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Maggie Newberry Mysteries #18
Murder in the Lavender
Evil doesn't always have a bad smell.
In fact, sometimes it's downright heavenly.
When a young homeless girl is found dead in the lavender field she was hired to harvest a friend of Laurent's is arrested for her murder. In spite of her personal misgivings, Maggie promises her husband to work with the local authorities to either clear Rochelle or find the real killer.
When Maggie begins to look closer into the business of lavender production it soon becomes clear that much more sinister forces are at play than drawer sachets and soap.
Will Maggie listen to the facts or what her gut is telling her about the crime? And when a well-guarded secret threatens to bring down everything she and Laurent have built in France, will she make the right choice—even if it goes against everything she believes in?
This book is a clean read: no graphic violence, sex or strong language
Genre: light culinary cozy mystery, women amateur sleuth, cozy animal (dog)
Murder in Lavender: A riveting mystery thriller set in Provence (A Maggie Newberry Mystery Book 18)
In fact, sometimes it's downright heavenly.
When a young homeless girl is found dead in the lavender field she was hired to harvest a friend of Laurent's is arrested for her murder. In spite of her personal misgivings, Maggie promises her husband to work with the local authorities to either clear Rochelle or find the real killer.
When Maggie begins to look closer into the business of lavender production it soon becomes clear that much more sinister forces are at play than drawer sachets and soap.
Will Maggie listen to the facts or what her gut is telling her about the crime? And when a well-guarded secret threatens to bring down everything she and Laurent have built in France, will she make the right choice—even if it goes against everything she believes in?
This book is a clean read: no graphic violence, sex or strong language
Genre: light culinary cozy mystery, women amateur sleuth, cozy animal (dog)
Murder in Lavender: A riveting mystery thriller set in Provence (A Maggie Newberry Mystery Book 18)
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2021
306 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 8, 2022
The arrest of Laurent's friend for the murder of a young woman sets a chain of deadly events in motion. Though Maggie has a strong aversion to her husband's protege, she gives the case her full attention to determining the true culprit.
As always, a story about Maggie is full of misdirections that lead to a fantastic reveal at the end. With Murder in the Lavender, there are so many points where it is impossible to tell the course that the story will take. More than one red herring threw me completely off the scent and when the actual villain was unmasked, it was both random and completely logical at the same time.
I have followed Maggie through most of her journey and each book is fresh and unique. This one is no different.
As always, a story about Maggie is full of misdirections that lead to a fantastic reveal at the end. With Murder in the Lavender, there are so many points where it is impossible to tell the course that the story will take. More than one red herring threw me completely off the scent and when the actual villain was unmasked, it was both random and completely logical at the same time.
I have followed Maggie through most of her journey and each book is fresh and unique. This one is no different.
July 9, 2021
Maggie is back and better than ever!
I will never get tired of Maggie Newberry mysteries and hope the author never runs out of ideas for new stories. Maggie and Laurent are going through some difficult times mostly because their kids are teenagers. Laurent seems unable to cope with Jemmy's desire to become an actor rather than take over the vineyards and really can't cope with Mila's rebellion. To top off the family's hassels, Laurent has brought a California divorceé Rochelle back to France with the idea of getting her back in the vineyard business she lost in her divorce. This has not made Maggie happy at all. But when Rochelle is arrested for murder, Maggie sets out to clear her at Laurent's request. I love this family though I wanted to shake some sense into each one of them at various times! Laurent for being so stubbornly French, Maggie for putting herself in danger (will she ever learn?), and Mila for being a brat (totally normal but extremely irritating). Great mystery as usual. Can't wait for the next one.
I will never get tired of Maggie Newberry mysteries and hope the author never runs out of ideas for new stories. Maggie and Laurent are going through some difficult times mostly because their kids are teenagers. Laurent seems unable to cope with Jemmy's desire to become an actor rather than take over the vineyards and really can't cope with Mila's rebellion. To top off the family's hassels, Laurent has brought a California divorceé Rochelle back to France with the idea of getting her back in the vineyard business she lost in her divorce. This has not made Maggie happy at all. But when Rochelle is arrested for murder, Maggie sets out to clear her at Laurent's request. I love this family though I wanted to shake some sense into each one of them at various times! Laurent for being so stubbornly French, Maggie for putting herself in danger (will she ever learn?), and Mila for being a brat (totally normal but extremely irritating). Great mystery as usual. Can't wait for the next one.
March 31, 2024
3.5 - 4 Stars
Murder in the Lavender is the eighteenth book in the Maggie Newberry Mysteries by Susan Kiernan-Lewis.
The Maggie Newberry series of books by Susan Kiernan-Lewis turned out to be a great cozy mystery series that kept me engrossed the whole way through. Throughout the series we follow thirty-something, Maggie Newberry, an advertising copywriter who has been unlucky in love. Her ‘normal’ life gets upended when her sister, who has been missing for quite some time, turns up dead. Then to add an extra layer of complication, Maggie must now travel to Frace to locate her young niece that she didn’t even know existed. Arriving in France, thing take a dangerous turn when her sister’s murderer then sets his sights on Maggie and her niece. Add in a sexy Frenchman to add a little extra layer of intrigue, plenty of dramatic developments, secrets, lies, crime & investigation, and the story takes an engrossing turn.
From book #2 onwards-
Maggie’s sexy (French) boyfriend, who we met in the first instalment has inherited an ancient vineyard in a small rural village in France- so Maggie quits her job and sets off for a year abroad. But trouble soon follows, when a vicious murder takes place, thrusting them into the middle of an investigation that links to a 50year-old murder. What happens makes for intriguing reading….and so the series unfolds, with each book bringing another cozy mystery for Maggie to investigate. Sprinkled with mystery suspense, tension, drama, danger, romance, marriage, motherhood, travel, and recipes- made this series a memorable read. It is a light-hearted and enjoyable series, the ‘clean’ stories mean there are no sexy times, violence, or profanity.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Susan Kiernan-Lewis!
Murder in the Lavender is the eighteenth book in the Maggie Newberry Mysteries by Susan Kiernan-Lewis.
The Maggie Newberry series of books by Susan Kiernan-Lewis turned out to be a great cozy mystery series that kept me engrossed the whole way through. Throughout the series we follow thirty-something, Maggie Newberry, an advertising copywriter who has been unlucky in love. Her ‘normal’ life gets upended when her sister, who has been missing for quite some time, turns up dead. Then to add an extra layer of complication, Maggie must now travel to Frace to locate her young niece that she didn’t even know existed. Arriving in France, thing take a dangerous turn when her sister’s murderer then sets his sights on Maggie and her niece. Add in a sexy Frenchman to add a little extra layer of intrigue, plenty of dramatic developments, secrets, lies, crime & investigation, and the story takes an engrossing turn.
From book #2 onwards-
Maggie’s sexy (French) boyfriend, who we met in the first instalment has inherited an ancient vineyard in a small rural village in France- so Maggie quits her job and sets off for a year abroad. But trouble soon follows, when a vicious murder takes place, thrusting them into the middle of an investigation that links to a 50year-old murder. What happens makes for intriguing reading….and so the series unfolds, with each book bringing another cozy mystery for Maggie to investigate. Sprinkled with mystery suspense, tension, drama, danger, romance, marriage, motherhood, travel, and recipes- made this series a memorable read. It is a light-hearted and enjoyable series, the ‘clean’ stories mean there are no sexy times, violence, or profanity.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Susan Kiernan-Lewis!
January 31, 2021
Typical Maggie Newberry Style Murder Mystery
If you have not previously read a Maggie Newberry Mystery, don't start with this one. Although each novel stand on its own - there is enough background information for the new reader - Maggie's character can be a source of irritation if you have not followed her journey and her development. Add to that the figure of her strong and enigmatic French husband wo come across as a bit of a 1950s type and you may put the book down. However, if, like me, you have read every single book in the series, you will know what to expect. Not only is Maggie on a quest to find the murder, but she is also looking for what she wants in life. Her kids don't need her as much as they used to and are in that teenage phase that makes them fairly unlikeable. Even to loving parents. Laurent struggles to understand his teenage daughter, Mila. She is the only person who can render this normally strong and confident man helpless and she knows exactly which buttons to push. Maggie and Laurent have to find their way through the many red herrings of both the murder mystery and the mysteries of their life together. I love the series and am a big fan of Susan Kiernan-Lewis's writing. Well worth the read.
If you have not previously read a Maggie Newberry Mystery, don't start with this one. Although each novel stand on its own - there is enough background information for the new reader - Maggie's character can be a source of irritation if you have not followed her journey and her development. Add to that the figure of her strong and enigmatic French husband wo come across as a bit of a 1950s type and you may put the book down. However, if, like me, you have read every single book in the series, you will know what to expect. Not only is Maggie on a quest to find the murder, but she is also looking for what she wants in life. Her kids don't need her as much as they used to and are in that teenage phase that makes them fairly unlikeable. Even to loving parents. Laurent struggles to understand his teenage daughter, Mila. She is the only person who can render this normally strong and confident man helpless and she knows exactly which buttons to push. Maggie and Laurent have to find their way through the many red herrings of both the murder mystery and the mysteries of their life together. I love the series and am a big fan of Susan Kiernan-Lewis's writing. Well worth the read.
December 2, 2025
Another good read in the Maggue Newberry series, though I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others. Lauren is trying to help a woman who reminds him of someone from his past. When she is arrested for murder, Lauren asks Maggie to help clear her name. Maggie is suspicious of her from the beginning, but does her best to put her feeling aside.
What really bothered me was the disrespect of their daughter, Mila, for both of them and, to a lesser respect, the same from their son, Jemmy, with very little in the way of discipline. Had she been my daughter, a trip to the "woodshed"and burning her clothes would be in order. Maggie at times seems to go with gentle parenting, where Laurent feels they should show respect for him as well as Maggie. I don't care that they are both in their teenage years, there is no call for this to be viewed as normal. Other than this, I didn't see the end coming.
What really bothered me was the disrespect of their daughter, Mila, for both of them and, to a lesser respect, the same from their son, Jemmy, with very little in the way of discipline. Had she been my daughter, a trip to the "woodshed"and burning her clothes would be in order. Maggie at times seems to go with gentle parenting, where Laurent feels they should show respect for him as well as Maggie. I don't care that they are both in their teenage years, there is no call for this to be viewed as normal. Other than this, I didn't see the end coming.
March 2, 2022
Against her better judgement Maggie is convinced by her husband to try and prove Rochelle innocent in the murder of a young girl in the lavender fields where the girl worked. Her husband is old fashioned and they have 2 children. The girl is absolutely impossible-a normal teenage girl--the son wants to be an actor. Maggie is forever trying to keep the peace between the children and their father. He is at his wits end.
Rochelle had been locked up but was finally released. She befriends the daughter--but what she does--you are never going to believe it. As for who actually murdered the young girl and also a mentally challenged young man--you really are not going to believe it!!
This is truly a clean murder mystery with a delicious recipe at the end which I enjoyed and think you will too.
Rochelle had been locked up but was finally released. She befriends the daughter--but what she does--you are never going to believe it. As for who actually murdered the young girl and also a mentally challenged young man--you really are not going to believe it!!
This is truly a clean murder mystery with a delicious recipe at the end which I enjoyed and think you will too.
September 13, 2025
Review: Murder in the Lavender by Susan Kiernan Lewis
I absolutely loved this book! By the 18th installment, you’d expect a series to lose steam, but Susan Kiernan Lewis just keeps making the Maggie Newberry Mysteries better and better. Murder in the Lavender drew me in right from the start with its gorgeous Provençal setting and a mystery that kept me hooked until the very end.
The lavender fields, the village atmosphere, and the French lifestyle were beautifully woven into the story, making me feel like I was right there alongside Maggie. I also enjoyed the twists and turns of the investigation, and the way Maggie’s determination and cleverness always shine through.
This series has such a perfect balance of charm, suspense, and heart. Every time I finish one, I’m already looking forward to the next!
I absolutely loved this book! By the 18th installment, you’d expect a series to lose steam, but Susan Kiernan Lewis just keeps making the Maggie Newberry Mysteries better and better. Murder in the Lavender drew me in right from the start with its gorgeous Provençal setting and a mystery that kept me hooked until the very end.
The lavender fields, the village atmosphere, and the French lifestyle were beautifully woven into the story, making me feel like I was right there alongside Maggie. I also enjoyed the twists and turns of the investigation, and the way Maggie’s determination and cleverness always shine through.
This series has such a perfect balance of charm, suspense, and heart. Every time I finish one, I’m already looking forward to the next!
January 14, 2021
This series just keeps getting better and better!
Susan has, once again, outdone herself! This story is magnificent! There are always so many possible suspects you keep jumping from one to the other that 'for sure' must have done it. On the edge of my seat throughout the whole story. I couldn't read fast enough! Absolutely loved this one!
Susan has, once again, outdone herself! This story is magnificent! There are always so many possible suspects you keep jumping from one to the other that 'for sure' must have done it. On the edge of my seat throughout the whole story. I couldn't read fast enough! Absolutely loved this one!
January 16, 2021
Kiernan-Lewis keeps you on a rollercoaster to the end. Combining a murder mystery with her family problems, you're never sure where she will lead you. Just when I thought the mystery was wrapped up & the book was ending, another unexpected event would occur to keep me in my seat. I have followed Maggie Newberry' adventures from book one & I'm looking forward to reading Book 19 next.
September 27, 2021
This is #18 in the series. I've enjoyed them all, but especially this one since I just got back from Provence (drove through Aix, but stayed in Goult). I could picture things a little more--the fictional domain that Maggie and Laurent own, the little villages. Sometimes Maggie gets a little crazy in the things she does to solve these murders, but it's fiction and entertaining!
April 22, 2024
Maggie and Laurent live on a vineyard with young teen daughter Mila and her brother Jemmy. A young homeless girl is found murdered in the lavender field and Rochelle a friend of Laurent's is accused of the murder so Maggie works to clear her name even though she doesn't like the girl but Rochelle is not squeaky clean either as Maggie and Laurent find out
January 18, 2021
Love the Maggie and Laurent mysteries. Its do fun to be part of the family and the kids growing up. Laurents relationships with Rochelle was a bit unusual and uncomfortable. I wasn't a fan of that storyline.
Love and have read all of the series. Looking forward to the next one.
Love and have read all of the series. Looking forward to the next one.
Read
January 30, 2021Love Maggie
As with all of the Maggie and Laurent series, I was captured from page one. Like a tv soap opera, I can't wait til the next episode. I hope you, susan, can keep up the interest because I would hate for this series to end.
As with all of the Maggie and Laurent series, I was captured from page one. Like a tv soap opera, I can't wait til the next episode. I hope you, susan, can keep up the interest because I would hate for this series to end.
January 19, 2021
the wonderful family story as well as mystery.
Can't wait for the next book #19.
I hope Mila calms down and finds life with laurent and maggie much easier.
Can't wait for the next book #19.
I hope Mila calms down and finds life with laurent and maggie much easier.
January 26, 2021
Love these books. Have read them all....
April 11, 2021
Another cozy mystery with lots of twists and turns. The characters are well developed and have wonderful characteristics. Would be great to be friends and neighbors with Maggie and Laurent!
May 6, 2021
Excellent
Onge again, I couldn't put it down. Can't wait until the next one. Totally unexpected ending that kept me enthralled
Onge again, I couldn't put it down. Can't wait until the next one. Totally unexpected ending that kept me enthralled
July 10, 2022
mystery murder
Written to hold the reader guessing. Much real life drama as well as a who done it theme. Many turns to keep the reader glued the book
Written to hold the reader guessing. Much real life drama as well as a who done it theme. Many turns to keep the reader glued the book
Read
September 13, 2022Typical book of hers. Enjoy the interplay between cultures and people.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews