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World Traveler Cozy Mystery #1
Perils in Provence
It’s not easy to go from making peach pies to investigating mysteries in Provence. A dangerous past life. A new mysterious boss. An old chateau with some very suspicious characters. Jennifer was happy working as a baker at the Ravenwood Inn, but when fate comes calling in the form of Gable Landon, she’s ready to jump at the new career he offers. Soon she’s globetrotting from Oregon to Bruges, then on to Provence to assess a rundown property her boss might want to buy. The charm of southern France and its food and landscape is almost intoxicating, and it doesn’t hurt that she’s made a new friend, a French bulldog named Orly. What Jennifer hadn’t expected, though, was stone cold murder. Clean language, and only rated PG because hey, there’s a murderer running around in this book.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2018
574 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn L. Dean
70 books152 followersUSA Today Bestselling author
Carolyn's Website at http://CarolynDeanBooks.com
I've been writing and making stories in my head as early as I can remember. In third grade I came home, set my lunchbox down, and told my mother I wanted to be a writer. Luckily, Mom was supportive.
I've been a published author for a while now, under different names and genres, but the thought of writing about a small coastal town in Oregon, and about its loves and mysteries and holidays and people has been with me for years. To be honest, I am a bit scared to dump those ideas onto the written page, but hope you'll enjoy getting to meet the people who inhabit my imagination.
In real life, I'm married with kids, live on the West Coast of the US, and own a hobby farm just outside of my favorite small town. I love to travel, and can often be found strolling down a windy Oregon beach, holding onto the string of a high-sailing dragon kite.
Carolyn's Website at http://CarolynDeanBooks.com
I've been writing and making stories in my head as early as I can remember. In third grade I came home, set my lunchbox down, and told my mother I wanted to be a writer. Luckily, Mom was supportive.
I've been a published author for a while now, under different names and genres, but the thought of writing about a small coastal town in Oregon, and about its loves and mysteries and holidays and people has been with me for years. To be honest, I am a bit scared to dump those ideas onto the written page, but hope you'll enjoy getting to meet the people who inhabit my imagination.
In real life, I'm married with kids, live on the West Coast of the US, and own a hobby farm just outside of my favorite small town. I love to travel, and can often be found strolling down a windy Oregon beach, holding onto the string of a high-sailing dragon kite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 26, 2018
4 stelle e mezza
Finalmente un cozy mystery ad argomento "viaggi" che mi è piaciuto! Anche se il mistero è ridotto nella seconda metà del libro ed è poco sviluppato, anche per la brevità del libro (è più un racconto lungo che un libro vero e proprio). A parte alcuni errori di battitura, ho trovato questa storia ben scritta rispetto alla serie precedente e mi ha coinvolto l'aspetto "turistico", con la permanenza della protagonista in un castello provenzale.
La serie è una sorta di spin-off di quella ambientata a Ravenwood Cove, dove abbiamo conosciuto la protagonista. Devo decidermi a leggere l'ultimo volume di quest'altra serie...
Finalmente un cozy mystery ad argomento "viaggi" che mi è piaciuto! Anche se il mistero è ridotto nella seconda metà del libro ed è poco sviluppato, anche per la brevità del libro (è più un racconto lungo che un libro vero e proprio). A parte alcuni errori di battitura, ho trovato questa storia ben scritta rispetto alla serie precedente e mi ha coinvolto l'aspetto "turistico", con la permanenza della protagonista in un castello provenzale.
La serie è una sorta di spin-off di quella ambientata a Ravenwood Cove, dove abbiamo conosciuto la protagonista. Devo decidermi a leggere l'ultimo volume di quest'altra serie...
April 6, 2022
Jennifer accepted a job from Gable Landon, a mysterious man who wants her to travel to Provence in the guise of an insurance adjustor, in order to assess the price he should offer for a run-down estate that has a vineyard. When she arrives, the estate is indeed rundown, but she notices its charm and what it could become. She also meets the staff, who share their dinners together, and then begins her assessment of the grounds.
What she discovers in the house is what startles her; but before she can decide to do anything about it, she hears a woman's scream in the night, and finds her dead outside. Now, with the death, she is told not to leave, but she does a little investigating on her own, and finally figures out who the killer must be. Can she leave before she's the next victim, or will she have to fight off a murderer?..
This is the first book in a new series, and I really wish the author would have given us some background on Jennifer. All we ever read about is Ravenwood and how much she loves it, but we know nothing about her past (at least I don't, since I've not read the earlier series). Yet she refers to Ravenwood quite a bit, and I don't know why. I'm also guessing she was a spy in a former life, due to some things that she mentions, but again, never explained there...so...
The murder occurs halfway through the book, and this is a very short book, so we don't have a lot of insight on who wanted that person killed, and there is only one or two clues as to the murderer, which we barely pick up on. Also, the past of the dead person is referenced, but we're never given any insight into that, either...which leaves us not really caring about the dead person at all; it's almost as if they didn't exist in the first place.
I wish this book could have been a bit longer so we could have had those details explained, but they weren't, and therefore I can't give this book more than three stars. The writing was very good, but the lack of details (including the surrounding countryside) left me wanting.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
What she discovers in the house is what startles her; but before she can decide to do anything about it, she hears a woman's scream in the night, and finds her dead outside. Now, with the death, she is told not to leave, but she does a little investigating on her own, and finally figures out who the killer must be. Can she leave before she's the next victim, or will she have to fight off a murderer?..
This is the first book in a new series, and I really wish the author would have given us some background on Jennifer. All we ever read about is Ravenwood and how much she loves it, but we know nothing about her past (at least I don't, since I've not read the earlier series). Yet she refers to Ravenwood quite a bit, and I don't know why. I'm also guessing she was a spy in a former life, due to some things that she mentions, but again, never explained there...so...
The murder occurs halfway through the book, and this is a very short book, so we don't have a lot of insight on who wanted that person killed, and there is only one or two clues as to the murderer, which we barely pick up on. Also, the past of the dead person is referenced, but we're never given any insight into that, either...which leaves us not really caring about the dead person at all; it's almost as if they didn't exist in the first place.
I wish this book could have been a bit longer so we could have had those details explained, but they weren't, and therefore I can't give this book more than three stars. The writing was very good, but the lack of details (including the surrounding countryside) left me wanting.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
May 1, 2020
A Fun Cozy Mystery
This is the first book I've read by Carolyn Dean. Imagine my surprise at learning that Jennifer, the main character, is from Caro!he's first series Ravenwood Cove! I must admit that in the beginning I wasn't able to get a hold on Jennifer's character, but as I read on, it all fell into place. It was a fun, and quick look into Jennifer's further adventures. I loved the many characters and the description of the French countryside. Other than the mystery behind a death being solved, I really lifestyle ending. It brought years to my eyes! I also loved to learn that certain parts of this book were true, and loved that Carolyn told the true story behind it. I am definitely looking forward to reading Jennifer's further adventures, and plan on starting from the beginning with Ravenwood Cove.
This is the first book I've read by Carolyn Dean. Imagine my surprise at learning that Jennifer, the main character, is from Caro!he's first series Ravenwood Cove! I must admit that in the beginning I wasn't able to get a hold on Jennifer's character, but as I read on, it all fell into place. It was a fun, and quick look into Jennifer's further adventures. I loved the many characters and the description of the French countryside. Other than the mystery behind a death being solved, I really lifestyle ending. It brought years to my eyes! I also loved to learn that certain parts of this book were true, and loved that Carolyn told the true story behind it. I am definitely looking forward to reading Jennifer's further adventures, and plan on starting from the beginning with Ravenwood Cove.
March 18, 2021
Travel mystery
A lovely adventure mystery with quirky characters and suspense. Who dunnit and why are the final questions! Where do you go from here?
A lovely adventure mystery with quirky characters and suspense. Who dunnit and why are the final questions! Where do you go from here?
September 14, 2025
The best part of this book is the setting. The author does a great job of putting the reader in Provence. The story itself was okay. The main character, Jennifer, is not very memorable or particularly interesting. This book is an offshoot of another series, which I have not read, so at times I felt like I was missing some information. I probably won't continue.
November 18, 2018
A short read but high on events
A great little read. A plot that certainly had me guessing who the culprit was and going of on a completely wrong tangent. Great characters that embodied the traits of their nationalities.
She has been offered a trail at a new job. It involves travelling to a Chateau in France to find out the true value of a property that her employer is interested in. Her cover an insurance agent. The journey finally over she finds herself surrounded by the employees still left trying to keep the building and the winery from going to rack and ruin. The more she finds out about the place the more questions she has. Especially once she finds the old Chapel where someone has been stealing offerings fron the saint enshrined there. When she finds the body of the housekeeper she knows that much more is going on. Will she find out what? Does the owner know anything about it? What was the housekeeper doing with an old cigar, matches, a scarf and beeswax under her fingernails? Will she need her martial arts?
A great little read. A plot that certainly had me guessing who the culprit was and going of on a completely wrong tangent. Great characters that embodied the traits of their nationalities.
She has been offered a trail at a new job. It involves travelling to a Chateau in France to find out the true value of a property that her employer is interested in. Her cover an insurance agent. The journey finally over she finds herself surrounded by the employees still left trying to keep the building and the winery from going to rack and ruin. The more she finds out about the place the more questions she has. Especially once she finds the old Chapel where someone has been stealing offerings fron the saint enshrined there. When she finds the body of the housekeeper she knows that much more is going on. Will she find out what? Does the owner know anything about it? What was the housekeeper doing with an old cigar, matches, a scarf and beeswax under her fingernails? Will she need her martial arts?
May 4, 2025
Not my favorite
This book is best labeled as trite. It says it's a book one in a series, but the narrator speaks to us as if we should know her background. I don't even know if it's A spinoff book or what it is. She eludes to her past in the CIA but gives no details. She talks about a place in Oregon that it feels like we should be familiar with but have nothing to reference. Then when the story starts, it feels like it's wrapped up in a chapter and it's over. No real mystery, no struggle with clues. You find the clues out rather matter of factly from the police and in the next chapter she's put everything together, confronted the killer and come out victorious with no real effort. I was not invested at all. I could care less where she goes next because this was so lackluster that I have no interest in continuing. I did not enjoy this book. It gets two stars because I like the dog...and he's more of an afterthought.
This book is best labeled as trite. It says it's a book one in a series, but the narrator speaks to us as if we should know her background. I don't even know if it's A spinoff book or what it is. She eludes to her past in the CIA but gives no details. She talks about a place in Oregon that it feels like we should be familiar with but have nothing to reference. Then when the story starts, it feels like it's wrapped up in a chapter and it's over. No real mystery, no struggle with clues. You find the clues out rather matter of factly from the police and in the next chapter she's put everything together, confronted the killer and come out victorious with no real effort. I was not invested at all. I could care less where she goes next because this was so lackluster that I have no interest in continuing. I did not enjoy this book. It gets two stars because I like the dog...and he's more of an afterthought.
February 23, 2021
I loved this author's Ravenwood series, so was excited to see her new series was a spin-off featuring one of Ravenwood's characters. I was very disappointed in Book 1 of this series - nothing much seemed to happen until, suddenly, toward the end, a body was found. A couple of pages later, the culprit was caught. There was no real lead up to the murder & very little explanation of why. I gave the book 3 stars for effort & decided to try book 2, hoping it would get better. It doesn't. If anything, it's worse. Again, in the last few pages a body is found. Again, only a couple of pages later, the culprit is identified. And again, little to no lead up to the murder. I won't be reading book 3.
April 2, 2022
All right, I get it already. There's another whole series you should have read first, because the author is going to smack you upside the head with it through this one.
One does not know Jennifer any better at the end of this book than at the beginning. To me, she seems like a total airhead - putting her employment in the hands of some rich guy who seems to like to jerk people around rather than giving them the information they need to know to reach success. Jennifer stumbles in rather than figuring it out.
I love a cozy mystery set in Europe. Usually. This one was a barely acceptable couple-hour read, but my time could have been better used.
One does not know Jennifer any better at the end of this book than at the beginning. To me, she seems like a total airhead - putting her employment in the hands of some rich guy who seems to like to jerk people around rather than giving them the information they need to know to reach success. Jennifer stumbles in rather than figuring it out.
I love a cozy mystery set in Europe. Usually. This one was a barely acceptable couple-hour read, but my time could have been better used.
April 30, 2023
I've read a few of the Ravenwood series, and it was fun to see the Ravenwood universe expand all the way to France! This is a solidly written cozy mystery, and I loved the author's real-life inspiration. I also loved the odd but unremarkable findings on the victim, which were cleverly solved by Jennifer.
And kudos to the author for the smooth way she sprinkled the text with a little French, without assuming the readers know French nor translating in a clunky way - other authors should follow her lead!
In the rest of the series, Jennifer goes to Cornwall, Belgium, Scotland, Tuscany and Belize. Sounds fun!
And kudos to the author for the smooth way she sprinkled the text with a little French, without assuming the readers know French nor translating in a clunky way - other authors should follow her lead!
In the rest of the series, Jennifer goes to Cornwall, Belgium, Scotland, Tuscany and Belize. Sounds fun!
July 28, 2023
Boring and not as well written as Ravenwood Cove mystery series
Just could not get into this book. It was boring and did not have the much more interesting cast as the Ravenwood Cove mysteries. Although a character in that series, Jennifer who had been the chef at the inn, is just not that engaging on her own. Also, her entire back story and history in Ravenwood Cove is not reprised or summarized in this book so as to give some sense of who she is and why she left Ravenwood Cove. If you have not read the other series - I’ve read all the books in that series and really enjoyed them - this makes little sense. Too bad. Dean is a good writer and this just seems slapdashed.
Just could not get into this book. It was boring and did not have the much more interesting cast as the Ravenwood Cove mysteries. Although a character in that series, Jennifer who had been the chef at the inn, is just not that engaging on her own. Also, her entire back story and history in Ravenwood Cove is not reprised or summarized in this book so as to give some sense of who she is and why she left Ravenwood Cove. If you have not read the other series - I’ve read all the books in that series and really enjoyed them - this makes little sense. Too bad. Dean is a good writer and this just seems slapdashed.
February 1, 2019
I like the author's writing style and I enjoyed the story. I was, however, disappointed with how short it was. The "mystery" was very basic and it was easy to guess most of what was going to happen. Even though it was set in France, there wasn't much detail on the surroundings, culture, cuisine etc. I finally figured out Jennifer wasn't a new character and had been in a previous series. Maybe if I had familiar with those books, I wouldn't have felt the character was under developed. But, I enjoyed it enough to try the next installment.
March 14, 2019
I am sorry to say that this was an extremely uninteresting and boring story. Furthermore, the narrator of the audio-version, Jeanne Pilgrim Mayo, didn't do a particular good job at enticing a listening audience. First she was super-slow - okay I could've increased the speed of the narration, but that sometimes sounds rather weirdly funny when it's not supposed to.
I have to say, overall, I am genuinely disappointed in this little book, and I think I'd rather not read another book by this author.
I have to say, overall, I am genuinely disappointed in this little book, and I think I'd rather not read another book by this author.
May 7, 2022
I had no idea this was a spin-off series until it became very obvious the main characters had met before. Gable hired Jennifer to "spy" on properties he is interested in and find out all the details that aren't public.
What I enjoyed:
* Orly, the dog was adorable
* Sally was a fun character
* Really didn't get to know Jennifer much
What could have been better
* For someone who was with the CIA, Jennifer did not do well in a fight
* Slow moving start and then lightspeed to murder and solved
What I enjoyed:
* Orly, the dog was adorable
* Sally was a fun character
* Really didn't get to know Jennifer much
What could have been better
* For someone who was with the CIA, Jennifer did not do well in a fight
* Slow moving start and then lightspeed to murder and solved
May 5, 2023
An enjoyable cozy mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery set among the vineyards of Provence.
Jennifer is sent to an old chateau in Provence in the guise of an insurance appraiser to catalogue the value of the property and its contents for a new policy, when actually she is checking it out for her boss to possibly purchase.
While she is investigating the chateau, she stumbles on a deeply hidden secret. Could this discovery put her in danger?
The first in what promises to be an excellent series, and recommended for lovers of this genre.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery set among the vineyards of Provence.
Jennifer is sent to an old chateau in Provence in the guise of an insurance appraiser to catalogue the value of the property and its contents for a new policy, when actually she is checking it out for her boss to possibly purchase.
While she is investigating the chateau, she stumbles on a deeply hidden secret. Could this discovery put her in danger?
The first in what promises to be an excellent series, and recommended for lovers of this genre.
October 8, 2018
Loved the premise of this book. What better location than Provence in a vineyard. I live in wine country in Southern California so I really appreciated the description of the beautiful countryside and the characters that were realistic to an operational vineyard. This was a very quick read...for me...a bit too quick. I would have liked this book to have been longer, giving more development to the plot and characters. I did enjoy the story and look forward to the next adventure.
April 14, 2020
I had just finished the Raven Wood series when I picked up the travel series. I loved Amanda and John And having a lovely little town with everything perfect except for the occasional murder but Jennifer and the travel series is a step up. I love the change of scene though I love the Oregon coast. The characters are so much more fun in the travel series too. I’m really looking forward to more of Jenna!
March 31, 2021
Mystery of the castle
What can be found in a castle besides the possibility of a great potential for a business? A winery well worth it's value in grapes and fine wine. But could there be more? Will the murder of the housekeeper be a clue or the key? What happens with Jennifer as she unravels the prospects and values for her new boss as he contemplates the purchase of this piece of property/winery?
What can be found in a castle besides the possibility of a great potential for a business? A winery well worth it's value in grapes and fine wine. But could there be more? Will the murder of the housekeeper be a clue or the key? What happens with Jennifer as she unravels the prospects and values for her new boss as he contemplates the purchase of this piece of property/winery?
April 8, 2022
Good Mystery
I was really surprised when the book started moving and I was just about to stop reading it. Happy that it tuned out to be so good.
It will keep you read after you get into it. And to hear that she got the little French bull dog, I was happy. The author did good on explaining thing as you read that you could feel like you were there and could see it.
Yes I would recommend this book and forward to the next book.
I was really surprised when the book started moving and I was just about to stop reading it. Happy that it tuned out to be so good.
It will keep you read after you get into it. And to hear that she got the little French bull dog, I was happy. The author did good on explaining thing as you read that you could feel like you were there and could see it.
Yes I would recommend this book and forward to the next book.
August 24, 2025
Jennifer Peetman is sent to look into a French chateau for her new boss, to evaluate whether he should buy it or not. She is posing as an insurance inspector is introduced to a variety of characters who live or work at the chateau. Jennifer discovers something interesting about the building and then the housekeeper is murdered. This was a very short book and so much of it was descriptive of the scenery so there wasn't much actual story.
July 15, 2019
Fun read
It is a good story with well-developed characters. I enjoyed the detour using a character from another series I’ve already finished. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is that the ebook needed some serious proofreading because the errors became a bit distracting.
It is a good story with well-developed characters. I enjoyed the detour using a character from another series I’ve already finished. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is that the ebook needed some serious proofreading because the errors became a bit distracting.
July 21, 2019
I didn’t get why it was important that the main character had been CIA trained. It was made into a big deal when most of the characters n cozy mysteries with some self defense training would have done as well as the main character.
It was interesting to visit Provence and a big old house with history.
It was interesting to visit Provence and a big old house with history.
September 4, 2019
Enjoyable and entertaining
I liked this book! Sweet, easy read, not to much tension. When Jennifer and Sally went to the farmers market, I was right there with them. I liked the mystery and how it was solved. Thankfully the author made sure that Jennifer isn't nosy. Read and enjoy!
I liked this book! Sweet, easy read, not to much tension. When Jennifer and Sally went to the farmers market, I was right there with them. I liked the mystery and how it was solved. Thankfully the author made sure that Jennifer isn't nosy. Read and enjoy!
March 14, 2021
Cozy Mystery Set in Provence
Perils in Provence by Carolyn L. Dean is a cozy mystery set in Provence, France, where Jennifer is tasked with impersonating an insurance appraiser for a rich man who wants to buy an old French manor house. While on the job, an old crypt is discovery and a woman murdered. Good solid characters and good plot.
Perils in Provence by Carolyn L. Dean is a cozy mystery set in Provence, France, where Jennifer is tasked with impersonating an insurance appraiser for a rich man who wants to buy an old French manor house. While on the job, an old crypt is discovery and a woman murdered. Good solid characters and good plot.
April 23, 2022
Old house and winery
Jennifer goes on her first assignment for Gable. She's to take pictures and assess the French Chateau so he can decide if he wants to buy it. While checking the cellar out she finds three paintings from 16th century then falls through a wall and was a great surprise. She finds murdered woman. She seems to be taking after Amanda.
Jennifer goes on her first assignment for Gable. She's to take pictures and assess the French Chateau so he can decide if he wants to buy it. While checking the cellar out she finds three paintings from 16th century then falls through a wall and was a great surprise. She finds murdered woman. She seems to be taking after Amanda.
March 13, 2023
A little intrigue, some fear, excitement and a few twists make this an easy and delightful read. Murder both an old and new one made this cosy mystery interesting. The descriptions of the buildings, landscape and characters gave the story depth and almost had one dusting off your clothes as it unfurled.
I recommend reading this for a quick, clean who dunit with plenty of thrills.
I recommend reading this for a quick, clean who dunit with plenty of thrills.
June 2, 2023
Cute and easy reading
This story is short and things happen quickly. The story is filled with Jennifer’s new job and her first assignment, at a chateau in Provence. The murder seems strange as it really has little to do with the storyline. But all ends well, even though more needs to happen. Too much unfinished business. But a good read
This story is short and things happen quickly. The story is filled with Jennifer’s new job and her first assignment, at a chateau in Provence. The murder seems strange as it really has little to do with the storyline. But all ends well, even though more needs to happen. Too much unfinished business. But a good read
September 1, 2024
This was a cute short mystery, but didn’t live up to expectations.
I love the premise of it, and the main character description seems like someone with a lot of steel and fire who could be really fun to follow. Unfortunately the plot and book moves so quickly - there’s no build up, minimal suspense, and the MC feels flat.
Cute quick read if you have time, but wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
I love the premise of it, and the main character description seems like someone with a lot of steel and fire who could be really fun to follow. Unfortunately the plot and book moves so quickly - there’s no build up, minimal suspense, and the MC feels flat.
Cute quick read if you have time, but wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
October 5, 2018
Good Story
I enjoyed this story of murder and mayhem. The setting was interesting and the characters a bit odd, just my kind. Fast paced and loved the ending. Can't wait to read the next book.
I enjoyed this story of murder and mayhem. The setting was interesting and the characters a bit odd, just my kind. Fast paced and loved the ending. Can't wait to read the next book.
November 4, 2018
A Nice Cozy Mystery
This was a nice cozy mystery filled with plenty of suspense ,twists and turns.
I loved the well crafted story with the entertaining characters.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
This was a nice cozy mystery filled with plenty of suspense ,twists and turns.
I loved the well crafted story with the entertaining characters.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews