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Hetta Coffey Mystery #8
Just Pardon My French
Hetta Coffey is a sassy Texan with a snazzy yacht, and she’s not afraid to use it! She’s living aboard her forty-five foot boat in Mexico’s spectacular Sea of Cortez, taking work where she can get it and, characteristically, she isn’t all that concerned about any pesky legalities involved.
Docked at a pricey marina in La Paz, her cruising kitty is taking a hit, so when she’s offered a dream job, she jumps on it. All she has to do is act as a courier, babysitting equipment and sensitive documentation for her former employer to their new offices in France.
>>>An easy job and a romantic vacation, all paid for; what could possibly go wrong?Not only does she get to revisit a country she once lived in and loved, she’ll meet with her significant other, Jenks Jenkins, in Paris. Oh là là! What could possibly go wrong?
With Hetta? Just about everything.
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Docked at a pricey marina in La Paz, her cruising kitty is taking a hit, so when she’s offered a dream job, she jumps on it. All she has to do is act as a courier, babysitting equipment and sensitive documentation for her former employer to their new offices in France.
>>>An easy job and a romantic vacation, all paid for; what could possibly go wrong?Not only does she get to revisit a country she once lived in and loved, she’ll meet with her significant other, Jenks Jenkins, in Paris. Oh là là! What could possibly go wrong?
With Hetta? Just about everything.
Scroll Up and Grab Your Copy Today!
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2016
806 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Jinx Schwartz
29 books317 followersJinx Schwartz is the USA TODAY Best-selling author of the award-winning Hetta Coffey series.
JUST ADD WATER, first in the series, introduces Hetta, a sassy Texan with a snazzy yacht, and she's not afraid to use it. JUST ADD SALT, JUST ADD TROUBLE, JUST DESERTS, JUST THE PITS, JUST NEEDS KILLIN', AND JUST DIFFERENT DEVILS get her into hot Mexican Waters. JUST PARDON MY FRENCH, BOOK 8, FINDS HETTA IN FRANCE and Book 9: JUST FOLLOW THE MONEY, takes a wild ride on two continents, and JUST FOR THE BIRDS, Book 10, gets her afowl of exotic bird smugglers. Book 11 finds her in Texas, and living in an RV until her boat goes missing back in Mexico, and in Just On Porpoise (12 ) her attention is drawn to the almost extinct Vaquita, and JUST SO WRONG (13) finds Hetta taking on the dogfighting trade. Her other books: The Texicans (Texas 1806-1836 Historical Western), Land of Mountains, a YA/TWEEN set in Haiti in the 1950's, Troubled Sea, a thriller in Mexico's Sea of Cortez, and BAJA GET AWAY, suspensful romance in Mexico.
Jinx spends equal time in Arizona and Mexico.
JUST ADD WATER, first in the series, introduces Hetta, a sassy Texan with a snazzy yacht, and she's not afraid to use it. JUST ADD SALT, JUST ADD TROUBLE, JUST DESERTS, JUST THE PITS, JUST NEEDS KILLIN', AND JUST DIFFERENT DEVILS get her into hot Mexican Waters. JUST PARDON MY FRENCH, BOOK 8, FINDS HETTA IN FRANCE and Book 9: JUST FOLLOW THE MONEY, takes a wild ride on two continents, and JUST FOR THE BIRDS, Book 10, gets her afowl of exotic bird smugglers. Book 11 finds her in Texas, and living in an RV until her boat goes missing back in Mexico, and in Just On Porpoise (12 ) her attention is drawn to the almost extinct Vaquita, and JUST SO WRONG (13) finds Hetta taking on the dogfighting trade. Her other books: The Texicans (Texas 1806-1836 Historical Western), Land of Mountains, a YA/TWEEN set in Haiti in the 1950's, Troubled Sea, a thriller in Mexico's Sea of Cortez, and BAJA GET AWAY, suspensful romance in Mexico.
Jinx spends equal time in Arizona and Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
December 27, 2016
If you are familiar with the Hetta Coffey series by Jinx Schwartz, you'll discover Just Pardon My French, the 8th in her series is quite a departure from previous Hetta Coffey locations in that she is hired to accompany a shipment across the pond where she will later rendezvous with Jenks for a long awaited romantic holiday in the south of France. While some of the usual characters are missing, most of the favorites are there including her BFF Jan and her beloved Po Thang, a serious rescue. Of course it doesn't take long before Jenks is called away from the barge they rented to navigate the canals, although Jan has been called in to keep her company and out of trouble. Like THAT will happen! This time trouble doesn't follow Hetta, she trips over it and then pursues it in the person of a naive American female tourist newly freed from care-taking duties and subsequently inherited fistful of dollars. There are new characters to celebrate, and I'd bet we'll hear more from René. Po Thang entertains a couple of swans, and Hetta gets to achieve some satisfaction regarding an old romantic liaison. I liked the new characters, the description of the small French towns, the people, the food, and the challenge of the canal locks. Although it ran rather predictably, it was fun along the way and Hetta's dialogue sassy as usual with her well-matched and extremely attractive Texas friend. Jinx gave us a diversion, a change of venue, and a change up in her well received cozy mystery plots. I wonder if Hetta will be getting off the Raymond Johnson and into additional European ports of call now.
March 9, 2017
Hetta is once again hired for a quick gig by her ex-employer, Baxter Brothers. This time leaving her yacht, Raymond Johnson and pooch, Po Thang in Bajo México while she headed off to France, accompanied by her beau, Jenks. That is, until Jenks gets called out to Paris due to terror attacks and Hetta is left alone again. That's always a precursor for trouble.
Soon Hetta, Jan and Po Thang befriend a fellow traveler who they feel is being taken for a ride by a suspicious Frenchman. Using his looks, know how and country to his advantage. Nevertheless , wire-tapping and other snooping unfurled. Little did Hetta and Jan know that bigger and badder was in their midsts.
~ fast and funny. I truly enjoy Hetta and her gang of few. This series does not disappoint.
Soon Hetta, Jan and Po Thang befriend a fellow traveler who they feel is being taken for a ride by a suspicious Frenchman. Using his looks, know how and country to his advantage. Nevertheless , wire-tapping and other snooping unfurled. Little did Hetta and Jan know that bigger and badder was in their midsts.
~ fast and funny. I truly enjoy Hetta and her gang of few. This series does not disappoint.
December 29, 2016
Light and entertaining
I enjoyed this after reading a down and dirty drama or murder mystery. I always like to break it up a bit so I can enjoy the next spine tingler even more. This was a great book to do just that. Good story line, great story telling, and superb verbiage selection. It reminded me of exploits a friend of mine and I used to get into, albeit, not in Europe. It was worth the read.
I enjoyed this after reading a down and dirty drama or murder mystery. I always like to break it up a bit so I can enjoy the next spine tingler even more. This was a great book to do just that. Good story line, great story telling, and superb verbiage selection. It reminded me of exploits a friend of mine and I used to get into, albeit, not in Europe. It was worth the read.
December 30, 2016
4.5 stars in the Cozy category.
Hetta and her buddy Jan are a hoot. Irreverent, dog loving, and bad influences on each other. I'd love to hang out with them.
Being a bit of a Francophile, I loved the French twist (so to speak) in this book.
This was my first Hetta Coffey. I'm going to go back and read the earlier ones while I still have my Kindle Unlimited!
Hetta and her buddy Jan are a hoot. Irreverent, dog loving, and bad influences on each other. I'd love to hang out with them.
Being a bit of a Francophile, I loved the French twist (so to speak) in this book.
This was my first Hetta Coffey. I'm going to go back and read the earlier ones while I still have my Kindle Unlimited!
July 13, 2016
Entertaining.
This was the first book in this series written by this author I read. If you're Texan and can speak French you'll love it. Laughed so much, good summer reading. Hetta and her friends, especially her dog are loveable characters.
This was the first book in this series written by this author I read. If you're Texan and can speak French you'll love it. Laughed so much, good summer reading. Hetta and her friends, especially her dog are loveable characters.
February 10, 2018
Hetta Coffe is back,!
A captivating series of events keeps you entertained, as expected, and turning pages because you just have to find out what she's up to next! Well written tale of fun on the run as well as a healthy dose of "look what their involved in now"!
A captivating series of events keeps you entertained, as expected, and turning pages because you just have to find out what she's up to next! Well written tale of fun on the run as well as a healthy dose of "look what their involved in now"!
February 8, 2018
Skip the French just keep the pages turning
Fantastic book. The characters and the action keep you turning the pages. Couldn't stop reading this book such great detail to keeping the suspense building.
Fantastic book. The characters and the action keep you turning the pages. Couldn't stop reading this book such great detail to keeping the suspense building.
March 29, 2021
Hetta descends on France! And the boating this time involves canals. Interesting plot with terrorists and gigolos.
June 13, 2018
Great escape!
Laughing out loud while reading is wonderful! Scares the dogs and hubby briefly but so enjoyable!
A must add to my collection!
Laughing out loud while reading is wonderful! Scares the dogs and hubby briefly but so enjoyable!
A must add to my collection!
