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Secrets of the Maison Fournier: Book 1, A Belle Époque Bookshop Mystery
Not yet published
Expected 9 Feb 26Paris, 1888. A city of light, love, and deadly secrets.
Hoping for a fresh start far from heartbreak, American bookseller Emma Greene settles into the Latin Quarter and opens a modest English-language bookshop. Her ambitions are sell novels, keep to herself, and avoid becoming the latest topic of neighborhood gossip. Paris has other plans.
When the influential owner of the dazzling Maison Fournier department store dies under suspicious circumstances, Emma’s quiet venture attracts the unwelcome attention of the police and the press. Whispers spread through cafés and salons, naming her as a woman with motive, proximity, and a temper witnessed at the scene. With her reputation at risk, Emma must investigate the death herself or allow the city to condemn her without trial.
Her search for answers draws her into uneasy alliance with Inspector Étienne Lefèvre, a reserved detective from the Sûreté who cannot decide whether she is a suspect, a witness, or something more interesting. Together they navigate a glamorous but cutthroat Belle Époque Paris, where fortunes are made in ledger books, secrets are stitched into silk gowns, and the wrong piece of information can be fatal.
With help from her sharp-tongued neighbor Cécile and Luc, a charmingly reckless young artist, Emma soon discovers that Maison Fournier’s dazzling success hides more than clever merchandising. Behind its mirrored counters and electric lights lie debts, rivalries, blackmail, and betrayal.
As ambition and scandal converge, Emma finds herself drawn toward the one man who might destroy her. Because in Paris, everyone has something to hide, and the most valuable secrets are never printed in books.
Secrets of the Maison Fournier is a witty and atmospheric Belle Époque historical cozy mystery filled with friendship, danger, bookish intrigue, and a slow-burn romance.
Perfect for readers of Rhys Bowen, Deanna Raybourn, and Tasha Alexander.
If you
• mysteries set in Belle Époque Paris
• strong, clever heroines
• detective-and-bookseller slow-burn romance
• found-family neighbors and artistic bohemians
• scandal, secrets, and society under gaslight
you will be swept up in Secrets of the Maison Fournier.
Book 1 in the Belle Époque Bookshop Mysteries by Amelia Pine
Hoping for a fresh start far from heartbreak, American bookseller Emma Greene settles into the Latin Quarter and opens a modest English-language bookshop. Her ambitions are sell novels, keep to herself, and avoid becoming the latest topic of neighborhood gossip. Paris has other plans.
When the influential owner of the dazzling Maison Fournier department store dies under suspicious circumstances, Emma’s quiet venture attracts the unwelcome attention of the police and the press. Whispers spread through cafés and salons, naming her as a woman with motive, proximity, and a temper witnessed at the scene. With her reputation at risk, Emma must investigate the death herself or allow the city to condemn her without trial.
Her search for answers draws her into uneasy alliance with Inspector Étienne Lefèvre, a reserved detective from the Sûreté who cannot decide whether she is a suspect, a witness, or something more interesting. Together they navigate a glamorous but cutthroat Belle Époque Paris, where fortunes are made in ledger books, secrets are stitched into silk gowns, and the wrong piece of information can be fatal.
With help from her sharp-tongued neighbor Cécile and Luc, a charmingly reckless young artist, Emma soon discovers that Maison Fournier’s dazzling success hides more than clever merchandising. Behind its mirrored counters and electric lights lie debts, rivalries, blackmail, and betrayal.
As ambition and scandal converge, Emma finds herself drawn toward the one man who might destroy her. Because in Paris, everyone has something to hide, and the most valuable secrets are never printed in books.
Secrets of the Maison Fournier is a witty and atmospheric Belle Époque historical cozy mystery filled with friendship, danger, bookish intrigue, and a slow-burn romance.
Perfect for readers of Rhys Bowen, Deanna Raybourn, and Tasha Alexander.
If you
• mysteries set in Belle Époque Paris
• strong, clever heroines
• detective-and-bookseller slow-burn romance
• found-family neighbors and artistic bohemians
• scandal, secrets, and society under gaslight
you will be swept up in Secrets of the Maison Fournier.
Book 1 in the Belle Époque Bookshop Mysteries by Amelia Pine
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 9, 2026
5 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
A cozy mystery steeped in atmosphere, Secrets of the Maison Fournier is an absolute treat.
Set in Belle Époque Paris, this novel immediately swept me into a world of candlelit salons, whispered gossip, couture, and carefully concealed secrets. The setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing character, and Amelia Pine clearly did her homework. From cafés and fashion houses to drawing rooms filled with intrigue, Paris feels lush, elegant, and just a little dangerous.
The mystery itself unfolds at a measured, satisfying pace. Rather than relying on shock value, the story leans into social dynamics, subtle clues, and character-driven tension, which I personally loved. The suspects are layered, the motives feel believable, and the revelations come together in a way that feels earned rather than rushed.
The protagonist’s voice is observant, intelligent, and grounded. She navigates unfamiliar social territory with curiosity and quiet determination, making her easy to root for. I also appreciated how the story weaves themes of independence, identity, and ambition into the mystery without feeling heavy-handed.
Fans of historical cozies, especially those who enjoy fashion, Parisian settings, and slow-burn intrigue, will feel right at home.
Set in Belle Époque Paris, this novel immediately swept me into a world of candlelit salons, whispered gossip, couture, and carefully concealed secrets. The setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing character, and Amelia Pine clearly did her homework. From cafés and fashion houses to drawing rooms filled with intrigue, Paris feels lush, elegant, and just a little dangerous.
The mystery itself unfolds at a measured, satisfying pace. Rather than relying on shock value, the story leans into social dynamics, subtle clues, and character-driven tension, which I personally loved. The suspects are layered, the motives feel believable, and the revelations come together in a way that feels earned rather than rushed.
The protagonist’s voice is observant, intelligent, and grounded. She navigates unfamiliar social territory with curiosity and quiet determination, making her easy to root for. I also appreciated how the story weaves themes of independence, identity, and ambition into the mystery without feeling heavy-handed.
Fans of historical cozies, especially those who enjoy fashion, Parisian settings, and slow-burn intrigue, will feel right at home.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced copy of this book and really enjoyed it. I don’t speak French so was a little nervous since I honestly didn’t know what a maison was, but the sprinkling of French in the book was usually contextually explained.
The historical aspects of the book made it a very fun read. I learned a few things about Paris from the book and even did some Wikipedia’ing to get more information on a few topics like the Parisian public works revitalization.
The characters are interesting and varied. I think everyone would like a friend like Cecile. The suspects have plenty of motives and kept me guessing until the end.
The historical aspects of the book made it a very fun read. I learned a few things about Paris from the book and even did some Wikipedia’ing to get more information on a few topics like the Parisian public works revitalization.
The characters are interesting and varied. I think everyone would like a friend like Cecile. The suspects have plenty of motives and kept me guessing until the end.
Review of advance copy
Secrets of the Maison Fournier was a fun cozy mystery to curl up with on a lazy weekend. The book is set in 1800s Paris, and the prose in this book is almost as beautiful as this well-selected backdrop. The characters are rich and the relationships between Emma and the rest of the "Scooby" crew are really fun. And the societal dynamics added an interesting layer to the story. The progression of the story was choppy at times, the timeline a little challenging to follow, but follow it I did, and I enjoyed the ride. I'm already looking forward to the next book.
Many thanks to Booksirens for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.
Many thanks to Booksirens for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.
Review of advance copy
Secrets of the Maison Fournier is Book 1 in A Belle Epoque Bookshop Mystery by Amelia Pine. I liked that American, Emma, was fleeing the USA for Paris after heartbreak. She is working in a bookstore and life is happy for Emma. An owner of A department store drops dead from champagne. I found this who done it to be exciting and fun and I loved the ending. I think that this series promises to be fantastic. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Non stop intrigue!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely loved this mystery! Emma, the main character, is befriended by two unlikely compatriots who stick by her to prove her innocence and search out the guilty party. Along with the Inspector this mystery has a stellar cast with a twist around every turn! Great read and riveting conclusion .......the reader is left wanting more in the series! Well done!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely loved this mystery! Emma, the main character, is befriended by two unlikely compatriots who stick by her to prove her innocence and search out the guilty party. Along with the Inspector this mystery has a stellar cast with a twist around every turn! Great read and riveting conclusion .......the reader is left wanting more in the series! Well done!
Review of advance copy
An American lady finds herself accused of murder in this story. She didn't have anything to do with it so she tries to solve the mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I like cozies and this was no exception. I am sure readers will find this story engaging and interesting. I would recommend it to others.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews