A Very French Corpse: A slickly plotted murder mystery set in France's Loire Valley

Juge Lombard Mystery #3

by Ian Moore

AN IMMORTAL FOUND DEAD
AN IMMORTAL RUN THROUGH
AN ANCIENT HERITAGE UNDER THREAT

The death of a 16-year-old, dressed as an ‘Immortal Knight’ and having taken a fatal overdose, proves a perplexing case in the ancient city of Tours. Juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard is brought in to lead the investigation.

When the adolescent’s death is followed a few weeks later by the gruesome murder of a firebrand author, Lombard senses a malign coercive force behind the two fatalities, one that succeeds in challenging his own loyalties and assumptions.

What is it that is nagging at Lombard, locked away in the past? What soon becomes clear is that this game is beyond roleplay. It is deadly.

The third book in the gripping new crime series from The Times-bestselling author.

PRAISE FOR THE JUGE LOMBARD SERIES

'An engrossing, slickly plotted policier that will leave you wanting more' Tom Benjamin, author of the Daniel Leicester mysteries

'A cracking good read' Mark Billingham, author of the Tom Thorne thrillers

'Like a French inspector Morse, a gallic delight reminiscent of Fred Vargas and Donna Leon' C. K. McDonnell, author of The Stranger Times

'A timely and gripping procedural with a twist' Heat

'Charming, clever and expertly crafted… wickedly fabulous' Rachel Lynch, author of the Detective Kelly Porter thrillers

'Full of twists and turns, I couldn't put this down. Great stuff' Simon McCleave, author of the D.I. Ruth Hunter thrillers

'This is great fun… crime fiction at a European pace, with a fabulous Loire Valley setting… reminiscent of Michael Dibdin' Sarah Hilary, author of the D.I. Marnie Rome thrillers

'An accomplished and compelling tale' Martin Walker, author of the Bruno, Chief of Police, Dordogne Mysteries

'A cunning murder mystery, a dive into history, a warm and intimate portrait of provincial France and, in Juge Lombard, a compelling continental detective – a terrific read' Jon Henley

'Wine, chateaux and murder, what's not to love? I highly recommend' Cara Black, author of the Aimée Leduc Investigations

'A bracing antidote to the many stories of beautiful, sun-soaked French towns... Juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard is a great character, curmudgeonly but clever, dogged but sensitive, and with a brain packed with the kind of general knowledge that wins quizzes'  Literary Review

'A surprising and truly entertaining mystery… Moore has finely drawn, colourful characters… incredibly enjoyable' Paul Burke,  Crime Time FM

'A hotbed of grudges and feuds.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2026

About the author

Best-Selling author Ian Moore is also a stand-up comedian and conference host in the UK, and husband, father of three boys, farmhand, chutney-maker and Basil Fawlty impersonator in France. Since doing less stand-up, he's stopped taking himself so seriously.

Reviews

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It's one of those books you can't put down (I know it's a cliché, but it's true).
All the twists and turns, old secrets, grudges and jealousy kept me guessing throughout. I wish this series would become a tv series.
The books in this series, and especially this latest book, are such great plotted murder mysteries.
I didn't really get into the Christmas spirit, but since the story took place at Christmas time, I think I will let myself start reading Christmas books now.
PS Ian Moore has a Christmas book coming

[Claire Smith-Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty, complex and twisting, with deeply hidden secrets and old grudges simmering under the surface of this latest outing for Juge Lombard. 

Consequences and nuances of language played throughout this story, with Lombard reminiscing on younger days thanks to one of the witnesses being from his own past and looking to the future thanks to others. It kept me guessing right up until the end. There was the ongoing inner politics, appearances and tone from superiors but none of it stops the doggedness of Lombard in his pursuit of the truth. The game at the heart of the story and real world implications were thought provoking. 

I'm looking forward to more from this series as I am well and truly hooked. 

Thank you to the author and publishers for my copy.

[Matthew Ogborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half stars for this latest fine foray into the Tours criminal world under the forensic eye of Juge Lombard. These novels are getting better and better thanks to Moore’s intellectual musings and wit peppered throughout via Lombard’s quirky protagonist. The world of online gaming and linguistic posturing are unlikely areas for intrigue, yet Moore makes them come alive.

[Karen Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delight to read, witty, twisty & surprising

That’s really all I want to say. I need to get back to sleep. Looking forward to the next book!

[Theresa Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series immensely. I'm only sad that the next book isn't available yet, and I can't find a date for it. Ian, don't make me wait too long, please.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all three books in this series, back to back. I couldn’t get enough. Fantastic stories. So satisfying.
Very much looking forward to a book 4!