Murder in France

Ginger Gold Mystery #21

by Lee Strauss

Murder is so sang-froid ! When the Reed family—temporarily exiled to France—is once again safe, Ginger decides to turn the event into a much needed holiday. And the absolute cake is Ginger’s reunion with her American friend Haley Higgins, who is working in France on a practicum to become a lady doctor. Ginger celebrates the happy reunion by throwing a party at their villa in Paris, but the joyous activities are halted when a body is discovered. Like old times, Ginger puts her detective skills to work while Haley provides her forensic knowledge. As party guests continue to become more suspicious and worthy suspects, Ginger’s own past is soon on trial. Has a long-ago, war-time “error” resurfaced to steal more than Ginger’s joie de vivre ?
★★★★★


Researching for the Ginger Gold Mysteries has been so much fun. I hope you sense that as you read. Ginger Gold is smart, savvy, and delightful. The fashions, the dances, the CRIME. Never fear, the Ginger Gold Mysteries are COZY, so no scary, graphic on-stage violence. You'll find these books to be clean reads, with no swearing or sex. I hope you enjoy the Ginger Gold Mystery series!


Hop aboard the 1920s!

THE GINGER GOLD MYSTERY SERIES

Murder on the SS Rosa (Book 1)
Murder at Hartigan House (Book 2)
Murder at Bray Manor (Book 3)
Murder at Feathers & Flair (Book 4)
Murder at the Mortuary (Book 5)
Murder at Kensington Gardens (Book 6)
Murder at st. George’s Church (Book 7)
The Wedding of Ginger & Basil (Book 7.5)
Murder Aboard the Flying Scotsman (Book 8)
Murder at the Boat Club (Book 9)
Murder on Eaton Square (Book 10)
Murder by Plum Pudding (Book 11)
Murder on Fleet Street (Book 12)
Murder at Brighton Beach (Book 13)
Murder at Hyde Park (Book 14)
Murder at Royal Albert Hall (Book 15)
Murder in Belgravia (Book 16)
Murder on Mallowan Court (Book 17)
Murder at the Savoy (Book 18)
Murder at the Circus (Book 19)
Murder at the Boxing Club (Book 20)
Murder in France (Book 21)
~more on the way!

A brand new 1950s series!

THE ROSA REED MYSTERY SERIES

Murder at High Tide (Book 1)
Murder on the Boardwalk (Book 2)
Murder at the Bomb Shelter (Book 3)
Murder on Location (Book 4)
Murder and Rock 'n Roll (Book 5)
Murder at the Races (Book 6)
Murder at the Dude Ranch (Book 7)
Murder in London (Book 8)
Murder at the Fiesta (Book 9)
Murder at the Weddings (Book 10)

Don't miss LADY GOLD INVESTIGATES, the short story companion series!

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Historical, Novella

236 pages, Paperback

First published November 17, 2022

About the author

For fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!

You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.

Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.

NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold

For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com

Reviews

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

The Hartigan House family have enjoyed a lovely and much-needed holiday in France. Now Basil is to escort the Gold-Witt ladies and Scout home while Ginger and baby Rosa stay behind in France for an upcoming fashion show. If Ginger didn't own Fathers & Flair, she wouldn't stay but needs must. Plus she can't resist seeing those delectable new fashions on the runway. Luck does not go Ginger's way when a guest at the party she hosts before the family's departure turns up dead in the villa pool the next morning. The guest, Mme. Sabine Chapeldaine, was a famous fashion designer set to debut her new line at the upcoming show. The Inspector dismisses Ginger's concerns and is certain the lady died of natural causes following too much to drink. However, Haley Higgins is back and she suspects there's more to the story. When the coroner's report turns up poison, Ginger becomes the prime suspect in the Inspector's murder investigation! Determined to find out exactly what happened, Ginger sets out to investigate with Haley along to protect her. When something very unexpected happens, Ginger begins to wonder if the murder was a case of mistaken identity and she was the target?

This mystery was a little shorter than the previous two but filled with plenty of drama and an unexpected twist. Ginger and Basil have caught a lot of criminals in the last few decades. Could another old enemy have resurfaced? I had to skip a chapter from Haley's point-of-view where she performs an autopsy and skimmed/skipped a flashback sequence I have already read in Ginger's Journal. Even knowing that information, I never guessed who the murderer was and why. It was only obvious when one of the ladies went off on her own at the end of the book. Classic cozy clue that the murderer is about to reveal themselves. This one was very clever and sneaky.

It was good to have Haley back to investigate with Ginger. They don't spend a lot of time socializing here. Between Haley's schoolwork and Ginger's investigation, they're busy. Ginger was a little more naïve and careless here than she usually is. I wondered if there was a clue or a red herring in the beginning and she didn't even consider it right away. I relate a lot more to Haley. She's a classic introvert who prefers a small group of like-minded individuals gathered for intellectual stimulation to large parties where champagne and cocktails flow freely. She'd rather stay home and study than attend a party and has no time for flirtations, romance or otherwise. In essence, she's me 1920s style. I'm not that smart and I'm squeamish so I did have to ignore some of her thoughts. I can't believe she would narrate an autopsy!

Mme. Sabine Chapeldaine possessed all the arrogance of a diva. She's famous and everyone knows who she is. She successfully divorced her husband and has a lover (or more) by her side. She struck me as man eater type. She enjoyed the attention but could chew up and spit out a man if he didn't obey her every command. She didn't seem very kind or friendly and even went after a married man in front of his wife. She brought M. Bernard as her date but was all over other men.

M. and Mme. Rochefort and Mr. and Mrs. Brian Miller from America were also in attendance. Mrs. Miller is French and very well aware of Sabine Chapeldaine's reputation both in fashion and with men. She doesn't seem to like or trust Mme. Chapeldaine very much. Mr. Miller is enjoying drinking without Prohibition officers knocking on the door and has a bit too much to drink. He gets a little cozy with Mme. Chapeldaine. The Rocheforts are in fashion too and try hard to evade Ginger's questions. Are they hiding something? Professional rivalry can be tough and perhaps they took it too far? Sabine did insult their designs by calling them "nice." Ouch. Even I know "nice" is an insult. M. Rochefort was overheard saying her time will come to and end! Uh-oh. Or was it personal? Sabine was hanging all over M. Rochefort at Ginger's party while his wife was in the loo.

M. Bernard is enigmatic. He presents himself as a womanizing Frenchman, yet Ginger knows he is very clever and a chameleon. Is he for real or is he testing her? He keeps bothering her, reminding her of the past she has sworn not to reveal. Ginger's attitude towards his overtures is Puritanical. How is he supposed to know she's happily married when most people of her class, even in Britain, don't marry for love? The British were just as bad and I can't help but feel that M. Bernard is a stereotype. He's icky if he's serious. She said no and meant no. I don't trust him. If he's after other women then he can not have been jealous of Sabine's flirtations. Unless he's the type who wants his cake and to eat it too?

What about the villa staff? They came with the place and are not Ginger's usual trusted staff. There are two maids, Elise and Cosette and one butler/footman Beaufort, a cook/housekeeper Mme. Dupris. Elise seems like she's only a bit older and more aware of what's going on than Lizzie. She seems nice enough. Cosette though, she's the haughty type. She speaks some English and no doubt is the stereotypical maid who thinks she's above everyone else and will sleep her way to the top. The staff were serving the final drinks and surely had access to poison. Did Ginger really see a blue glass? If so, why do the staff all say there was no such thing? Are they in some sort of conspiracy? What is their motive? Finally, we have Denis Faucher, the barman who was supposed to serve drinks at the party until he suddenly became ill. Was he really ill or paid to stay away? Did he send poison along with the drinks?

Inspector Tremblay is a sexist idiot who can't find the end of his cigar let alone a criminal. He doesn't care for Ginger or trust her very much. She's female and therefore less intelligent than himself. BARF! Of course Ginger can outsmart him any day.

The last chapter sets up the next mystery and I really don't like cliffhangers. I am interested in Ginger's past so I will try to read that one if I have time. There's also some drama with Felicia, a health scare, that could change things up for Ginger's family.

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable and recommendable book.

[Lee Strauss]

CHAPTER ONE

The swimming pool room had been closed for the party. Lady Ginger Gold, now known as Mrs. Basil Reed, had stipulated that festivities would take place in the grounds of Villa Legrand. The mid-September weather was pleasantly warm, but if guests lingered into the evening and became chilled, the fireplace in the grand room would be lit, and the party would move inside.

Ginger had been searching for her restless fifteen-year-old son, Scout, who’d expressed absolute disinterest in “stuffy gatherings of adults, most of whom he could barely understand” and had wandered off. He’d learned to swim during the month the family had been holidaying in France. Some days, it had been so hard to get him out of the pool that by the time he’d climbed out, his skin had shrivelled like damaged leather.

She was surprised to find her dearest friend Haley beside the pool with her long arms folded over her chest. A light breeze lifted a few stray brunette curls off Haley’s cheek as she leaned against the wall and stared at the blue water.

Haley flashed half a smile when she spotted Ginger. “I’ve never learned to swim.”

“I perfected the dog paddle in a swimming hole in the Charles River,” Ginger said. “It was so cold that the incentive to learn quickly was great.”

“The cattle drank out of a pond near our farm,” Haley said. “My brothers and I would go in to cool off, but not over our heads. It never got deep enough. Just a lot of mud, really. Our mother would get so angry; she’d make us wash our clothes afterwards.” Her wide smile broke into a chuckle. “It was worth it, though.”

Ginger’s heart softened at the mention of Haley’s brothers. It was the murder of her brother Joseph three years earlier that had caused Haley to suddenly leave London for Boston. Sadly, his case remained unsolved.

“Can I entice you to return to the party with me?” Ginger asked gently.

The humidity in the room was sure to make the curls of her perfect finger curls grow limp. She was surprised Haley wasn’t concerned about the effect on her tremendous collection of natural curls, ready to rise and break free of her faux bob. “Unless you’ve chosen this evening to learn to swim?”

“I just needed a little quiet,” Haley said, taking Ginger’s arm. “I’m ready to, once again, face the hordes.”

Ginger laughed as she led her friend to the back garden, where the guests ate French desserts, drank local wines, and cocktails. “This is hardly a horde,” Ginger refuted.

“Ten and as many servants scurrying about,” Haley returned.

Ginger conceded that her lifestyle sharply contrasted with that of her American friend, who liked to live alone and in humbler circumstances. But Ginger was delighted and grateful for the luxurious villa, which, for the last month, had proven to be a refuge to the Reed clan, who’d barely escaped the claws of a family nemesis. It was time to rest, relax, and see the sights. And for Ginger, the icing on the cake was that Haley Higgins had come from Boston to work on her medical practicum. Ginger had delighted in every spare minute Haley had taken away from her studies. She would soon be a pathology doctor, and Ginger mused that it would be a quiet profession. When it came to socialising, her friend preferred small numbers, and Ginger appreciated her effort to step out with this vivacious crowd.

Most of those present were Ginger’s family: her husband Basil stood by the three-tiered concrete fountain, conversing with the charismatic Earl of Witt. Lord Davenport-Witt, known as Charles to the family, had married Ginger’s former sister-in-law Felicia, the sister of Ginger’s late husband, Daniel, Lord Gold.

The Dowager Lady Gold was seated in the shade beside her granddaughter Felicia, and Ginger could hear snippets of joyous language regarding their return home to London in the morning.

Ginger had thrown the gathering because her family would return to England the next day without herself and her infant daughter Rosa. Her maid Lizzie and Rosa’s nanny would remain behind as well. The other reason for the soirée was that she’d learned of a fashion parade that week and had secured an invitation from one of her guests, Mme Sabine Chapdelaine.

Basil had been reluctant to agree to his wife’s delayed return to Hartigan House, but since she ran a Regent Street dress shop, she could hardly miss an opportunity to advance her business. This explained her other guests, Monsieur and Madame Rochefort, and the current queen of Parisian fashion design, and Mme Sabine Chapdelaine’s date, M. Bernard. Ginger had also invited Mr. Brian Miller, and his French wife, Mrs. Aurélie Miller, from New York, at Mme Chapdelaine’s request.

“Does it not bother you that Mme Chapdelaine’s date keeps looking your way?” Haley asked.

The man in question had been introduced to her as M. Roger Bernard. His hair was styled fashionably, a side parting slickly combed to the side, and his attractive face was cleanly shaven. He favoured a leg and Ginger wondered when the injury had occurred. Though they’d met long ago, Ginger was pretending this evening was their first acquaintance. He was putting on a similar act, but not before Ginger had caught the recognition that, for a split second, had flashed behind his eyes.

“You and Mme Chapdelaine share a resemblance,” Haley said. The French designer’s red hair was styled similarly to Ginger’s, in a short bob with rows of finger curls. “Maybe M. Bernard has a preference for redheads.”

Ginger kept her expression a blank look of disinterest. “I’m certain Mme Chapdelaine will grow tired of him in no time.”

“You’re probably right,” Haley said. “The French and their passions ignite and extinguish quickly.”

“Surely not all,” Ginger said with a bubble of laughter.

“I’ve been in Paris for less than two months, and my fellow student is already on his third jolie fille.”

“Are you saying there will be no garçon for you, Miss Higgins?”

Raising a brow, Haley glanced down at Ginger. “I’ve no time for such exploits, Mrs. Reed.”

Before Ginger could respond, Scout ran across the lawn with Boss, Ginger’s black-and-white Boston terrier, racing behind.

“I think Scout might actually miss France when he’s back in London,” Ginger said as she smoothed her evening gown. Like Mme Chapdelaine, she wore a Jean Patou, more form-fitting than earlier in the decade, yet with the same low waist. The champagne-coloured fabric glistened in the outdoor candlelight, a large matching bow adorning the gown’s lower back, and an uneven, handkerchief hemline hung delicately around her calves. Ginger continued, “You should’ve heard his fuss when he learned he was coming here for a month. He does bring up the horses daily. He’ll be happy to return to them. And, of course, he mustn’t miss any more school.”

Though Ginger was talking about her son, her gaze moved to her fellow redhead, who, standing with Roger Bernard, had been joined by Gaspard Rochefort and Mr. Miller.

“The French were the first to make an industry out of fashion, Brian,” Mme Chapdelaine said, surprising Ginger at her familiar use of the man’s first name. Her voice had become louder with each drink, and she toppled slightly as she waved her glass-carrying hand in the air, the contents of the glass sloshing back and forth. “We have been exporting our style since the seventeenth century, before most of the world realised what fashion was.” With a haughty look, she added, “Including America.”

The fashion designer listened raptly to what the gentlemen were saying in return. Their voices remained low and muffled, and Ginger couldn’t discern what was said, though she could see that Gaspard Rochefort was speaking.

Mme Chapdelaine’s head fell back as she laughed. Placing a dainty hand on M. Rochefort’s arm, she trilled, “Rochefort designs are, er, agréables.”

“She is une sorcière.”

Ginger jumped at the sound of Mme Rochefort, who had come up from behind. “She’s a siren in the sea, calling sailors to their demise. Look at her! I visit the lavatory for ten minutes, and she has her hooks in my husband.”

Sabine Chapdelaine had called the Rochefort designs nice. Hardly impassioned praise.

“Actually, he approached her,” Haley clarified.

Ginger tossed her a look that said, mind your own business, American. Haley smirked.

Mme Rochefort fancied make-up and applied it generously, but no amount could hide the deep wrinkles that had formed with age. Her confidence was intact, and she seemed undaunted by Haley’s statement. “Phewy. She’s jealous of our designs. They are avant-garde. Hers are tired and fin de siècle.”

“I look forward to viewing designs from you both at the show,” Ginger said. She locked eyes with a waiter and nodded to the gramophone on the balcony. The record had ended, and only the sounds of the wind through the trees and the engines of motorcars in the city could be heard.

The waiter responded in haste, placing the needle at the beginning of a new record, but not before M. Rochefort’s voice pierced through.

“We shall see who reigns supreme.” M Rochefort spun on his heel, sputtering French curses. “Her time will soon come to an end.”

After the scratchy intro, American jazz filled the air, diverting everyone from their shock over M Rochefort’s outburst. “Everyone, let’s dance!” Ginger took one of Basil’s hands, and he placed the other on her hip and expertly led her in the foxtrot.

“Madame Reed,” he said with a smile, “you are divine. You make it very difficult for me to leave you behind.” his hazel eyes sparkled, crow’s feet spreading from the corners, and butterflies fluttered in Ginger’s stomach when his full lips pulled up. Allowing him to leave without her was not a simple endeavour for her either.

“You’ll have a case to keep your attention, I’m sure,” she said. “London crime never rests.”

“I’m looking forward to going back,” Basil said. “One can only eat crusty bread and mature cheese for so long.”

Ginger followed Basil’s steps in perfect time. They were good dancers.

“I adore the bread and cheese, but I agree it’s time to return home,” she said. “If it weren’t for the fashion parade, I’d be on my way as well.”

M. and Mme Rochefort had joined them on the lawn, along with Charles and Felicia, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, and Mme Chapdelaine and M. Bernard, despite his damaged leg.

Haley had taken Felicia’s empty seat and attempted conversation with Ambrosia. Ginger and Basil glided by close enough to hear.

“French food is much too rich,” Ambrosia said as she leaned against her walking stick. “And getting a good cup of tea is nearly impossible.”

After another turn about the lawn, they were interrupted by M. Bernard. “May I cut in?” he asked. Ginger hesitated before saying, “But what of your partner?”

Roger Bernard inclined his head towards Mme Chapdelaine, who watched them as she waited. “It was her idea. She would be delighted to have a dance with M. Reed, should he oblige.”

“Of course,” Ginger said, giving her husband a gentle nudge. “I want my guests to feel satisfied.”

Ginger smiled at her partner but stayed quiet. A glance at Basil and Mme Chapdelaine proved that she was purring seductively and had no reservations about clinging to another lady’s husband in the wife’s presence. Good thing Ginger wasn’t the jealous type.

“Does that bother you?” M. Bernard asked in French. Before she could answer, he added, “Mademoiselle Baton. Or should I say, LaFleur?”

So, he had recognised her. It was the blasted red hair. Even though she’d worn it long and braided for most of the war, it was a liability. Ginger had hoped that the fact she’d had a rounder face when she was younger, and rarely wore make-up in those days, would’ve helped her to avoid detection. It wasn’t like she was the only redheaded lady in the world. There were two present that very evening.

“Louis,” Ginger returned, using the name she’d known him by, if only for the briefest of missions. Switching to French, she said, “I suppose one couldn’t return to France without the chance of encountering a ghost.”

“I admit, your English accent threw me. I honestly believed you were French.”

“Then I did my job well.”

“You did. And life seems to have rewarded you.”

“It has. I’m very happy.” Ginger added, “You look good.”

He’d put on a few pounds since she’d seen him and appeared healthy and strong. “Mme Chapdelaine must treat you generously.”

M. Bernard chuckled. “I’m in vogue for the week.” His hands disappeared into his trouser pockets. “I understand you are staying in Paris after your husband leaves.”

“Just for a week.” Ginger was tiring of having to defend herself.

“Well, if you lack for company . . .” M. Bernard winked.

The French! She gaped at her dance partner, nearly pushing him aside. “M. Bernard,” she said with tight lips. “You’re very much changed since the last time we met.”

Indeed, as Louis, he had been a broken man with familial losses too terrible to imagine. In those days, he’d been morose and lacking in hope. Certainly not a vessel of joy. Nor had he been in the mood to make romantic advances!

The humour disappeared from his eyes. “The war was a long time ago, Mrs. Reed. Survival demands that one moves on. I meant no offence.”

Ginger felt a twinge of regret. How could she be put out that a Frenchman behaved like the rest of his lot? When it came to romance and relationships, the French had very different opinions and values from the British and Americans.

“Please, M. Bernard,” Ginger said, returning to English. The music had stopped between songs. “Would you fetch me a lemonade?” she asked. “I believe I saw a staff member refill the jug.” Two maids were delivering drinks to those who’d had their fill of dancing.

“It would be my pleasure, Madame Reed.” Ginger watched as the man pivoted on his good foot and limped away to do her bidding.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Party

Ginger's family has been spending some time in France while keeping safe from a criminal in England. As her family returns home Ginger stays for a special fashion show. She once again reunites with her friend Haley.

No sooner has her family departed than Ginger is once again faced with a murder to solve. She throws a party for some fashion designers and one of them ends up dead. Now she must help solve the murder with the help of her friend Haley.

Alas her past with the war again creeps up on her throwing danger into the equation. Who can she trust and who is out for murder.

Take another wild ride with Ginger and Haley as they unravel the clues and solve another murder. This time in France without Basil. It is an enjoyable read.

Thanks to Lee Strauss for writing another great story and allowing me to read and review a copy.

[Saralyn McMorris · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 that I rounded up to a 3. I liked that we got to see Haley again, but she made such bad decisions at the end of the book. I prefer when characters are clever and I didn't see much of that in this book.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ginger and Basil and their whole family have been staying in a french villa for holiday and also to escape a criminal who has been after the family in London. The night before the family was to return home, Ginger and Basil through a party inviting people involved in the fashion scene since Paris was having the once a year fashion show as well has her best friend, Haley, who just happened to be studying in Paris. The party went well, except for Ginger recognizing a man from her past spy life, Louis. Will something come of this? And his date, the very famous fashion designer a red-head like Ginger, Mme. Chapdelaine got very drunk. Next day, except for Ginger and Lizzy, her nanny and baby Rosa, the family left for London, even though Basil wanted Ginger to come too. But he did understand that since Ginger had a dress store Feathers and Flair back home and she wanted to stay the extra week to attend the yearly fashion show. And so they left for home. Ginger was feeling relaxed and wanted to take this alone time to unwind - that was until her personal maid, Lizzie, screamed and Ginger went running. There, face down in the pool is the designer, Mme. Chapdelaine. And once again, Ginger and Haley team up to solve the murder. With so many twists and turns and poisonings and Ginger's past history we are treated to a page turning mystery you just can't put down. With so many loose threads, can Ginger and Haley find the murderer before anything else happens? This series is incredible and this book is just as amazing as them all and makes you want more! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very different Ginger Gold mystery. The majority of the main supporting characters including Basil, Felicia, the Dowager Lady Gold, Scout and even Bossy are only involved in a tertiary way. Haley Higgins is the major character in this one as Ginger and Haley try to solve a murder that occurred at the estate in France Ginger was leasing, following a party Ginger through.

There are plenty of suspects in the renowned fashion designer’s death.

What’s most interesting in this one is the look at Ginger’s past in the war years. A person from this past is living in France and shows up at her party. He provides clues that help solve the mystery.

I really enjoyed learning more about what Ginger did in the war. I look forward to reading the next installment in this engaging series. It looks like some past family secrets will be revealed.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for this installment of Ginger Gold Mysteries.

The entire Reed/Gold family is in France because of a case but now the danger has passed and Basil is going back to England with the dowager Lady Gold, Felicia and Scout. Ginger will stay behind with baby Rosa for some Feathers and Flair business then return home. Ginger is beyond thrilled to be reunited with her American friend Haley Higgins, who's in Paris working on a practicum in her doctor studies. She throws a party to celebrate before Basil and the others leave for England but unfortunately one of the guest is found dead in the pool.

I loved having Haley and Ginger back together!! I didn't realize how much I missed the two of them together until this book. Besides the joy of having the friends solve a murder together, we find out more about Ginger's time as a spy during the war. As usual, I didn't figure out who the killer was until almost the end--there were several suspects.

I listened to the audiobook of this one from my library using the Hoopla app. I really like that it's the same narrator as I've really become accustomed to her voice for Ginger.

[Lana Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full circle as Haley returns to Ginger's side as partners in crime!

Anxiously awaiting to have Ginger and Hayley together again, I read through this book rather quickly. Once again Ginger's war experiences and friends were the crux of the mystery. The family played only a small part in the story and their presence was missed. And, as much as I've always liked Hayley, and taking into account her personality, Strauss seemed to write her a bit stiff here. She and Ginger have a long history and have been best friends but their emotional interaction just didn't ring true to me in their conversations. Hopefully, since Haley we continue to have an occasional presence by Ginger's world, Strauss will warm her back up a bit so the friendship will once again chime melodiously attune. I enjoyed the read and recommend it.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger and her husband are in France and they are holding a party. The next morning, there is a body in the pool. Ginger knows who it is immediately because of the drowning victim's red hair. She and her friend, Haley, who is a med student, interested in pathology, decide that the local police aren't taking the death seriously. They undertake an investigation on their own.

It turns out to be a murderer and he or she isn't done yet.

A cozy mystery taking place in the 1920's in society circles. A fun read that can be enjoyed by young adult and up.

I received an advance reader copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger’s past endangers her

Ginger’s past has been carefully hidden from both her husband and Hailey, but a party brings her into contact with one who worked with her as a spy in France. When his date is found floating in the pool at Ginger’s villa, both he and Ginger become suspects. Because the inspector is useless, Ginger and Hailey begin their own investigation until Ginger is poisoned. An interesting case for the duo set among Paris fashion. The reader really should begin at the start of the series to understand Ginger’s secretiveness and her relationship with Hailey.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good murder mystery and I love books in a series, so what’s not to love about Murder in France? Lee Strauss brings the reader to Paris to spend time with Ginger and her family while they leave England for a while for their safety. She teams up with her friend Haley Higgins who just happens to be there studying medicine. Together they work to solve a murder and find themselves coming close to being the next victims. As usual, this story is a fast read, keeping you on the edge of your seat at you try to discover who committed the crime.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy a new book in this series and this one was no exception. The setting this time was not the home country of either Ginger or Haley but rather France. Haley is continuing her medical studies and Ginger along with her family is visiting but they both find time to solve a murder. The characters, as always, stay true to their time per period and are well developed. The storyline was interesting and the mystery rich with vclues and details.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent entry in the Ginger Gold series!

Once more we find Ginger involved in sorting out a murder while she is in Paris. Luckily her friend Haley is there studying to be a doctor and she helps out. We learn more about Ginger's work as a spy during WW I in the process. The pace is brisk, the writing and editing excellent, and as with others in the series, the story is complete. Lee Strauss knows how to make the time period come alive for the reader no matter where we find Ginger.

[Jennifer Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gold-Higgins team is back together again! While escaping a murderer in England Ginger and her family vacation in France encountering danger from her past. Murder and espionage seem to follow Ginger and team around wherever they go. Will Ginger and Haley be able to figure out in time who is behind the crime? Watch the pieces unfold and more of Ginger’s history come to light as they race to unravel the murder.

[Doris Brase · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fashionable Death

Ginger with the nanny and Rosa remain behind in Paris after the rest of the family returns to England. During the farewell party a guest is found face down in the pool. Too many suspects and an unimpressive detective from the Surete encourage Ginger and Haley to investigate. The more they find out, the less they can be sure who the killer might be. There's a bang up ending.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger and Basil and their family are staying in France, where Ginger meets up with her old friend Hailey Higgins. On the morning after a drinks party, one of the guests is found dead, floating in the swimming pool. Shortly after, Ginger is poisoned at a fashion show….but luckily Hailey is with her and saves her life. Why is this happening? Is it related to her time in France during the war years?

[Gary and Sandra Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah! Paris the city of lights and murder!!!!!

Ginger is in France for a month of rest and relaxation except when murder comes knocking on her door, quite literally. When a guess at a party Ginger is giving turns up dead, Ginger and her friend Halley investigate, only to find the murder is related to Ginger's time In the secret service in WW1. Wonderful story and interesting characters make for a non stop reading experience.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is really dangerous. I don't know why they have to go to France to be exiled. They could have gone to other places like Spain, Italy, or even America.

Good thing is that she went there to meet with Ms Higgins who is there to study. And was able to keep her alive even when someone poisoned her drink.

All I can say is that Ginger and family managed to get out of France in one piece. Whew at the end.

[Janice Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful mystery from Lee Strauss. This time Ginger is in France and the past meets the present. It was wonderful to see Haley again and for them to team up. I love the characters, they are so well written and believable. The descriptions in the book made me feel like they were in Paris. It was so easy to immerse myself in the story. I enjoyed the book.

[Joy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Best of the series

I have enjoyed all the Ginger Gold mysteries, but this is one of the best. I literally could not put it down. I would recommend that a new leader start at the beginning of the series and also check out Ginger’s Journal on Lee Strauss’s website. Now I’m looking forward to the next book.

[Celeste Platte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Strauss Delivers

I always enjoy catching up with the Reed family. The Murder in France gives us more information into Ginger's war years as a spy. As some of her skills as a detective comes from those years, it's nice to get more background..

I would always recommend any of Lee Strauss's books.

[Gail A Ostrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ginger and Haley saving each other

Both were working together to solve the murder and Ginger turned out to be the intended victim of the poisoner. She was lucky that Haley knew how to pump her stomach so the cyanide couldn't get into her system to kill her. Then when Haley was poisoned by candle smoke Ginger rushed in to save her. They make a good team still.

[Sonja Lindquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting setting and history

Cozy writers often seem not to know the difference between “imply” and “infer”. Odd for literate people. This story was good but exceeded my stupid-decision-quota with the characters too often running clearly into risky situations alone. However the plot and history was interesting.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fall in Paris - and an appearance by Haley Higgins

Ginger Gold is a fun, quick read. Little snippets of 20’s fashions, the still lingering presence of the Great War, and the most recent events and escapades of Ginger’s family.

[Martha Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge

Missed Basil and the usual mystery solving crew but enjoyed Ginger and Haley working together to solve this mystery. As always enjoyed reading about the fashionable clothes Ginger wore. I give thumbs up to this one!

[Cher · Rating 5 out of 5]

On holiday in France with her family, Ginger reconnects with her best friend Haley who is studying pathology. During a party a guest ingests a drink and is later found dead in the pool. The team of Ginger and Haley work faster than the local police and are able to determine who is the murderer.

[Debora Ley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ginger's past creeps up to her in Paris, and what a way to come back at her! Loved seeing Ginger with Haley again! A very fun read, and as always, a page turner. Thank you Lee! This continues being my favourite series!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Kim Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great as always

I really do like these Ginger Gold stories. What I really appreciate is that Ms Strauss does at least try to get the English right in her books. It's more than a lot of American authors do. Now, having read this in one sitting, I'm left waiting for the next one!

[gloria thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Lady Gold Mysteries

As usual another great read. I did miss Basil, although he was there a short time. I was glad to see Haley back again. Truly a great group of investigators!