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Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries #4
The Riviera Affair
The glamour of the French Riviera quickly turns sour as Ella is caught up in an investigation which will have repercussions on both sides of the channel. But has she finally met her match?
When her mother telephones from France with news of her imminent arrest, Ella along with her aunt and an eccentric friend rush to her aid. But what starts as a simple disappearance quickly turns to murder and Ella finds herself embroiled in a mystery which is far more complex than she’d anticipated.
In a foreign land where she doesn’t speak the language, has no jurisdiction and doesn’t know who to trust, Ella has to call upon all her usual skills and devise new ones in order to flush out the adversary in their midst.
But will she be in time to save the life of the man she came to find?
'The Riviera Affair' is set in 1930's England, and is the fourth of The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mystery series.
‘Miss Marple meets The Ghost Whisperer’ – Perfect For Fans of Golden Age Murder Mysteries, Cozy Mysteries, Clean Reads and British Amateur Sleuths
When her mother telephones from France with news of her imminent arrest, Ella along with her aunt and an eccentric friend rush to her aid. But what starts as a simple disappearance quickly turns to murder and Ella finds herself embroiled in a mystery which is far more complex than she’d anticipated.
In a foreign land where she doesn’t speak the language, has no jurisdiction and doesn’t know who to trust, Ella has to call upon all her usual skills and devise new ones in order to flush out the adversary in their midst.
But will she be in time to save the life of the man she came to find?
'The Riviera Affair' is set in 1930's England, and is the fourth of The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mystery series.
‘Miss Marple meets The Ghost Whisperer’ – Perfect For Fans of Golden Age Murder Mysteries, Cozy Mysteries, Clean Reads and British Amateur Sleuths
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2020
293 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
J. New
44 books216 followersClaim your FREE book at www.jnewwrites.com
WRITER OF BRITISH MYSTERIES. Historical, contemporary, paranormal, cozy, humorous. Featuring memorable protagonists, their unusual side-kicks and an eclectic ensemble of supporting cast members. They usually include spirits (all varieties) a little bit of magic, a spot of romance and copious amounts of tea. At regular intervals they involve steam trains and sometimes bicycles.
SERIES:
THE YELLOW COTTAGE VINTAGE MYSTERIES, traditional English whodunits with a twist, set in the 1930s. Known for their clever humor as well as the interesting slant on the traditional murder mystery.
THE TEA & SYMPATHY series featuring Lilly Tweed, former newspaper Agony Aunt, now purveyor of fine teas at The Tea Emporium in the small English market town of Plumpton Mallet. Along with a regular cast of characters, including Earl Grey the shop cat.
THE FINCH & FISCHER series featuring mobile librarian Penny Finch and her rescue dog Fischer. Follow them as they dig up clues and sniff out red herrings in the six quintessential English villages and hamlets that make up Hampsworthy Downs.
Jacquie was born in West Yorkshire, England. She studied art and design and after qualifying began work as an interior designer, moving onto fine art restoration and animal portraiture before deciding to pursue her lifelong ambition to write.
WRITER OF BRITISH MYSTERIES. Historical, contemporary, paranormal, cozy, humorous. Featuring memorable protagonists, their unusual side-kicks and an eclectic ensemble of supporting cast members. They usually include spirits (all varieties) a little bit of magic, a spot of romance and copious amounts of tea. At regular intervals they involve steam trains and sometimes bicycles.
SERIES:
THE YELLOW COTTAGE VINTAGE MYSTERIES, traditional English whodunits with a twist, set in the 1930s. Known for their clever humor as well as the interesting slant on the traditional murder mystery.
THE TEA & SYMPATHY series featuring Lilly Tweed, former newspaper Agony Aunt, now purveyor of fine teas at The Tea Emporium in the small English market town of Plumpton Mallet. Along with a regular cast of characters, including Earl Grey the shop cat.
THE FINCH & FISCHER series featuring mobile librarian Penny Finch and her rescue dog Fischer. Follow them as they dig up clues and sniff out red herrings in the six quintessential English villages and hamlets that make up Hampsworthy Downs.
Jacquie was born in West Yorkshire, England. She studied art and design and after qualifying began work as an interior designer, moving onto fine art restoration and animal portraiture before deciding to pursue her lifelong ambition to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 27, 2019
Young widow Isobella “Ella” Bridges, accompanied by her inestimable Aunt Margaret, heads out to the French Riviera when a friend of her mother disappears after the two have an art lesson. Aunt Margaret brings along a dwarfish artist pal, Pierre DuPont, as well, and it becomes apparent that Pierre and Margaret are no strangers to sleuthing themselves.
In this mystery, the fourth novel in the series, the paranormal drifts into the background; however, I enjoyed it almost as much, anyway. A low-key romance lurks in the background and took a little away from my enjoyment of The Riviera Affair, but I loved the perspicacious, plucky Pierre and the irreverent Margaret even more than I love Ella — and I love Ella a lot! I can’t wait until author J. New pens the next in this charming series. Please hurry!
In this mystery, the fourth novel in the series, the paranormal drifts into the background; however, I enjoyed it almost as much, anyway. A low-key romance lurks in the background and took a little away from my enjoyment of The Riviera Affair, but I loved the perspicacious, plucky Pierre and the irreverent Margaret even more than I love Ella — and I love Ella a lot! I can’t wait until author J. New pens the next in this charming series. Please hurry!
May 21, 2019
A cozy mystery read. Not a lot of thinking required, but good for a relaxing time. The story is set at the French. Riviera in the 30’s and is not remarkable, a bit above the level of a story in a magazine. But a nice read for the real fans. I’ve read better, I’ve read worse.
Somewhere between 2 and 3 stars
Somewhere between 2 and 3 stars
January 3, 2020
This was another fun cosy mystery, part 4 of the The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mystery Series.
I loved catching up with Ella, Aunt Margaret and Pierre the artist as they rushed to the French Riviera in answer to a distressing phone call from Ella’s mother.
All is not as it seems when Ella looks into the disappearance of her mother’s friend Colonel Summerfield. The local police aren’t interested as they think it’s a relationship problem and Ella’s mother thinks she’s be suspected of wrong doing as she was the last one to see him alive. What ensues is a fun story full of mayhem, murder, mystery, disguises and a rather charming French policeman. Phantom, Ella’s gorgeous black cat also turns up a few times to help with the case, at just the right moment.
Once again I’m so pleased that I listened to this and can’t wait for the next one in the series. What will Ella get up to next I wonder?
Jilly Bond’s narration was absolutely perfect for this gentle mystery, and I’m in awe of the way she portrayed all the different French and English characters.
I definitely recommend this series if you enjoy cosy mysteries set in the 1930s.
Thanks so much to Hope Roy at Tantor Media for my digital copy.
I loved catching up with Ella, Aunt Margaret and Pierre the artist as they rushed to the French Riviera in answer to a distressing phone call from Ella’s mother.
All is not as it seems when Ella looks into the disappearance of her mother’s friend Colonel Summerfield. The local police aren’t interested as they think it’s a relationship problem and Ella’s mother thinks she’s be suspected of wrong doing as she was the last one to see him alive. What ensues is a fun story full of mayhem, murder, mystery, disguises and a rather charming French policeman. Phantom, Ella’s gorgeous black cat also turns up a few times to help with the case, at just the right moment.
Once again I’m so pleased that I listened to this and can’t wait for the next one in the series. What will Ella get up to next I wonder?
Jilly Bond’s narration was absolutely perfect for this gentle mystery, and I’m in awe of the way she portrayed all the different French and English characters.
I definitely recommend this series if you enjoy cosy mysteries set in the 1930s.
Thanks so much to Hope Roy at Tantor Media for my digital copy.
August 30, 2018
The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries series is one I've followed from the beginning, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to discover this latest one on Kindle Unlimited!
This time round, Ella has to leave the island of Linhay following a plea for help from her mother at home in her villa in France. Afraid she is about to be arrested, Ella enlists the help of her aunt and they both set off on a thrilling journey to see what they can do to help. We also re-acquaint ourselves with a dazzling character from a previous novel, and together they manage to get themselves in quite a pickle. The question is, can they get back out of it unscathed?
I do love a period mystery, and this one is right up there with the best of them. The 1930's really was a different era, and the way of life then fascinates me. There are plenty of details to enjoy and savour between the covers of this series - and what fabulous covers they are! Ella is a superbly created character with her own unique way of getting to the bottom of a mystery. The new setting is beautifully described; made me feel as if I was there myself! The story, as always, is well plotted and rather exciting with plenty of humour in among the scary moments. I really hope this series continues with many more books, it is an absolute delight and definitely one I would recommend without hesitation.
I purchased my copy from Amazon. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
This time round, Ella has to leave the island of Linhay following a plea for help from her mother at home in her villa in France. Afraid she is about to be arrested, Ella enlists the help of her aunt and they both set off on a thrilling journey to see what they can do to help. We also re-acquaint ourselves with a dazzling character from a previous novel, and together they manage to get themselves in quite a pickle. The question is, can they get back out of it unscathed?
I do love a period mystery, and this one is right up there with the best of them. The 1930's really was a different era, and the way of life then fascinates me. There are plenty of details to enjoy and savour between the covers of this series - and what fabulous covers they are! Ella is a superbly created character with her own unique way of getting to the bottom of a mystery. The new setting is beautifully described; made me feel as if I was there myself! The story, as always, is well plotted and rather exciting with plenty of humour in among the scary moments. I really hope this series continues with many more books, it is an absolute delight and definitely one I would recommend without hesitation.
I purchased my copy from Amazon. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
September 18, 2018
4.5*
When Ella Bridges takes a frantic phone call for help from her mother Elspeth, who lives on Cap Ferrat in France, she and her aunt Margaret waste no time in travelling to the French Riviera accompanied by Margaret’s dear but eccentric friend, Pierre DuPont. Pierre is a renowned artist, master forger and, despite his name and French manner, a cockney. It seems Elspeth’s friend, Colonel Summerfield, has gone missing and, because she was the last person to see him, the unpleasant detective in charge has implied she must have something to do with his disappearance. With the threat of prison hanging over her and worry about her friend, Elspeth needs all the help she can get.
Ella was glad of the company, she didn’t relish the idea of travelling to France alone. Pierre could speak fluent French and knew a good number of people and Aunt Margaret saw to all the travel arrangements. Travelling by aeroplane was a first for Ella and she was undeniably nervous, but once on board she pleased to note it was very civilised, similar to a first class train carriage. When they arrived on French soil and left the plane Ella saw a man she’d noticed on board.
[As we pulled away and started out along the coast road I glimpsed a man standing in the shade of a tree opposite, staring at the car. My stomach twisted and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up; it was the stranger from the aeroplane and at his feet was a black cat, my black cat in actual fact. It could only mean one thing; there had been a suspicious death. I only hoped it wasn’t the colonel.]
I’ve enjoyed each book in this period cosy mystery series and The Riviera Affair is no exception. The characters are very well drawn. Ella is extremely likeable, Aunt Margaret and particularly Pierre are unconventional and quirky, and judging by the hints dropped have an intriguing back story. They soon discover there’s more to the disappearance of the colonel than meets the eye and become involved in a dangerous and complex investigation. Ella is without the back up of Detective Sergeant Baxter this time, although she is able to correspond with him, but joins forces with the handsome Captain Jacques Robillard, who isn’t quite what he seems.
The plot is skilfully put together, the narrative well detailed. In this episode we get an idea of what it was like to travel by air when in its infancy, getting weighed before embarking to make sure the aeroplane isn’t too heavy, which makes Ella even more nervous. Aunt Margaret describes it as ‘like having tea at the Ritz only up in the air.’ If only! The Riviera Affair is an excellent addition to the series.
I chose to read and review The Riviera Affair for Rosie Amber’s book review team, based on a digital copy from the author.
When Ella Bridges takes a frantic phone call for help from her mother Elspeth, who lives on Cap Ferrat in France, she and her aunt Margaret waste no time in travelling to the French Riviera accompanied by Margaret’s dear but eccentric friend, Pierre DuPont. Pierre is a renowned artist, master forger and, despite his name and French manner, a cockney. It seems Elspeth’s friend, Colonel Summerfield, has gone missing and, because she was the last person to see him, the unpleasant detective in charge has implied she must have something to do with his disappearance. With the threat of prison hanging over her and worry about her friend, Elspeth needs all the help she can get.
Ella was glad of the company, she didn’t relish the idea of travelling to France alone. Pierre could speak fluent French and knew a good number of people and Aunt Margaret saw to all the travel arrangements. Travelling by aeroplane was a first for Ella and she was undeniably nervous, but once on board she pleased to note it was very civilised, similar to a first class train carriage. When they arrived on French soil and left the plane Ella saw a man she’d noticed on board.
[As we pulled away and started out along the coast road I glimpsed a man standing in the shade of a tree opposite, staring at the car. My stomach twisted and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up; it was the stranger from the aeroplane and at his feet was a black cat, my black cat in actual fact. It could only mean one thing; there had been a suspicious death. I only hoped it wasn’t the colonel.]
I’ve enjoyed each book in this period cosy mystery series and The Riviera Affair is no exception. The characters are very well drawn. Ella is extremely likeable, Aunt Margaret and particularly Pierre are unconventional and quirky, and judging by the hints dropped have an intriguing back story. They soon discover there’s more to the disappearance of the colonel than meets the eye and become involved in a dangerous and complex investigation. Ella is without the back up of Detective Sergeant Baxter this time, although she is able to correspond with him, but joins forces with the handsome Captain Jacques Robillard, who isn’t quite what he seems.
The plot is skilfully put together, the narrative well detailed. In this episode we get an idea of what it was like to travel by air when in its infancy, getting weighed before embarking to make sure the aeroplane isn’t too heavy, which makes Ella even more nervous. Aunt Margaret describes it as ‘like having tea at the Ritz only up in the air.’ If only! The Riviera Affair is an excellent addition to the series.
I chose to read and review The Riviera Affair for Rosie Amber’s book review team, based on a digital copy from the author.
October 3, 2020
I've enjoyed the previous books in this charming series. This one was lacking and even though it kept my interest with its story, it was also irritating. There are ghosts in this series, but this time it was glaringly clear that this aspect is only used to the benefit of the author: a convenient tool (like a dream or amnesia that conveniently moves the story along). I'll still read future titles in the Yellow Cottage Vintage series, but I'll brace myself ahead of time for that cheapening factor.
February 17, 2019
Overall i really enjoyed the latest entry in the series. This time Ella, her aunt, and Pierre all rush off to the Riviera to help Ella's mother who believes she's going to be arrested at any moment. The mystery was interesting and the setting lovely. I also liked the new character -- a wealthy police captain (and duke) -- who takes an interest in Ella, both professionally and personally.
I do wish, however, that the editing had been better. In several instances the use of past and passed were confused, along with some other grammatical errors. I would give this a B (marked down slightly for some grammatical errors that pulled me out of the story), so 4 stars here.
I do wish, however, that the editing had been better. In several instances the use of past and passed were confused, along with some other grammatical errors. I would give this a B (marked down slightly for some grammatical errors that pulled me out of the story), so 4 stars here.
November 29, 2025
3.25 ⭐️ the mystery wasn’t the most interesting but it was still fun and i’m definitely more attatched to the characters now
September 22, 2018
J new
What a remarkable series of books. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the characters are fun and appropriately over the top. Please write some morr.
What a remarkable series of books. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the characters are fun and appropriately over the top. Please write some morr.
November 11, 2018
This was a really fun read involving an art fraud ring and a missing person. Before the caper is over, two missing people are found and yet another becomes a murder victim. All of this takes place on the Riviera between the wars. Scotland Yard, the French police and Interpol all play a role. The pace is perfect for the sun drenched coastal atmosphere of Cap Ferret, and the protagonist is a nice combination of competence and caution. I'd read another from this series.
August 29, 2018
The Riviera Affair (A Yellow Cottage Vintage MysteryBook 4) by J. New (reviewed by Joanne Ernest)
J. New has done it again. She has created an expertly constructed mystery using all the characters we have come to love – Isobella (Ella) Bridges, her Aunt Margaret, Margaret's tiny friend Pierre DuPont, a famous artist, her mother Elspeth and her delightful, sometimes invisible, companion, Phantom. Throw in some new characters like her mother's new romantic interest, Colonel Summerfield, and a very handsome French policeman, Capitaine Jacques Robillard (who appears to be a bit more than just a police Capitaine) and move it all to the Riviera and you have another wonderful romp in which Ella and her family are trying to solve another mystery. Elspeth calls Ella in a frenzy believing that she is about to be arrested for Summerfielod's disappearance since she has begun spending all her time with him and was probably the last person to see him, and Lieutenant Perret of the local police has intimated that she may be a person of interest in the case. Ella agrees to go to the Riviera and visit her mother in her home but before she can set off, her Aunt Margaret has determined to travel with her and bring Pierre DuPont as well because they think so highly of him over there and he may be of some help. They all set off and find themselves embroiled in something much more complicated than they ever thought they would be as they begin to investigate Colonel Summerfield, a man Sergeant Baxter (recently promoted to Detective Sergeant) swears to Ella does not exist. Indulging in disguises and pretense, and subjecting herself to more danger than she should, in the opinion of Capitaine Jacques Robillard, Ella is amazed at the solution to the riddle of disappearance when she tumbles to the answer. From that point on it is delightful mayhem with some danger thrown in. Can Ella come out of this triumphant and alive? And perhaps find some male companionship as well? You will only find out by reading this delightful new book in The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mystery series. I enjoyed this story tremendously, as I have all the books in this series, and I believe you would too. Happy Reading!
J. New has done it again. She has created an expertly constructed mystery using all the characters we have come to love – Isobella (Ella) Bridges, her Aunt Margaret, Margaret's tiny friend Pierre DuPont, a famous artist, her mother Elspeth and her delightful, sometimes invisible, companion, Phantom. Throw in some new characters like her mother's new romantic interest, Colonel Summerfield, and a very handsome French policeman, Capitaine Jacques Robillard (who appears to be a bit more than just a police Capitaine) and move it all to the Riviera and you have another wonderful romp in which Ella and her family are trying to solve another mystery. Elspeth calls Ella in a frenzy believing that she is about to be arrested for Summerfielod's disappearance since she has begun spending all her time with him and was probably the last person to see him, and Lieutenant Perret of the local police has intimated that she may be a person of interest in the case. Ella agrees to go to the Riviera and visit her mother in her home but before she can set off, her Aunt Margaret has determined to travel with her and bring Pierre DuPont as well because they think so highly of him over there and he may be of some help. They all set off and find themselves embroiled in something much more complicated than they ever thought they would be as they begin to investigate Colonel Summerfield, a man Sergeant Baxter (recently promoted to Detective Sergeant) swears to Ella does not exist. Indulging in disguises and pretense, and subjecting herself to more danger than she should, in the opinion of Capitaine Jacques Robillard, Ella is amazed at the solution to the riddle of disappearance when she tumbles to the answer. From that point on it is delightful mayhem with some danger thrown in. Can Ella come out of this triumphant and alive? And perhaps find some male companionship as well? You will only find out by reading this delightful new book in The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mystery series. I enjoyed this story tremendously, as I have all the books in this series, and I believe you would too. Happy Reading!
February 28, 2024
I love a mystery involving the art world and what better setting for that than France? I enjoyed listening to this and looking forward to the next in the series when it (hopefully) comes to Hoopla.
I do wish I could take Ella and her aunt to the side and tell them it should be ME not I in a sentence where they are not the subject. I can't remember the sentences they said so I'll make up an example: The painting was a beautiful gift for Susan and I. 😩 Sorry, it's just a pet peeve of mine. Take out the "Susan and" and you have: The painting was a beautiful gift for I. Clearly that's incorrect so adding another person to it doesn't change that fact!
😂 This is one of the few things I remember learning in school but really it's common sense.
I'm sure the author knows better so maybe she can clue Ella and her family in. 😉
I've enjoyed this series so much that I ordered the first (a physical copy) in another of J New's series, Tea and Sympathy, and it has a beautiful cover. I couldn't find it through my library on audiobook.
I do wish I could take Ella and her aunt to the side and tell them it should be ME not I in a sentence where they are not the subject. I can't remember the sentences they said so I'll make up an example: The painting was a beautiful gift for Susan and I. 😩 Sorry, it's just a pet peeve of mine. Take out the "Susan and" and you have: The painting was a beautiful gift for I. Clearly that's incorrect so adding another person to it doesn't change that fact!
😂 This is one of the few things I remember learning in school but really it's common sense.
I'm sure the author knows better so maybe she can clue Ella and her family in. 😉
I've enjoyed this series so much that I ordered the first (a physical copy) in another of J New's series, Tea and Sympathy, and it has a beautiful cover. I couldn't find it through my library on audiobook.
April 29, 2019
Ok this is the fourth book in this series but the first one I have felt comfortable reviewing. The premise behind this that sets it apart from all the other widow turned detective following WWI is that she can see dead people and has a black cat who guides her. Yes eyerolls are acceptable. But you might want to save the biggest eyeroll for the way she moves rapidly into the role of consulting detective for Scotland Yard. Suspending belief and simply enjoying the read is necessary and fortunately Ella is supported by a colorful cast of family and friends but the book is filled with stereotypical characters and cliched situations. I will admit that each book gets a bit better but also seems to add a moment of WTF--that left me shaking my head and resorting to eyerolls. I think JNew is improving--hopefully Ella will too!
November 12, 2021
I'm already on book four. Need I say more?
It suffices to say that I'm a fan of the Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries by this time. J.New's simple yet succinct writing paired with Jilly Bond's cozy narration makes this a perfect companion for days when I want to get some quality reading done without focusing too much.
In The Riveria Affair, our sleuth Isobella 'Ella' Bridges finds herself in France with her aunt Margaret and the quirky artist Pierre DuPont (a character that slowly grew on me). Her mother, accused of having something to do with the disappearance of her close friend Edward Summerfield, calls upon 'Ella' to pull her out of this situation.
Ella experiences her first taste of flying in an airplane in this book as she boards a flight from London to France. As a reader, it gives you a glimpse into the experience of flying in its earliest days in the 1930s. Apart from this, much like all other Yellow Cottage Vintage mysteries, there wasn't much to focus on in this book too.
Reading it felt like taking a riverside walk on a cold autumn evening. There's no point to it, but you do it sometimes to feel good anyway, to while away your time with something easygoing. I know the mysteries are loosely tied, but I couldn't care less. But these books make me feel good without spending too much energy. Sometimes, that's all I ask.
My rating for The Riveria Affair remains the same as all the books in the series. However, I can't help but notice that the ghostly elements, the appearance of Phantom, the ghost cat, and other dead people who help Ella solve the crime keep diminishing with every story. Phantom was one of my favorite things about this series. I only wish the author doesn't dilute the supernatural elements as the series proceeds.
Apart from that, the book delivers what it promises. Looking for an easy, cozy, lazy autumn read? This one's for you.
It suffices to say that I'm a fan of the Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries by this time. J.New's simple yet succinct writing paired with Jilly Bond's cozy narration makes this a perfect companion for days when I want to get some quality reading done without focusing too much.
In The Riveria Affair, our sleuth Isobella 'Ella' Bridges finds herself in France with her aunt Margaret and the quirky artist Pierre DuPont (a character that slowly grew on me). Her mother, accused of having something to do with the disappearance of her close friend Edward Summerfield, calls upon 'Ella' to pull her out of this situation.
Ella experiences her first taste of flying in an airplane in this book as she boards a flight from London to France. As a reader, it gives you a glimpse into the experience of flying in its earliest days in the 1930s. Apart from this, much like all other Yellow Cottage Vintage mysteries, there wasn't much to focus on in this book too.
Reading it felt like taking a riverside walk on a cold autumn evening. There's no point to it, but you do it sometimes to feel good anyway, to while away your time with something easygoing. I know the mysteries are loosely tied, but I couldn't care less. But these books make me feel good without spending too much energy. Sometimes, that's all I ask.
My rating for The Riveria Affair remains the same as all the books in the series. However, I can't help but notice that the ghostly elements, the appearance of Phantom, the ghost cat, and other dead people who help Ella solve the crime keep diminishing with every story. Phantom was one of my favorite things about this series. I only wish the author doesn't dilute the supernatural elements as the series proceeds.
Apart from that, the book delivers what it promises. Looking for an easy, cozy, lazy autumn read? This one's for you.
October 11, 2020
Ella receives a phone call from her mother who lives on the Riviera. Her friend has gone missing and she is facing arrest for involvement. Ella, Aunt Elspeth and M. Dupont travel to France to see what they can do. M. Dupont is something of a local celebrity which may be a good thing. Ella speaks with the local police chief. She gets in a few scrapes with Aunt Elspeth and sees a new side to her aunt. Just who is her mother's friend and is there more than meets the eye? Meanwhile, priceless artworks are being stolen from museums all over the world. This is Ella's most dangerous case yet.
This series gets better with each book. This one has more, a little bit improbable at times, but great fun all the same. Shame there is only one more in the series - at the moment.
This series gets better with each book. This one has more, a little bit improbable at times, but great fun all the same. Shame there is only one more in the series - at the moment.
August 23, 2018
The Riviera Affair by Jacquie New
Ella has come to France after her mother phoned worried. Her new friend Colonel Summerfield has gone missing and she received no help from the police. When she tried to report his disappearance Elspeth was warned by Detective Perret that as the last person to see him, she could be put in jail. This upset Ella’s mother greatly so Ella set out to discover the truth of where the colonel had vanished to. The truth is very different than the simple scenario given by detective Perret. I enjoyed this book, and Ella’s progress as she works to find out what really happened to her mother’s friend. I was given this book but the review is my own.
Ella has come to France after her mother phoned worried. Her new friend Colonel Summerfield has gone missing and she received no help from the police. When she tried to report his disappearance Elspeth was warned by Detective Perret that as the last person to see him, she could be put in jail. This upset Ella’s mother greatly so Ella set out to discover the truth of where the colonel had vanished to. The truth is very different than the simple scenario given by detective Perret. I enjoyed this book, and Ella’s progress as she works to find out what really happened to her mother’s friend. I was given this book but the review is my own.
February 3, 2020
I'm sorry to get to the end of these books, this could have been a fantastic series but this last book feels very weak in comparison to the rest of the stories. There is a distinct lack of anything paranormal in this one - Phantom is almost completely absent and is used as more of a plot device for convenience rather than an actual character. The story itself is fairly predictable and the ending doesn't really fit the rest of the series - to actiony in my opinion. However, it was fun to read and was a nice distraction to the thrillers I have been reading recently. A fun series but my favourite is still the curse of Arundel Hall.
September 29, 2019
The Riviera Affair
In this fourth Yellow Cottage Vintage Mystery book Ella travels to France to help her mother whose friend has mysteriously disappeared. What Ella doesn't know is that is getting involved in the biggest case of her career.
Another excellent book by J New which is fast paced and easy to read.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole series and I hope there will be more books about Ella in the future.
In this fourth Yellow Cottage Vintage Mystery book Ella travels to France to help her mother whose friend has mysteriously disappeared. What Ella doesn't know is that is getting involved in the biggest case of her career.
Another excellent book by J New which is fast paced and easy to read.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole series and I hope there will be more books about Ella in the future.
December 9, 2022
The Most Exciting One So Far
Each book in this series gets more interesting and compelling. In this story Ella is aided in her investigation by her Aunt and her Mother. Along with Pierre and a very intriguing Captain. I tried not to get emotionally involved with the investigation, but there I was, heart pounding, knee deep in the in the middle of the adventure. It was so much fun. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
Each book in this series gets more interesting and compelling. In this story Ella is aided in her investigation by her Aunt and her Mother. Along with Pierre and a very intriguing Captain. I tried not to get emotionally involved with the investigation, but there I was, heart pounding, knee deep in the in the middle of the adventure. It was so much fun. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
November 10, 2018
Another great read in the series
I've read every book by the author New in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them. The quirky characters and plots are well thought out. Gently cozy mysteries set in tranquil surroundings. Thank you for many hours delightfully spent in times gone by.
I've read every book by the author New in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them. The quirky characters and plots are well thought out. Gently cozy mysteries set in tranquil surroundings. Thank you for many hours delightfully spent in times gone by.
August 25, 2018
Another excellent tale
This is the fourth of a very interesting series of mysteries.....the plot whilst many may find a little unlikely is great fun and worthy of your time in reading it. It’s best to read them in order as the story develops over the series. Really looking forward to the next in the series.
This is the fourth of a very interesting series of mysteries.....the plot whilst many may find a little unlikely is great fun and worthy of your time in reading it. It’s best to read them in order as the story develops over the series. Really looking forward to the next in the series.
November 5, 2018
Who knew the world of art could be so treacherous?
Ella and her Aunt Margaret rush to France in order to aid Emma's mother, Elspeth. Elspeth was seeing a gentleman who goes missing after taking some painting classes at a local resort.
This one is cheerily the best installment yet. A little art and a lot of danger!
Ella and her Aunt Margaret rush to France in order to aid Emma's mother, Elspeth. Elspeth was seeing a gentleman who goes missing after taking some painting classes at a local resort.
This one is cheerily the best installment yet. A little art and a lot of danger!
November 19, 2018
Highly recommended
If you liked the books written in the 1930's you will like this book. Ms. New has in my opinion captured the way people spoke during that time period and you can feel the very essence of the time. Moving the story to the south of France and meeting new characters brings an added dimension to the plot line. Here's hoping for more books in the series.
If you liked the books written in the 1930's you will like this book. Ms. New has in my opinion captured the way people spoke during that time period and you can feel the very essence of the time. Moving the story to the south of France and meeting new characters brings an added dimension to the plot line. Here's hoping for more books in the series.
November 9, 2019
A New Series Found
I loved all these books! I binge read them in 4 days. They hold your interest right from the start, and always deliver a fast paced read. I couldn't put them down! They are a perfect read for anyone interested in that period. I am looking forward to more of these books.
I loved all these books! I binge read them in 4 days. They hold your interest right from the start, and always deliver a fast paced read. I couldn't put them down! They are a perfect read for anyone interested in that period. I am looking forward to more of these books.
December 6, 2019
J. New has created a fun series of cozy mysteries set in pre WWII England. The protagonist is well crafted, an engaging character and the supporting characters are equally well developed. The stories themselves, the mysteries, are well constructed and interesting. I've enjoyed all of the books in the series so far but this one, The Riviera Affair, is my favourite.
December 28, 2019
Another exciting mystery solved.
I do so love the "yellow cottage mysteries ". The more you read, the more you get to know Ella's family. They may be an odd assortment but each adorable in their own way. Is there a budding romance in the future for Ella? Oh I hope so. Guess I will have to read the next one to find out. We mustn't forget about Phanthom, her ghost cat.
I do so love the "yellow cottage mysteries ". The more you read, the more you get to know Ella's family. They may be an odd assortment but each adorable in their own way. Is there a budding romance in the future for Ella? Oh I hope so. Guess I will have to read the next one to find out. We mustn't forget about Phanthom, her ghost cat.
September 16, 2020
Another good English mystery.
Although set in France, Ella, the main character, is decidedly English. She and her family and friends break up an art theft ring. A handsome French detective/duke helps. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Ella, the duke and her ghost 🐱 Phantom.
Although set in France, Ella, the main character, is decidedly English. She and her family and friends break up an art theft ring. A handsome French detective/duke helps. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Ella, the duke and her ghost 🐱 Phantom.
August 31, 2018
Yellow cottage series
I thoroughly enjoyed all 4 books from the yellow cottage series, they were well written and an easy and funny and
enjoyable read, I would have no hesitation but to recommend the books.
I thoroughly enjoyed all 4 books from the yellow cottage series, they were well written and an easy and funny and
enjoyable read, I would have no hesitation but to recommend the books.
September 1, 2018
Off to France to help mother with a rather obvious case along with aunt and random dwarf friend from last book. Oddly little mention between mother and daughter parallels that seems like book 3 was even just weirder on treatment of husband.
October 9, 2018
Delightful read.
This is a superb series. I would like very much for it to continue into a fifth book or more. For a lover of British cozy mysteries this is a series guaranteed to bring hours of enjoyment.
This is a superb series. I would like very much for it to continue into a fifth book or more. For a lover of British cozy mysteries this is a series guaranteed to bring hours of enjoyment.
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