August 22, 2016
The latest book in the Hetta Coffey series. Hetta is an engineer by trade and will take independent jobs. Hetta after a disappointing love affair brought a yacht, named the Raymond Jackson after her deceased dog. With her friend Jan they sailed into Mexican waters. In this book, her boyfriend Jenks has a surprise for her. After accommodating a consignment of materials to Southern France, they will meet in Paris. Jenks' surprise is a boat to sail the canals of southern France. Shortly after their arrival in France, there is a terrorist attack in Paris. Jenks needed to leave for awhile. Jenks arranges for Jan and PoThang, her dog to join Hetta. Watch out, as whenever Jan and Hetta get together sparks tend to fly. This time, they decided to save an American woman from her abusive boyfriend. on their agenda is to get back at Hetta's French boyfriend who dumped Hetta 20 years ago. Po Thang has encounters with a pair of swans and French poodle that are extremely funny. If you have not read any of this series, do yourself a favor and read it. While the books can be read as a standalone, it is better to read in order.
July 29, 2017
I wanted a book to try out my new reader and this was an Amazon free book that I could upload quickly and start reading. It was 'advertised' as a fun adventure mystery. I found it light on the mystery but it was fun and light with lots of humor. I'd read more in this series when I need a light break or distraction.
February 15, 2019
A story of no good deed going unpunished, when a pair of gals have time on their hands while one gal's boyfriend leaves her on a vacation boat in France. Seeing another gal who may be a damsel in distress, they scheme in not-so-successful ways, while meeting a raft of colorful characters. The main characters are lively and walk on the thin edge between inviting danger and protecting what they value, with a flair for risk over all. And there's dogs. Anyone who's had an overeager retriever will relate to coping with this adult pup. And I learned a bit about vacationing on a boat in Europe! Enjoyable, mysterious and comical both, as the main character has a flair for both sarcasm and understatement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2018
My first Hetta Coffee book.
Enjoyed the pace of this read. Characters were well defined and interesting. I would recommend this book to light mystery readers.
Enjoyed the pace of this read. Characters were well defined and interesting. I would recommend this book to light mystery readers.
August 21, 2018
Good fun
Amusing and fun. You’ll enjoy the romp through France and the shenanigans of these Texans. Good book for a road trip.
Amusing and fun. You’ll enjoy the romp through France and the shenanigans of these Texans. Good book for a road trip.
February 28, 2018
Hetta Coffey is an original and as likely to stumble into trouble as to stop it in it's tracks--trouble that is. Her cohert and BFF is Jan who is great with numbers and can be talked into anything Hetta dreams up. Hetta accepts a job and off to France she goes--expenses paid of course--but bad memories keep surfacing about the guy who walked away years ago. Luckily she has a current boyfriend!
Her dog Po Thang is making friends with other species again--well almost friends--. They are followed by these friends until Hetta and Jan find out why they are being tailed!!
Then there is a human skunk who is, according to Hetta, taking advantage of a single woman he picked up ----- Hetta and Jan decide to try and stop this!
This one will definitely have you laughing----and as I am sure you have figured out--I am not reading this series in any kind of order--there really is no need to.
Just Pardon My French
Her dog Po Thang is making friends with other species again--well almost friends--. They are followed by these friends until Hetta and Jan find out why they are being tailed!!
Then there is a human skunk who is, according to Hetta, taking advantage of a single woman he picked up ----- Hetta and Jan decide to try and stop this!
This one will definitely have you laughing----and as I am sure you have figured out--I am not reading this series in any kind of order--there really is no need to.
Just Pardon My French
January 31, 2022
Hetta, Jan, and Rhonda are in Paris when they are "pressed" into service to help create a diversion. Once they realize they are being left out of the circle as to why they are needed, they start their own investigation. They manage to figure out most of what is being kept from them. Then they manage to solve the case.
I have never read any of this series. I will have to rectify that omission. I was able to follow the story line, but I missed the inside jokes. Hetta and Jan are a hoot. I laughed so much when they started their snark. I liked what they used to get the information they needed. The secondary characters were good. I wish Jenks would have stayed longer with Hetta instead of jetting in and out. I figured out the mystery also, but like Hetta, there was one part I did not see coming. I would not get on Hetta's bad side. I enjoyed this very much and plan on reading more of Hetta and Company.
I have never read any of this series. I will have to rectify that omission. I was able to follow the story line, but I missed the inside jokes. Hetta and Jan are a hoot. I laughed so much when they started their snark. I liked what they used to get the information they needed. The secondary characters were good. I wish Jenks would have stayed longer with Hetta instead of jetting in and out. I figured out the mystery also, but like Hetta, there was one part I did not see coming. I would not get on Hetta's bad side. I enjoyed this very much and plan on reading more of Hetta and Company.
January 30, 2018
Exciting once again
Hetta and Jenks take a vacation in France after his return back home from Afghanistan. A much needed reprieve for both of them, a time to get reacquainted and just enjoy each other. Everything seems to be going really well, until they meet another American women. She is an older single woman who is desperate for a relationship and love. She is blinded by her boyfriend and just accepts his treatment of her as a difference in culture because he is French.
Jenks gets called to Paris because of a terrorist attack leaving Hetta alone on their rented boat they were cruising the canal on.
After a couple of days she gets a surprise visit. Jan has arrived. Now ya know when they are together things always go sideways.
And, now the real fun begins.
Hetta and Jenks take a vacation in France after his return back home from Afghanistan. A much needed reprieve for both of them, a time to get reacquainted and just enjoy each other. Everything seems to be going really well, until they meet another American women. She is an older single woman who is desperate for a relationship and love. She is blinded by her boyfriend and just accepts his treatment of her as a difference in culture because he is French.
Jenks gets called to Paris because of a terrorist attack leaving Hetta alone on their rented boat they were cruising the canal on.
After a couple of days she gets a surprise visit. Jan has arrived. Now ya know when they are together things always go sideways.
And, now the real fun begins.
February 27, 2018
Hettta Coffey with her dog Po Thang live on a boat in Mexico. As a Civil Engineer works on and off for Baxter Brothers and she got a call to accompany a shipment of technical equipment to France. Hetta is called by Jenks her significant other to go to France and he will meet her there. Jenks had to leave and left her on a rented boat where she meets a woman that ends up in trouble. Jenks can't get right back so arranges for Jan her best friend and her dog to go and keep her company. As usual Hetta finds something to get involved in and this time tries to help her new friend. Lots of exciting things happen to keep you reading!
February 19, 2017
Hetta is the best kind of Texas woman- the kind that reminds me of Ann Richards and Molly Ivins- bold, brash, and sensible.
When her lover has to flee their vacation because of work pressures, Hetta has nothing to amuse herself with. So her best friend and dog come for a visit, and they pick up a stray who definitely needs them, and - well, it all got VERY pear-shaped and interesting! Not at all realistic, mind, but lots of fun to read.
I will likely be looking up more of Hetta's adventures.
When her lover has to flee their vacation because of work pressures, Hetta has nothing to amuse herself with. So her best friend and dog come for a visit, and they pick up a stray who definitely needs them, and - well, it all got VERY pear-shaped and interesting! Not at all realistic, mind, but lots of fun to read.
I will likely be looking up more of Hetta's adventures.
February 6, 2018
Great fun read
This book popped up on my recommended amazon list and as I live in France, i was a tad intrigued. While a trifle obvious it was a really enjoyable read and i was pleased to find a lot if accurate French thrown in. The aptly wonderful descriptions of our local nosh made tastebuds tingle. From Jinx's accurate descriptions of the varying French main characters it is obvious that she has spent some considerable time in France to be able to portray them as well as she has. Super quick read.
This book popped up on my recommended amazon list and as I live in France, i was a tad intrigued. While a trifle obvious it was a really enjoyable read and i was pleased to find a lot if accurate French thrown in. The aptly wonderful descriptions of our local nosh made tastebuds tingle. From Jinx's accurate descriptions of the varying French main characters it is obvious that she has spent some considerable time in France to be able to portray them as well as she has. Super quick read.
September 17, 2019
I read dozens of cozy mysteries - some good, some pathetically juvenile. This one was very good.
For starters, this is book #8 and, while I'm certain there are nuances I missed from not having read the earlier seven, I was not left out, not floundering, not wondering what more there was. It worked well as a stand-alone.
As most cozy mysteries, there are situations that are rather far-fetched, but in this novel they don't stand out or reflect sunlight directly into your retinas. They're just part of the story.
And I love Hetta's attitude!
For starters, this is book #8 and, while I'm certain there are nuances I missed from not having read the earlier seven, I was not left out, not floundering, not wondering what more there was. It worked well as a stand-alone.
As most cozy mysteries, there are situations that are rather far-fetched, but in this novel they don't stand out or reflect sunlight directly into your retinas. They're just part of the story.
And I love Hetta's attitude!
July 26, 2020
Just Pardon My French, Hetta Coffey mysteries, Book #8
by Jinx Schwartz
Once again Swartz delivers a doozy of an adventure. Although Hetta, Po' Thing, Jan, and Jenks have left the Sea of Cortez, the "Raymond Johnson," and Mexico behind, they are still pursuing danger and adventure and hilarity along the waterways of France.
This novel delivers in spades: a great plot, pacing and flow, amazing, relatable characters, wonderful editing and proofing, and no cliffhanger ending. A fun and quick read.
by Jinx Schwartz
Once again Swartz delivers a doozy of an adventure. Although Hetta, Po' Thing, Jan, and Jenks have left the Sea of Cortez, the "Raymond Johnson," and Mexico behind, they are still pursuing danger and adventure and hilarity along the waterways of France.
This novel delivers in spades: a great plot, pacing and flow, amazing, relatable characters, wonderful editing and proofing, and no cliffhanger ending. A fun and quick read.
October 27, 2021
This was a fun read. Hetta is sent to France by Trob to deliver special supplies. As a reward she gets a vacation with Jink. However, as always there's trouble and Jink has to handle it.
He lives Hetta but has Jan and her dog flown to France. As always they find away to get in trouble.
This time it's trying to keep a American woman they just met from getting fleeced.
They follow the American and French lover on a boat in the South of France. Doing this they help solve a terrorist plot and save the day.
He lives Hetta but has Jan and her dog flown to France. As always they find away to get in trouble.
This time it's trying to keep a American woman they just met from getting fleeced.
They follow the American and French lover on a boat in the South of France. Doing this they help solve a terrorist plot and save the day.
January 5, 2017
I took this book for what it was escapism from winter and my boat being on the hard. I studied French for years so liked that twist. I am disturbed by the anti Muslim slant to this book. I know French & Germans with this same attitude and believe that creates more not less stressors between beliefs. I'm not sure I will try another in the series. I prefer the thoughtful Isabel Dalhousie series where kindness maters.
February 18, 2017
Fun read
Easy read about 2 Texas gals on an extended visit to the south of France. Throw in a dog, a flock of swans, new powerful friends, canal boats, and an innocent tourist, a terrorist or two and you have the stuff of a really interesting story. Now add to the mix an old love and a new one and see what happens. Give this one a read.
Easy read about 2 Texas gals on an extended visit to the south of France. Throw in a dog, a flock of swans, new powerful friends, canal boats, and an innocent tourist, a terrorist or two and you have the stuff of a really interesting story. Now add to the mix an old love and a new one and see what happens. Give this one a read.
February 10, 2018
Hetta's at it again
If there's trouble to be had, Hetta Coffey will find it. Or it'll find her.
It was just a trip to France, to meet up with Jenks and enjoy a little vacation.
Then it all hit the fan.
Followers of Hetta and her entourage will enjoy this take on real-life events, and the consequences of them.
If there's trouble to be had, Hetta Coffey will find it. Or it'll find her.
It was just a trip to France, to meet up with Jenks and enjoy a little vacation.
Then it all hit the fan.
Followers of Hetta and her entourage will enjoy this take on real-life events, and the consequences of them.
March 17, 2018
Fun read
I was about to start another book but the text to speech wasn't working and this jumped out at me in my library because of the French reference. I was pleasantly surprised at the intriguing story. I had not read the first 7 but I bet they are as funny, intriguing and clever as this one with characters you wish you knew in real life.
I was about to start another book but the text to speech wasn't working and this jumped out at me in my library because of the French reference. I was pleasantly surprised at the intriguing story. I had not read the first 7 but I bet they are as funny, intriguing and clever as this one with characters you wish you knew in real life.
July 29, 2019
Very fun
I love these books! They are well written, snarky and great fun. Being part Texan the references to that states sense of family, humor and reputation fits me well. Also these books are very well edited for grammar, punctuation and flow. I cannot tell you how incredibly refreshing that is for this snarky English major Texan this is.
I love these books! They are well written, snarky and great fun. Being part Texan the references to that states sense of family, humor and reputation fits me well. Also these books are very well edited for grammar, punctuation and flow. I cannot tell you how incredibly refreshing that is for this snarky English major Texan this is.
July 5, 2020
This is an easy one to review. Any of Jinx's book that I have read are a winner. I would like to have her two main characters for my best friends. I live the story with them ever time I read one of her books. I will never live on a boat, or travel the world working but I can live it with them. Write many more they are always a winner.
March 22, 2021
Fun read and I do mean fun!
Hetta and Jan two Texas gals living in Mexico lead you on a true thrill ride. These two along with a rescued golden retriever take you all over France. Filled with mystery, intrigue and a bit of spying will have you laughing all the way to the end. Can't wait for more adventures from these two.
Hetta and Jan two Texas gals living in Mexico lead you on a true thrill ride. These two along with a rescued golden retriever take you all over France. Filled with mystery, intrigue and a bit of spying will have you laughing all the way to the end. Can't wait for more adventures from these two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews