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Wine Country Mysteries #11
The French Paradox
Lucie Montgomery's discovery of her grandfather's Parisian romance unlocks a series of shocking secrets in the gripping new Wine Country mystery.
In 1949, during her junior year abroad in Paris, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis bought several inexpensive paintings of Marie-Antoinette by a little-known 18th century female artist. She also had a romantic relationship with Virginia vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery's French grandfather - until recently, a well-kept secret.
Seventy years later, Cricket Delacroix, Lucie's neighbor and Jackie's schoolfriend, is donating the now priceless paintings to a Washington, DC museum. And Lucie's grandfather is flying to Virginia for Cricket's 90th birthday party, hosted by her daughter Harriet. A washed-up journalist, Harriet is rewriting a manuscript Jackie left behind about Marie-Antoinette and her portraitist. She's also adding tell-all details about Jackie, sure to make the book a bestseller.
Then on the eve of the party a world-famous landscape designer who also knew Jackie is found dead in Lucie's vineyard. Did someone make good on the death threats he'd received because of his controversial book on climate change? Or was his murder tied to Jackie, the paintings, and Lucie's beloved grandfather?
In 1949, during her junior year abroad in Paris, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis bought several inexpensive paintings of Marie-Antoinette by a little-known 18th century female artist. She also had a romantic relationship with Virginia vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery's French grandfather - until recently, a well-kept secret.
Seventy years later, Cricket Delacroix, Lucie's neighbor and Jackie's schoolfriend, is donating the now priceless paintings to a Washington, DC museum. And Lucie's grandfather is flying to Virginia for Cricket's 90th birthday party, hosted by her daughter Harriet. A washed-up journalist, Harriet is rewriting a manuscript Jackie left behind about Marie-Antoinette and her portraitist. She's also adding tell-all details about Jackie, sure to make the book a bestseller.
Then on the eve of the party a world-famous landscape designer who also knew Jackie is found dead in Lucie's vineyard. Did someone make good on the death threats he'd received because of his controversial book on climate change? Or was his murder tied to Jackie, the paintings, and Lucie's beloved grandfather?
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 6, 2021
35 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Crosby
26 books487 followersEllen Crosby is the author of the Virginia wine country mysteries, the Sophie Medina mysteries, and MOSCOW NIGHTS, a standalone. DEEDS LEFT UNDONE, her 13th wine country mystery, will be out on August 5, 2025 in hardcover, as an ebook, and as an audio book from Tantor Media. Previously she was a freelance reporter for The Washington Post, Moscow correspondent for ABC Radio News, and an economist at the US Senate. She lives in the Washington, DC suburbs of northern Virginia after living overseas for many years and is currently busy writing the 14th wine country mystery which will be out in 2026. More at www.ellencrosby.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 14, 2021
The French Paradox is the 11th book in the Wine Country Mysteries written by Ellen Crosby and will be published in April, 2021. I was thrilled to receive an early copy through NetGalley, as it is one of my favorite series. The author combines a love of wine, complex investigations, a beautiful Virginia setting, and a balanced historical / political tone in all her books, and this one is no exception. Imagine if Jacqueline Kenney Onassis had a lover before JFK, and she wrote about it in a few journals that someone got their hands on! Murder seems quite obvious, eh?
Lucie Montgomery runs the vineyard we've come to love. She's engaged to Quinn, and both her siblings are back home this season. Eli is mostly in the background but Mia is suspected of murder. Someone they know is found dead in the vineyard after he trashed a local gardener's methods. He also knew about Jackie O's letters, and when Lucie's Pepe returns from France, he as a secret too. In a multi-dimensional cast of powerful, rich, and angry people, which one of them killed the man who knew too much? With names like Cricket and Harry (both women) and Ash (man), there is an old-time charm set in a modern world.
Cozy mysteries have a wide range. While this falls mostly into the edges of the sub-genre, it's not your typical style. It's not light/silly/lovey like some... it's not dark either. Somewhere in the middle, it offers a reality check on life, where everyone's personalities aren't all black and white. Lucie can be tough to handle; she's direct, sometimes ornery... she expects things of others without justification, but she also knows how to love and support. The sibling bonds are extraordinarily real when it comes to fights or tender moments. And the author's knowledge of the geographical area and wine is immense. Half the time, I forget about the mystery and indulge myself in a history lesson. The tone is quite wonderful and feels atmospheric and ripe with tension.
I rate this series in my top 10 to 15 all-time... I must read the books when the come out. Often, the author embellishes history, or picks a fact and makes a lot more out of it. As readers, we should know this is intentionally historical fiction, so we shouldn't be upset. It's part of the magical world of storytelling, and while I adore Jackie O and think we shouldn't tarnish her reputation... thinking she had a secret lover is fun. I want to know who/why/where... what would happen if she was alive today and her journals were released... et al. This is the kind of book (and author) who pushes a reader to involve themselves in the story not because you want to solve the case but because you just need to be a fly on the wall as everything comes undone.
4.5 stars... a few items let open at the end, and a touch of confusion on timelines when the murder occurred. Nothing at all to worry about, possibly personal taste. But oh, now I have to wait another year, so I'll be grumpy. Truthfully, it is worth the wait. Give this one a chance please.
Lucie Montgomery runs the vineyard we've come to love. She's engaged to Quinn, and both her siblings are back home this season. Eli is mostly in the background but Mia is suspected of murder. Someone they know is found dead in the vineyard after he trashed a local gardener's methods. He also knew about Jackie O's letters, and when Lucie's Pepe returns from France, he as a secret too. In a multi-dimensional cast of powerful, rich, and angry people, which one of them killed the man who knew too much? With names like Cricket and Harry (both women) and Ash (man), there is an old-time charm set in a modern world.
Cozy mysteries have a wide range. While this falls mostly into the edges of the sub-genre, it's not your typical style. It's not light/silly/lovey like some... it's not dark either. Somewhere in the middle, it offers a reality check on life, where everyone's personalities aren't all black and white. Lucie can be tough to handle; she's direct, sometimes ornery... she expects things of others without justification, but she also knows how to love and support. The sibling bonds are extraordinarily real when it comes to fights or tender moments. And the author's knowledge of the geographical area and wine is immense. Half the time, I forget about the mystery and indulge myself in a history lesson. The tone is quite wonderful and feels atmospheric and ripe with tension.
I rate this series in my top 10 to 15 all-time... I must read the books when the come out. Often, the author embellishes history, or picks a fact and makes a lot more out of it. As readers, we should know this is intentionally historical fiction, so we shouldn't be upset. It's part of the magical world of storytelling, and while I adore Jackie O and think we shouldn't tarnish her reputation... thinking she had a secret lover is fun. I want to know who/why/where... what would happen if she was alive today and her journals were released... et al. This is the kind of book (and author) who pushes a reader to involve themselves in the story not because you want to solve the case but because you just need to be a fly on the wall as everything comes undone.
4.5 stars... a few items let open at the end, and a touch of confusion on timelines when the murder occurred. Nothing at all to worry about, possibly personal taste. But oh, now I have to wait another year, so I'll be grumpy. Truthfully, it is worth the wait. Give this one a chance please.
April 4, 2021
This is the eleventh book in the Wine Country Mystery series and my first read of one of the books. Not a problem you can read them in any order and separately.
This cozy mystery takes place in a Northern Virginia vineyard owned by Lucie Montgomery's family.
Lucie finds journals written by her grandmother, tell alls. The women in the family know about the long ago affair but the men have been left out of the loop.
A landscape designer who had been receiving death threats is found murdered in the vineyard . Has someone followed through on the threats due to his controversial book on climate change?
I enjoyed this, it kept my attention.
Pub Date 06 Apr 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This cozy mystery takes place in a Northern Virginia vineyard owned by Lucie Montgomery's family.
Lucie finds journals written by her grandmother, tell alls. The women in the family know about the long ago affair but the men have been left out of the loop.
A landscape designer who had been receiving death threats is found murdered in the vineyard . Has someone followed through on the threats due to his controversial book on climate change?
I enjoyed this, it kept my attention.
Pub Date 06 Apr 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
April 5, 2021
I’m used to the Wine Country series having a more factual history to go along with the murder mystery and wine parings. With this outing, I was put off with the history premise based on a made-up affair between Jacqueline Bouvier and Lucie Montgomery’s grandfather, taking place in 1949 France, when Jacqueline was spending a year abroad.
By presuming an affair, which brought the timeline together and incorporating the Montgomery Vineyards patriarch, then adding in paintings found in old bookseller’s drawers, allows for Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun and her canvases, to be brought center stage. A stage quickly moved to the background when Harriet Delacrox, a failed journalist, plans to hold a gathering to present the book she is writing based on a manuscript about Marie-Antoinette and her portraitist that Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis had left in a box given to Harriet’s mother. This manuscript coincides with journals Lucie found which calls into question her grandfather’s love for her grandmother and a secret that should remain hidden.
Because the book, in my mind, had a cohesion issue, it felt as if the author was halfway through before she realized she forgot a murder victim and threw in a celebrated landscape designer, who was also a contemporary of Miss Bouvier, and killed him off. Was it because he threatened to call Harriet out on her ridiculous book or is there more since Lucie’s sister has a new beau and said landscaper thought he looked slightly familiar or could it be that he had publicly called out a local botanist about his research on climate change and its effect on viticulture? The murder part of this mystery was a jumbled mess from beginning to end.
In my opinion, too much was going on in this book. So much so that each of the storylines was swallowed up by another and what is left was too many ideas and not enough development of any of them.
December 20, 2020
This is the 11th in the wildly popular Wine Country mystery series. It can be read as a stand-alone but so many series’ raves have convinced me to devour the whole set.
In this latest, you’ll find Jackie Kennedy, a secret affair, Paris, fine wine, 18th century art, and murder — an irresistible mix, an enthralling read!
5 of 5 Stars
Thanks to the author, Canongate Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
Pub Date 06 Apr 2021
#TheFrenchParadox #NetGalley
In this latest, you’ll find Jackie Kennedy, a secret affair, Paris, fine wine, 18th century art, and murder — an irresistible mix, an enthralling read!
5 of 5 Stars
Thanks to the author, Canongate Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
Pub Date 06 Apr 2021
#TheFrenchParadox #NetGalley
April 1, 2021
When a lightbulb needs changing, Lucie Montgomery finds her grandmother’s journals as she searches for a replacement. They reveal her grandfather Luc’s relationship with Jackie Onassis beginning in 1949 when she studied in Paris for a year. Together they explored museums and he accompanied her as she purchased paintings from the female artist who painted Marie Antoinette. She left those paintings to her friend Cricket, who is now donating them to the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Before they are turned over they will be exhibited in a display arranged by Cricket’s daughter Harry to promote a book that she is writing on Jackie. Not everyone is happy with the book. Jackie was a frequent visitor to the area and her friends know how she valued her privacy.
One person who opposes the book is Parker Lord, an internationally known landscape designer who is helping Lucie plan a garden setting for her wedding. His publication on global warming has earned him death threats. He has also written a scathing article about the research done by a local gardener, accusing him of falsifying his results. Jackie edited one of his books and they became friends so he has been speaking up against Harry and her plans. When Parker is found murdered in Lucie’s vineyard is it a result of his book, the article or could it be tied to the exhibition? Lucie can not believe that the murderer is a member of their close community but when her sister comes under suspicion she is compelled to trace Parker’s last day to discover who had an opportunity to stop him.
Ellen Crosby’s The French Paradox is an entertaining mystery that also takes a look at one of America’s most loved First Ladies.. To the people of this small town she was also a friend and to this day she is known for her style and grace. As the investigation progresses, Crosby also looks at the plight of undocumented workers, afraid to be questioned by the authorities for fear of deportation. There is a sense of community through the book and Lucie receives support in her inquiries from everyone, but someone is hiding their involvement and Lucie is putting herself in the killer’s path. I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House for providing this book for my review.
One person who opposes the book is Parker Lord, an internationally known landscape designer who is helping Lucie plan a garden setting for her wedding. His publication on global warming has earned him death threats. He has also written a scathing article about the research done by a local gardener, accusing him of falsifying his results. Jackie edited one of his books and they became friends so he has been speaking up against Harry and her plans. When Parker is found murdered in Lucie’s vineyard is it a result of his book, the article or could it be tied to the exhibition? Lucie can not believe that the murderer is a member of their close community but when her sister comes under suspicion she is compelled to trace Parker’s last day to discover who had an opportunity to stop him.
Ellen Crosby’s The French Paradox is an entertaining mystery that also takes a look at one of America’s most loved First Ladies.. To the people of this small town she was also a friend and to this day she is known for her style and grace. As the investigation progresses, Crosby also looks at the plight of undocumented workers, afraid to be questioned by the authorities for fear of deportation. There is a sense of community through the book and Lucie receives support in her inquiries from everyone, but someone is hiding their involvement and Lucie is putting herself in the killer’s path. I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House for providing this book for my review.
January 25, 2021
When I first read the description of the plot of The French Paradox, Ellen Crosby's 11th novel in her Wine Country Mysteries series, I knew it was a 100% 'need to read this NOW' book! With thanks to the publisher, Severn House, and to Net Galley for access to an advance copy of the book which will be published April 5, 2021.
This is such a fabulous series of books, always filled with interesting people, Virginia history, fascinating information on growing wine and drinking it, set in one of the beautiful areas of Virginia within sight of the Blue Ridge Mountains. To my delight this plot circles around Jackie Kennedy Onassis, from her early years when first in Paris to her time as a book editor, and her love of art, France, and history. What I truly love about this series of novels is the author's ability to pull me into her plot, and to make me believe all of the story from the beginning. More though, is that she does not leave one wondering at the end what is and isn't true, but rather acknowledges who her sources are and which aspects of her story are fact and which are fiction.
I believe this is one of her best novels. She absolutely had me from the 'Prologue' and I couldn't stop reading. 5 stars, well deserved.
Again, the book will be published on April 5, 2021 by Severn House. #SevernHouse #NetGalley
This is such a fabulous series of books, always filled with interesting people, Virginia history, fascinating information on growing wine and drinking it, set in one of the beautiful areas of Virginia within sight of the Blue Ridge Mountains. To my delight this plot circles around Jackie Kennedy Onassis, from her early years when first in Paris to her time as a book editor, and her love of art, France, and history. What I truly love about this series of novels is the author's ability to pull me into her plot, and to make me believe all of the story from the beginning. More though, is that she does not leave one wondering at the end what is and isn't true, but rather acknowledges who her sources are and which aspects of her story are fact and which are fiction.
I believe this is one of her best novels. She absolutely had me from the 'Prologue' and I couldn't stop reading. 5 stars, well deserved.
Again, the book will be published on April 5, 2021 by Severn House. #SevernHouse #NetGalley
May 1, 2022
Political correctness (FYI climate change is about the carbon tax), the deification of Jackie O, and a line of #TDS...this was one of my favorite series but, sadly, this is the last book I will read by Ellen Crosby.
December 19, 2020
Lucie Montgomery discovers that her grandfather had a romantic fling with Jacqueline Bouvier when she was studying in Paris in the last 1940s. Better known as Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, the wife of the prince of Camelot John F Kennedy. While Lucie discovered this when she found her Grandmother’s journal, she discovers that others know about it too. But one person in particular is looking to use the journal to rewrite and add some scandal to the last known manuscript the Jackie O was working on when she died.
While the writer’s Mother is donating paintings from a now famous artist that Jackie bought during her time in Paris, Harry decides to throw a preview at a local art gallery to announce her book before the paintings move to the museum. Right before the big launch, a dear friend of Lucie’s Mother is found dead in the family vineyard. Was his demise related to the book and paintings or to his own book and some of his own column that blasted the owner of a local nursery?
This is the first book I have read in this series, how did I miss the first 11 books in this series, and I had no gaps whatsoever. Having lived in the Northern Virginia area for years, this book took me right back home. I could see the roads and estates in my mind as I read it. I will be back for the first ten books in this series.
While the writer’s Mother is donating paintings from a now famous artist that Jackie bought during her time in Paris, Harry decides to throw a preview at a local art gallery to announce her book before the paintings move to the museum. Right before the big launch, a dear friend of Lucie’s Mother is found dead in the family vineyard. Was his demise related to the book and paintings or to his own book and some of his own column that blasted the owner of a local nursery?
This is the first book I have read in this series, how did I miss the first 11 books in this series, and I had no gaps whatsoever. Having lived in the Northern Virginia area for years, this book took me right back home. I could see the roads and estates in my mind as I read it. I will be back for the first ten books in this series.
May 27, 2022
I recently picked this up on a whim at an author’s signing at a Virginia winery I was visiting. It’s the author’s 11th installment but the first I’ve read! I really enjoyed it! It was fun to read and I easily escaped into the story. A cozy mystery with a lot of local flavor from the Northern Virginia area, bits of history and wine trivia. There were actually several topics within the story that got me interested enough to want to learn more about! Of course they were fictionalized or greatly embellished for the story but grounded on a real point or place. I liked the characters and it was a perfect, light read for a spring day! I definitely want to go back and read the rest of the series!
March 28, 2023
A lovely writing style here, which seamlessly blends mystery and wine-making knowledge. The characters are well-developed, and the plot kept me engaged. The French Paradox, while part of a series, can be read as a standalone novel.
May 18, 2021
Read the full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
I always enjoy these entries to the wine country mysteries, as I’m assured of learning fascinating issues with viticulture and the historical areas of Virginia. In this episode, protagonist Lucie Montgomery (owner of the Montgomery Estate Vineyard) discovers a DB in her fields—the guy she was supposed to have met to consult about problems with her ailing grapes.
Her winemaker-fiancé Quinn is quick to provide support, but it’s just one of several threads and I’m still trying to decide whether or not I like the Jackie Kennedy inclusion. Lucie is also anticipating the arrival of her 93 year old French grandfather for a local friend’s birthday celebration. There are enlightening discussions on the impact of climate change and a comparison of GMOs with hybrids. Additionally, a major sub-plot involves the daughter of her birthday friend, the big reveal of her book, and the early women art masters tied into the mystery of Jackie O.
I really loved The Angel’s Share and Harvest of Secrets but the pacing of this series entry was a bit slow for me and my attention waned. I suppose in the end, part of my lack of enthusiasm this time was the Jackie thread. Not a lot of elements of a cozy, but didn’t feel the detective vibe either. Still, these can all be considered standalone and I’ll be looking forward to the next one. 3.5 stars
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.
I always enjoy these entries to the wine country mysteries, as I’m assured of learning fascinating issues with viticulture and the historical areas of Virginia. In this episode, protagonist Lucie Montgomery (owner of the Montgomery Estate Vineyard) discovers a DB in her fields—the guy she was supposed to have met to consult about problems with her ailing grapes.
Her winemaker-fiancé Quinn is quick to provide support, but it’s just one of several threads and I’m still trying to decide whether or not I like the Jackie Kennedy inclusion. Lucie is also anticipating the arrival of her 93 year old French grandfather for a local friend’s birthday celebration. There are enlightening discussions on the impact of climate change and a comparison of GMOs with hybrids. Additionally, a major sub-plot involves the daughter of her birthday friend, the big reveal of her book, and the early women art masters tied into the mystery of Jackie O.
I really loved The Angel’s Share and Harvest of Secrets but the pacing of this series entry was a bit slow for me and my attention waned. I suppose in the end, part of my lack of enthusiasm this time was the Jackie thread. Not a lot of elements of a cozy, but didn’t feel the detective vibe either. Still, these can all be considered standalone and I’ll be looking forward to the next one. 3.5 stars
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.
April 5, 2021
I have a guilty confession to make. This is the eleventh book in Ellen Crosby's delectable Wine Country mystery series, and although I've greatly enjoyed every one that I've read, I haven't even read half of the series. Now that The French Paradox is one of my Best Reads of 2021, I should have more incentive to read the rest.
What makes The French Paradox-- and the entire series-- so good? Having also read the two books in Crosby's Sophie Medina series (please, ma'am, I want some more!), I have to say it's because Crosby's writing is a feast for the intelligent, curious reader. If you love strong characters, intriguing mysteries, history, art, literature, vivid settings, learning about winemaking, and more, this is an author you should not miss. I read this book with a smile on my face because I felt as though I were spending time with a kindred spirit.
Whenever Crosby uses historical figures in her books, as she does in The French Paradox, she does so with great sensitivity and after doing much research. I am of the age where one of the defining moments of my life is knowing exactly where I was when I learned that John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. (Sitting in my third-grade classroom.) I have a great deal of respect for the Kennedys, and I doubt very much that any of the clan would be upset with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's portrayal in this book.
Another reason to like this book is Crosby's drawing attention to the artist Élisabeth Vigée le Brun, friend to Marie Antoinette of France and the highest-paid portrait painter of her day. Vigée le Brun is a fascinating figure in her own right and certainly deserves more recognition. The mere mention of the artist's name reminds me of the first time I ever saw one of her works. Marvelous!
I called The French Paradox a feast for the intelligent, curious reader, and as you can see by my review, I savored every page. I haven't even mentioned the vivid Virginia setting or the deep roots main character Lucie Montgomery's family has in the area. If you haven't read any of Ellen Crosby's Wine Country mysteries, I urge you to do so. The French Paradox can be read as a standalone, but don't be surprised if you discover you're hungry for more.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
What makes The French Paradox-- and the entire series-- so good? Having also read the two books in Crosby's Sophie Medina series (please, ma'am, I want some more!), I have to say it's because Crosby's writing is a feast for the intelligent, curious reader. If you love strong characters, intriguing mysteries, history, art, literature, vivid settings, learning about winemaking, and more, this is an author you should not miss. I read this book with a smile on my face because I felt as though I were spending time with a kindred spirit.
Whenever Crosby uses historical figures in her books, as she does in The French Paradox, she does so with great sensitivity and after doing much research. I am of the age where one of the defining moments of my life is knowing exactly where I was when I learned that John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. (Sitting in my third-grade classroom.) I have a great deal of respect for the Kennedys, and I doubt very much that any of the clan would be upset with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's portrayal in this book.
Another reason to like this book is Crosby's drawing attention to the artist Élisabeth Vigée le Brun, friend to Marie Antoinette of France and the highest-paid portrait painter of her day. Vigée le Brun is a fascinating figure in her own right and certainly deserves more recognition. The mere mention of the artist's name reminds me of the first time I ever saw one of her works. Marvelous!
I called The French Paradox a feast for the intelligent, curious reader, and as you can see by my review, I savored every page. I haven't even mentioned the vivid Virginia setting or the deep roots main character Lucie Montgomery's family has in the area. If you haven't read any of Ellen Crosby's Wine Country mysteries, I urge you to do so. The French Paradox can be read as a standalone, but don't be surprised if you discover you're hungry for more.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
May 20, 2021
A relatively straightforward entertaining murder mystery story. The title attracted me as I thought it would be taking place in France. As one who believes in the "French Paradox", stories about the wine industry are fun. Little did I know that the story was based in Virginia and found on the Internet that Virginia has more than 300 wineries. I will have to be conducting a survey while shopping for wine. In California, I expect wines from Virginia to be rare.
From E, I learned that the basic premise underlying the Wine Country Mysteries is a series of crimes around the characters and location of the winery (Montgomery Estate Winery). While the cast of characters were appealing to me, a series surrounding all of these characters (as likeable as they are) may seem artificial. Other series that I have especially enjoyed, such as Jack Reacher who is constantly looking for trouble, Spenser who was a private detective, and Scandinavian mysteries based on the professional lives police detectives, seem more plausible when the plots involve crimes. So, I will need to consider the plausibility of the plot for other books in the series before deciding to continue with it.
A couple of thoughts from the book (one historical and the other philosophical) caught my attention. The first is that "Jackie [Jackie Kennedy] didn't marry Ari Onassis for love. She wanted protection and he could give it to her. After what had happened to Jack and Bobby, she was scared. " I have no idea whether this is historically factual but it makes a certain amount of sense.
The second thought (philosophical). "You couldn't force people to love each other. You couldn't make it happen. " ... "Except I believe it is possible to love more than one person in a lifetime. Love is not a finite thing - you don't only have a certain amount to give and then you can't give any more."
From E, I learned that the basic premise underlying the Wine Country Mysteries is a series of crimes around the characters and location of the winery (Montgomery Estate Winery). While the cast of characters were appealing to me, a series surrounding all of these characters (as likeable as they are) may seem artificial. Other series that I have especially enjoyed, such as Jack Reacher who is constantly looking for trouble, Spenser who was a private detective, and Scandinavian mysteries based on the professional lives police detectives, seem more plausible when the plots involve crimes. So, I will need to consider the plausibility of the plot for other books in the series before deciding to continue with it.
A couple of thoughts from the book (one historical and the other philosophical) caught my attention. The first is that "Jackie [Jackie Kennedy] didn't marry Ari Onassis for love. She wanted protection and he could give it to her. After what had happened to Jack and Bobby, she was scared. " I have no idea whether this is historically factual but it makes a certain amount of sense.
The second thought (philosophical). "You couldn't force people to love each other. You couldn't make it happen. " ... "Except I believe it is possible to love more than one person in a lifetime. Love is not a finite thing - you don't only have a certain amount to give and then you can't give any more."
August 24, 2021
This series about Virginia vineyards, northern Virginia culture and politics, small town lore and characters has been a favorite mystery series of mine. As in Ellen Crosby's previous novels, elements of history are embedded that send me to do further reading. "The French Paradox" introduced me to the National Museum of Women Artists in DC and the "Old Mistresses" of art, women who were as talented as the men but never recognized. This thread, skillfully woven into the murder mystery and intrigue of the art world, paralleled the revelations through letters and journals of the fictitious affair seventy years before between the protagonist's grandfather and Jackie Kennedy. Fictitious, to be sure, but Jackie Kennedy actually did spend time in this area, riding horses, her privacy respected; the sweet story of time spent in 1949 as a Smith College student, falling in love with Paris and Lucie Montgomery's grandfather, Luc, brought back to me how I loved Jackie Kennedy for her intelligence, grace, and love of art and literature. The author uses this special relationship to share some insight into the nature of love, when it comes into your life, how it needs to be nurtured, and perhaps protected at times. Most of the younger characters in the book needed this life lesson. Of course, the murder was solved, but I spent more time daydreaming about the love story.
August 8, 2021
This is one of my favorite series, and I have read all 11. I didn't like this one as much as a lot of the others. I tend not to like contemporary novels that fictionalize real people. I feel that the author did what she accused one of her characters of, using Jackie Kennedy's name to attract attention. It would have been just as good with a made up famous person, and I would have liked it more.
Despite all that, I still enjoyed the book, and I look forward to the next one in the series.
Despite all that, I still enjoyed the book, and I look forward to the next one in the series.
March 21, 2022
The French Paradox: Ellen Crosby
🥱 😾
Apparently Jacqueline Kennedy had an affair w/ the main character's grandfather when Jackie was a young woman studying art in France....
Blah, blah, blah, blah: Name dropping throughout the first several chapters (which I'm sure continued throughout), not only bored me, but turned me off. So much so that I never got to the middle of the book:
Seriously? I Couldn't Care Less about this book or the characters. Just plain annoying
🥱 😾
Apparently Jacqueline Kennedy had an affair w/ the main character's grandfather when Jackie was a young woman studying art in France....
Blah, blah, blah, blah: Name dropping throughout the first several chapters (which I'm sure continued throughout), not only bored me, but turned me off. So much so that I never got to the middle of the book:
Seriously? I Couldn't Care Less about this book or the characters. Just plain annoying
May 11, 2022
Not one of my favorites of the series. Took me several tries to get into the story.
August 29, 2022
French Paradox by Ellen Crosby is the 11th book of the Wine Country mystery series set in contemporary Virginia. When Lucie Montgomery, owner of her family vineyard in rural Virginia, finds her grandmother's diary, she learns of her grandfather's love affair with Jacqueline Bouvier in 1949 Paris.
Famous landscape designer Parker Lord comes to Montgomery Vineyards to design a special wedding garden for Lucie and Quinn's upcoming nuptials. Lucie and Parker chat (at great length) about many people - relatives, friends, colleagues, celebrities, artists - don't worry about keeping all the relationships and anecdotes straight, just let the story flow. Enjoy the lavish, loving descriptions of Virginia landmarks and history. When they split up to meet other appointments, Parker agrees to stop by later and check on vines that may be dying, to see if he can determine the cause. There is a bit of climate change rant - primarily to set up a red herring.
Cricket and Harriet (Harry) Delacroix live in a fabulously luxurious historic mansion. For Cricket's upcoming 90th birthday party, they are sparing no expense. They hired Lucie's sister Mia to paint murals on the walls. As the party approaches, Harry adds fussy requirements to the assignment, making it take longer, then begins hassling Mia to hurry up. Harry hassles Lucie as well over the deadline. Harry drops a bombshell: she has signed a publisher contract (7 figures!) to finish a biography Jackie started, of a French "Old Mistress" painter (a female artist in the time of the Old Masters). For advance publicity, Harry's going to mount excerpts from Jackie's diaries beside the paintings by the artist.
Lucie is upset. First, because she now knows her grandfather's love affair with Jackie is likely to be what Harry plans to capitalize on; second because Jackie is still well-remembered and loved in Virginia, where everyone knows she was a very private person who would never want her diaries published.
Adding to Lucie's anxiety is concern over Mia's new boyfriend Sergio. Lucie knows so little about him; Mia is secretive about their time together in New York City, before 'moving home to be with family'. Mia's past has been rocky. Lucie wishes her well, supports her financially, worries about her judgment.
As Lucie goes about her daily life, she reflects on snippets of Civil War history, such as the story of the Gray Ghost (John Singleton Mosby) and "Mosby's Rangers". Virginia has plenty of scenic, interesting historical landmarks; many are described in each book of the series. Montgomery Vineyards are set in the heart of 'horse and hunt' country.
As usual, Lucie discovers the murder victim. Plenty of plausible red herrings keep the plot moving along with the extensive, enjoyable history lessons. The love affair is fictional "lace" woven between interesting facts about Jackie's life - she really was an exchange student in Paris, really did work as an editor for Doubleday, really did purchase paintings by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun.
Famous landscape designer Parker Lord comes to Montgomery Vineyards to design a special wedding garden for Lucie and Quinn's upcoming nuptials. Lucie and Parker chat (at great length) about many people - relatives, friends, colleagues, celebrities, artists - don't worry about keeping all the relationships and anecdotes straight, just let the story flow. Enjoy the lavish, loving descriptions of Virginia landmarks and history. When they split up to meet other appointments, Parker agrees to stop by later and check on vines that may be dying, to see if he can determine the cause. There is a bit of climate change rant - primarily to set up a red herring.
Cricket and Harriet (Harry) Delacroix live in a fabulously luxurious historic mansion. For Cricket's upcoming 90th birthday party, they are sparing no expense. They hired Lucie's sister Mia to paint murals on the walls. As the party approaches, Harry adds fussy requirements to the assignment, making it take longer, then begins hassling Mia to hurry up. Harry hassles Lucie as well over the deadline. Harry drops a bombshell: she has signed a publisher contract (7 figures!) to finish a biography Jackie started, of a French "Old Mistress" painter (a female artist in the time of the Old Masters). For advance publicity, Harry's going to mount excerpts from Jackie's diaries beside the paintings by the artist.
Lucie is upset. First, because she now knows her grandfather's love affair with Jackie is likely to be what Harry plans to capitalize on; second because Jackie is still well-remembered and loved in Virginia, where everyone knows she was a very private person who would never want her diaries published.
Adding to Lucie's anxiety is concern over Mia's new boyfriend Sergio. Lucie knows so little about him; Mia is secretive about their time together in New York City, before 'moving home to be with family'. Mia's past has been rocky. Lucie wishes her well, supports her financially, worries about her judgment.
As Lucie goes about her daily life, she reflects on snippets of Civil War history, such as the story of the Gray Ghost (John Singleton Mosby) and "Mosby's Rangers". Virginia has plenty of scenic, interesting historical landmarks; many are described in each book of the series. Montgomery Vineyards are set in the heart of 'horse and hunt' country.
As usual, Lucie discovers the murder victim. Plenty of plausible red herrings keep the plot moving along with the extensive, enjoyable history lessons. The love affair is fictional "lace" woven between interesting facts about Jackie's life - she really was an exchange student in Paris, really did work as an editor for Doubleday, really did purchase paintings by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun.
March 2, 2023
SPOILER ALERT
This was a bit surreal. Using some of the life experiences ot Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis the author builds a relationship of Jackie and Lucie Montgomery's grandfather Pepe, when Jackie, as a college junior travels to Paris with some friends. She lives a much freer life than in the States, and it is found in letters and diaries that they were lovers, and kept a friendship all during her life, and the time that Pepe was an ambassador. When Harriet (Harry) Delacroix gets hold of the partial manuscript that Jackie had started about Marie Antoinette and the unacknowledged artist (one of the Old Mistresses) of portraiture Elizabeth Vigee Le Brun and one of Jackie's journals, she intends to finish the book and use the journal entries, salacious as they would be, to promote the book during the exhibit of the paintings that Jackie had purchased in Paris. They are now worth a fortune, and they are to be donated to the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Everyone in the area is opposed, especially Parker Lord, an expert landscape designer who knew Jackie, and knew how private she was. Later, he is found dead in the Merlot vines at the Montgomery Winery. He has been poisoned.
There are a multitude of suspects. Parker had recently written a newsletter column accusing the local nursery owner of altering information in a study he is conducting to prove that the DNA in the glutathione of a plant can be reversed to keep the plant from dying. It would expecially important with the issue of climate change and the problems of wineries and their vines suffering from the extremes that are happening with weather.
As one suspect after another is eliminated, including Mia, Lucie's sister, it comes down to Parker's threat to tell all that when Jackie had been an editor at Doubleday, she is rejected a novel that Harriet had submitted as drival, and that she could not write at all, she had no talent. She and her grandmother, Cricket Delacroix, a love of Pepe's, are in need of cash, and she has just signed a seven-figure contract for the book. She kills him by poisoning him with eyedrops.
This was a bit surreal. Using some of the life experiences ot Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis the author builds a relationship of Jackie and Lucie Montgomery's grandfather Pepe, when Jackie, as a college junior travels to Paris with some friends. She lives a much freer life than in the States, and it is found in letters and diaries that they were lovers, and kept a friendship all during her life, and the time that Pepe was an ambassador. When Harriet (Harry) Delacroix gets hold of the partial manuscript that Jackie had started about Marie Antoinette and the unacknowledged artist (one of the Old Mistresses) of portraiture Elizabeth Vigee Le Brun and one of Jackie's journals, she intends to finish the book and use the journal entries, salacious as they would be, to promote the book during the exhibit of the paintings that Jackie had purchased in Paris. They are now worth a fortune, and they are to be donated to the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Everyone in the area is opposed, especially Parker Lord, an expert landscape designer who knew Jackie, and knew how private she was. Later, he is found dead in the Merlot vines at the Montgomery Winery. He has been poisoned.
There are a multitude of suspects. Parker had recently written a newsletter column accusing the local nursery owner of altering information in a study he is conducting to prove that the DNA in the glutathione of a plant can be reversed to keep the plant from dying. It would expecially important with the issue of climate change and the problems of wineries and their vines suffering from the extremes that are happening with weather.
As one suspect after another is eliminated, including Mia, Lucie's sister, it comes down to Parker's threat to tell all that when Jackie had been an editor at Doubleday, she is rejected a novel that Harriet had submitted as drival, and that she could not write at all, she had no talent. She and her grandmother, Cricket Delacroix, a love of Pepe's, are in need of cash, and she has just signed a seven-figure contract for the book. She kills him by poisoning him with eyedrops.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2021
During her junior year abroad in 1949 Paris, Jacqueline Bouvier bought several inexpensive paintings of Marie-Antoinette by forgotten 18th century female artist Elisabeth Vigee le Brun. Seventy years later Lucie Montgomery's neighbour and Jackie's schoolfriend Cricket Delacroix is donating the now priceless paintings to the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington DC. Lucie's grandfather Luc is travelling from France for Cricket's 90th birthday party, hosted by her daughter Harry. A washed-up journalist, Harry is rewriting a manuscript Jackie left behind about Marie-Antoinette and her portraitist. But Harry is also planning on adding tell-all details about Jackie and her secret love in Paris. Renowned landscape designer Parker Lord is found dead in Lucie's vineyard. Did someone make good on the death threats Parker had received because of his controversial book on climate change? Or was Parker's murder tied to Jackie, the paintings, and Lucie's beloved grandfather?
This was a fascinating read about Jackie Kennedy Onassis's early life in Paris and her secrets that she kept.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Severn House with no requirements for a review. I volutarily read this book and provided this review.
This was a fascinating read about Jackie Kennedy Onassis's early life in Paris and her secrets that she kept.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Severn House with no requirements for a review. I volutarily read this book and provided this review.
August 11, 2021
#11 in this series introduces new characters including Jackie Kennedy in an interesting mystery that goes back 50 years.
"In 1949, during her junior year abroad in Paris, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis bought several inexpensive paintings of Marie-Antoinette by a little-known 18th century female artist. She also had a romantic relationship with Virginia vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery's French grandfather - until recently, a well-kept secret. Seventy years later, Cricket Delacroix, Lucie's neighbor and Jackie's schoolfriend, is donating the now priceless paintings to a Washington, DC museum. And Lucie's grandfather is flying to Virginia for Cricket's 90th birthday party, hosted by her daughter Harriet. A washed-up journalist, Harriet is rewriting a manuscript Jackie left behind about Marie-Antoinette and her portraitist. She's also adding tell-all details about Jackie, sure to make the book a bestseller.
Then on the eve of the party a world-famous landscape designer who also knew Jackie is found dead in Lucie's vineyard. Did someone make good on the death threats he'd received because of his controversial book on climate change? Or was his murder tied to Jackie, the paintings, and Lucie's beloved grandfather?"
"In 1949, during her junior year abroad in Paris, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis bought several inexpensive paintings of Marie-Antoinette by a little-known 18th century female artist. She also had a romantic relationship with Virginia vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery's French grandfather - until recently, a well-kept secret. Seventy years later, Cricket Delacroix, Lucie's neighbor and Jackie's schoolfriend, is donating the now priceless paintings to a Washington, DC museum. And Lucie's grandfather is flying to Virginia for Cricket's 90th birthday party, hosted by her daughter Harriet. A washed-up journalist, Harriet is rewriting a manuscript Jackie left behind about Marie-Antoinette and her portraitist. She's also adding tell-all details about Jackie, sure to make the book a bestseller.
Then on the eve of the party a world-famous landscape designer who also knew Jackie is found dead in Lucie's vineyard. Did someone make good on the death threats he'd received because of his controversial book on climate change? Or was his murder tied to Jackie, the paintings, and Lucie's beloved grandfather?"
March 22, 2021
3.75 stars
This is an enjoyable series set in the Virginia wine country and featuring vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery. Lucie and winemaker-fiance Quinn are awaiting the arrival of Lucie's 90 something year old French grandfather for a friend's birthday celebration. But the body of a friend is found on their property -- and it turns out he was murdered.
There are several sub-plots -- an improbable but enticing one featuring Jackie Kennedy in her younger days, climate change, unsung female artists of the past, and vineyard problems. I always learn a bit in a very pleasant way from these books, both about wine and its cultivation, and in this case about the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington.
These books are fun to read with well drawn characters and enough family drama to keep it interesting. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is an enjoyable series set in the Virginia wine country and featuring vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery. Lucie and winemaker-fiance Quinn are awaiting the arrival of Lucie's 90 something year old French grandfather for a friend's birthday celebration. But the body of a friend is found on their property -- and it turns out he was murdered.
There are several sub-plots -- an improbable but enticing one featuring Jackie Kennedy in her younger days, climate change, unsung female artists of the past, and vineyard problems. I always learn a bit in a very pleasant way from these books, both about wine and its cultivation, and in this case about the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington.
These books are fun to read with well drawn characters and enough family drama to keep it interesting. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 22, 2021
Lucy Montgomery is eagerly awaiting her grandfather Luc coming home to visit. Lucie's sister is also back working on a big painting for Cricket's upcoming birthday. Harry Cricket's daughter is working on a showing of Jackie's paintings and a journal Jackie left behind when she visited before she died. Lucie is worried about her grandfather being hurt as he spent time with Jackie while she was in Paris.
When a local writer Parker Lord is having issues with some of his articles he's written and winds up dead in Lucie's vineyard and her sister Mia becomes the prime suspect. Lucie has her hands full trying to figure out who killed Parker and is Luc's secret going on come out or will Cricket change her mind!
This was great story with so much history of Luc and Jackie. We also learn about Cricket and Harry and their relationship! It's definitely worth reading but I would still read it in order to get a sense of various characters!
When a local writer Parker Lord is having issues with some of his articles he's written and winds up dead in Lucie's vineyard and her sister Mia becomes the prime suspect. Lucie has her hands full trying to figure out who killed Parker and is Luc's secret going on come out or will Cricket change her mind!
This was great story with so much history of Luc and Jackie. We also learn about Cricket and Harry and their relationship! It's definitely worth reading but I would still read it in order to get a sense of various characters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2025
Great story! Lucie has discovered her grandmother's diaries, and in reading them, finds out her beloved grandfather met Jackie Bouvier in Paris in 1949, when she was a student. A sweet romance started and ended, and that should have been the end of it. But years later, Jackie's diary is being used as a basis for a tell all book, and an exploration of her interest in the art of the Old Mistresses, women who were master painters, but totally ignored because they were women. A display of these works that Jackie purchased in Paris is now being held in Lucie's town. And her grandfather is paying a visit. But to jolt everyone up, Parker Lord, a famous landscape designer, is found dead in the merlot fields of Lucie's vinyard. And there is no shortage of suspects, including Lucie's sister, Mia. And to top it off, most people in the community remember Jackie with great fondness, and are good about trying to keep her life there, private.
April 3, 2021
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis figures in this latest offering set in a Northern Virginia vineyard owned by Lucie Montgomery's family. Is the murder of a landscape designer tied to his stand on climate change or to his objection to a book being written about JO? And what exactly was the relationship between Lucie's grandfather and JO? Lucie has found her grandmother's journals and has some questions for her grandfather. Then there are paintings which are being donated. It's a little more complicated than the usual cozy, especially because it blends somewhat speculative fact with fiction. The characters ae good, though, and there's both wine and art. A plus in my book. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. While this latest in a long running series will be welcomed by her fans, it will be just fine as a standalone as well.
June 11, 2021
In 1949, while in Paris during her junior year of college, Jacqueline Bouvier purchased several inexpensive paintings of Marie-Antoinette by a little-known 18th century female artist, and had a romantic relationship with Lucie Montgomery's grandfather Luc that was not known about outside their small circle of friends. Now one of those friends, Cricket Delacroix, is turning 90, and Luc will be flying in from France for the celebration. Cricket is also planning to donate those paintings, bequeathed to her years ago by Jackie, to a museum in DC, while her daughter Harriet is re-writing an unfinished manuscript that Jackie left behind about Marie Antoinette and this artist who painted her - and planning to turn it into a tell-all by adding details about Jackie's time in Paris. Throw in a murder and some family intrigue, and we've got one of the best in Crosby's series.
December 20, 2021
The French Paradox by Ellen Crosby is the 11th book in the Wine Country Mystery series. I love reading and listening to this series, I always learned something! As a wine lover and a very part time helper at a winery, I appreciate the level of research and the inclusion of all of the interesting facts about wine, grapes, winemaking etc. that goes into these books. This book had a particularly interesting connection to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Some inexpensive paintings, and some long lost letters and diaries. Of course there's a murder, there's always a murder. And of course Lucy solves it. Never boring, always interesting, well researched and well written. Pour yourself a glass of wine, grab the latest in this series, and enjoy🍷😁
July 8, 2024
4.5
In 1949 Jackie Kennedy Onassis bought some painting by an unknown artist. She also had a romantic relationship with Lucie's French grandfather.( a well-kept secret.) Years later Cricket is donating the painting to a DC Women's Museum. Now Cricket is rewriting a manuscript Jackie left behind, wanting to add the details of the lifelong relationship. Cricket was told by Jackie when she tried to publish her first book that she's NOT a writer. Revenge!!!
There's a murder, death threats, a 90th birthday party to plan, and a "boyfriend" with a questionable background as well as some prize grapes dying. (lots of research by the author).
Flowing book; food weekend read. Glad to have discovered this author.
In 1949 Jackie Kennedy Onassis bought some painting by an unknown artist. She also had a romantic relationship with Lucie's French grandfather.( a well-kept secret.) Years later Cricket is donating the painting to a DC Women's Museum. Now Cricket is rewriting a manuscript Jackie left behind, wanting to add the details of the lifelong relationship. Cricket was told by Jackie when she tried to publish her first book that she's NOT a writer. Revenge!!!
There's a murder, death threats, a 90th birthday party to plan, and a "boyfriend" with a questionable background as well as some prize grapes dying. (lots of research by the author).
Flowing book; food weekend read. Glad to have discovered this author.
July 29, 2021
Listened to this latest vineyard mystery at the gym. It was all about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. I guess she had frequented the area a lot and had friends there. So she left her last book outlines, etc. to her friend Cricket whose daughter was a journalist and was going to finish the last book and publish it. But Jacque's diary was found with all the book notes and caused a bit of a stir. She had had an affair in Paris with Lucie's grandfather which was documented in the diary. Then there was a murder that needed to be solved and of course Lucie was the one to find the body on her vineyard. There was a lot of info about Jacque and it was interesting as well as enjoyable.
August 21, 2021
I usually do not start reading a series with the latest entry, but when I found this one on the library's new book shelf, I picked it up. Along with a plot that will carry you along to the end, the story is filled with facts about vineyards, botany, publishing, and art. The plot revolves around a year that Jackie Kennedy spent as a student in Paris and the art and romance that she discovered there. Lucie Montgomery, the protagonist is a believable heroine as a woman in a business that is run by men. I liked the Virginia setting as well. I am planning to try another in this series even though I do not usually like to read a series backwards.
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