What do you think?
Rate this book
Death on the Seine: A Paris Booksellers Mystery
It was a beautiful spring day in Paris. What could possibly go wrong?
For Ava Sext, a transplanted Londoner who sells books from an outdoor stand that overlooks the Seine River, her day goes from bad to worse when the tall handsome stranger whose appearance her horoscope predicted disappears after he is almost killed before her eyes and that's before she discovers that he supposedly died weeks earlier!
With the help of her fellow bookseller, Henri DeAth, a former notary in a country where notaries are a powerful caste who not only know where the bodies are buried but probably helped bury them, Ava attempts to find her not-so-dead man before he turns up dead for real while trying to remain alive.
Death on the Seine is a cozy mystery set in Paris, a city where food, wine and crime make life worth living… along with a few books and Mercury, the cat.
For Ava Sext, a transplanted Londoner who sells books from an outdoor stand that overlooks the Seine River, her day goes from bad to worse when the tall handsome stranger whose appearance her horoscope predicted disappears after he is almost killed before her eyes and that's before she discovers that he supposedly died weeks earlier!
With the help of her fellow bookseller, Henri DeAth, a former notary in a country where notaries are a powerful caste who not only know where the bodies are buried but probably helped bury them, Ava attempts to find her not-so-dead man before he turns up dead for real while trying to remain alive.
Death on the Seine is a cozy mystery set in Paris, a city where food, wine and crime make life worth living… along with a few books and Mercury, the cat.
298 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2017
256 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 28, 2017
Not great, not bad
It was very simplistic, with odd, undeveloped characters. I gave it 3 stars instead of 2 because the plot idea and the main characters had potential. I just wished more had been done with it. It felt like it had been written by a precocious teen. I'm not sorry I read it, but unless the author's writing matures, probably will not read others by the same author.
It was very simplistic, with odd, undeveloped characters. I gave it 3 stars instead of 2 because the plot idea and the main characters had potential. I just wished more had been done with it. It felt like it had been written by a precocious teen. I'm not sorry I read it, but unless the author's writing matures, probably will not read others by the same author.
October 23, 2017
Disappointing
I was looking forward to reading this book given that I lived in Paris for a number of years. Sadly, it did not live up to my expectations.
The book has no substance and does not even do Paris justice. Shame.
I was looking forward to reading this book given that I lived in Paris for a number of years. Sadly, it did not live up to my expectations.
The book has no substance and does not even do Paris justice. Shame.
April 28, 2022
“Death on the Seine” is a nice cozy mystery set in Paris with two very likeable characters. Our heroine Ava Sext with the help of her fellow book seller, Henri DeAth, a former notary in a country where notaries are a powerful caste. “Death on the Seine” gives the reader a nice glimpse of Paris, the street booksellers, and food and drink to draw the reader into the Paris setting. As the story opens, Ava’s day goes from bad to worse when the tall handsome stranger whose appearance her horoscope predicted disappears after he is almost killed before her eyes (and that's before she discovers that he supposedly died weeks earlier)!
The characters are interesting; however, the characters should have been developed a bit more. However, I will concede that this was the first in the series; hopefully the characters will grow as the series continues. The plot was good, but lacked a tad of mystery (twists and turns), but the ending was good . Evan Hirst made good use of local color and had some great descriptions of Paris, its surroundings and culture keep it interesting. I enjoyed “Death on the Seine;” this series has potential with the main characters being likeable. It is light and very readable.
The characters are interesting; however, the characters should have been developed a bit more. However, I will concede that this was the first in the series; hopefully the characters will grow as the series continues. The plot was good, but lacked a tad of mystery (twists and turns), but the ending was good . Evan Hirst made good use of local color and had some great descriptions of Paris, its surroundings and culture keep it interesting. I enjoyed “Death on the Seine;” this series has potential with the main characters being likeable. It is light and very readable.
April 5, 2018
I love to read character-driven mysteries with a sense of place, but this was a fluffy, disappointing read. The premise that a young woman inherits her uncle's Paris apartment and his Seine bookstand was appealing, but the author never explains what "the work" is. And how many times does she have to say she's living in paradise? Or savor a croissant or other food? OK, we get it the first time. It's a classic beginning writer's "telling" rather than "showing" through the sleuth's eyes. Paris is a fabulous, sensory city, filled with history, amazing architecture, but at times it felt like the main character was reciting from a book of must-see sites... this book does not do Paris justice.
April 19, 2021
Ava Sext and Henri DeAth involved in a mystery in Paris, France. Intriguing just by the mention of their names. An introduction to two interesting characters, but I could have used more about both of them.
The mystery was really not very important in the story. It was more about Sext and DeAth getting acquainted with each other, how they would act together to solve a mystery and also the motives of the other characters in the story. I debated about three or four stars and decided to go with four as it was a very enjoyable read.
Not a lot of action, but interesting characters and worth the read.
The mystery was really not very important in the story. It was more about Sext and DeAth getting acquainted with each other, how they would act together to solve a mystery and also the motives of the other characters in the story. I debated about three or four stars and decided to go with four as it was a very enjoyable read.
Not a lot of action, but interesting characters and worth the read.
November 1, 2017
If you love Paris. ....
This mystery is unique but you have to read it to figure out why. A beautiful spring day in Paris. The writer is able to bring out the best of Paris so that you can almost feel like you are right there. While I have never been I really felt like I was right there with the characters. The esoteric idea of being a chosen one while not my cup of tea, makes for an interesting plot and adds some interesting characters.
This mystery is unique but you have to read it to figure out why. A beautiful spring day in Paris. The writer is able to bring out the best of Paris so that you can almost feel like you are right there. While I have never been I really felt like I was right there with the characters. The esoteric idea of being a chosen one while not my cup of tea, makes for an interesting plot and adds some interesting characters.
December 29, 2021
A Mystery Comes to the Seine
Evan Hirst has written an intense and intriguing new cozey mystery series taking place in Paris with an array of vibrant, mysterious and colorful characters that will first entice you then draw you into its mystery keeping you enthralled through out while always keeping one step ahead of you figuring out who the culprit is and why they are up to no good. Acquire " Death on the Seine " today for hours of entertainment. Kat
Evan Hirst has written an intense and intriguing new cozey mystery series taking place in Paris with an array of vibrant, mysterious and colorful characters that will first entice you then draw you into its mystery keeping you enthralled through out while always keeping one step ahead of you figuring out who the culprit is and why they are up to no good. Acquire " Death on the Seine " today for hours of entertainment. Kat
January 31, 2023
An intriguing story set in Paris. Ava is content o sell books on the banks of the Seine. Her uncle left her this spot as an inheritance. One day she sees a man who sparks her curiosity. When he is almost, run over by a motorcycle, she is determined to find out exactly who this man is. A lot of persons are involved and Ava finds her life may be in danger. Could their search for a manuscript that proposes eternal life, be a hoax?
July 29, 2024
Intrigue and sleuthing
Paris booksellers on the Seine discover intrigue and Masters of the universe. The story follows Sext and Dath as they find themselves among followers who are convinced the work is necessary. An abby, Knights Templar, hidden manuscripts and more cause trouble and intrigue. Love and money cause problems and it takes an amateur sleuth and a former French notary to suds out the culprit and the reasons for all.
An interesting and medieval-filled story.
Paris booksellers on the Seine discover intrigue and Masters of the universe. The story follows Sext and Dath as they find themselves among followers who are convinced the work is necessary. An abby, Knights Templar, hidden manuscripts and more cause trouble and intrigue. Love and money cause problems and it takes an amateur sleuth and a former French notary to suds out the culprit and the reasons for all.
An interesting and medieval-filled story.
August 14, 2021
Paris is one of my favorite cities and was looking forward to reminiscing with this mystery. But, was disappointed and not please with the smidgen of Paris detail or mystery which is suppose to happen in and around Paris. Overall more about the characters should have been developed, the plot lacked a lot of mystery (twists and turns), and the ending was good but could have been spiced up more.
September 29, 2021
Another mystery Series in Paris
Paris seems to be fraught with murders, and young & older women who decide to become dectectives. This series has potential and I’ll probably read the next one, but unsure about our heroine sleuth and if she’s smart enough to survive. Great descriptions of Paris surroundings and culture keep it interesting.
Paris seems to be fraught with murders, and young & older women who decide to become dectectives. This series has potential and I’ll probably read the next one, but unsure about our heroine sleuth and if she’s smart enough to survive. Great descriptions of Paris surroundings and culture keep it interesting.
March 14, 2023
Starts off well, then tumbles down a rabbit hole
I was very disappointed in this book. It was in desperate need of an editor to keep it from being a Nancy Drew wannabe. Attempted murders all over the place , with little supportive plot, left me not really caring who the murderer was that was often referred to but didn't exist. very peculiar and unsatisfying!
I was very disappointed in this book. It was in desperate need of an editor to keep it from being a Nancy Drew wannabe. Attempted murders all over the place , with little supportive plot, left me not really caring who the murderer was that was often referred to but didn't exist. very peculiar and unsatisfying!
September 5, 2017
Intriguing
I enjoyed the main character even though she seemed a bit naive. The plot was well thought and thorough. Parts seemed to be a bit too long, but it picked up the pace near the end.
I enjoyed the main character even though she seemed a bit naive. The plot was well thought and thorough. Parts seemed to be a bit too long, but it picked up the pace near the end.
February 6, 2018
Cute enough
Likable protagonist- but the character development was a bit stilted and one just didn’t care much about the “dead man” some depth to “the work” also may have helped the pedantic nature. It was hard to picture the settings, a bit more description would have helped.
Likable protagonist- but the character development was a bit stilted and one just didn’t care much about the “dead man” some depth to “the work” also may have helped the pedantic nature. It was hard to picture the settings, a bit more description would have helped.
September 22, 2023
Wanted to give it 4 stars, but the punctuation was atrocious. That aside, it was a very good mystery.
I found the heroine a bit immature, but liked the variety of characters. The setting, of course, was merveilleux!
I found the heroine a bit immature, but liked the variety of characters. The setting, of course, was merveilleux!
July 29, 2024
I love a good cozy mystery and I love Paris.... Put the two together and I am hooked. Very entertaining book, some of the characters could have had more potential. Overall, I enjoyed the book and did I mention PARIS!?
February 5, 2025
I enjoyed reading this novel; I found the plot and story line quite unusually entertaining and thrilling honestly! I must admit that I cringed at the escapade details - wow!! I hope to go for the next book in your series later on as to continue enjoying!
February 21, 2019
My two loves
I love two things in life, Paris and mysteries . I have new favorite writer on Evan Hirst. Can't wait to begin the next one.
I love two things in life, Paris and mysteries . I have new favorite writer on Evan Hirst. Can't wait to begin the next one.
December 16, 2019
I really wanted to like this book, but while there were enchanting and thrilling moments, I just didn't find myself getting into the book as much as I'd hoped to.
December 31, 2021
The writing is a little hit or miss with extraneous details in some places and not enough details in others.
June 26, 2022
I was hoping this would be the start of a good mystery series set in Paris, but it was pretty weak. I will not continue reading them.
April 24, 2023
Super sleuthing
This book has you guessing until the very end. As an Agatha Christie enthusiast, this novel didn’t disappoint me. Tres bien!
This book has you guessing until the very end. As an Agatha Christie enthusiast, this novel didn’t disappoint me. Tres bien!
August 16, 2024
A quirky mystery.
September 3, 2017
Not much you can say about this. Just a fun easy beach read but enjoyable.
March 18, 2022
Murder By the Books?
A fun read...Ava thought all she had to do to enjoy living in Paris was run her book booth.....not so, but you have read the book to fi d out.
A fun read...Ava thought all she had to do to enjoy living in Paris was run her book booth.....not so, but you have read the book to fi d out.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews