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Miss Ashford Investigates #1
MYSTERY IN PROVENCE
Figure out whodunnit in this exciting new 1930s crime series that whisks you away to the most gorgeous escapist destinations! A beautiful French estate
A wedding
A murder
And a novice detective intent on solving her first case!
Fresh from teaching at her prestigious Swiss boarding school, Miss Atalanta Ashford suddenly finds herself the most eligible young lady in society when she inherits her grandfather's substantial fortune. But with this fortune, and an elegant new Parisian home, comes a legacy passed down from grandfather to granddaughter...sleuthing discreetly for Europe's elite.
This young lady isn't one to back down from a challenge and Miss Ashford must depend on her sharp wit and charm to solve her first case, which takes her to the lush lavender fields of Provence and a wedding at the mansion of the Comte de Surmonne.
Now, as murder strikes twice, Atalanta will have to race to solve the case but will she be able to stop the blushing bride from facing a fatal 'I do'?
Look out for more Miss Ashford mysteries and get your passports ready as you travel with her to some of the most sought-after destinations on the continent...
Book 1: Mystery in Provence
Book 2: Last Seen in Santorini
Book 3: A Fatal Invitation in Tuscany
Book 4: Last Dance in Salzburg
Readers love Mystery in Provence: 'Take me back to the mysteries of old...this talented and gifted author kept me entertained' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Loved the characters and loved the mystery too...Look forward to more in the series' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An engaging and entertaining whodunnit with a likeable and feisty protagonist and a colourful cast of supporting characters in the most delicious settings' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Let the sleuthing begin and the twists and red herrings multiply ... Excellent read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Who doesn't want to be transported to a wonderful location for a thrilling murder mystery?' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Fun, engaging and spirited' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A wedding
A murder
And a novice detective intent on solving her first case!
Fresh from teaching at her prestigious Swiss boarding school, Miss Atalanta Ashford suddenly finds herself the most eligible young lady in society when she inherits her grandfather's substantial fortune. But with this fortune, and an elegant new Parisian home, comes a legacy passed down from grandfather to granddaughter...sleuthing discreetly for Europe's elite.
This young lady isn't one to back down from a challenge and Miss Ashford must depend on her sharp wit and charm to solve her first case, which takes her to the lush lavender fields of Provence and a wedding at the mansion of the Comte de Surmonne.
Now, as murder strikes twice, Atalanta will have to race to solve the case but will she be able to stop the blushing bride from facing a fatal 'I do'?
Look out for more Miss Ashford mysteries and get your passports ready as you travel with her to some of the most sought-after destinations on the continent...
Book 1: Mystery in Provence
Book 2: Last Seen in Santorini
Book 3: A Fatal Invitation in Tuscany
Book 4: Last Dance in Salzburg
Readers love Mystery in Provence: 'Take me back to the mysteries of old...this talented and gifted author kept me entertained' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Loved the characters and loved the mystery too...Look forward to more in the series' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An engaging and entertaining whodunnit with a likeable and feisty protagonist and a colourful cast of supporting characters in the most delicious settings' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Let the sleuthing begin and the twists and red herrings multiply ... Excellent read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Who doesn't want to be transported to a wonderful location for a thrilling murder mystery?' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Fun, engaging and spirited' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
382 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2022
986 people are currently reading
987 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
September 23, 2022
Miss Ashford Investigates Book 1
Fresh from teaching at her prestigious Swiss boarding school, Miss Atlanta Ashford suddenly finds herself the most eligible young lady in society when she inherits her grandfather's substantial fortune. But with this fortune - and an elegant new Parisian home - comes a legacy passed down from Grandfather to Granddaughter.... sleuthing discretely for Europe's elite. This amateur detective isn't one to back down from a challenge and Miss Ashford must depend on her sharp wit and charm to solve her first case.
Set in the 1930s, this is a cosy historical mystery. The characters are well developed and likeable. There are twists, red herrings and clues. I liked Atlanta, she's a new sleuth to look out for. I also liked the author's writing style. And I also liked that we will be investigating in different countries with each new book. A great start to this mystery series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #vivianConroy for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Fresh from teaching at her prestigious Swiss boarding school, Miss Atlanta Ashford suddenly finds herself the most eligible young lady in society when she inherits her grandfather's substantial fortune. But with this fortune - and an elegant new Parisian home - comes a legacy passed down from Grandfather to Granddaughter.... sleuthing discretely for Europe's elite. This amateur detective isn't one to back down from a challenge and Miss Ashford must depend on her sharp wit and charm to solve her first case.
Set in the 1930s, this is a cosy historical mystery. The characters are well developed and likeable. There are twists, red herrings and clues. I liked Atlanta, she's a new sleuth to look out for. I also liked the author's writing style. And I also liked that we will be investigating in different countries with each new book. A great start to this mystery series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #vivianConroy for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2022
It is the 1930s in Europe and Miss Atalanta Ashford is suddenly transformed from music teacher to wealthy heiress, but more importantly (and perhaps unfeasibly) finds herself, literally overnight, a private investigator taking on her grandfather's established and highly respected roll and on the trail of a murderer.
I had mixed feelings about this cozy crime novel. Some of the characters were simply painful, especially the very useless female cast who had to lie down at the whisper of a raised voice! The plot was ok but often driven by the mistakes made. Most of all I have trouble when publishers insist on comparing these very simplistic, less well written period set pieces with those of Agatha Christie.
Not sure I will seek out book two of the series.
I had mixed feelings about this cozy crime novel. Some of the characters were simply painful, especially the very useless female cast who had to lie down at the whisper of a raised voice! The plot was ok but often driven by the mistakes made. Most of all I have trouble when publishers insist on comparing these very simplistic, less well written period set pieces with those of Agatha Christie.
Not sure I will seek out book two of the series.
April 9, 2025
I enjoyed this start to a new-to-me mystery series. I didn’t love the mystery itself. It was a bit chaotic but I did really enjoy Atalanta’s character and one other character whose name I won’t mention because spoilers. I like Atalanta’s relationship with her grandfather and his staff too. Clearly that will continue to be developed and it sounds like such a fun plot element.
October 7, 2022
Accidental detective!
Take an improbable situation—a young woman who takes on her dead father’s debts, pays them off working as a teacher in a school in the Swiss alps, suddenly discovers she’s the heir to her wealthy grandfathers fortune (including houses and cars apparently). The condition is that she’ll take on his work of “providing advice“ (detecting for those who need help) for anyone who asks. It’s all very subtle and it seems they’ll all be wealthy types.
At first I went ho hum. The beginning was a tad too contrived. After all it’s a bit of a fairytale beginning. However as we progressed into the story I became quite interested. There’s a body or two—not in the library but in interesting places nevertheless. And then there’s the family of the young woman Atalanta has chosen to help—all very dramatic with an overbearing mother who’s not going to let a little thing like a dead body stop the wedding. Not to mention the Comte, his ward, and his previous mistress. (Of course she’s an opera singer!)
Atalanta’s first case could well be her last. And what of the mysterious Raul?
An enjoyable cosy mystery set in the 1930’s with a heroine who has the world at her feet and the money to go wherever.
A One More Chapter ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Take an improbable situation—a young woman who takes on her dead father’s debts, pays them off working as a teacher in a school in the Swiss alps, suddenly discovers she’s the heir to her wealthy grandfathers fortune (including houses and cars apparently). The condition is that she’ll take on his work of “providing advice“ (detecting for those who need help) for anyone who asks. It’s all very subtle and it seems they’ll all be wealthy types.
At first I went ho hum. The beginning was a tad too contrived. After all it’s a bit of a fairytale beginning. However as we progressed into the story I became quite interested. There’s a body or two—not in the library but in interesting places nevertheless. And then there’s the family of the young woman Atalanta has chosen to help—all very dramatic with an overbearing mother who’s not going to let a little thing like a dead body stop the wedding. Not to mention the Comte, his ward, and his previous mistress. (Of course she’s an opera singer!)
Atalanta’s first case could well be her last. And what of the mysterious Raul?
An enjoyable cosy mystery set in the 1930’s with a heroine who has the world at her feet and the money to go wherever.
A One More Chapter ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
August 24, 2025
Mystery in Provence is the first in a series featuring Miss Atalanta Ashford. Set in Europe in the 1930’s, Atalanta is teaching at an elite boarding school in Switzerland. She receives a visit to let her know that her estranged grandfather has died, and has left her a large fortune… money, homes, etc. But along with this, he asks her carry on a legacy of sleuthing for Europe’s elite.
His request to carry on a case he had accepted leads her to Provence and the estate of Comte de Surmonne. The young lady that is supposed to marry him received a warning; already a flighty, anxious and reluctant fiancé, this warning has her frightened for her life. There are many interesting and unique characters she meets as she sleuths undercover.
This was an enjoyable introduction to Atalanta. While it’s classified as thriller and suspense, I’d describe it gentler. What drew me to this is coming across her 4th in the series, Last Dance in Salzburg. My sister and I had hoped to visit Salzburg on our trip, but several in our family got Covid and we had to cut out that part of the trip. I’ve loved the Sound of Music since I was a young girl, so yes, had planned to go on a SOM tour 💖. I see future books in the series take us to Santorini and Tuscany, before going to Salzburg. While the book was average in some ways, I like Atalanta and think the series has potential… and she’ll act as our tour guide as she sleuths across Europe 😍.
His request to carry on a case he had accepted leads her to Provence and the estate of Comte de Surmonne. The young lady that is supposed to marry him received a warning; already a flighty, anxious and reluctant fiancé, this warning has her frightened for her life. There are many interesting and unique characters she meets as she sleuths undercover.
This was an enjoyable introduction to Atalanta. While it’s classified as thriller and suspense, I’d describe it gentler. What drew me to this is coming across her 4th in the series, Last Dance in Salzburg. My sister and I had hoped to visit Salzburg on our trip, but several in our family got Covid and we had to cut out that part of the trip. I’ve loved the Sound of Music since I was a young girl, so yes, had planned to go on a SOM tour 💖. I see future books in the series take us to Santorini and Tuscany, before going to Salzburg. While the book was average in some ways, I like Atalanta and think the series has potential… and she’ll act as our tour guide as she sleuths across Europe 😍.
March 19, 2023
Wow, way to take a lead character and throw them into a truly terribly crafted mystery. The other characters acted with conflicting motivations. I knew the bad guy the moment
The conversations were repetitive yet contradictory. The language and speech patterns were anachronistic. None of the reactions were organic. I can’t say they were acting out of character because there were no characterizations. It was just dialogue falling on to the page to move the plot along.
The conversations were repetitive yet contradictory. The language and speech patterns were anachronistic. None of the reactions were organic. I can’t say they were acting out of character because there were no characterizations. It was just dialogue falling on to the page to move the plot along.
April 9, 2023
Since I’m traveling to south France, I thought I’d read a book to get me in the mood of the location. This mystery was described as “unputdownable” - however as much as I tried. It was not compelling enough for me to keep trudging through. Characters were flat, situations predictable and I didn’t care enough about the story to keep hearing. DNF
January 28, 2023
More boring than I could have imagined
April 4, 2023
Atalanta Ashford's father was born to wealth, but quarrelled with his father and rejected his family and their wealth. He proved unable to manage what money he did have. Being a pragmatic and practical person, Atlanta trained to be a teacher, and once employed teaching girls music and French, paid off her father's many bills. All the while, her wealthy grandfather had her and her father watched, and became impressed with Atalanta's good sense, but remained absent from their lives, at his son's request.
Some years later, Atalanta is surprised to receive a letter from her now deceased grandfather's lawyer, and even more surprised to find out she's now a very wealthy woman. She also finds out that her grandfather was quietly sleuthing for wealthy friends and acquaintances, and he wanted Atalanta to continue helping out people, discreetly.
Atalanta is almost immediately asked for help by a young, wealthy woman, Eugénie Frontenac, who wants someone to vet her fiancé, as Eugénie has received a letter implying her fiancé's first wife's death was suspicious. Posing as Eugenie's cousin, Atalanta travels with Eugénie to her fiancé's estate in France to begin her first case.
They're greeted almost at once by the death of a poacher, and Eugénie's fiancé's ward, Yvette, hell bent on sabotaging the wedding and festivities, as Yvette deeply dislikes Eugénie. The animosty and arguments grow worse and worse, with another death occurring , and suspicions falling on multiple guests, and even on Yvette, before Atalanta wades through contradictory and murky motives to the truth.
Atalanta is a likeable main character. Her experience teaching comes in handy as there's much drama and ill feeling amongst the guests. There are many clues and reveals, and the plot moves along nicely. Though there was mounting evidence against one person in particular, I liked how Atalanta maintained a cool head and didn't jump to conclusions, or cause alarm as she carefully interrogated and weighed motives. This was an enjoyable cozy, and a good start to a series.
Thank you to Netgalley and to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Some years later, Atalanta is surprised to receive a letter from her now deceased grandfather's lawyer, and even more surprised to find out she's now a very wealthy woman. She also finds out that her grandfather was quietly sleuthing for wealthy friends and acquaintances, and he wanted Atalanta to continue helping out people, discreetly.
Atalanta is almost immediately asked for help by a young, wealthy woman, Eugénie Frontenac, who wants someone to vet her fiancé, as Eugénie has received a letter implying her fiancé's first wife's death was suspicious. Posing as Eugenie's cousin, Atalanta travels with Eugénie to her fiancé's estate in France to begin her first case.
They're greeted almost at once by the death of a poacher, and Eugénie's fiancé's ward, Yvette, hell bent on sabotaging the wedding and festivities, as Yvette deeply dislikes Eugénie. The animosty and arguments grow worse and worse, with another death occurring , and suspicions falling on multiple guests, and even on Yvette, before Atalanta wades through contradictory and murky motives to the truth.
Atalanta is a likeable main character. Her experience teaching comes in handy as there's much drama and ill feeling amongst the guests. There are many clues and reveals, and the plot moves along nicely. Though there was mounting evidence against one person in particular, I liked how Atalanta maintained a cool head and didn't jump to conclusions, or cause alarm as she carefully interrogated and weighed motives. This was an enjoyable cozy, and a good start to a series.
Thank you to Netgalley and to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for my review.
June 2, 2024
3'5 ⭐️
Read
April 8, 2024The premise is not entirely believable, and all the characters slightly stilted, but I love a bit of cozy crime with a lady detective, and the library has more of this series, so I was willing to suspend disbelief and escape into a slightly convoluted murder mystery with this one.
May 10, 2025
Speelt zich af in 1930. Een heerlijk cozy mystery met een hele doortastende dame. Lekker zomers verhaal in de Provence.
April 16, 2025
This was nothing I will or even want to remember. Terrible.
December 12, 2022
Two things saved this book for me - the absolutely amazing narrator [Jessica Whittaker], and the fact that the ending [and the reveal] was a complete shock that I 100% never saw coming [the red herrings are very strong in this book].
The minuses are long though and that is disappointing. With the exception of the MC [whom I really, really like. She is very unique and I like her attitude and outlook on life], the Butler [that is her "off-screen" side-kick], most of the staff in the story and sometimes Raoul [though I trust him not], there is not one likeable or redeemable character in this whole book and their shenanigans [SERIOUSLY? Are most wealthy people like this? I think I am glad I am poor] were both exhausting to read [and made the book seem WAY longer than it needed to be] about [ OVER and OVER and OVER again], and were often so eye-rolling ridiculous, I am sure I sprained my eyes multiple times. All of this made for a rather MEH story. I can only hope the upcoming stories has less rich people, or at least less obnoxious ones and that the story and mystery is fleshed out more and that there is less whining and complaining and stupid shenanigans.
The beginning and the end were the absolute best parts of this story - getting to know Atalanta and how she becomes and "sleuth" and then the reveal were just so well done and the writing was perfect. I can only hope for more of that in book 2.
The minuses are long though and that is disappointing. With the exception of the MC [whom I really, really like. She is very unique and I like her attitude and outlook on life], the Butler [that is her "off-screen" side-kick], most of the staff in the story and sometimes Raoul [though I trust him not], there is not one likeable or redeemable character in this whole book and their shenanigans [SERIOUSLY? Are most wealthy people like this? I think I am glad I am poor] were both exhausting to read [and made the book seem WAY longer than it needed to be] about [ OVER and OVER and OVER again], and were often so eye-rolling ridiculous, I am sure I sprained my eyes multiple times. All of this made for a rather MEH story. I can only hope the upcoming stories has less rich people, or at least less obnoxious ones and that the story and mystery is fleshed out more and that there is less whining and complaining and stupid shenanigans.
The beginning and the end were the absolute best parts of this story - getting to know Atalanta and how she becomes and "sleuth" and then the reveal were just so well done and the writing was perfect. I can only hope for more of that in book 2.
October 14, 2024
„Ó, hogy mennyire tudunk ragaszkodni azokhoz a dolgokhoz, amelyeket szeretünk, közel tartani őket a szívünkhöz!”
„– Renard? Vagyis „róka”?”
„Lelki szemei előtt látta a képeket mindarról, amit majd megnéz, tesz és kipróbál. Mindenekelőtt kipróbál. Hiszen az élet meglehetősen unalmas, ha az ember soha nem próbálhat ki valami újdonságot.”
„Az egyetlen, ami számít: a célunk. Én hiszek benne, hogy
mindannyiunknak van valami életcélja, egy szerep, amit el kell játszania. Az én szerepemet olyan emberek osztották rám, akik, hogy úgy mondjam, megbíztak
bennem.”
„Ha az ember folyamatosan képes alkalmazkodni az új körülményekhez, az igazán nagy adottság az életben; mint ahogyan az is, ha megértjük, hogy nem alakulhat mindig úgy, ahogy mi szeretnénk. És hogy a kellemetlen helyzeteket jobbá varázsolhatjuk, ha más szemszögből tekintünk rájuk.”
„– Renard? Vagyis „róka”?”
„Lelki szemei előtt látta a képeket mindarról, amit majd megnéz, tesz és kipróbál. Mindenekelőtt kipróbál. Hiszen az élet meglehetősen unalmas, ha az ember soha nem próbálhat ki valami újdonságot.”
„Az egyetlen, ami számít: a célunk. Én hiszek benne, hogy
mindannyiunknak van valami életcélja, egy szerep, amit el kell játszania. Az én szerepemet olyan emberek osztották rám, akik, hogy úgy mondjam, megbíztak
bennem.”
„Ha az ember folyamatosan képes alkalmazkodni az új körülményekhez, az igazán nagy adottság az életben; mint ahogyan az is, ha megértjük, hogy nem alakulhat mindig úgy, ahogy mi szeretnénk. És hogy a kellemetlen helyzeteket jobbá varázsolhatjuk, ha más szemszögből tekintünk rájuk.”
March 23, 2023
Beautiful cover! An enjoyable light cozy mystery set mainly in Provence in 1930. Through unexpected circumstances Miss Atalanta (her mother was an aficionado of Greek mythology) Ashford takes on the investigative work undertaken by her late grandfather. A rather spoiled rich young French woman has received a troubling letter casting doubt on her rich fiancé’s first wife’s death, ruled accidental. The descriptions of the countryside, the gorgeous lavender fields and the sumptuous house add interest to the story. More deaths occur, adding to Atalanta’s difficulties. There were some tiresome characters but they are an intrinsic part of the plot. Historical attitudes and dealings between the aristocracy and local villagers also play a part.
May 12, 2025
This sounded like something that would be right in my lane, but it ended up not being for me and is a DNF.
I liked main character Atalanta a lot. She is strong and smart, capable and sensible. Having her as a sleuth (via the responsibility she inherits from her deceased grandfather along with his fortune) makes for an interesting and clever setup that really works.
The problem for me was the first case Atalanta is offered, which is all about a whiny, self-absorbed girl who is having drama about the rich guy she's planning to marry and unknown person who is sending her poison-pen notes about said rich guy. That kind of stuff is just not interesting or engaging for me at all. I got bored really quickly with all that.
While this book wasn't for me, I really find the concept of this series unique and intriguing and I might try out other books to see if a different case for Atalanta might be more engaging for me.
I liked main character Atalanta a lot. She is strong and smart, capable and sensible. Having her as a sleuth (via the responsibility she inherits from her deceased grandfather along with his fortune) makes for an interesting and clever setup that really works.
The problem for me was the first case Atalanta is offered, which is all about a whiny, self-absorbed girl who is having drama about the rich guy she's planning to marry and unknown person who is sending her poison-pen notes about said rich guy. That kind of stuff is just not interesting or engaging for me at all. I got bored really quickly with all that.
While this book wasn't for me, I really find the concept of this series unique and intriguing and I might try out other books to see if a different case for Atalanta might be more engaging for me.
January 15, 2025
A cozy mystery set in bygone days. While the setup is promising I found the flow of the book didn’t really suit me. It was only in the last 25% that the book got more interesting and I wanted to know who really did it.
Everyone has a motive and the confusion of the main character is apparent on the pages.
While it is a decent story and a good set-up for a new series, it didn’t convince me to read the next one. Maybe in the future I’ll pick up it but it is not high on my to be read list.
Everyone has a motive and the confusion of the main character is apparent on the pages.
While it is a decent story and a good set-up for a new series, it didn’t convince me to read the next one. Maybe in the future I’ll pick up it but it is not high on my to be read list.
November 8, 2025
Spoiler…the concept of a young woman “inheriting” a sleuthing business from her estranged grandfather is excellent. Fresh and intriguing. The mystery Miss Ashford takes on is a tangled mess. So many false trails and weak characters seem (to me, that is) to pull apart the strength of the main plot and characters. My bet is that the next book in the series improves because the ground-work has been laid. A good series beginning for anyone looking for a period mystery with a new approach.
February 9, 2024
2.5 / 5
I think I'll still check out the next one in this series because I liked Miss Ashford (the MC), and the story had me curious. It was rather mid, though, because all the other characters were highly unlikeable. I couldn't muster up the emotional investment to care about any of them getting their name cleared or maybe even being the next victim because they were petty and awful. Hopefully, the next cast of characters will be more compelling.
I think I'll still check out the next one in this series because I liked Miss Ashford (the MC), and the story had me curious. It was rather mid, though, because all the other characters were highly unlikeable. I couldn't muster up the emotional investment to care about any of them getting their name cleared or maybe even being the next victim because they were petty and awful. Hopefully, the next cast of characters will be more compelling.
January 23, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
A cosy historical mystery, set in the 1930s, with impeccably dramatic vibes 🤌🏼
This was a really fun read! It was both playful and theatrical, the characters were well written and the protagonist was most likeable. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. 🩵
A cosy historical mystery, set in the 1930s, with impeccably dramatic vibes 🤌🏼
This was a really fun read! It was both playful and theatrical, the characters were well written and the protagonist was most likeable. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. 🩵
July 1, 2024
Lowkey trashhhh hated the writing style
November 11, 2024
Great who done it murder mystery, strong female main character. A promising start to a entertaining series.
June 26, 2025
Did not finish. The first and maybe the last cozy mystery I will read. Chaotic, uninteresting whodunnit.
Read
October 7, 2023Badly written, unedited, drivel.
Avoid at all costs.
Avoid at all costs.
May 10, 2023
3.5⭐
August 4, 2024
I enjoyed this cosy mystery as it kept me guessing with every new twist. The main character is also very likable. However, the ending felt rushed.
Read
April 28, 2024DNF at 8%. Trying to put down books that I immediately know are not for me instead of slugging through.
The MC (aka the author) has repeatedly spelled out a couple pieces of information probably TEN times in just the first chapter, so I know this book is not going to get better. We understood that this girl’s dad was bad with money when you said it the first time; we don’t need three other characters and fourteen flashbacks to remind us of that IN THE FIRST CHAPTER😂😂
I checked reviews to see if I should persevere for the mystery aspect, but it seems that the mystery is worse than the beginning haha🥲
The MC (aka the author) has repeatedly spelled out a couple pieces of information probably TEN times in just the first chapter, so I know this book is not going to get better. We understood that this girl’s dad was bad with money when you said it the first time; we don’t need three other characters and fourteen flashbacks to remind us of that IN THE FIRST CHAPTER😂😂
I checked reviews to see if I should persevere for the mystery aspect, but it seems that the mystery is worse than the beginning haha🥲
December 24, 2022
didn’t like or finish this one
I have read many “cozies” and find quality varies greatly. This one I didn’t finish because I couldn’t get into suspension of belief. The protagonist is British. While she is a French teacher, I can’t believe she could suddenly be thrown into a situation where the many educated people around her don’t notice she is not a native speaker. Also, why accompany her client as a musician when she could simply be a companion? I’m picky, but the more dislocating issue is that the narrative seems disjointed. Recognizing that the author had to move her protagonist along quickly to get to the substance of the plot, she could have left fewer holes in the process. Promotion compared these to the Miss Fisher series. Not even close.
I have read many “cozies” and find quality varies greatly. This one I didn’t finish because I couldn’t get into suspension of belief. The protagonist is British. While she is a French teacher, I can’t believe she could suddenly be thrown into a situation where the many educated people around her don’t notice she is not a native speaker. Also, why accompany her client as a musician when she could simply be a companion? I’m picky, but the more dislocating issue is that the narrative seems disjointed. Recognizing that the author had to move her protagonist along quickly to get to the substance of the plot, she could have left fewer holes in the process. Promotion compared these to the Miss Fisher series. Not even close.
October 16, 2025
Miss Ashford has been teaching in a Swiss boarding school in the 1930s, and has paid off her family's debts. She inherits a house unexpectedly, with the condition that she act as an investigator. The butler is far too helpful so it's good that he doesn't get to accompany her on cases. Miss Ashford heads to France with a young lady who is soon to marry an older widower. Is there anything suspicious about his first wife's death? We gradually meet a lot of family members and wedding guests, who are introduced a few at a time over a couple of days to help us get to know them.
I would actually have liked to see more of the Swiss chapter, as it reminded me of the Chalet School stories, but that's not where the crime lies. If crime there was. The number of women in various levels of status, from cook to daughter to headmistress, is pleasing and well rounded.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
I would actually have liked to see more of the Swiss chapter, as it reminded me of the Chalet School stories, but that's not where the crime lies. If crime there was. The number of women in various levels of status, from cook to daughter to headmistress, is pleasing and well rounded.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
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