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Follet Valley Mysteries #6
Death and Déjà Vu
Richard Ainsworth moved to rural France to escape, so being voted mayor of the small town of Saint-Sauver comes as a terrible shock. Fortunately bureaucracy has its benefits and he is shipped off to a health spa to recuperate.
The Esprit de l'Air is a world-famous venue on an island fort off the west coast of France, and was chosen specifically by his business partner and bounty hunter of international repute, Valérie d'Orçay. Richard should have been prepared then.
After a dramatic first night where a bizarre and unfriendly group of guests are pitched against each other, Richard's film-historian mind wanders. Has he seen this all before? And when the first body turns up, he knows he has...
The Esprit de l'Air is a world-famous venue on an island fort off the west coast of France, and was chosen specifically by his business partner and bounty hunter of international repute, Valérie d'Orçay. Richard should have been prepared then.
After a dramatic first night where a bizarre and unfriendly group of guests are pitched against each other, Richard's film-historian mind wanders. Has he seen this all before? And when the first body turns up, he knows he has...
Hardcover
About the author
Ian Moore
16 books362 followersBest-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.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 14, 2026
Being appointed mayor of Saint-Sauver came as a bit of a shock to Richard, so, luckily there were provisions for him to recuperate. Valerie books him a place at Esprit de l’Air, a world famous resort, but Richard starts to realise he might be reliving the plot of a film when someone is murdered. Can Richard prevent the complete plot from happening?
I love this series but I struggled with this book, there’s still plenty of humour but it didn’t quite hit the mark. As is said within the plot, the story has a touch about And Then There Were None about it and I don’t know whether it was that or whether it was the plot taking place away from the usual setting. A few of the normal characters felt forced into the plot, like for example Richard’s fellow hotel owners and notorious swingers. I’m not even sure the plot covered why they ended up at that location and why Valerie chose it, if they did I completely missed it.
I love this series but I struggled with this book, there’s still plenty of humour but it didn’t quite hit the mark. As is said within the plot, the story has a touch about And Then There Were None about it and I don’t know whether it was that or whether it was the plot taking place away from the usual setting. A few of the normal characters felt forced into the plot, like for example Richard’s fellow hotel owners and notorious swingers. I’m not even sure the plot covered why they ended up at that location and why Valerie chose it, if they did I completely missed it.
August 19, 2026
I think this might be my favorite book in the series so far. Richard seems to have really grown a pair, and I adore him. Especially because of his love for hens and because his relationship with Passepartout has developed in the right direction. So has his relationship with Valerie. Or has it...?
I listened to the audio version of this book, and it was really fun hearing the different accents and voices from the author himself, and the characters became more real this time. A murder mystery including a good portion of humor is right up my alley. I recommend the whole series. You don't have to read them all, but you should
I listened to the audio version of this book, and it was really fun hearing the different accents and voices from the author himself, and the characters became more real this time. A murder mystery including a good portion of humor is right up my alley. I recommend the whole series. You don't have to read them all, but you should
July 9, 2026
OMG I love this series. Ian Moore have written the perfect detectivnovels to bring with you when laying in the sun or going on vacation. Richard and Valaries adventurs just gets better every time. I have been laughing outloaud when sitting in public or in my sun lounger following poor Richard on his so-called holiday.
June 7, 2026
An enjoyable and light cosy crime set in France. I have to say I enjoyed the plot of this more than some of the earlier books in the series. The action takes place on an Island and is heavily influenced by ‘And Then There Were None’ (as is repeatedly referenced in the story, and by the title!).
I really enjoyed the first half with a great set up and characters. The second half felt a little more chaotic and the ending lacked that ‘ah yes’ simplicity of a great cosy crime. I enjoyed though, and it left me wanting more.
All that said, 6 books in, the ‘will they-won’t they’ Valerie and Richard relationship is wearing a bit thin. Get on with it! Perhaps that was in part because of the misleading (and I felt oddly inappropriate and unnecessary scene) in the middle of this book…
I really enjoyed the first half with a great set up and characters. The second half felt a little more chaotic and the ending lacked that ‘ah yes’ simplicity of a great cosy crime. I enjoyed though, and it left me wanting more.
All that said, 6 books in, the ‘will they-won’t they’ Valerie and Richard relationship is wearing a bit thin. Get on with it! Perhaps that was in part because of the misleading (and I felt oddly inappropriate and unnecessary scene) in the middle of this book…
August 2, 2026
Confession time. This is not the first book I have read by the author. I've read books from the Loire Valley Mysteries series. But this is the first book in the Follet Valley series I've read despite owning earlier books in the series and, having heard the author on panels and, now, experienced the wonder of this series too, I wish to self declare as a total and utter nincompoop. Why didn't anyone tell me? I mean, I should have known given Ian Moore's wit that this would be a lot of fun, but having been really struggling with reading of late (me not the books) this was totally the tonic I never knew I needed.
The book sees its protagonist, and B&B proprietor, Richard Ainsworth, newly elected as Town Mayor ,and in need of a very urgent break to regroup and recover from the shock, and utterly unwelcome, news. In comes his close friend, business partner, and would be (for him at least) paramour, Valérie d'Orçay, who knows just the right retreat. Now, if you are a long term reader of the series you will probably be expecting a sting in this tale. You won't be disappointed. Valerie books Richard into a very exclusive 'spa' which, on the surface, looks to have more in common with Fort Boyard than Champneys.
Now as a newbie, even I can see that this is not going to be a relaxing break by any stretch. All the better for us readers as what follows is a fun, pacy, witty, Christie-esque mystery that sees film buff Richard really in his element. If not a little bit of danger, given the rate at which the other guests are dropping like flies in the wake of a spray of 'Raid' (other insecticide sprays are available). I ate it up, tore through the book in a couple of sittings, which would have been one had I started the book earlier in the day.
I loved it. Loved the wit, the characters, the set up and the constant parallels to some of the most famous mysteries and criminal set ups of recent, and not so recent, history. I love how the film references are woven into the story. And I loved the dynamic between Valerie and Richard, as well as all of the other characters on the periphery. As much like a classic Christie, the characters who are invited to the resort are there for a reason, all connected by circumstances which may well cost them their lives. it is teaming with mystery and misdirection, and whilst I won't be mourning the loss of some of the characters, I warmed to each and everyone of the, especially Richard, the hen's primo hero. Read the book and you'll understand.
I really needed this book. Needed the lighthearted nature of the story whilst still finding the kind of mystery and criminal goings on that I love. I know I need to go back and read the first five books in the series now, and whilst there is a certain amount of recap in this book that enabled me to have context, I don't think it will have spoiled things too much if this is the first book you are reading and have to track back as I will. But I suspect there is a heck of a lot of fun to be had from all of its predecessors. Bring it on.
Heartily recommended if you love your crime fiction with a slightly lighter, humour laden, tone, with brilliant characters, a great sense of place, and the kind of pitch perfect timing that kept me turning the pages at pace.
The book sees its protagonist, and B&B proprietor, Richard Ainsworth, newly elected as Town Mayor ,and in need of a very urgent break to regroup and recover from the shock, and utterly unwelcome, news. In comes his close friend, business partner, and would be (for him at least) paramour, Valérie d'Orçay, who knows just the right retreat. Now, if you are a long term reader of the series you will probably be expecting a sting in this tale. You won't be disappointed. Valerie books Richard into a very exclusive 'spa' which, on the surface, looks to have more in common with Fort Boyard than Champneys.
Now as a newbie, even I can see that this is not going to be a relaxing break by any stretch. All the better for us readers as what follows is a fun, pacy, witty, Christie-esque mystery that sees film buff Richard really in his element. If not a little bit of danger, given the rate at which the other guests are dropping like flies in the wake of a spray of 'Raid' (other insecticide sprays are available). I ate it up, tore through the book in a couple of sittings, which would have been one had I started the book earlier in the day.
I loved it. Loved the wit, the characters, the set up and the constant parallels to some of the most famous mysteries and criminal set ups of recent, and not so recent, history. I love how the film references are woven into the story. And I loved the dynamic between Valerie and Richard, as well as all of the other characters on the periphery. As much like a classic Christie, the characters who are invited to the resort are there for a reason, all connected by circumstances which may well cost them their lives. it is teaming with mystery and misdirection, and whilst I won't be mourning the loss of some of the characters, I warmed to each and everyone of the, especially Richard, the hen's primo hero. Read the book and you'll understand.
I really needed this book. Needed the lighthearted nature of the story whilst still finding the kind of mystery and criminal goings on that I love. I know I need to go back and read the first five books in the series now, and whilst there is a certain amount of recap in this book that enabled me to have context, I don't think it will have spoiled things too much if this is the first book you are reading and have to track back as I will. But I suspect there is a heck of a lot of fun to be had from all of its predecessors. Bring it on.
Heartily recommended if you love your crime fiction with a slightly lighter, humour laden, tone, with brilliant characters, a great sense of place, and the kind of pitch perfect timing that kept me turning the pages at pace.
August 1, 2026
I really enjoy this series. I struggled with the flow of this one, but maybe I wasn’t reading it in a calm, relaxed, straight through way. Stressful week.
Love the main characters, including the hens, and nice that this “episode” was out of the normal town - on location, as it were.
The plot was good, convoluted but due to Richard’s narration and internal monologue, taking from other plots - and well referenced.
The ending sewn up without real clear procedural was a bit confusing. It was “he went off and researched and tah daaah!” Not sure Richard did it tbh. But a clever nicely sewn up denouement
A little implausible but a good read. I like Ian Moore’s sense of humour and giggled out loud on the train a few times.
Something that never gets mentioned is Valerie having seen “the fertility dance” but she must have done. And I was very frustrated with all the bird deaths when you can simply put stickers on glass and with that money you could have the glass look like brick from the outside but be clear looking out. Or stripes etc. It irked me.
The pot pourri was clever.
Looking forward to the next book! Hope hope.
Why aren’t these films yet????
Love the main characters, including the hens, and nice that this “episode” was out of the normal town - on location, as it were.
The plot was good, convoluted but due to Richard’s narration and internal monologue, taking from other plots - and well referenced.
The ending sewn up without real clear procedural was a bit confusing. It was “he went off and researched and tah daaah!” Not sure Richard did it tbh. But a clever nicely sewn up denouement
A little implausible but a good read. I like Ian Moore’s sense of humour and giggled out loud on the train a few times.
Something that never gets mentioned is Valerie having seen “the fertility dance” but she must have done. And I was very frustrated with all the bird deaths when you can simply put stickers on glass and with that money you could have the glass look like brick from the outside but be clear looking out. Or stripes etc. It irked me.
The pot pourri was clever.
Looking forward to the next book! Hope hope.
Why aren’t these films yet????
June 14, 2026
3.5⭐️
The main reason why I only gave this book 3.5 stars is twofold:
Firstly, and this is a common problem I have found within several novels in this series – the wrap up felt rushed, and the motive for the murder was tacked on and underdeveloped. The mystery itself had a lot of potential, and played into classic murder mysteries in a very fun way, however, the murders/motive were thrown together in the end. While this may have been a callback to how a lot of Agatha Christie’s novels end, this was not executed with complete success.
The second reason why I did not give this a higher rating is because of one plot point specifically. SPOILER AHEAD: not only did they have somebody sleep with Richard pretending to be Valerie, but the aftermath of this realization was never addressed and ignored the sexual assault of it all entirely. It only had Richard feeling shocked and embarrassed. This was not necessary to the plot and seemed thrown in solely to mess with readers who have been consistently shipping these two characters. This plot point was disappointing, unnecessary, and distasteful.
The main reason why I only gave this book 3.5 stars is twofold:
Firstly, and this is a common problem I have found within several novels in this series – the wrap up felt rushed, and the motive for the murder was tacked on and underdeveloped. The mystery itself had a lot of potential, and played into classic murder mysteries in a very fun way, however, the murders/motive were thrown together in the end. While this may have been a callback to how a lot of Agatha Christie’s novels end, this was not executed with complete success.
The second reason why I did not give this a higher rating is because of one plot point specifically. SPOILER AHEAD: not only did they have somebody sleep with Richard pretending to be Valerie, but the aftermath of this realization was never addressed and ignored the sexual assault of it all entirely. It only had Richard feeling shocked and embarrassed. This was not necessary to the plot and seemed thrown in solely to mess with readers who have been consistently shipping these two characters. This plot point was disappointing, unnecessary, and distasteful.
July 12, 2026
This is the first time I have ordered this book on digital format. There were problems with the formatting random words were inappropriately hyphenated annoy-ing! The first 6 chapters hard time indicators then suddenly only indicating 6 hours left in the book no indication of how many chapters left. Later the time indicators returned with chapter indicators. Due to these problems I can only give 2 stars to an otherwise good read
June 20, 2026
The 6th in the series and for me not as good as the others. The Agatha Christie type plot worked to start with but wore thinly by the end.
The end was rushed and not developed.
Having said that I am looking forward to the next instalment already and hope Richard and Valerie will be back in the Follet Valley.
The end was rushed and not developed.
Having said that I am looking forward to the next instalment already and hope Richard and Valerie will be back in the Follet Valley.
July 23, 2026
Goodness, I love this series so much! It's hilarious, especially read by the author himself. And I loved that this time despite all the embarrassment he went through - naked fertility dance, anyone? 🤭 - it really was Richard who solved the case and delivered the speech at the end, with all the explanations and evidence, and he got it right! Good for him!
July 31, 2026
I think this is my favourite of the series so far. I laughed out loud several times while reading. The final reveal at the end about was very dark for such a cozy mystery series. Richard (understandably) misinterprets a situation and it turns out to be a huge violation. I really felt for him in that moment.
June 15, 2026
I was looking forward to this but found it one track repetitive and boring. I think I know what the author was going for (Christie) but it just didn’t work for me. I hope Richard is back with his chickens the next time.
June 25, 2026
Not the best of the lot, but still entertaining.
June 27, 2026
Entertaining
Fun and entertaining just like the previous books in the series. Once you’ve become familiar with the characters, you want to see what happens to them in each book.
Fun and entertaining just like the previous books in the series. Once you’ve become familiar with the characters, you want to see what happens to them in each book.
July 1, 2026
Love this series. And oh what a tricky revelation with the main characters!
July 5, 2026
As the rest of the series it’s a great book, thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next.
July 7, 2026
The worst book of Ian More's I have read! I struggled to finish it. I hope his next one is back in the charming French countryside.
August 11, 2026
This was the best book of the series só far! I hope that we will have more books about Richard!
June 6, 2026
I love all of Richard’s classic film knowledge and expertise. This romp is particularly amusing with Valerie.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think this may be my favourite of the series so far, with the liberal sprinkling of nods to Agatha Christie and the exotic James Bondesque location it was a fantastic read.
Richard and Valèrie make such a great team, with Valèrie's forthright French manner and ambiguous past mixing so well with the solidly reliable British Richard and his dry humour. The pair are often at odds with each other and approach the situations differently, but that only adds to the charm of these books to see them bickering whilst Richard yearns for more from his business partner.
The book has suspicion and twists with hidden identities, past traumas and misunderstandings aplenty to keep the fast paced plot moving on. The remote location was a great idea and added to the tense atmosphere as the body count grew.
Parfait! Highly recommended if you like M.C Beaton or S J Bennett books. A fabulous cosy murder mystery perfect for reading in the summer sun.
Despite his very very best efforts Richard has somehow managed to be elected the new mayor. Taking the news badly, it's pronounced that he needs a restorative break paid for by the tax payer. Richard is shipped off to a relaxing spa, but a slight diversion sees him on an isolated and exclusive sea fort with a very eclectic bunch of business people all suffering burn out. Things quickly descend into chaos when a guest is murdered, but thankfully Richard and Valèrie are on the spot to start the investigation. Expect twists, red herrings and old secrets to come tumbling out from this isolated place with a few extra deaths thrown in to keep the atmosphere tense.
Thank you to the author and publishers for my advanced copy.
Richard and Valèrie make such a great team, with Valèrie's forthright French manner and ambiguous past mixing so well with the solidly reliable British Richard and his dry humour. The pair are often at odds with each other and approach the situations differently, but that only adds to the charm of these books to see them bickering whilst Richard yearns for more from his business partner.
The book has suspicion and twists with hidden identities, past traumas and misunderstandings aplenty to keep the fast paced plot moving on. The remote location was a great idea and added to the tense atmosphere as the body count grew.
Parfait! Highly recommended if you like M.C Beaton or S J Bennett books. A fabulous cosy murder mystery perfect for reading in the summer sun.
Despite his very very best efforts Richard has somehow managed to be elected the new mayor. Taking the news badly, it's pronounced that he needs a restorative break paid for by the tax payer. Richard is shipped off to a relaxing spa, but a slight diversion sees him on an isolated and exclusive sea fort with a very eclectic bunch of business people all suffering burn out. Things quickly descend into chaos when a guest is murdered, but thankfully Richard and Valèrie are on the spot to start the investigation. Expect twists, red herrings and old secrets to come tumbling out from this isolated place with a few extra deaths thrown in to keep the atmosphere tense.
Thank you to the author and publishers for my advanced copy.
July 4, 2026
Not my favourite in the series - it got wrapped up too quickly towards the end that left me with lots of plot questions.
Though as comical as always!
Though as comical as always!
June 11, 2026
his best so far i think. very much enjoyed the christie influences that were self aware but didn’t influence the story a lot
June 12, 2026
Brilliant fun.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews