects is growing, but there are hardly any solid leads to follow. With Jack and Flora also under threat, the amateur sleuthing couple has to work fast and smart to uncover the truth.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Flora and Jack.
My Thoughts
Despite being the seventh book in the series, this one can be read as a standalone. However, you will enjoy it more if you read at least the previous book or two.
The setting, especially Provence, is vivid and beautiful to read. We get a majority of the descriptions from Flora’s POV. It helps that this is her first visit to the country. The narration has a sense of awe and makes it a delightful read.
Sybil is quite a character. She’s annoying and infuriating; someone we would love to hate. Luckily, Jack and Flora know how to deal with her tantrums (which is to let her go on until she’ll shut up).
The other characters, aka suspects, also have definite personalities, some bordering on stereotypes. Still, this is a cozy mystery, so it works well for the plot.
The pacing is slow due to the focus on the setting, but I don’t mind it much. Reading about new destinations is always fun, and the duo is a favorite of mine. We also see progress in their personal lives (Flora’s backstory feels anticlimactic, though I suspect it’s a deliberate choice and necessary).
The mystery has multiple elements, though if you pay attention, it is easy to identify the actual culprit. Most questions get answered by the end, while a couple of them are left to guess (even for the main characters). The reveal comes in two stages, followed by a nice rounded ending. I’m also sure we have two leads for the next book.
To summarize, Murder in a French Village is slower but never boring. It combines mystery, emotions, and introspection to deliver an enjoyable read. The book is a solid addition to the series, and I can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MurderinaFrenchVillage
October 30, 2023
My thanks to Bookouture for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Bookshop owner Flora Steele and mystery writer Jack Carrington, partners in crime solving (and perhaps, life?) are back for their seventh outing which takes them away from their Sussex village of Abbeymead—across the Channel to France. Set in the 1950s the series began when the reclusive Jack Carrington visited Flora’s shop, the Alls-Well, to pick up a book (instead of sending his errand boy as he usually did), only to find a body. The two get investigating and haven’t stopped since, some of their adventures involving travel but so far within the country. Their relationship on the other has proceeded slowly over the series, as while they do like each other, previous bad experiences in love have left them hesitant and cautious. Alongside, we also follow developments in Abbeymead with the stories of its different residents and the village itself.
In Murder in a French Village (2023), Jack gets a phone call from his (estranged) mother, Sybil, now living in France with an Italian count, Masimo Falconi, whom she hopes to marry. She has been the target of a road accident in Paris, which left her friend dead and herself injured. The ‘accident’ she suspects was deliberate, and herself the likely target for the count’s family—his ex-wife and daughters are unhappy with their relationship and want her out. Meanwhile, Flora, as we know from previous instalments has been wanting to go to France as well, as her former boyfriend, Richard Frant had suddenly contacted her saying he’d found her parents’ graves there. Flora is shocked at this revelation as she’d been led to believe they were in a Highgate cemetery (she’d never visited) after they died in a car crash when she was a child. Jack sees this as a chance to solve this ‘mystery’ too and invites her to join him, and she agrees.
They arrive in Paris to pick up a few clues, though Jack is not entirely convinced his high-strung mother isn’t imagining things. The two then travel to the small village of Vaison-la-Romaine where Falconi owns a Chateau and vineyard. Soon various small (and not to small) incidents start to occur, justifying Sybil’s suspicions, and Jack and Flora must get to the bottom of things if Sybil (and indeed themselves) are to escape unscathed. Coincidentally this is also the village where Flora’s parents are buried but she must overcome her fears and hesitation to learn their story.
The Flora Steele mysteries are one of the few series that I’ve been following right from the start and have enjoyed all through. They are cosies and may not be perfect in every aspect but the characters are likeable and the mysteries and settings (whether Abbeymead itself or when they travel) fun. This was the case with this instalment too, and I had a great time reading the book.
We get a lovely trip to the French countryside (also a brief stop in Paris) and a vineyard tour, even learning how the wine is produced, bottled, aged and such which was interesting, and also a sense of the beautiful landscape and village life (including a trip to a weekly village market). While we are entirely away from Abbeymead for this mystery, Flora does call back (mostly her friend Alice) to check on her shop and Jack his friend Inspector Ridley for help when they need it, so one feels in touch with them as well and abreast of developments in the village there even if nothing much happens.
The mystery here throws up numerous suspects—from Count Falconi’s venomous ex-wife, Isbella to his daughters Allegra and Clio, and even others working on the vineyard (truly, a pit of snakes as Flora terms it)—which of them it is, or whether it is more than one working together we only find out at the end. Although everything is explained at the end, despite the outcome/denouement I somehow expected another twist in the tale which sadly didn’t come. Still, it was a good mystery even if a tad less satisfying than I’d have liked. I also liked that Flora’s parents’ story doesn’t turn into a full-fledged mystery and is resolved in a gentle way.
On the personal front, there are developments in Flora and Jack’s life (I won’t say what) but they were good to see and perhaps a hint to what the next book would be set around. Certainly looking forward to it, and I’m sure it won’t be long coming as Allingham does write these at lightning speed, it would seem.
Bookshop owner Flora Steele and mystery writer Jack Carrington, partners in crime solving (and perhaps, life?) are back for their seventh outing which takes them away from their Sussex village of Abbeymead—across the Channel to France. Set in the 1950s the series began when the reclusive Jack Carrington visited Flora’s shop, the Alls-Well, to pick up a book (instead of sending his errand boy as he usually did), only to find a body. The two get investigating and haven’t stopped since, some of their adventures involving travel but so far within the country. Their relationship on the other has proceeded slowly over the series, as while they do like each other, previous bad experiences in love have left them hesitant and cautious. Alongside, we also follow developments in Abbeymead with the stories of its different residents and the village itself.
In Murder in a French Village (2023), Jack gets a phone call from his (estranged) mother, Sybil, now living in France with an Italian count, Masimo Falconi, whom she hopes to marry. She has been the target of a road accident in Paris, which left her friend dead and herself injured. The ‘accident’ she suspects was deliberate, and herself the likely target for the count’s family—his ex-wife and daughters are unhappy with their relationship and want her out. Meanwhile, Flora, as we know from previous instalments has been wanting to go to France as well, as her former boyfriend, Richard Frant had suddenly contacted her saying he’d found her parents’ graves there. Flora is shocked at this revelation as she’d been led to believe they were in a Highgate cemetery (she’d never visited) after they died in a car crash when she was a child. Jack sees this as a chance to solve this ‘mystery’ too and invites her to join him, and she agrees.
They arrive in Paris to pick up a few clues, though Jack is not entirely convinced his high-strung mother isn’t imagining things. The two then travel to the small village of Vaison-la-Romaine where Falconi owns a Chateau and vineyard. Soon various small (and not to small) incidents start to occur, justifying Sybil’s suspicions, and Jack and Flora must get to the bottom of things if Sybil (and indeed themselves) are to escape unscathed. Coincidentally this is also the village where Flora’s parents are buried but she must overcome her fears and hesitation to learn their story.
The Flora Steele mysteries are one of the few series that I’ve been following right from the start and have enjoyed all through. They are cosies and may not be perfect in every aspect but the characters are likeable and the mysteries and settings (whether Abbeymead itself or when they travel) fun. This was the case with this instalment too, and I had a great time reading the book.
We get a lovely trip to the French countryside (also a brief stop in Paris) and a vineyard tour, even learning how the wine is produced, bottled, aged and such which was interesting, and also a sense of the beautiful landscape and village life (including a trip to a weekly village market). While we are entirely away from Abbeymead for this mystery, Flora does call back (mostly her friend Alice) to check on her shop and Jack his friend Inspector Ridley for help when they need it, so one feels in touch with them as well and abreast of developments in the village there even if nothing much happens.
The mystery here throws up numerous suspects—from Count Falconi’s venomous ex-wife, Isbella to his daughters Allegra and Clio, and even others working on the vineyard (truly, a pit of snakes as Flora terms it)—which of them it is, or whether it is more than one working together we only find out at the end. Although everything is explained at the end, despite the outcome/denouement I somehow expected another twist in the tale which sadly didn’t come. Still, it was a good mystery even if a tad less satisfying than I’d have liked. I also liked that Flora’s parents’ story doesn’t turn into a full-fledged mystery and is resolved in a gentle way.
On the personal front, there are developments in Flora and Jack’s life (I won’t say what) but they were good to see and perhaps a hint to what the next book would be set around. Certainly looking forward to it, and I’m sure it won’t be long coming as Allingham does write these at lightning speed, it would seem.
February 27, 2026
Kolejna przyjemna książka z tej serii, tym razem mamy zmianę scenerii, bo bohaterowie rozwiązują zagadkę we Francji. Myślę, że to dobre posunięcie, w końcu ile może być morderstw w jakimś jednym małym miasteczku. Flora & Jack, naraszcie robimy jakieś postępy. ❤️ Ale ile jeszcze razy ktoś będzie próbował was zabić? 4⭐
February 13, 2026
Uwielbiam tę serię i wreszcie dostajemy rozwinięcie relacji głównych bohaterów, co też jest super.
February 16, 2026
Na tę część cyklu najbardziej czekałam ze względu na wymarzoną podróż Flory. Nie mogłam się też doczekać, czy w jej relacji z Jackiem wydarzy się coś przełomowego. Choć po drodze nie zabrakło trupów, całość miała dokładnie ten ciepły i wciągający klimat, na który liczyłam.
February 21, 2026
To już siódma część serii, która jest dla mnie świetną chwilą wytchnienia od codzienności. Lekki styl pisania, ciekawe wątki kryminalne i opisy Prowansji, czyli głowni bohaterowie tym razem opuszczają małe miasteczko i udają się do Francji.
"Morderstwo w podróży" skupia się wokół pięknej winnicy, uroczych francuskich miasteczek i Paryża, dlatego klimatu odmówić jej nie można. Bohaterowie jak zwykle muszą zmierzyć się z wieloma wyzwaniami a autorka ich nie oszczędza. Wyjaśnienie wszystkich wątków przypadło mi do gustu, pasuje idealnie do tej historii.
Jeśli szukacie lekkiego kryminału, takiego swojskiego, obyczajowego, to polecam tę serię. Każdy tom to dla mnie świetna rozrywka a okładka tej części jest moim zdaniem jedną z lepszych.
"Morderstwo w podróży" skupia się wokół pięknej winnicy, uroczych francuskich miasteczek i Paryża, dlatego klimatu odmówić jej nie można. Bohaterowie jak zwykle muszą zmierzyć się z wieloma wyzwaniami a autorka ich nie oszczędza. Wyjaśnienie wszystkich wątków przypadło mi do gustu, pasuje idealnie do tej historii.
Jeśli szukacie lekkiego kryminału, takiego swojskiego, obyczajowego, to polecam tę serię. Każdy tom to dla mnie świetna rozrywka a okładka tej części jest moim zdaniem jedną z lepszych.
November 6, 2023
Wow, we're going to France. Not just France but, be still my heart, Paris. Of course, with Flora and Jack involved, not to mention his downright not-at-all-maternal mother, Sybil, you know something unexpected is going to happen. Seems she fears her life is in danger and has called Jack to come figure it all out so she can marry her rich Count and live happily-ever-after. Or something like that. We also take a deeper dive than usual into the fate of Flora's parents and what finally learning the truth may mean for her future, including the one with Jack. In the process, we'll not only visit some gorgeous countryside, experience life with servants, be reminded of the annoyance of being unable to simply pull a cell phone out of our pockets to make a call, get a glimpse of how grapes are harvested and prepared, and take in some of the historic sites. And, oh, yeah, solve a murder while surrounded by one almost creepily family. Plus, oh, yeah, I forgot. Try a ferry ride between England and France. Let's just say Flora is not cut out to be a sailor and leave it at that.
Oddly enough, I've always felt myself more drawn to Jack than Flora. This time, however, we get to find out what has stopped Flora from being able to commit to Jack. In the meantime, despite his mixed feelings about his mother, Jack proves a good son and is doing his best, with Flora's help, to figure out, first, if his mother really was the target of a hit-and-run death, and, two, if so, who is behind it. That's where we meet Count Massimo Falconi and his extended family. A family that also seems to include a very vocal, hostile ex-wife who still claims to still be THE wife. Accidents keep happening. Suspect numbers actually increase rather than decrease much to Jack and Flora's dismay. Not only is Sybil a target, but both Jack and Flora find themselves as targets, too. Even the Count meets with an accident. His family is....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. No one seems safe. Things seem off-kilter.
Although I wasn't as immediately taken with this update to Jack and Flora's lives as previous installments -- the pace seemed unusually slow -- there is much to like here. First, of course, Paris. The setting sounds absolutely gorgeous and the author is wonderful at creating mental images that put you right there. The side story involving Flora's own quest to finally find out the truth about her parent's death is tinged both with sadness and hope. Her brief encounter with a former romantic partner is both worrisome and revealing to Jack. They are still working on building their own relationship and this trip, despite the danger, offers up not just glimpses of what makes Flora in particular, well, Flora, but I guarantee that regular readers will love the hopeful ending. While it works as a standalone, regular readers will probably grasp more of the meaning behind various words and actions than someone new to the book. That shouldn't stop anyone from reading, however. It just means you'll have some catch-up reading to do. Grin.
Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for letting me catch up with Jack and Flora in, wow, France. I loved how the author worked in info on what was going on back in Abbeymead, not to mention how she teased us with possibilities to come. Love this series.
Merged review:
Wow, we're going to France. Not just France but, be still my heart, Paris. Of course, with Flora and Jack involved, not to mention his downright not-at-all-maternal mother, Sybil, ou know something unexpected is going to happen. Seems she fears her life is in danger and has called Jack to come figure it all out so she can marry her rich Count and live happily-ever-after. Or something like that. We also take a deeper dive than usual into the fate of Flora's parents and what finally learning the truth may mean for her future, including the one with Jack. In the process, we'll not only visit some gorgeous countryside, experience life with servants, be reminded of the annoyance of being unable to simply pull a cell phone out of our pockets to make a call, get a glimpse of how grapes are harvested and prepared, and take in some of the historic sites. And, oh, yeah, solve a murder while surrounded by one almost creepily family. Plus, oh, yeah, I forgot. Try a ferry ride between England and France. Let's just say Flora is not cut out to be a sailor and leave it at that.
Oddly enough, I've always felt myself more drawn to Jack than Flora. This time, however, we get to find out what has stopped Flora from being able to commit to Jack. In the meantime, despite his mixed feelings about his mother, Jack proves a good son and is doing his best, with Flora's help, to figure out, first, if his mother really was the target of a hit-and-run death, and, two, if so, who is behind it. That's where we meet Count Massimo Falconi and his extended family. A family that also seems to include a very vocal, hostile ex-wife who still claims to still be THE wife. Accidents keep happening. Suspect numbers actually increase rather than decrease much to Jack and Flora's dismay. Not only is Sybil a target, but both Jack and Flora find themselves as targets, too. Even the Count meets with an accident. His family is....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. No one seems safe. Things seem off-kilter.
Although I wasn't as immediately taken with this update to Jack and Flora's lives as previous installments -- the pace seemed unusually slow -- there is much to like here. First, of course, Paris. The setting sounds absolutely gorgeous and the author is wonderful at creating mental images that put you right there. The side story involving Flora's own quest to finally find out the truth about her parent's death is tinged both with sadness and hope. Her brief encounter with a former romantic partner is both worrisome and revealing to Jack. They are still working on building their own relationship and this trip, despite the danger, offers up not just glimpses of what makes Flora in particular, well, Flora, but I guarantee that regular readers will love the hopeful ending. While it works as a standalone, regular readers will probably grasp more of the meaning behind various words and actions than someone new to the book. That shouldn't stop anyone from reading, however. It just means you'll have some catch-up reading to do. Grin.
Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for letting me catch up with Jack and Flora in, wow, France. I loved how the author worked in info on what was going on back in Abbeymead, not to mention how she teased us with possibilities to come. Love this series.
Oddly enough, I've always felt myself more drawn to Jack than Flora. This time, however, we get to find out what has stopped Flora from being able to commit to Jack. In the meantime, despite his mixed feelings about his mother, Jack proves a good son and is doing his best, with Flora's help, to figure out, first, if his mother really was the target of a hit-and-run death, and, two, if so, who is behind it. That's where we meet Count Massimo Falconi and his extended family. A family that also seems to include a very vocal, hostile ex-wife who still claims to still be THE wife. Accidents keep happening. Suspect numbers actually increase rather than decrease much to Jack and Flora's dismay. Not only is Sybil a target, but both Jack and Flora find themselves as targets, too. Even the Count meets with an accident. His family is....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. No one seems safe. Things seem off-kilter.
Although I wasn't as immediately taken with this update to Jack and Flora's lives as previous installments -- the pace seemed unusually slow -- there is much to like here. First, of course, Paris. The setting sounds absolutely gorgeous and the author is wonderful at creating mental images that put you right there. The side story involving Flora's own quest to finally find out the truth about her parent's death is tinged both with sadness and hope. Her brief encounter with a former romantic partner is both worrisome and revealing to Jack. They are still working on building their own relationship and this trip, despite the danger, offers up not just glimpses of what makes Flora in particular, well, Flora, but I guarantee that regular readers will love the hopeful ending. While it works as a standalone, regular readers will probably grasp more of the meaning behind various words and actions than someone new to the book. That shouldn't stop anyone from reading, however. It just means you'll have some catch-up reading to do. Grin.
Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for letting me catch up with Jack and Flora in, wow, France. I loved how the author worked in info on what was going on back in Abbeymead, not to mention how she teased us with possibilities to come. Love this series.
Merged review:
Wow, we're going to France. Not just France but, be still my heart, Paris. Of course, with Flora and Jack involved, not to mention his downright not-at-all-maternal mother, Sybil, ou know something unexpected is going to happen. Seems she fears her life is in danger and has called Jack to come figure it all out so she can marry her rich Count and live happily-ever-after. Or something like that. We also take a deeper dive than usual into the fate of Flora's parents and what finally learning the truth may mean for her future, including the one with Jack. In the process, we'll not only visit some gorgeous countryside, experience life with servants, be reminded of the annoyance of being unable to simply pull a cell phone out of our pockets to make a call, get a glimpse of how grapes are harvested and prepared, and take in some of the historic sites. And, oh, yeah, solve a murder while surrounded by one almost creepily family. Plus, oh, yeah, I forgot. Try a ferry ride between England and France. Let's just say Flora is not cut out to be a sailor and leave it at that.
Oddly enough, I've always felt myself more drawn to Jack than Flora. This time, however, we get to find out what has stopped Flora from being able to commit to Jack. In the meantime, despite his mixed feelings about his mother, Jack proves a good son and is doing his best, with Flora's help, to figure out, first, if his mother really was the target of a hit-and-run death, and, two, if so, who is behind it. That's where we meet Count Massimo Falconi and his extended family. A family that also seems to include a very vocal, hostile ex-wife who still claims to still be THE wife. Accidents keep happening. Suspect numbers actually increase rather than decrease much to Jack and Flora's dismay. Not only is Sybil a target, but both Jack and Flora find themselves as targets, too. Even the Count meets with an accident. His family is....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. No one seems safe. Things seem off-kilter.
Although I wasn't as immediately taken with this update to Jack and Flora's lives as previous installments -- the pace seemed unusually slow -- there is much to like here. First, of course, Paris. The setting sounds absolutely gorgeous and the author is wonderful at creating mental images that put you right there. The side story involving Flora's own quest to finally find out the truth about her parent's death is tinged both with sadness and hope. Her brief encounter with a former romantic partner is both worrisome and revealing to Jack. They are still working on building their own relationship and this trip, despite the danger, offers up not just glimpses of what makes Flora in particular, well, Flora, but I guarantee that regular readers will love the hopeful ending. While it works as a standalone, regular readers will probably grasp more of the meaning behind various words and actions than someone new to the book. That shouldn't stop anyone from reading, however. It just means you'll have some catch-up reading to do. Grin.
Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for letting me catch up with Jack and Flora in, wow, France. I loved how the author worked in info on what was going on back in Abbeymead, not to mention how she teased us with possibilities to come. Love this series.
March 13, 2026
2.5
nie mam już cierpliwości. okropna stagnacja w fabule, Flora jest cieniem siebie z pierwszych książek i rozwiązanie kilkutomowej zagadki w najbardziej rozczarowujący sposób…
nie mam już cierpliwości. okropna stagnacja w fabule, Flora jest cieniem siebie z pierwszych książek i rozwiązanie kilkutomowej zagadki w najbardziej rozczarowujący sposób…
Review of advance copy
bardzo przyjemna
November 2, 2023
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Murder In A French Village' by Merryn Allingham.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Merryn Allingham, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 30th October 2023.
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. It is also the seventh book in the 'Flora Steele Mystery' series. I have previously read 'The Bookshop Murder' which is the first book in the series, 'Murder At The Pier' which is the second book in the series, 'Murder At Primrose Cottage' which is the third book in the series, 'Murder At The Priory Hotel' which is the fourth book in this series and 'Murder At Abbeymead Farm' which is the sixth book in this series and all of them I highly recommend, although they can each be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of a prologue and 32 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
Another fantastic success by Merryn!!! Absolutely devoured this book in one sitting!!
Well I must say this is yet another explosive book in an absolutely addictive series!!! The storyline was very interesting and very fast paced. I absolutely love the fact that the main characters Flora owns a Bookshop and Jack is an author. I always look forward to meeting them and am gutted to come to the end of each book as they have become like friends to me. There is just something about a book where there is a lot of emphasis on books for me and this book was packed with them!! I really enjoyed that it was set in the past and the storyline really suited that. It really is a nice cozy mystery that will keep you guessing throughout. In this gorgeous addition to this amazing series Flora and Jack head to France after a frantic phonecall from Jack's mother Sybil insists Jack comes to France after her friend was killed in a hit and runs and Sybil believes she is at risk. I absolutely loved heading to France with this amazing couple and getting away from rainy flooded Wales for several hours. Thanks to Merryn's stunning evocative descriptions I could feel the sun on my face, taste the wine, feel the sea breeze, enjoy the sights including the Notre Dame de Nazareth and much more!!! Although, unfortunately during their trip away Flora, Sybil, Sybil's partner Massimo and Jack's lives are threatened and put at risk. This is one of the most action packed books in this series and as well as loving exploring the stunning scenes my heart was also in my throat on several occasions. One thing I will say is OMG ABOUT TIME, ABSOLUTELY LANDED!!! Landed about what? I hear you ask, well grab your copy and if you've been reading this gorgeous books I know you will feel the same way!!! You'll just have to pick up a copy of this fantastic cozy mystery today to find out more!!! At no point did I suspect who was doing what or why so another huge well done there Merryn!!! I have read many a mystery and find that I am working out the killer/perp quicker every time and there's nothing worse than working out who did what when your need even half way through a book. I loved that this book is based in Sussex as the atmospheres suit the book perfectly. Not only is this a suspense and action filled mystery but there was just the right amount of quirkiness, laughter and attitude to give it a nice mix!!! This book was extremely well written and I do believe alot of research went into it as everything linked correctly in with the era it was set in which was 1957. It is a real bug bear for me when I read a historical novel and the author hasn't done their research and gets basic information mixed up so well done Merryn!! It was very well written and I found the synopsis and the cover fitted the storyline perfectly, The descriptions were great and it really felt as if I was in the storyline along with Flora and Jack. This book is yet another fantastic addition to a brilliant cozy mystery series that I absolutely love looking out for the next book in!
OMG!!!! THAT ENDING!!!! LOVE, LOVE, ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!!! 😍 😘 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ WELL DONE MERRYN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! DID I MENTION I LOVED IT???!!!!!
A fun, addictive, unputdownable cozy crime mystery. Clear your schedules as you won't be able to put this book down!
Although this is the seventh book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I am thoroughly invested in the characters and really enjoyed meeting Flora and Jack again both with their fantastic and quirky personalities!!! In fact all of the characters had their own individual personalities which worked really well with each other. I am definitely looking forward to meeting Flora and Jack again and some more of the villagers. Some of the characters I was glad to see the back of but what fun would there be if we got along with them all? Flora and Jack have definitely become like friends to me and I look forward to meeting them again each time Merryn brings out another fantastic book in this series. I have loved watching Jack and Flora getting closer and closer and they make the perfect partners in crime and love!! Some of the other characters I enjoy meeting each time include Flora's friend and cafe owner, soon to be married, Kate, Alice and Jack's little helper Charlie and although we didn't see much of them in this book there are still several mentions of them and we see them at the perfect ending!!! I wasn't a fan of Sybil or many of the French characters who I found to be quite stuck up but I won't say anymore as I don't want to give anything away but as always with this great series there is a perfect mix of strong and realistic characters to make an addictive storyline.
Congratulations Merryn on yet an absolutely fantastic book in an absolutely epic series!! I am really looking forward to see what Flora and Jack get up to next!!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an page turning, perfect mix of mystery, crime, suspense and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!! An explosive addition to an addictive series!!!
262 pages.
This book is just £1.99 on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £7.65 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
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Review for 'Murder In A French Village' by Merryn Allingham.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Merryn Allingham, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 30th October 2023.
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. It is also the seventh book in the 'Flora Steele Mystery' series. I have previously read 'The Bookshop Murder' which is the first book in the series, 'Murder At The Pier' which is the second book in the series, 'Murder At Primrose Cottage' which is the third book in the series, 'Murder At The Priory Hotel' which is the fourth book in this series and 'Murder At Abbeymead Farm' which is the sixth book in this series and all of them I highly recommend, although they can each be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of a prologue and 32 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
Another fantastic success by Merryn!!! Absolutely devoured this book in one sitting!!
Well I must say this is yet another explosive book in an absolutely addictive series!!! The storyline was very interesting and very fast paced. I absolutely love the fact that the main characters Flora owns a Bookshop and Jack is an author. I always look forward to meeting them and am gutted to come to the end of each book as they have become like friends to me. There is just something about a book where there is a lot of emphasis on books for me and this book was packed with them!! I really enjoyed that it was set in the past and the storyline really suited that. It really is a nice cozy mystery that will keep you guessing throughout. In this gorgeous addition to this amazing series Flora and Jack head to France after a frantic phonecall from Jack's mother Sybil insists Jack comes to France after her friend was killed in a hit and runs and Sybil believes she is at risk. I absolutely loved heading to France with this amazing couple and getting away from rainy flooded Wales for several hours. Thanks to Merryn's stunning evocative descriptions I could feel the sun on my face, taste the wine, feel the sea breeze, enjoy the sights including the Notre Dame de Nazareth and much more!!! Although, unfortunately during their trip away Flora, Sybil, Sybil's partner Massimo and Jack's lives are threatened and put at risk. This is one of the most action packed books in this series and as well as loving exploring the stunning scenes my heart was also in my throat on several occasions. One thing I will say is OMG ABOUT TIME, ABSOLUTELY LANDED!!! Landed about what? I hear you ask, well grab your copy and if you've been reading this gorgeous books I know you will feel the same way!!! You'll just have to pick up a copy of this fantastic cozy mystery today to find out more!!! At no point did I suspect who was doing what or why so another huge well done there Merryn!!! I have read many a mystery and find that I am working out the killer/perp quicker every time and there's nothing worse than working out who did what when your need even half way through a book. I loved that this book is based in Sussex as the atmospheres suit the book perfectly. Not only is this a suspense and action filled mystery but there was just the right amount of quirkiness, laughter and attitude to give it a nice mix!!! This book was extremely well written and I do believe alot of research went into it as everything linked correctly in with the era it was set in which was 1957. It is a real bug bear for me when I read a historical novel and the author hasn't done their research and gets basic information mixed up so well done Merryn!! It was very well written and I found the synopsis and the cover fitted the storyline perfectly, The descriptions were great and it really felt as if I was in the storyline along with Flora and Jack. This book is yet another fantastic addition to a brilliant cozy mystery series that I absolutely love looking out for the next book in!
OMG!!!! THAT ENDING!!!! LOVE, LOVE, ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!!! 😍 😘 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ WELL DONE MERRYN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! DID I MENTION I LOVED IT???!!!!!
A fun, addictive, unputdownable cozy crime mystery. Clear your schedules as you won't be able to put this book down!
Although this is the seventh book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I am thoroughly invested in the characters and really enjoyed meeting Flora and Jack again both with their fantastic and quirky personalities!!! In fact all of the characters had their own individual personalities which worked really well with each other. I am definitely looking forward to meeting Flora and Jack again and some more of the villagers. Some of the characters I was glad to see the back of but what fun would there be if we got along with them all? Flora and Jack have definitely become like friends to me and I look forward to meeting them again each time Merryn brings out another fantastic book in this series. I have loved watching Jack and Flora getting closer and closer and they make the perfect partners in crime and love!! Some of the other characters I enjoy meeting each time include Flora's friend and cafe owner, soon to be married, Kate, Alice and Jack's little helper Charlie and although we didn't see much of them in this book there are still several mentions of them and we see them at the perfect ending!!! I wasn't a fan of Sybil or many of the French characters who I found to be quite stuck up but I won't say anymore as I don't want to give anything away but as always with this great series there is a perfect mix of strong and realistic characters to make an addictive storyline.
Congratulations Merryn on yet an absolutely fantastic book in an absolutely epic series!! I am really looking forward to see what Flora and Jack get up to next!!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an page turning, perfect mix of mystery, crime, suspense and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!! An explosive addition to an addictive series!!!
262 pages.
This book is just £1.99 on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £7.65 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#MurderInAFrenchVillage #MerrynAllingham #AFloraSteeleMystery#Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited
@MurderInAFrenchVillage @MerrynAllingham @AFloraSteeleMystery @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Netgalley @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger @KindleUnlimited
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November 5, 2023
Another foray into this delightful cosy series featuring our favourite bookshop owner and crime writer, turned amatuer sleuths! This time they are called to France where Jack's estranged mother has summoned them after the sudden and untwoard death of her friend Ruby.
Upon arrival in France, after a somewhat rough crossing over the channel which saw Flora turning a shade of green, the crime fighting duo got straight to work investigating the hit and run on a Paris street with seemingly few answers. When Jack's mother Sybil announced that her betrothed, the count - Massimo Falconi - was whisking her back to the safe confines of Provence, Jack and Flora felt their answers lay further afield. For Flora, her reason for this trip (aside from accompanying Jack) was to see the graves of her parents that were apparently nestled within the south of France.
From Paris to Provence, inquiries lead the duo hot on the tail of a murderer intent on harm. But who wants to be rid of her mother? The count's former wife, Isabella, who is unable to let go? Or his daughters Allegra and Clio? Or maybe one of the many servants of the chateau? Or even the vineyard manager, who may have designs on inheriting the vineyard for himself?
Soon Flora and Jack find themselves laden with suspects and no real motive. But if they are to prevent any further attempts on Sybil's or even Flora's lives, the sleuths must work fast to uncover the truth...and quickly!
Another delightful cosy mystery this time set mostly in France, with only the first and last chapters back in the safe confines of Abbeymead. But the promise in the final chapters allude to something bigger coming...and I for one am looking forward to it. I never tire of this series. It is light easy reading with a touch of humour.
While this isn't my favourite of the series, it is still an interesting adventure and opens up new doors for the crime fighting duo, making it an easy and enjoyable read. I look forward to the next one with baited breath!
I would like to thank #MerrynAllingham, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MurderInAFrenchVillage in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Upon arrival in France, after a somewhat rough crossing over the channel which saw Flora turning a shade of green, the crime fighting duo got straight to work investigating the hit and run on a Paris street with seemingly few answers. When Jack's mother Sybil announced that her betrothed, the count - Massimo Falconi - was whisking her back to the safe confines of Provence, Jack and Flora felt their answers lay further afield. For Flora, her reason for this trip (aside from accompanying Jack) was to see the graves of her parents that were apparently nestled within the south of France.
From Paris to Provence, inquiries lead the duo hot on the tail of a murderer intent on harm. But who wants to be rid of her mother? The count's former wife, Isabella, who is unable to let go? Or his daughters Allegra and Clio? Or maybe one of the many servants of the chateau? Or even the vineyard manager, who may have designs on inheriting the vineyard for himself?
Soon Flora and Jack find themselves laden with suspects and no real motive. But if they are to prevent any further attempts on Sybil's or even Flora's lives, the sleuths must work fast to uncover the truth...and quickly!
Another delightful cosy mystery this time set mostly in France, with only the first and last chapters back in the safe confines of Abbeymead. But the promise in the final chapters allude to something bigger coming...and I for one am looking forward to it. I never tire of this series. It is light easy reading with a touch of humour.
While this isn't my favourite of the series, it is still an interesting adventure and opens up new doors for the crime fighting duo, making it an easy and enjoyable read. I look forward to the next one with baited breath!
I would like to thank #MerrynAllingham, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MurderInAFrenchVillage in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
September 25, 2023
Paris is a place book shop owner Flora Steele has always wanted to visit. Beau Jack Carrington however, isn't feeling quite so enthusiastic about it after a phone call out of the blue from his mother who is visiting the French capital with her new partner's family. Shocked after she was involved an accident, which she is convinced was deliberate, Sybil turns to her son expecting him to drop everything and rush to her side. Persuading Flora to accompany him is the only positive he can see to his trip especially as his mother seems as acerbic as he remembered.
The weather is as beautiful as the landscape and Flora is entranced by everything she sees. With the possibility her parents are buried in the south of the country, close to the chateau Sylvia calls home, Flora knows there is no better time to conquer her fears and try to find out what actually happened many years earlier. Before doing that Jack needs her help and she has no intention of letting him down especially as it seems the threat hasn't gone away and all of them could be in more danger than anyone could imagine.
Book seven in this brilliant series sees Flora and Jack leave their familiar surroundings to help his mother, a wonderful addition to the series who must have been such fun to write. The atmosphere, locations, and new characters meld perfectly within the storyline and offer promise of appearances in future books.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Thoroughly enjoyable throughout this is easy to recommend as is the whole series so far.
The weather is as beautiful as the landscape and Flora is entranced by everything she sees. With the possibility her parents are buried in the south of the country, close to the chateau Sylvia calls home, Flora knows there is no better time to conquer her fears and try to find out what actually happened many years earlier. Before doing that Jack needs her help and she has no intention of letting him down especially as it seems the threat hasn't gone away and all of them could be in more danger than anyone could imagine.
Book seven in this brilliant series sees Flora and Jack leave their familiar surroundings to help his mother, a wonderful addition to the series who must have been such fun to write. The atmosphere, locations, and new characters meld perfectly within the storyline and offer promise of appearances in future books.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Thoroughly enjoyable throughout this is easy to recommend as is the whole series so far.
March 21, 2026
„Morderstwo w podróży” to już siódmy tom cyklu z Florą Steele, przyjemnego i lekkiego kryminału w stylu cozy crime.
Flora i Jack wyjeżdżają do Francji, gdzie sielska podróż szybko zamienia się w śledztwo - dochodzi do morderstwa, a sprawa okazuje się bardziej skomplikowana, niż wygląda na pierwszy rzut oka. Flora również we Francji załatwia prywatne sprawy, związane z zagadkową śmiercią jej rodziców.
Tym razem akcja przenosi się do urokliwej Francji. Autorka dysponuje sprawnym, barwnym piórem i lekkim stylem, zarówno w opisie tła społeczno-obyczajowego, jak i malowniczych krajobrazów - naprawdę można poczuć, jakby się tam było. Sielski klimat francuskiej prowincji, lawenda i słońce zostają jednak zakłócone przez zbrodnię powiązaną z matką Jacka. Mimo skomplikowanych relacji z nią, Jack i Flora angażują się w śledztwo. Motyw rodziny, jaki i skomplikowanych relacji bardzo tu wybrzmiewa. Skupiamy się na zagadce przeszłości rodziców Flory, jak i analizujemy postać matki Jacka, która jest ciekawą, choć kontrowersyjną postacią. Autorka z niezwykłą dokładnością oddaje klimat jak i zwyczaje tamtych lat, kiedy to kobiety były traktowane jak dodatek, a Flora na przekór czasom w których żyje, stara się wyjść na przeciw, chce być szanowana i niezależna. Bohaterowie są dobrze znani czytelnikom - ich relacja powoli się rozwija, nabiera tempa i kierunku, a między nimi jest chemia oraz subtelny humor. Powieść to klasyczna zagadka kryminalna z wieloma podejrzanymi i sekretami. Autorka podrzuca mylne tropy, ale dla uważnego czytelnika nie są one trudne do rozwikłania. Zagadka jest prowadzona w angażujący sposób, tak by czytelnik nie tracił zainteresowania. Styl powieści jest niewymagający, co czyni ją idealną lekturą na relaks. Zbrodnia jest lekka, brak tu brutalności, a całość skupia się na klasycznej zagadce, polecam 💜
Flora i Jack wyjeżdżają do Francji, gdzie sielska podróż szybko zamienia się w śledztwo - dochodzi do morderstwa, a sprawa okazuje się bardziej skomplikowana, niż wygląda na pierwszy rzut oka. Flora również we Francji załatwia prywatne sprawy, związane z zagadkową śmiercią jej rodziców.
Tym razem akcja przenosi się do urokliwej Francji. Autorka dysponuje sprawnym, barwnym piórem i lekkim stylem, zarówno w opisie tła społeczno-obyczajowego, jak i malowniczych krajobrazów - naprawdę można poczuć, jakby się tam było. Sielski klimat francuskiej prowincji, lawenda i słońce zostają jednak zakłócone przez zbrodnię powiązaną z matką Jacka. Mimo skomplikowanych relacji z nią, Jack i Flora angażują się w śledztwo. Motyw rodziny, jaki i skomplikowanych relacji bardzo tu wybrzmiewa. Skupiamy się na zagadce przeszłości rodziców Flory, jak i analizujemy postać matki Jacka, która jest ciekawą, choć kontrowersyjną postacią. Autorka z niezwykłą dokładnością oddaje klimat jak i zwyczaje tamtych lat, kiedy to kobiety były traktowane jak dodatek, a Flora na przekór czasom w których żyje, stara się wyjść na przeciw, chce być szanowana i niezależna. Bohaterowie są dobrze znani czytelnikom - ich relacja powoli się rozwija, nabiera tempa i kierunku, a między nimi jest chemia oraz subtelny humor. Powieść to klasyczna zagadka kryminalna z wieloma podejrzanymi i sekretami. Autorka podrzuca mylne tropy, ale dla uważnego czytelnika nie są one trudne do rozwikłania. Zagadka jest prowadzona w angażujący sposób, tak by czytelnik nie tracił zainteresowania. Styl powieści jest niewymagający, co czyni ją idealną lekturą na relaks. Zbrodnia jest lekka, brak tu brutalności, a całość skupia się na klasycznej zagadce, polecam 💜
February 21, 2026
4.25/5 ⭐️
Jeden z najlepszych dotychczas tomów! Wszystko tu zagrało, kocham i czekam na następne tomy! Dodatkowo uwielbiam fakt, ile wzajemnego szacunku mają wobec siebie Jack i Flora, ich relacja jest piękna i cudownie się ją obserwuje na łamach kolejnych tomów!
Jeden z najlepszych dotychczas tomów! Wszystko tu zagrało, kocham i czekam na następne tomy! Dodatkowo uwielbiam fakt, ile wzajemnego szacunku mają wobec siebie Jack i Flora, ich relacja jest piękna i cudownie się ją obserwuje na łamach kolejnych tomów!
February 17, 2026
Jestem bardzo przywiązana do tej serii, mimo że schemat w każdym tomie jest podobny a intrygi wcale nie takie skomplikowane. Może to właśnie dla tego je tak lubię, bo dobrze wraca się do czegoś znajomego. Chociaż w tej części żałuję, że intryga nie była skomplikowana - myślę że fajnie można by było połączyć historię rodziny Flory ze sprawą, którą rozwiązuje z Jackiem. Cieszę się też, że idziemy do przodu z relacją bohaterów, jest to miły dodatek do ich detektywistycznej pracy. Czekam na kolejne tomy oczywiście!!
March 5, 2026
3.8
bardzo super przyjemne co mówię ze każdym razem ale to prawda
bardzo super przyjemne co mówię ze każdym razem ale to prawda
March 10, 2026
ocena: 0,9/ 5 🌻
forma: 🎧
taaa, nie wiem czemu dalej to sobie robię XDD Nie lubię tych bohaterów, nie lubię tych decyzji fabularnych, ostatnie „zagadki” są tłem i totalnie nie robią na mnie najmniejszego wrażenia, nie porywają, nie intrygująca ale co najgorsza NIE WCIĄGAJĄ. Niestety po raz kolejny jestem pewna, że powinnam rzucić te serie już 5 tomów temu, aby zachować dobre wspomnienia, ale cóż - ja głupia chcę kończyć serię. Więc oficjalnie - Ta seria się dla mnie tu kończy.
[kryteria oceny dla „kryminału”]
0,2/1 logiczność i ciągłość wydarzeń
0,2/1 fabuła
0,1/0,5 płynność i przyjemność w odbiorze
0,1/0,5 intryga kryminalna
0,1/0,5 kreacja bohaterów
0,2/0,5 styl pisania autora
0/0,5 „sedno”/ cel/ morał/ rozwiązanie
0/0,25 pozytywny odbiór całości
0/0,25 ✨ to coś ✨
forma: 🎧
taaa, nie wiem czemu dalej to sobie robię XDD Nie lubię tych bohaterów, nie lubię tych decyzji fabularnych, ostatnie „zagadki” są tłem i totalnie nie robią na mnie najmniejszego wrażenia, nie porywają, nie intrygująca ale co najgorsza NIE WCIĄGAJĄ. Niestety po raz kolejny jestem pewna, że powinnam rzucić te serie już 5 tomów temu, aby zachować dobre wspomnienia, ale cóż - ja głupia chcę kończyć serię. Więc oficjalnie - Ta seria się dla mnie tu kończy.
[kryteria oceny dla „kryminału”]
0,2/1 logiczność i ciągłość wydarzeń
0,2/1 fabuła
0,1/0,5 płynność i przyjemność w odbiorze
0,1/0,5 intryga kryminalna
0,1/0,5 kreacja bohaterów
0,2/0,5 styl pisania autora
0/0,5 „sedno”/ cel/ morał/ rozwiązanie
0/0,25 pozytywny odbiór całości
0/0,25 ✨ to coś ✨
February 25, 2026
Oj, lubimy się z tą serią ❤
February 27, 2026
ojej, ten tom był naprawdę super! uwielbiam jak bohaterowie zmieniają otoczenie i trafiają w nowe miejsca, to zawsze jest bardziej ciekawe. już pomijając wątek morderstwa, który jak zwykle nie jest specjalnie porywający to podobało mi się wszystko wokół. trochę więcej jacka i jego specyficzna relacja z matką, korzenie flory i to jak rozwija się relacja głównych bohaterów było naprawdę super 🤭😍
September 10, 2023
Writer Jack Carrington gets a call from his estranged mother Sybil, asking him to come to France as she thinks someone's trying to kill her. Of course he asks his girlfriend Flora to come along. There are lots of suspects and red herrings but I found the pacing of this book very slow.
November 2, 2023
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Murder In A French Village' by Merryn Allingham.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Merryn Allingham, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 30th October 2023.
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. It is also the seventh book in the 'Flora Steele Mystery' series. I have previously read 'The Bookshop Murder' which is the first book in the series, 'Murder At The Pier' which is the second book in the series, 'Murder At Primrose Cottage' which is the third book in the series, 'Murder At The Priory Hotel' which is the fourth book in this series and 'Murder At Abbeymead Farm' which is the sixth book in this series and all of them I highly recommend, although they can each be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of a prologue and 32 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
Another fantastic success by Merryn!!! Absolutely devoured this book in one sitting!!
Well I must say this is yet another explosive book in an absolutely addictive series!!! The storyline was very interesting and very fast paced. I absolutely love the fact that the main characters Flora owns a Bookshop and Jack is an author. I always look forward to meeting them and am gutted to come to the end of each book as they have become like friends to me. There is just something about a book where there is a lot of emphasis on books for me and this book was packed with them!! I really enjoyed that it was set in the past and the storyline really suited that. It really is a nice cozy mystery that will keep you guessing throughout. In this gorgeous addition to this amazing series Flora and Jack head to France after a frantic phonecall from Jack's mother Sybil insists Jack comes to France after her friend was killed in a hit and runs and Sybil believes she is at risk. I absolutely loved heading to France with this amazing couple and getting away from rainy flooded Wales for several hours. Thanks to Merryn's stunning evocative descriptions I could feel the sun on my face, taste the wine, feel the sea breeze, enjoy the sights including the Notre Dame de Nazareth and much more!!! Although, unfortunately during their trip away Flora, Sybil, Sybil's partner Massimo and Jack's lives are threatened and put at risk. This is one of the most action packed books in this series and as well as loving exploring the stunning scenes my heart was also in my throat on several occasions. One thing I will say is OMG ABOUT TIME, ABSOLUTELY LANDED!!! Landed about what? I hear you ask, well grab your copy and if you've been reading this gorgeous books I know you will feel the same way!!! You'll just have to pick up a copy of this fantastic cozy mystery today to find out more!!! At no point did I suspect who was doing what or why so another huge well done there Merryn!!! I have read many a mystery and find that I am working out the killer/perp quicker every time and there's nothing worse than working out who did what when your need even half way through a book. I loved that this book is based in Sussex as the atmospheres suit the book perfectly. Not only is this a suspense and action filled mystery but there was just the right amount of quirkiness, laughter and attitude to give it a nice mix!!! This book was extremely well written and I do believe alot of research went into it as everything linked correctly in with the era it was set in which was 1957. It is a real bug bear for me when I read a historical novel and the author hasn't done their research and gets basic information mixed up so well done Merryn!! It was very well written and I found the synopsis and the cover fitted the storyline perfectly, The descriptions were great and it really felt as if I was in the storyline along with Flora and Jack. This book is yet another fantastic addition to a brilliant cozy mystery series that I absolutely love looking out for the next book in!
OMG!!!! THAT ENDING!!!! LOVE, LOVE, ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!!! 😍 😘 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ WELL DONE MERRYN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! DID I MENTION I LOVED IT???!!!!!
A fun, addictive, unputdownable cozy crime mystery. Clear your schedules as you won't be able to put this book down!
Although this is the seventh book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I am thoroughly invested in the characters and really enjoyed meeting Flora and Jack again both with their fantastic and quirky personalities!!! In fact all of the characters had their own individual personalities which worked really well with each other. I am definitely looking forward to meeting Flora and Jack again and some more of the villagers. Some of the characters I was glad to see the back of but what fun would there be if we got along with them all? Flora and Jack have definitely become like friends to me and I look forward to meeting them again each time Merryn brings out another fantastic book in this series. I have loved watching Jack and Flora getting closer and closer and they make the perfect partners in crime and love!! Some of the other characters I enjoy meeting each time include Flora's friend and cafe owner, soon to be married, Kate, Alice and Jack's little helper Charlie and although we didn't see much of them in this book there are still several mentions of them and we see them at the perfect ending!!! I wasn't a fan of Sybil or many of the French characters who I found to be quite stuck up but I won't say anymore as I don't want to give anything away but as always with this great series there is a perfect mix of strong and realistic characters to make an addictive storyline.
Congratulations Merryn on yet an absolutely fantastic book in an absolutely epic series!! I am really looking forward to see what Flora and Jack get up to next!!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an page turning, perfect mix of mystery, crime, suspense and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!! An explosive addition to an addictive series!!!
262 pages.
This book is just £1.99 on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £7.65 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Review for 'Murder In A French Village' by Merryn Allingham.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Merryn Allingham, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 30th October 2023.
This is the sixth book I have read by this author. It is also the seventh book in the 'Flora Steele Mystery' series. I have previously read 'The Bookshop Murder' which is the first book in the series, 'Murder At The Pier' which is the second book in the series, 'Murder At Primrose Cottage' which is the third book in the series, 'Murder At The Priory Hotel' which is the fourth book in this series and 'Murder At Abbeymead Farm' which is the sixth book in this series and all of them I highly recommend, although they can each be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of a prologue and 32 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
Another fantastic success by Merryn!!! Absolutely devoured this book in one sitting!!
Well I must say this is yet another explosive book in an absolutely addictive series!!! The storyline was very interesting and very fast paced. I absolutely love the fact that the main characters Flora owns a Bookshop and Jack is an author. I always look forward to meeting them and am gutted to come to the end of each book as they have become like friends to me. There is just something about a book where there is a lot of emphasis on books for me and this book was packed with them!! I really enjoyed that it was set in the past and the storyline really suited that. It really is a nice cozy mystery that will keep you guessing throughout. In this gorgeous addition to this amazing series Flora and Jack head to France after a frantic phonecall from Jack's mother Sybil insists Jack comes to France after her friend was killed in a hit and runs and Sybil believes she is at risk. I absolutely loved heading to France with this amazing couple and getting away from rainy flooded Wales for several hours. Thanks to Merryn's stunning evocative descriptions I could feel the sun on my face, taste the wine, feel the sea breeze, enjoy the sights including the Notre Dame de Nazareth and much more!!! Although, unfortunately during their trip away Flora, Sybil, Sybil's partner Massimo and Jack's lives are threatened and put at risk. This is one of the most action packed books in this series and as well as loving exploring the stunning scenes my heart was also in my throat on several occasions. One thing I will say is OMG ABOUT TIME, ABSOLUTELY LANDED!!! Landed about what? I hear you ask, well grab your copy and if you've been reading this gorgeous books I know you will feel the same way!!! You'll just have to pick up a copy of this fantastic cozy mystery today to find out more!!! At no point did I suspect who was doing what or why so another huge well done there Merryn!!! I have read many a mystery and find that I am working out the killer/perp quicker every time and there's nothing worse than working out who did what when your need even half way through a book. I loved that this book is based in Sussex as the atmospheres suit the book perfectly. Not only is this a suspense and action filled mystery but there was just the right amount of quirkiness, laughter and attitude to give it a nice mix!!! This book was extremely well written and I do believe alot of research went into it as everything linked correctly in with the era it was set in which was 1957. It is a real bug bear for me when I read a historical novel and the author hasn't done their research and gets basic information mixed up so well done Merryn!! It was very well written and I found the synopsis and the cover fitted the storyline perfectly, The descriptions were great and it really felt as if I was in the storyline along with Flora and Jack. This book is yet another fantastic addition to a brilliant cozy mystery series that I absolutely love looking out for the next book in!
OMG!!!! THAT ENDING!!!! LOVE, LOVE, ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!!! 😍 😘 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ WELL DONE MERRYN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! DID I MENTION I LOVED IT???!!!!!
A fun, addictive, unputdownable cozy crime mystery. Clear your schedules as you won't be able to put this book down!
Although this is the seventh book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I am thoroughly invested in the characters and really enjoyed meeting Flora and Jack again both with their fantastic and quirky personalities!!! In fact all of the characters had their own individual personalities which worked really well with each other. I am definitely looking forward to meeting Flora and Jack again and some more of the villagers. Some of the characters I was glad to see the back of but what fun would there be if we got along with them all? Flora and Jack have definitely become like friends to me and I look forward to meeting them again each time Merryn brings out another fantastic book in this series. I have loved watching Jack and Flora getting closer and closer and they make the perfect partners in crime and love!! Some of the other characters I enjoy meeting each time include Flora's friend and cafe owner, soon to be married, Kate, Alice and Jack's little helper Charlie and although we didn't see much of them in this book there are still several mentions of them and we see them at the perfect ending!!! I wasn't a fan of Sybil or many of the French characters who I found to be quite stuck up but I won't say anymore as I don't want to give anything away but as always with this great series there is a perfect mix of strong and realistic characters to make an addictive storyline.
Congratulations Merryn on yet an absolutely fantastic book in an absolutely epic series!! I am really looking forward to see what Flora and Jack get up to next!!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an page turning, perfect mix of mystery, crime, suspense and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!! An explosive addition to an addictive series!!!
262 pages.
This book is just £1.99 on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £7.65 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#MurderInAFrenchVillage #MerrynAllingham #AFloraSteeleMystery#Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited
@MurderInAFrenchVillage @MerrynAllingham @AFloraSteeleMystery @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Netgalley @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger @KindleUnlimited
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October 5, 2024
In the latest entry in this post WWII mystery series, Flora and Jack are off to France to deal with family issues/mysteries. Jack's estranged mother has called him in the middle of the night asking for help, believing her life is in danger. Flora decides to go along to finally figure out the mystery of her parents' death. After a brief stay in Paris, the two head off to the south of France to a chateau owned by jack's mother's wealthy lover. Soon, everyone's life seems in danger, especially Flora's.
A number of issues lingering since early in the series are resolved, and the ending to the mystery is satisfactory. I look forward to seeing what Flora and jack are up to in the next book.
A number of issues lingering since early in the series are resolved, and the ending to the mystery is satisfactory. I look forward to seeing what Flora and jack are up to in the next book.
February 18, 2026
Ta część podobała mi się najbardziej z całej serii. Wyjeżdżamy z Anglii i trafiamy do Francji, a tą zmianę lokalizacji naprawdę czuć. Mamy bardzo ciekawie prowadzoną zagadkę kryminalną, a na dodatek relacja głównych bohaterów w końcu się rozwija i dowiadujemy się, co się stało z rodzicami Flory. Dla mnie minusem jest tylko rozwiązanie zagadki, bo nie było ono jakoś interesująco przedstawione.
Czekam na kolejne tomy, bo pomimo wad, uwielbiam tą serię.
Czekam na kolejne tomy, bo pomimo wad, uwielbiam tą serię.
March 5, 2026
Na tym etapie czytam tę serię tylko dla wątku romansu Flory i Jacka. Zagadka lepsza niż w poprzednich książkach, ale dostaję już szału, kiedy w każdej części główna bohaterka jest na skraju śmierci przynajmniej trzy razy i każdorazowo ratuje ją jej cudowny ukochany. Straaaaasznie powtarzalne, momentami nawet nudne. Idealne, jak ktoś ma ochotę wywracać oczami co parę stron.
Nie jestem pewna, czy nie powinnam ocenić tej książki na trzy gwiazdki... chyba z sentymentu nie umiem tego zrobić.
Nie jestem pewna, czy nie powinnam ocenić tej książki na trzy gwiazdki... chyba z sentymentu nie umiem tego zrobić.
March 22, 2026
Zawsze miło czyta się o tym, jak Flora i Jack rozwiązują zagadki kryminalne, dlatego też chętnie sięgnęłam po kolejną część serii. W tym wypadku sama sprawa była trochę bardziej przewidywalna i rozwiązanie mnie nie zaskoczyło. Natomiast bardzo podobało mi się rozwinięcie wątku Flory. Dodatkowo, audiobook umilał mi mycie okien :)
March 18, 2026
powtarzalne to już ale i tak lubię mimo że przeczytałam tom 7 przed 5tym i 6stym
February 13, 2026
Stabilny poziom rozrywki, ciągle jest to przyjemna niewymagająca historia cozy kryminału.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews