Disaster at the Vendome Theater

Verlaque and Bonnet #10

by M.L. Longworth

Calamity befalls the little Vendome Theater in the tenth installment of the sun- and wine-soaked Proven�al Mystery Series.

When Jean-Marc Sauvet, successful lawyer and the best friend of Aix-en-Provence's examining magistrate Antoine Verlaque, accepted a small role in a local theater's summer production of Marcel Pagnol's Cigalon, he had no idea that the lead actress would be played by the great Liliane Poncet. But Jean-Marc's excitement about rubbing elbows with one of France's legendary film stars is quickly extinguished. The lead actor, Gauthier Lesage, is rude and unenthusiastic, and nobody understands how he got the part. Chaos reigns backstage thanks to the absentminded theater director. And everyone seems to be harboring a secret. When one of the actors goes missing for good, it's up to the soon-to-be-a-father Verlaque and his police commissioner, Bruno Paulik, to untangle the threads of a mystery that seems to get more complicated every day...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, France, Murder Mystery, Crime, Cozy Mystery, Police

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2022

About the author

M. L . Longworth has written for The Washington Post, The Times (London), The Independent, and Bon Appétit magazine. She divides her time between Aix-en-Provence, where she writes, and Paris, where she teaches writing at New York University's Paris campus.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s probably time for this series to come to an end.

This was one of my favorite mystery series for a very long time, but there have been a number of duds in the last few offerings in the series, and the inane baby side plot is just a mess.

The introduction of Marine’s pregnancy was pretty ridiculous to begin with. The characters are probably too old for this to make sense, and they absolutely do not lead a lifestyle where this makes sense. Also, Marine has been pregnant for three books now. THREE! Ugh.

The preoccupation with this side plot has really caused the mysteries (which are supposed to be the point of all this) to take a hit, and as a result of it we lose the material outside of the central plot that made this series so good: the wine, the food, and most importantly, the setting.

We’re still in Aix here, though we could be just about anywhere in France for all the attention that was paid to sense of place this time around. Theater-centric plots are never my favorite, but here it felt especially frustrating because it didn’t lend well to the series previously excellent lessons for the reader on the history and atmosphere of the location.

All good things must come to an end, and sadly this series seems past ready to call it quits.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd say this was maybe half a star lower than this series usually runs, unless you're mostly interested in the affairs of examining magistrate Verlaque and his much nicer wife Marine Bonnet, who are most occupied with the impending birth of their first child. (Spoiler: It's a girl.) Verlaque, despite a trip to Paris where he meets his old girlfriend by accident, can't really concentrate on the murder of a prominent actor who is condescending to take a part in the very small, amateur local theater, and the further attack on his one-time lover, an even more famous actress. Bruno does most of the heavy lifting in this one, as the whole cast becomes suspect.

[Sharron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good characters, excellent sense of place but the plot seemed somewhat contrived and rushed at the end. Unusual for this author.

[Bill Finley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series that I couldn’t rate a fourth or fifth star. Perhaps, it was accommodating Marine’s pregnancy, but the narrative was choppy lacking the spirit born of place and relationship that marked the earlier offerings. On the plus side, Verlaque’s fondness for cigars was hinted at without the long diversions that we put up with in some of the episodes.

[Filip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a pleasant read, definitely better than some of the previous volumes. A cast of quite interesting characters and a plot (seemingly) reaching years into the past. Marine wasn't much in here but being heavily pregnant can do that to you. I wasn't that satisfied with the ending, but apart from that it wasn't bad.

[talasorrels · Rating 1 out of 5]

not in. the same class as her previous novels…

I have read all of her books, and love every one of them. I have been trying to finish this one for weeks, and have lost interest. It’s as if someone else was writing, and I am so disappointed.

[Senga krew_w_piach · Rating 3 out of 5]

W małym prywatnym teatrze w uroczym Aix-en-Provence odbywają się próby do „Cigalona” autorstwa Marcela Pagnola, uwielbianego włoskiego dramaturga. Większość obsady to amatorzy, którzy dopiero próbują swoich kroków w aktorstwie, jednym z nich jest przyjaciel Antoina i Marine prawnik Jean-Marc Sauvat, którego czytelnicy mieli okazję poznać we wcześniejszych tomach. Ku zaskoczeniu większości aktorów okazuje się, że na scenie będą towarzyszyć im prawdziwe francuskie gwiazdy z dawnych lat, Liliane Poncet i Gauthier Lesage. Para w przeszłości miała ognisty romans, dziś dziwnym trafem oboje mieszkają w Aix i nie mają nic przeciwko występom na małomiasteczkowej scenie. Różnią się jednak podejściem do pracy i kolegów - ona sympatyczna i otwarta, zero gwiazdorzenia, on wredny, wywyższający się, olewczy. Kiedy jeden z członków obsady zostaje zamordowany, okazuje się, że pomiędzy osobami zaangażowanymi w spektakl są zadawnione żale, tajemnicze powiązania, niektórzy mają co nieco do ukrycia. Na sędziego Verlaque’a, komisarza Paulika i resztę ekipy czeka konkretny supeł do rozplątania.

Ostatni tom mojej ulubionej serii prowansalskich kryminałów jest napisany tak, jakby autorka była już swoimi bohaterami zmęczona, bo zupełnie nie czuć w nim werwy towarzyszącej poprzednim śledztwom. Trochę jakby zabrakło pomysłu. A może wcale nie planowała kończyć tego cyklu, ale jakoś tak wyszło, bo nie jest on też specjalnym podsumowaniem całości. Za to jest w nim mnóstwo chaosu i niepotrzebnych wątków, które nie wnoszą niczego. Intryga jest pomyślana za szeroko, przez co się rozjeżdża i jest mało wiarygodna. Do tego to już nie jest „Verlaque i Bonnet na tropie”, bo Marine przypada tylko i wyłącznie rola ciężarnej na ostatnich nogach, która czeka na poród i do śledztwa nie wnosi absolutnie niczego. Grzecznie siedzi w domu i zajmuje się przyszłym macierzyństwem, nawet nie doradza mężowi, który też specjalnie jej do wsparcia nie zachęca. Jest jeden moment, w którym sytuacja mogła sprzyjać zwiększeniu jej zaangażowania, ale nic z tego, nie podejmuje tropu, autorka umieszcza ją tam przez przypadek, żeby rzucić ewentualną wskazówkę czytelnikom. I nie zrozumcie mnie źle, jako matka trojga doskonale zdaję sobie sprawę, że kobieta trzy tygodnie przed porodem zainteresowana jest rozwiązaniem tylko jednej zagadki: ile jeszcze. Wiadomo też, że gdyby Marine chodziła w tej ciąży dłużej, można by zacząć podejrzewać, że jest samicą słonia. Ale całkowite wypisanie jej z wątku kryminalnego psuje dynamikę książki i jest upupiające. Zresztą sam poród, na który wszyscy tyle czekali, też nie jest przedstawiony jakoś spektakularnie, a sposób informowania o przybyciu nowego członka społeczności dziwny. Podobnie cała warstwa obyczajowa jest w tym tomie poprowadzona po łebkach. Wizyta Antoine w Paryżu, która chyba miała wywołać niepokój w sercach czytelniczek, jedynie niepotrzebnie wydłuża akcję. Wszystkie ciekawe postacie drugoplanowe, które zdążyliśmy już przecież poznać i polubić, bo każda z nich miała osobowość, tu robią się płaskie.
Nastrój prysł i nawet uliczki Aix-en-Provence nie zdają się już takie romantyczne, jedzenie nie pachnie tak pięknie, wszystko jakby spowszedniało. Mam poczucie nienasycenia, chciałam żeby ostatni tom przypomniał mi dlaczego zawsze z entuzjazmem czekałam na kolejny, żeby zebrał to wszystko co w tej serii najlepsze i dał mi epicki finał.
Smutno mi bardzo, że przygoda z Verlakiem i Bonnete już kończy, ale jeszcze mi smutniej, że kończy się właśnie tak.

Ebooka otrzymałam od księgarni Woblink: Przerwane próby w Teatrze Vendome – Longworth M.L. | Ebook w epub, mobi | księgarnia internetowa Woblink

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, I was pleased (and maybe a bit self-satisfied) to find the most recent book (2022) in this series set in Aix-en-Provence. The depictions of Aix, its history, architecture, and culture, are rich, reflecting the author’s love and knowledge; the descriptions of food and wine remind me to think more about what I eat, savor simple tastes; and the characters have grown over the series, well known to me now.

The plot here is layered, sending examining magistrate, Antoine Verlaque, and his team in many directions, frustrated at almost every turn, including investigating love affairs that ended twenty-five years before. At the same time, Antoine and his law professor wife, Marine Bonnet, are expecting their first child, the last weeks of pregnancy proving a challenge for all and setting up the next mystery.

I was a bit suspicious of one character, but I was eons from solving the murder(s) as usual, and this particular mystery had many moving parts, perhaps too many. What struck me, though, was the collaborative spirit among the senior police officers, always respectful and professional but also collaborating and mentoring the younger members of their team. I appreciated that perspective.

[Kidlitter · Rating 3 out of 5]

As long as I treat these books like travel guides, they are lovely reads. At this point, I don't expect much character development or changing relationships - Verlaque and Bonnet exist as such happily elevated physical beings with their love of good food, alcohol, furnishings and clothes. Even Marine's pregnancy is an exercise in discreet good taste though I was worried about how she'd resolve labor while remaining as exquisitely put together as ever and without the support of a delicious apertif. Never mind, there's always cheese and pastries in abundance and the baby is sure to be as chic as its parents. Bon appetit!

[Meg Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fine- the main characters were kind of in and out of this book. It’s a fun, laid back way of looking at a murder mystery book, none of the series has much suspense but it’s a nice read with beautiful scenery- makes me want to visit Aix.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just didn't grab my attention at any point. Who killed who really ceased to matter amongst all the misdirects, and end of pregnancy events. I don't have much more to say than that, if there is a next book I will give it a try though.

[Virginia B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have liked this series, mostly for the setting in Provence, and the characters, but this one seemed more disjointed and contrived than usual. It almost seemed as if the author did a lot of cutting and pasting without enough editing to smooth this story out. The descriptions of Aix-en-Provence, the summer heat and the food still come across, almost better characters than the characters themselves. If there is another addition to this series, I will probably still read it.

[Josh Krysak · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars. A bit more contrived than necessary, but still another enjoyable foray into Provence and the lives of Verlaque and Bonnet.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the recent Aix en Provence series books, possibly just because Verlaque is not at the center of the action. We only have to hear about his cigars once.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in a great series. I’ve been trying to put my finger on just what I like so much about ML Longworth’s books and I think I know. They remind me, in the best possible way of some other books that took place in France, were relatively slim volumes and were, while also being engaging, gentle reads. What I mean is that there are some suspenseful scenes, but most of the plots are told through the stories of the characters, their families and friends. There are more descriptions of food and wine and architecture. While I won’t say the books are imitating Simenon, they do capture that feeling of characters who love their city and food and wine, and force me to slow down a bit and pay attention, maybe even make me think about what I like about where I live. I can never visit Maigret’s Paris. Maybe one day I can visit the Aix of Verlaque and Bonnet. I think that would be very nice indeed

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This tenth book of a series I have kept up with through the years was my least enjoyed. I don't want to ruin it for others by describing in detail. Briefly, there are too many characters. This is a result of gathering theater people together and one is left confused by their motivations, personalities, position in the overall multi-level plot.
It kicks off with Verlaque meeting up in Paris with his former sweetheart, Lady Emily, to share cigars and too much to drink whilst Verlaque's wife is back in Aix full with child. There are the usual landmarks I enjoy from both Paris and Aix and toward the end we get to enjoy the delivery of a baby.
The whole theater action did not work for me and made me want to throw the book at the wall. But I was reading it on my Kindle, so that was not an option. Big sigh.

[Nick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I joined this series late. This mystery was an utter dud as far as I'm concerned. Too many characters. Too many name names. Too few character developments.

A rushed, non sensical ending. It felt like cheating to use a character that was barely mentioned until the final pages.

It was so slow & clunky with a variety of pointless side plots, that I MADE myself finish it.

I won't be reading any others in the series. Or this authors works, to be honest.

[Nick Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

This book was far more complex than it needed to be. With too many characters playing minor, unnecessary, roles in the story. By the end, I was glad it was over.

[Darius Ostrowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Back to Aix-en-Provence we go. This time the action takes place in a local theater, where Jean-Marc Sauvet accepts a role in the play, surprised to learn that director happens to snag two well-known actors for the summer production. But not all is well - there is lots of backstage tension, the cast all seem to have past histories, and the hidden secrets threaten to spill over onto the stage. When the lead actor goes missing, it's time to call in the police. Welcome Magistrate Antoine Verlaque and Commissioner Bruno Paulik to the rescue, although Antoine seems much more concerned with his impending fatherhood then solving the mystery.

This addition to the series seems a bit disjointed, a bit all over the place. Antoine doesn't even play a role at the start of the book, his friendship with Jean-Marc doesn't really play a part in the mystery other than introducing us to the troop. And pregnant Marine Bonnet is basically waiting around for the baby. Very little gourmet outings or cigar club gatherings, just a distracted story with a quick distracted ending.

When Jean-Marc Sauvet, successful lawyer and the best friend of Aix-en-Provence’s examining magistrate Antoine Verlaque, accepted a small role in a local theater’s summer production of Marcel Pagnol’s Cigalon, he had no idea that the lead actress would be played by the great Liliane Poncet. But Jean-Marc’s excitement about rubbing elbows with one of France’s legendary film stars is quickly extinguished. The lead actor, Gauthier Lesage, is rude and unenthusiastic, and nobody understands how he got the part. Chaos reigns backstage thanks to the absentminded theater director. And everyone seems to be harboring a secret. When one of the actors goes missing for good, it’s up to the soon-to-be-a-father Verlaque and his police commissioner, Bruno Paulik, to untangle the threads of a mystery that seems to get more complicated every day
Our favorite investigators and gourmands from Aix-en-Provence, Magistrate Antoine Verlaque and Commissioner Bruno Paulik, are confronted by a robbery of a small, local museum. What was taken? Everything, the entire contents over a weekend. But the contents, though interesting, weren't really worth that much - so someone must have discovered something in the museum that no one knew the true value of.... but what? Our suspects include the museum director, his secretary who seems to be hiding a secret, a rival museum director who wanted to combine the two museums, the family heir who believes the museum should have been his private inheritance, a retired art thief, and the museum board of directors with their own individual issues. When a murder takes place in the empty museum, Verlaque and Paulik feel the pressure to figure out the robbery before more people get hurt.

And we can't forget Verlaque's wife Marine Bonnet, whose pregnancy takes her out of the spotlight in this mystery but allows her to still play a role in the solution. A fun story with excellent food and drink descriptions, a worthy addition to the series

[Shirley Schwartz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Verlaque and Bonnet mystery series and in many ways. I’m very sorry to see it end. I’ve truly enjoyed the jorney into Aix France, and exploring the food and wine in the south of France. But unfortunately, this book just didn’t measure up to the rest in the series. I’m sorry to see the series end in this way, but it does and I have to say goodbye to Verlaque and Bonnet. In this book for some reason, we see very little of Verlaque. He’s not in at the beginning when the actual first murder occurs, and he isn’t at the end when it’s solved. But we do see a lot of Bruno Polique, and that isn’t a bad thing. My main concern with this book is the continuous references to the baby that is expected by Verlaquevand Bonnet, and how it interferes with the storyline in the mystery. Really, it’s not as if Verlaque and Bonnet are the first people in the whole wide world to have a baby. But in this book, that’s what it seems like. I almost put the book down many times but I kept telling myself I wanted to see how it ended and I wanted to see what sex the baby would be. The mystery starts with a death at a small Aix Theatre and the production it is planning. There’s a lot of history amongst all the players and staff in this play and that history comes out again and again. But never fear, Bruno Polique is on the job, even though Antoine Verlaque is barely paying attention, and the mystery is solved. The biggest problem that Bruno and his crew have is tring to determine what the motive was for these two killings. Once that motive was confirmed, then they were ready to go. I still recommend this series for the characters and the wine and the food and the tricky mysteries that are involved. There are 10 books in this series so it is well worth your effort to go through at least the first eight. Goodbye Marine and Verlaque,

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This latest investigation by chief magistrate Antoine Verlaque features not only a mystery, but Verlaque and his wife Marine Bonnet awaiting the birth of their first child.

It's summer in Aix and beastly hot. A tiny local theater group is presenting an old play and oddly, two formerly famous actors have shown up as part of the cast. They have history, and the director has history with them, and there are lots of unpleasant undercurrents. it's not long before a dead body appears.

Could the murder really stem out of events from 25 years ago? Or is the answer less complicated than that? These books are a pleasure to read, with their wonderful descriptions of Provence, the towns, the food, the wines ... the characters are nicely drawn and interesting.

This one felt like it lost focus a bit toward the end and the solution and the baby's appearance were sort of flung together. But still a worthwhile read. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Goodreads for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the tenth in a series set in Provence, where Jean-Marc, the best friend of Magistrate Antoine Verlaque has been cast in a summer play featuring a mix of amateur and professional actors. But the play is cancelled when one of the professionals is found dead in a storeroom.
I loved the French setting of this light and cozy mystery. The investigating team was smart and likable, and they solved the mystery through persistent detective work. But there were a few small things that kept this from being a five star book for me. First, while the first third of the book prominently featured Jean-Marc, he essentially disappears from the rest. And I thought the resolution could have used a little more explanation, especially the motivation of one character involved with the crime.
Nevertheless this was an enjoyable book and I would be happy to return to the series.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a let-down in this series, and not up to the standard of the other books. I was also repeatedly frustrated by the narrator's odd pacing of Sandra's voice in this edition - it was exceedingly choppy, as if there was a comma after every word. I don't know why she did that, because the character was not described as having any kind of speech impediment. The theatre setting seemed interesting at first but ultimately was not really relevant to the story. The investigation was carried out more by Paulik than Verlaque. I got a bit lost with the timing of the girl who entered their home...it all seemed very disconnected...her being in Aix, but also Greece, and when and how...ugh. Was I too distracted - I often listen while driving but usually I don't get muddled about such things. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the next book being back on target.

[Sam Olson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series went downhill at the pregnancy announcement. A great mystery series with a focus on French cooking and cutler has turned into a baby drama with a revolving inclusion of all the quirky side characters (and their children).

Marine was 34 at the start of the series, so I was excited to read to a series about a strong, intelligent woman who focuses on her career. But sadly she transitioned into an incredibly domesticated wife and gave up working.

In this book (the third book about the pregnancy) and the baby drama has become the main storyline. Verlaque can’t concentrate on the case due to domestic issues. If a detective can’t work to solve a crime in a mystery novel, then what’s the point?

Nobody ever questions male detectives single and childless lifestyles - Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, etc. Why do female leads constantly HAVE to become mothers?

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disaster at the Vendome Theater is a wonderful addition to M.L. Longworth’s Provencal Mystery series. This title is Book #10 (of 10).
It is quite chaotic at the small Vendome Theater in Aix. Murder - Mayhem - Secrets - Theater Egos - Jealousies
This series is a mystery, a police (French police) procedural, a travelogue with food, wine, cafes, history, and culture thrown in.
The book, indeed the entire series, is so atmospheric; the characters so interesting, smart and pleasant, that I feel very comfortable passing the time with them!
We are with Bruno Paulik a bit more this time as Verlaque is an emotional roller coaster, what with the impending birth of his and Marine’s first child.
I enjoyed reading this title and this series very much. I can’t wait for more! *****

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I began this book today and finished it tonight. Good thing I had time to do that. I do like to read about Verlaque and Bonnet although this one may have featured Bruno Paulik more. The setting is always interesting. The mystery was solved but it was complicated and there were too many back stories that popped up at the end for the resolution.

But...I will look for Verlaque and Bonnet #11 so that is a recommendation.

I bought the book as a used paperback on Amazon from a Thrift Books even though it was published maybe a year ago. I will donate it to our public library because they do not have the latest in the series.

[vaishu · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, it started out well but the pace was not set well, especially at the end where it feels super rushed and slapdash. one glaring plothole remains - how did gauthier even know to steal that particular letter - it's never mentioned that he knows about her stocks, and even then, we're told that those stocks were on the down until very recently (and even that fact being kept confidential). so how would gauthier even know 1) liliane had those stocks and 2) those stocks are worth a lot now and 3) that letter would be so important

and what was even the whole point of the sharila/victoire plotline?

[Eugene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another grear entry in the Verlaque/Bonnet series. And yes, Marine finally has her baby. Nonetheless, Antoine Verlaque and his police commissioner Bruno Paulik find a way to figure out all the twists and turns (with plenty of help from their staff!) to determine who killed actor Gauthier Lesage…he was rude and uncooperative, late to rehearsals, and generally found many ways to irritate his fellow actors, but did one of them do it?
There’s a lot of side stories, plenty of Provençe atmosphere, and a terrific pace to keep the balls being juggled up in the air until the crash-boom denouement. This is the last entry so far published, I certainly hope M. L. Longworth writes more…

[Barbara Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series of books by this author; however, when I get to the end of each book, the pieces do not fall into place for me. To me, things were not cleared up about the gold stock, the theater owner's part in what transpired, and the roles of minor characters in the plot. We are at least spared some details of a cigar club meeting and choice of wines. Food is still described way too much. Focus was on Antoine and Marine's baby girl's arrival. I agree that these books are just as much about a day in the life of the Aix police department rather than a plot woven to reveal a murderer. Good until the ending.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

We revisit Verlaque and Bonnet for a lovely new adventure in beautiful Provence, this time death in a theatre sets the stage. A new classic who done it, weaves it's way through the quaint streets of Aix with new characters and development of the characters we know and love. French cafes, food and drink keep the reader company as you wind your way through this installment. So happy to be visiting their world once again! Keep them coming ML Longworth. The books are wonderful. Somewhat, but NOT related to the book, sadly disappointed with associated Britbox series, which was advertised on the cover... Antoine and Marine and their friends do NOT have British accents, perhaps the Brits like it, but it's not for me.