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A Death in Paris Mystery #2
The Books of the Dead
The second book in Emilia Bernhard's charming Death in Paris series, featuring two American sleuths in the City of Lights, is perfect for fans of M. L. Longworth and Juliet Blackwell.
Parisian summers are for strolls in the park . . . and solving a murder--or two.
When American sleuth Rachel Levis stumbles upon an employee of the French national library strangled in the bathroom of a cafe, she's not surprised to be asked to help with the investigation by her old acquaintance Capitaine Boussicault--after all, she and her best friend Magda solved a tricky murder only eighteen months before.
But right from the start, this case proves to be très difficile. When Rachel goes undercover as a librarian to determine which of his book-loving colleagues loathed the man enough to kill him, the library is rocked by more bad news: a priceless antique book has been mutilated. And the very next day, her favorite suspect for the murder is found dead in the stacks.
Just as the case is heating up, Boussicault pulls Rachel from the investigation. Undeterred, she and Magda decide to forge ahead with their own investigation--even if it could put them at odds with the police and in serious danger. With evidence and suspects piling up, it will be up to them to find the culprit--and stop more innocent books from being harmed--before anyone else checks out for good.
Parisian summers are for strolls in the park . . . and solving a murder--or two.
When American sleuth Rachel Levis stumbles upon an employee of the French national library strangled in the bathroom of a cafe, she's not surprised to be asked to help with the investigation by her old acquaintance Capitaine Boussicault--after all, she and her best friend Magda solved a tricky murder only eighteen months before.
But right from the start, this case proves to be très difficile. When Rachel goes undercover as a librarian to determine which of his book-loving colleagues loathed the man enough to kill him, the library is rocked by more bad news: a priceless antique book has been mutilated. And the very next day, her favorite suspect for the murder is found dead in the stacks.
Just as the case is heating up, Boussicault pulls Rachel from the investigation. Undeterred, she and Magda decide to forge ahead with their own investigation--even if it could put them at odds with the police and in serious danger. With evidence and suspects piling up, it will be up to them to find the culprit--and stop more innocent books from being harmed--before anyone else checks out for good.
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First published October 8, 2019
38 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Emilia Bernhard
3 books34 followersEmilia Bernhard was born in Boston, Massachusetts, grew up in Philadelphia, and moved to the UK permanently in 2011. She has lived in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Iowa, Arkansas, London, Cambridge, and Paris, and she now lives and works in Exeter, UK, where she has two cats and drinks a lot of tea.
Death in Paris is the first in a series of light mysteries. The second book in the series will be published in October, 2019.
Death in Paris is the first in a series of light mysteries. The second book in the series will be published in October, 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 26, 2019
Having read the previous book by this author, I was looking forward to another adventure with our amateur sleuths Magda and Rachel.
This time the ladies don't take it upon themselves to solve a murder, but Rachel is called in by the Paris' police to assist. One of the librarians of the Bibliothèque National is found dead and pretty soon the police have three suspects. Rachel is hired to volunteer in the reading room, going about her daily duties and observe the visitors.
When the police don't make quick enough progress in her opinion, Rachel decides to take matters into her own hands.
Enter Magda, Rachel's best friend and a ball of energy full of bright ideas.
While our lady investigators are far from stupid, they come across as pretty naïve most of the time. Both of them obviously having watched too many crime series on tv, they seem convinced they can better the real police. They make me cringe just as much as laugh out loud.
The descriptions of the other characters involved are interesting enough to keep my attention. Nothing too deep.
The Books of the Dead is a fast and fun murder mystery. Well written, set in Paris, surrounded by books, I couldn't be happier. Add some policework to that et voilà, an entertaining read!
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.
This time the ladies don't take it upon themselves to solve a murder, but Rachel is called in by the Paris' police to assist. One of the librarians of the Bibliothèque National is found dead and pretty soon the police have three suspects. Rachel is hired to volunteer in the reading room, going about her daily duties and observe the visitors.
When the police don't make quick enough progress in her opinion, Rachel decides to take matters into her own hands.
Enter Magda, Rachel's best friend and a ball of energy full of bright ideas.
While our lady investigators are far from stupid, they come across as pretty naïve most of the time. Both of them obviously having watched too many crime series on tv, they seem convinced they can better the real police. They make me cringe just as much as laugh out loud.
The descriptions of the other characters involved are interesting enough to keep my attention. Nothing too deep.
The Books of the Dead is a fast and fun murder mystery. Well written, set in Paris, surrounded by books, I couldn't be happier. Add some policework to that et voilà, an entertaining read!
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.
February 11, 2023
While some of the antics of our 2 amateur sleuths seem more suited to an Abbott and Costello movie, the fast pace, probing dialogue and interesting characters make for a fun read.
July 6, 2019
The Books of the Dead by Emilia Bernhard is the second book in this series and was an engaging read . I had not read the first book in this series but Ms. Bernhard provided enough of a backstory for Rachel, Magda and Allen that I didn't feel left out while reading.
The plot is smoothly paced, the characters are developing as they sleuth through Paris, there were twists and turns to keep a reader guessing and only a few suspects as the body count grew. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of Paris provided throughout the book as Rachel and Magda investigated by following their suspicions.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
The plot is smoothly paced, the characters are developing as they sleuth through Paris, there were twists and turns to keep a reader guessing and only a few suspects as the body count grew. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of Paris provided throughout the book as Rachel and Magda investigated by following their suspicions.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
October 13, 2019
What could be better than a cozy mystery set in the French National Library in Paris? It's a fascinating look at the library and how it works. I learned a lot about the handling and care of antique books and how tough it is taking care of them. Of course, no one knew it would be tough enough that two librarians get murdered over them. Murder and the vandalism of these old treasures get two young women involved in the mystery.
They are Rachel, an American living in Paris, and her friend Magda. This is Book #2 and I didn't read the first one so I am not sure how or why Rachel is living in Paris or what nationality Magda is but the rest of the story is quite easy to follow without reading it. The police call and ask Rachel to go undercover at the library after she discovers the first body in a man's restroom in a restaurant. Apparently the French police are so understaffed in the hot months of summer that they ask civilians to fill in and help out (suspend belief here).
As she enjoys the work she is on the spot when another librarian gets murdered and two more priceless books are defaced. The police (once again suspend belief here) allow her to sit in on the interviewing of suspects supposedly to translate for the English speaking suspects. These are vising professors from universities who are using the library for research.
It's a cute story and I did enjoy the library setting. I liked learning about the antique books and their care. I was bothered by having so many implausible situations including the women breaking into hotel rooms to look for evidence and, of course, the police being so short handed that they hire civilians. If you don't mind suspending common sense, it's a cute book.
They are Rachel, an American living in Paris, and her friend Magda. This is Book #2 and I didn't read the first one so I am not sure how or why Rachel is living in Paris or what nationality Magda is but the rest of the story is quite easy to follow without reading it. The police call and ask Rachel to go undercover at the library after she discovers the first body in a man's restroom in a restaurant. Apparently the French police are so understaffed in the hot months of summer that they ask civilians to fill in and help out (suspend belief here).
As she enjoys the work she is on the spot when another librarian gets murdered and two more priceless books are defaced. The police (once again suspend belief here) allow her to sit in on the interviewing of suspects supposedly to translate for the English speaking suspects. These are vising professors from universities who are using the library for research.
It's a cute story and I did enjoy the library setting. I liked learning about the antique books and their care. I was bothered by having so many implausible situations including the women breaking into hotel rooms to look for evidence and, of course, the police being so short handed that they hire civilians. If you don't mind suspending common sense, it's a cute book.
February 24, 2020
2/5 stars for The Books of the Dead by Emilia Bernhard
Spoilers ahead
Honestly, I didn't hate it, but I most certainly didn't love it, and I will probably never read a book from the Death in Paris Mystery series in the future - here's why.
I completely understand the concept of a "COZY" mystery having read the likes of Agatha Christie for years. Less overt violence, lack of over the top blood and gore, maybe some humor, I completely understand. But the fact that these two women are interfering in a murder investigation because they think they're better than the police and have the gaul to be upset and affronted when told to mind their business before they screw everything up is a little beyond "cozy", it's just stupid. Picking locks to get into suspects hotel rooms, going door to door looking for other suspects, lying their way into an apartment building and stealing evidence with no idea how to handle it is not funny, it's pathetic, and that's just a few examples. Then consulting their husband (no idea what he does for a living as it is never explained) and boyfriend (who just happens to be a lawyer) for advice on whether to hand over evidence, searching crime scenes with them, discussing the case over dinner, making phone calls ... how convenient and utterly ridiculous. I guess I just don't have the patience for that type of rule-breaker even in the world of cozy crime fiction.
The second problem with this book is in the relationships. Our heroines/amateur detectives extraordinaire Rachel and Magda have been friends for decades, yet they sulk and pout and fight like children over the details, the way forward, and each other's involvement in the ongoing investigation like a toy that OH BY THE WAY neither of them should have anything to do with. It's unnecessary tension and does nothing to move the story forward. Are we supposed to glean that conflict breeds cooperation or something? It became tiresome.
But like I said, I didn't hate it, because the interesting pieces about rare and ancient books appealed to my librarian sensibilities, as did the city and culture of Paris - one of the most beautiful and also scathing places I've ever visited. There was enough of that to keep me reading despite the lack of interest in who actually committed the crime. There was also an interesting array of possible suspects with stories and motives that were adequately described. If you like an occasional SAT word (e.g. insalubrious) and references to obscure poetry and authors to make you feel more academic, then this may be book for you, just not for me.
Thanks for reading!
August 20, 2019
Note - I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The only thing worse than two immature, foolish middle age detectives is two immature, foolish middle age detectives that manages to solve the crime before police!
Rachel annoyed me only slightly more than her friend. They both were childish (seriously, I have liked some teenage characters more than them), dramatic, reckless, unskilled and irritating. They nearly put me off reading this book. The only reason I finished it was because I am expected to provide a feedback.
The 'how' of the crime was original, but only because it was completely unrealistic. The 'why' of the crime was unbelievable. And the 'who' of the crime was not totally unexpected.
What really bothered was the police's role in this. I could accept two very curious women who try to play detectives, what I can't swallow is these women encouraged and sanctioned to play detectives, by police. Seriously!? Have you ever heard to police sending a middle aged civilian, with no training whatsoever, undercover to investigate a murderer?
The plot had holes as wide as US boundaries. At one point, the heroines go through a couple of locations in cabs to catch the criminal and still manages to beat the police.
To make this even tolerable, what this book requires is copious amount of editing. Like, there is about a page of description for why Rachel was at the cafe (let me tell you, the short answer is NOT to get the coffee) where the body is found (and no, that doesn't include another two pages of explanation of why she was in the restroom, where the body was).
The book was a train wreck. It could be a lot better.
The only thing worse than two immature, foolish middle age detectives is two immature, foolish middle age detectives that manages to solve the crime before police!
Rachel annoyed me only slightly more than her friend. They both were childish (seriously, I have liked some teenage characters more than them), dramatic, reckless, unskilled and irritating. They nearly put me off reading this book. The only reason I finished it was because I am expected to provide a feedback.
The 'how' of the crime was original, but only because it was completely unrealistic. The 'why' of the crime was unbelievable. And the 'who' of the crime was not totally unexpected.
What really bothered was the police's role in this. I could accept two very curious women who try to play detectives, what I can't swallow is these women encouraged and sanctioned to play detectives, by police. Seriously!? Have you ever heard to police sending a middle aged civilian, with no training whatsoever, undercover to investigate a murderer?
The plot had holes as wide as US boundaries. At one point, the heroines go through a couple of locations in cabs to catch the criminal and still manages to beat the police.
To make this even tolerable, what this book requires is copious amount of editing. Like, there is about a page of description for why Rachel was at the cafe (let me tell you, the short answer is NOT to get the coffee) where the body is found (and no, that doesn't include another two pages of explanation of why she was in the restroom, where the body was).
The book was a train wreck. It could be a lot better.
January 28, 2020
This was fairly amusing. Not exactly the most thrilling mystery I've ever read, but it's well written. This is basically older version of Nancy Drew, let's be honest. And by the way, the character of Magda is horrible. She's so bitchy, she hardly seems like a friend.
November 8, 2019
This is the first book I have read in this series and I was happy to dive straight in. Emilia Bernhard did a fantastic job providing the necessary back-story, making this a great standalone read. I was sold from the very beginning, with its solid characters, great writing and a marvellous mystery that provided a good sprinkling of clues to satisfy even the most painstaking and diligent armchair detective.
The author, Emilia Bernhard, has drawn a lot of great characters in this fabulous cozy mystery. I particularly liked American sleuth Rachel Levis who went undercover as a librarian to determine which of the victim’s book-loving colleagues loathed the man enough to kill him. Helping her old acquaintance Capitaine Boussicault with the murder investigation, the library is hit with more bad news: a priceless antique book has been mutilated and Rachel’s prime suspect for the murder is also found dead.
When Rachel is removed from the investigation by Boussicault, she and her best friend Magda, also an amateur sleuth, decide to forge ahead with their own investigation-even though it would very likely put them at odds with the police and in serious danger. With evidence and suspects piling up, can they find the culprit before anyone else becomes a victim?
Set in the French National Library in Paris, Rachel has a lot going on in this book and the busy protagonist had the necessary attributes of any great sleuth: intelligence, curiosity and keenness though she lacked some of the charms of both Magda and Boussicault.
One of my favourite aspects of this novel was the fluidity of the writing. The details of the plot were very well-executed and every chapter left me with a compelling need to read on. Also, the author did a brilliant job of balancing the story-line and various events jumbled matters up somewhat, making figuring out the identity of the perpetrator more challenging. The book was extremely entertaining with twists and intrigue which definitely helped to keep my interest.
I am looking forward to returning to Paris with Rachel et al. on a future occasion and reading the first book in the series, too! So entertaining and engaging, The Books of the Dead is definitely well worth the time invested.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The author, Emilia Bernhard, has drawn a lot of great characters in this fabulous cozy mystery. I particularly liked American sleuth Rachel Levis who went undercover as a librarian to determine which of the victim’s book-loving colleagues loathed the man enough to kill him. Helping her old acquaintance Capitaine Boussicault with the murder investigation, the library is hit with more bad news: a priceless antique book has been mutilated and Rachel’s prime suspect for the murder is also found dead.
When Rachel is removed from the investigation by Boussicault, she and her best friend Magda, also an amateur sleuth, decide to forge ahead with their own investigation-even though it would very likely put them at odds with the police and in serious danger. With evidence and suspects piling up, can they find the culprit before anyone else becomes a victim?
Set in the French National Library in Paris, Rachel has a lot going on in this book and the busy protagonist had the necessary attributes of any great sleuth: intelligence, curiosity and keenness though she lacked some of the charms of both Magda and Boussicault.
One of my favourite aspects of this novel was the fluidity of the writing. The details of the plot were very well-executed and every chapter left me with a compelling need to read on. Also, the author did a brilliant job of balancing the story-line and various events jumbled matters up somewhat, making figuring out the identity of the perpetrator more challenging. The book was extremely entertaining with twists and intrigue which definitely helped to keep my interest.
I am looking forward to returning to Paris with Rachel et al. on a future occasion and reading the first book in the series, too! So entertaining and engaging, The Books of the Dead is definitely well worth the time invested.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 6, 2019
I liked the first book in this series and I liked this one.
It's gripping and entertaining, with a well written and likeable cast of characters that I was happy to meet again.
The historical background is well researched and the mystery, full of twists and turns, kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's gripping and entertaining, with a well written and likeable cast of characters that I was happy to meet again.
The historical background is well researched and the mystery, full of twists and turns, kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
April 25, 2019
The Books of the Dead is a good mystery that takes place in Paris. The writing is good, interesting characters, and I enjoyed the descriptions.
April 21, 2019
Americans in Paris! A well-paced murder mystery that centers around the Bibliothèque nationale de France and stolen pages from rare books. Engaging main characters and setting.
I received a digital ARC via NetGalley.
I received a digital ARC via NetGalley.
July 20, 2019
The Books of the Dead is the second in a series, following Death in Paris, which I have not yet read. I found The Books of the Dead to be a novel that will appeal to lovers of cozy mysteries who are able to suspend some disbelief.
Our two sleuths, Magda and Rachel, are American ex-pats who live in Paris. They have a relationship with a French Inspector, Boussicault, who involves them in solving some of his cases. Why this would happen is the what requires a reader's suspension of disbelief.
The case involves several murders and the theft of valuable pages from historic books. Suspects include those who work for or do research at the Biblioteque Nationale. Each suspect has a backstory that gives credence to why they may have committed the crimes. While solving the case along with our detectives, the reader gets to dash around Paris, spending a sufficient amount of time in cafes and bars.
The end of the book includes some extras. For example, there is a glossary of French terms.
I found this book to be an easy and relaxing read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.
Our two sleuths, Magda and Rachel, are American ex-pats who live in Paris. They have a relationship with a French Inspector, Boussicault, who involves them in solving some of his cases. Why this would happen is the what requires a reader's suspension of disbelief.
The case involves several murders and the theft of valuable pages from historic books. Suspects include those who work for or do research at the Biblioteque Nationale. Each suspect has a backstory that gives credence to why they may have committed the crimes. While solving the case along with our detectives, the reader gets to dash around Paris, spending a sufficient amount of time in cafes and bars.
The end of the book includes some extras. For example, there is a glossary of French terms.
I found this book to be an easy and relaxing read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2019
This was a bit of a slow start, but turned out to be a fun cozy mystery with an eccentric list of suspects to choose from. Even better, it was set in France. This is the second of a series, but the author added enough back story information that I never felt like anything was missing.
The story centers around Rachel, an American ex-pat and her obnoxious friend Magda. Because they helped solve a previous crime, and due to the fact that Rachel stumbles upon a dead body, French Inspector Boussicault asks Rachel to help him by observing the individuals that the murder victim worked with. Even though she was asked only to observe and listen, Rachel and Magda are soon taking over the investigation on their own, much to the Inspector’s annoyance.
This was an easy and quick read and I enjoyed trying to figure out who was guilty. Cozy mystery readers will love this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.
The story centers around Rachel, an American ex-pat and her obnoxious friend Magda. Because they helped solve a previous crime, and due to the fact that Rachel stumbles upon a dead body, French Inspector Boussicault asks Rachel to help him by observing the individuals that the murder victim worked with. Even though she was asked only to observe and listen, Rachel and Magda are soon taking over the investigation on their own, much to the Inspector’s annoyance.
This was an easy and quick read and I enjoyed trying to figure out who was guilty. Cozy mystery readers will love this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.
May 13, 2019
Rachel was ecstatic to be included in the Paris police force as a consultant, which left her best friend and investigative partner out. Magda was ticked but soon changed her mind when Rachel calls for her help after realizing the police were patronizing her and she hated to be patronized. Together they went about trying to solve the two murders that were obviously linked to the stealing of the antiquarian illustrations. These two had their own personal style and rules for their sleuthing. An intriguing and entertaining package.
June 11, 2019
New author to me and this was an interesting book. It is the second in the series and I didn't read that one but this was still good not knowing any background. The characters were good and the story was well written.
May 25, 2022
This was quite fun to read! I really enjoyed Rachel and how she handles the situations that come up. Great plot well-developed characters.
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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June 29, 2020I’m mad I kept reading this one...I don’t know how to quit a book. I didn’t like any of the characters except the cop. The friendship between the women made me mad- they were so snippy with each other. The crime and the solution were interesting, but overall meh.
October 11, 2019
I enjoyed the first book in this charming series, Death in Paris and gave it five stars. When I got the chance to review the second I did wonder if it might suffer from a sophomore slump but no, it, too, earns five stars. This mystery starts 18 months after the events of Death in Paris. It's summer and the tourists are everyplace and Rachel is a bit cranky. She has taken on a project to write some hymns and it's not going well, it's stalled. She needs inspiration and heads for the library but arrives too close to closing so she goes in search of refreshment. As she is heading to the lady's room, she passes the open door of the men's room. Rachel has a little quirk, a peccadillo - she is fascinated by condom machines and just can't resist taking a quick look. It turns out that there is more to see in the men's room than the condom machine. There is a very dead man in one of the stalls. Rachel must choose which person to call first - her husband, her BFF or Capitaine Boussicault, of the police department. Hmmm, decisions, decisions. Soon the police arrive and she has to explain what possessed her to enter the men's room in the first place. When she later starts to tell the tale to her husband, he knows exactly why she went in there.
One thing leads to another after awhile - Rachel is still stalled with the hymns and a bit put out about not knowing how the case is progressing.. That soon changes when the police find that the dead man's co-workers - all of whom hated him - won't tell them anything. Rachel might just be able to find out what's going on in the library. It turns out the man was a librarian and it is possible to get Rachel into the library as a volunteer. Rachel being Rachel jumps at the chance to play detective again. All well and good but Rachel isn't there very long when a second murder occurs and the police pull her off the case. Drat! However, neither Rachel nor Magda allow themselves to be sidelined and the investigation continues.
Rachel and Magda are quite a pair of middle aged ladies. Full of life and curiosity, ready for anything and living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The writing is so vivid that I was transported back to a city that I adore - I could hear the voices, the traffic, smell the food and feel the sunshine while sitting on a park bench eating ice cream. Rachel and Magda can be more than a tad bit annoying but that is part of the charm of the story. Add to it a good dose of twists, turns and red herrings and this was a wonderful escape. I certainly hope that there will be another mystery for Rachel and Magda to solve.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
One thing leads to another after awhile - Rachel is still stalled with the hymns and a bit put out about not knowing how the case is progressing.. That soon changes when the police find that the dead man's co-workers - all of whom hated him - won't tell them anything. Rachel might just be able to find out what's going on in the library. It turns out the man was a librarian and it is possible to get Rachel into the library as a volunteer. Rachel being Rachel jumps at the chance to play detective again. All well and good but Rachel isn't there very long when a second murder occurs and the police pull her off the case. Drat! However, neither Rachel nor Magda allow themselves to be sidelined and the investigation continues.
Rachel and Magda are quite a pair of middle aged ladies. Full of life and curiosity, ready for anything and living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The writing is so vivid that I was transported back to a city that I adore - I could hear the voices, the traffic, smell the food and feel the sunshine while sitting on a park bench eating ice cream. Rachel and Magda can be more than a tad bit annoying but that is part of the charm of the story. Add to it a good dose of twists, turns and red herrings and this was a wonderful escape. I certainly hope that there will be another mystery for Rachel and Magda to solve.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 25, 2019
Silly little book.
Rachel Levis finds a dead body in the men's room of a café. Ten days later the police ask Rachel - who has some experience solving a murder - to go undercover at the place of work of the dead man. Apparently, his former colleagues all disliked the man, but they are not saying why and the police can't make them.
So Rachel goes undercover and finds out why the dead man was disliked. But is no closer to finding out who did it, when two weeks later there is another murder. Rachel is then asked to sit in on the witness interviews because two may hear more than one. If that wasn't eye-rolling enough, the police tells each of the witnesses to not leave Paris. Seriously? Even a person that is formally considered a suspect and is placed under court supervision can go anywhere except leave France, but a person that can barely be considered a witness can't even leave town?
In the acknowledgements Emilia Bernhard mentions a few books that helped her get law details right. I think she forgot to research whether a French police capitaine has the same stature as a Wild West sheriff.
Anyway, the witnesses who are foreigners are all suspects, but for some reason, the French nationals that were present near the stacks at the time the second murder happened are not. I know French people are nationalistic, but this is silly. Neither the author nor the amateur sleuth is French so what is with this preoccupation to investigate the Brits and the American?
Rachel and her friend Magda stumble through the investigation. They do a lot of silly things and make silly assumptions. They are corrected when they do, or at least called out on it. This doesn't really stop them doing their investigations. And while usually I think it is stupid for the murderer to come after the sleuth (as often that is the one thing that gives them away), in this story I was actually looking forward for the murderer to come after Rachel and give her a good scare or knock some sense into her.
I read an ARC through Netgalley.
Rachel Levis finds a dead body in the men's room of a café. Ten days later the police ask Rachel - who has some experience solving a murder - to go undercover at the place of work of the dead man. Apparently, his former colleagues all disliked the man, but they are not saying why and the police can't make them.
So Rachel goes undercover and finds out why the dead man was disliked. But is no closer to finding out who did it, when two weeks later there is another murder. Rachel is then asked to sit in on the witness interviews because two may hear more than one. If that wasn't eye-rolling enough, the police tells each of the witnesses to not leave Paris. Seriously? Even a person that is formally considered a suspect and is placed under court supervision can go anywhere except leave France, but a person that can barely be considered a witness can't even leave town?
In the acknowledgements Emilia Bernhard mentions a few books that helped her get law details right. I think she forgot to research whether a French police capitaine has the same stature as a Wild West sheriff.
Anyway, the witnesses who are foreigners are all suspects, but for some reason, the French nationals that were present near the stacks at the time the second murder happened are not. I know French people are nationalistic, but this is silly. Neither the author nor the amateur sleuth is French so what is with this preoccupation to investigate the Brits and the American?
Rachel and her friend Magda stumble through the investigation. They do a lot of silly things and make silly assumptions. They are corrected when they do, or at least called out on it. This doesn't really stop them doing their investigations. And while usually I think it is stupid for the murderer to come after the sleuth (as often that is the one thing that gives them away), in this story I was actually looking forward for the murderer to come after Rachel and give her a good scare or knock some sense into her.
I read an ARC through Netgalley.
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October 7, 2019🌟🌟🌟🌟 ½ Stars
I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Books of the Dead
(A Death in Paris Mystery #2) by Emilia Bernhard from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.
Having read Ms Bernhard’s first book in the series, Death in Paris, I have to say she has outdone herself!
Best friends Rachel and Magda are at it again after being persistent amateur sleuths and beating the police in solving a murder in the first book of the series Death in Paris. This time when dining at a small cafe Rachel stumbles across the body of a male librarian from the Bibliothèque National. Reuniting with Capitaine Boussicault, she is thrilled when he asks her to go undercover as a volunteer at the library to observe after a previous murder had occurred as well. Rachel is thrilled to be given the opportunity, unfortunately, Magda feels left out when the mission is only for Rachel. Although just meant to observe Rachel gets pulled deeper into the investigation which appears to be linked to missing antiquarian illustrations. After overstepping boundaries Rachel eventually gets dismissed by the police but is determines to solve the crime needing her best friend Magda’s help. Working together they work to solve the two murders.
After reading several very “heavy” books this was a fun and intriguing cozy murder mystery which kept me guessing to the very end. I was sure I knew who did it but was left second-guessing after coming across some very cleverly placed red herrings. I also love the quirky, flawed and very fun characters that Ms Bernhard has created.
This book would be great as a stand-alone, but I do recommend reading the first as it is also a fantastic read, both I feel are suitable for most ages. A fun, brilliant read that will keep you turning pages!
I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Books of the Dead
(A Death in Paris Mystery #2) by Emilia Bernhard from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.
Having read Ms Bernhard’s first book in the series, Death in Paris, I have to say she has outdone herself!
Best friends Rachel and Magda are at it again after being persistent amateur sleuths and beating the police in solving a murder in the first book of the series Death in Paris. This time when dining at a small cafe Rachel stumbles across the body of a male librarian from the Bibliothèque National. Reuniting with Capitaine Boussicault, she is thrilled when he asks her to go undercover as a volunteer at the library to observe after a previous murder had occurred as well. Rachel is thrilled to be given the opportunity, unfortunately, Magda feels left out when the mission is only for Rachel. Although just meant to observe Rachel gets pulled deeper into the investigation which appears to be linked to missing antiquarian illustrations. After overstepping boundaries Rachel eventually gets dismissed by the police but is determines to solve the crime needing her best friend Magda’s help. Working together they work to solve the two murders.
After reading several very “heavy” books this was a fun and intriguing cozy murder mystery which kept me guessing to the very end. I was sure I knew who did it but was left second-guessing after coming across some very cleverly placed red herrings. I also love the quirky, flawed and very fun characters that Ms Bernhard has created.
This book would be great as a stand-alone, but I do recommend reading the first as it is also a fantastic read, both I feel are suitable for most ages. A fun, brilliant read that will keep you turning pages!
August 10, 2019
What mystery plot would be better for people who love to read books than a book about a crime in a library? The Books of the Dead, #2 in A Death in Paris Mystery series, is fast-paced, fun, and focused. The setting in Paris, France gives it an international air of mystery as American poet Rachel Levis uses her keen powers of observation to solve not one but two murders.
What I Liked
The most intriguing element of the novel is the main character, Rachel Levis. Rachel is an amateur detective who longs to be a professional detective. Her desire is most notably stated when she imagines the role of police consultant with a capital "P" and "C." I have yet to run across another novel that wants to cross the lines between sub-genres, from a cozy to more hard-boiled (from amateur detective to a professional detective), so this an original choice that piques my interest. This bit of knowledge about Rachel gives her more dimension and intrigue than the average cozy detective.
And what better place to solve crimes than the city of light – the location that most people have on their bucket list to visit – Paris, France. Having visited there once myself, I could easily recognize the places mentioned, picture the setting, and see the different characters.
What I Wish
The story is plot-driven and reminds me of a game of Clue, where suspects were interviewed and unknowingly provide clues toward the goal of determining who-did-it and how. Other than that, there is very little in the way of character development, which is something I wish the story had. It would add more dimension and enable it to be a more full-bodied story. Though, I do appreciate the focus of the plot and lack of unrelated meanderings.
To Read or Not to Read
I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes, as I imagine most mystery lovers will be as well.
What I Liked
The most intriguing element of the novel is the main character, Rachel Levis. Rachel is an amateur detective who longs to be a professional detective. Her desire is most notably stated when she imagines the role of police consultant with a capital "P" and "C." I have yet to run across another novel that wants to cross the lines between sub-genres, from a cozy to more hard-boiled (from amateur detective to a professional detective), so this an original choice that piques my interest. This bit of knowledge about Rachel gives her more dimension and intrigue than the average cozy detective.
And what better place to solve crimes than the city of light – the location that most people have on their bucket list to visit – Paris, France. Having visited there once myself, I could easily recognize the places mentioned, picture the setting, and see the different characters.
What I Wish
The story is plot-driven and reminds me of a game of Clue, where suspects were interviewed and unknowingly provide clues toward the goal of determining who-did-it and how. Other than that, there is very little in the way of character development, which is something I wish the story had. It would add more dimension and enable it to be a more full-bodied story. Though, I do appreciate the focus of the plot and lack of unrelated meanderings.
To Read or Not to Read
I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes, as I imagine most mystery lovers will be as well.
August 27, 2019
This story begins when our heroine Rachel Levis discovers a man who has been strangled on the floor of a men's room of a rather seedy cafe. She learns that he was an employee of the French national library and worked with rare books. She isn't surprised when Capitaine Boussicault asks her to go undercover at the Library to see if she can figure out who wanted him dead. She had worked with Bousicault before and solved another mystery.
Rachel quickly learns that the murder victim was rather universally hated by his colleagues. He destroyed the dream of becoming an author for one of them and destroyed their trust in men for the other. A note discovered by Rachel also seems to indicate that he was attempting blackmail on someone.
When it is discovered that illustrations from some of the rare books have been stolen, the suspect pool widens to include the scholars who have been using the library. And all of the visiting scholars seem to have money troubles and motives for theft.
I liked the characters in this story. Rachel is eager to be a detective since she is currently frustrated with her current assignment to write hymns. Her sidekick Magda is feeling resentful that she wasn't asked to infiltrate the library and tensions are building between the two best friends.
I liked the details about rare books and the French national library. I liked that Rachel and Magda felt frustration as they were searching for information about their suspects. I could also feel the frustration of Bousicault as Rachel kept thinking she was more important to the investigation than she was and kept getting in the way of the police investigation.
This was a nice cozy with a great setting. It is also the second in a series but stands alone quite well.
Rachel quickly learns that the murder victim was rather universally hated by his colleagues. He destroyed the dream of becoming an author for one of them and destroyed their trust in men for the other. A note discovered by Rachel also seems to indicate that he was attempting blackmail on someone.
When it is discovered that illustrations from some of the rare books have been stolen, the suspect pool widens to include the scholars who have been using the library. And all of the visiting scholars seem to have money troubles and motives for theft.
I liked the characters in this story. Rachel is eager to be a detective since she is currently frustrated with her current assignment to write hymns. Her sidekick Magda is feeling resentful that she wasn't asked to infiltrate the library and tensions are building between the two best friends.
I liked the details about rare books and the French national library. I liked that Rachel and Magda felt frustration as they were searching for information about their suspects. I could also feel the frustration of Bousicault as Rachel kept thinking she was more important to the investigation than she was and kept getting in the way of the police investigation.
This was a nice cozy with a great setting. It is also the second in a series but stands alone quite well.
September 1, 2019
First I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to red and review this book.
i have previously read the first title in this series and really enjoyed it. so when i saw this title available on netgalley i knew I just had to read it,
I wasn't sure how I would feel about the second book since it has been a while but I was intrigued because this isn't your average cozy.. most cozy mystery series have an element of romance but this one is the exception. the MC and the Police detective are not friends or have any romantic interest in each other. He is not a believer of her skills and once again she (MC) has proven him wrong. the story line is some what predictable but not so much that I figured out the who done it. what I like is there the story takes place in france and there are French words throughout and I like learning them.
the writing flows very well and the story flows in a way that you wont get confused as to what is going on. I would give this book a 4 stars, the only down side is that I feel like the conclusion was a little too fast.. it was explained but it was like the police didn't figure it out and if they did the story didn't give any clue but the main character did without much evidence.. it was more like she was trying to prove who didn't do it versus who did. but besides this I enjoyed the book and will continue with the series
i have previously read the first title in this series and really enjoyed it. so when i saw this title available on netgalley i knew I just had to read it,
I wasn't sure how I would feel about the second book since it has been a while but I was intrigued because this isn't your average cozy.. most cozy mystery series have an element of romance but this one is the exception. the MC and the Police detective are not friends or have any romantic interest in each other. He is not a believer of her skills and once again she (MC) has proven him wrong. the story line is some what predictable but not so much that I figured out the who done it. what I like is there the story takes place in france and there are French words throughout and I like learning them.
the writing flows very well and the story flows in a way that you wont get confused as to what is going on. I would give this book a 4 stars, the only down side is that I feel like the conclusion was a little too fast.. it was explained but it was like the police didn't figure it out and if they did the story didn't give any clue but the main character did without much evidence.. it was more like she was trying to prove who didn't do it versus who did. but besides this I enjoyed the book and will continue with the series
April 28, 2019
**I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
3.5 stars
This was a fun mystery story that had me guessing until the end. All of the suspects were plausible and the more you came to know about each of them the more believable a suspect they became - and the actual killer ended up being just want you want in a story like this. The scenes with Rachel and Magda as amateur sleuths were very funny, but also showed how invested they were in being investigators. I also really liked finally reading a mystery where there was nothing but a professional relationship between the female lead and the police detective (not that I don't like in other stories, just that it was refreshing to take the dynamic in another direction). Boussicault sees that Rachel has an interest in and natural talent for investigating and rather than brushing her off does what he can to give her more experience - but of course also has to have those moments when he reminds her that she is not actually a police officer. Alan has the patience of a saint, but his willingness to help out Rachel when she needed it also showed what a great partner he is for her. I will definitely check out future books to see what cases Levis and Stevens (or Steven and Levis) Investigatrices solve next.
3.5 stars
This was a fun mystery story that had me guessing until the end. All of the suspects were plausible and the more you came to know about each of them the more believable a suspect they became - and the actual killer ended up being just want you want in a story like this. The scenes with Rachel and Magda as amateur sleuths were very funny, but also showed how invested they were in being investigators. I also really liked finally reading a mystery where there was nothing but a professional relationship between the female lead and the police detective (not that I don't like in other stories, just that it was refreshing to take the dynamic in another direction). Boussicault sees that Rachel has an interest in and natural talent for investigating and rather than brushing her off does what he can to give her more experience - but of course also has to have those moments when he reminds her that she is not actually a police officer. Alan has the patience of a saint, but his willingness to help out Rachel when she needed it also showed what a great partner he is for her. I will definitely check out future books to see what cases Levis and Stevens (or Steven and Levis) Investigatrices solve next.
October 9, 2019
“You’re developing quite a tendency to stumble across murder in your middle age.” Said to our heroine, Rachel, after she finds a corpse in the men’s room on the first page of the Books of the Dead.
Rachel lives in Paris with her husband, Alan, and her best friend Magda. After solving one murder in the previous book in the series, the Capitaine asks for her to “observe and report” who among the murdered man’s co-workers would like to see him dead. The quick answer is everyone. Guy Laurent was universally hated by all who knew him. So how will Rachel, Magda, and the Capitaine solve the crime?
The reader definitely has to suspend disbelief to read Books of the Dead. I can’t picture any country’s police force asking a rank amateur to go undercover. However, if you can get past that plot point, this book has a lot to recommend it to cozy readers. Middle-aged characters, a library, and last but not least, Paris are all here to entertain any cozy reader tired of one more restaurant owner. The characters are great too. The three main characters are realistic and feel like friends to the reader by the end of the book. For those reasons, I recommend this book highly. 4 stars!
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rachel lives in Paris with her husband, Alan, and her best friend Magda. After solving one murder in the previous book in the series, the Capitaine asks for her to “observe and report” who among the murdered man’s co-workers would like to see him dead. The quick answer is everyone. Guy Laurent was universally hated by all who knew him. So how will Rachel, Magda, and the Capitaine solve the crime?
The reader definitely has to suspend disbelief to read Books of the Dead. I can’t picture any country’s police force asking a rank amateur to go undercover. However, if you can get past that plot point, this book has a lot to recommend it to cozy readers. Middle-aged characters, a library, and last but not least, Paris are all here to entertain any cozy reader tired of one more restaurant owner. The characters are great too. The three main characters are realistic and feel like friends to the reader by the end of the book. For those reasons, I recommend this book highly. 4 stars!
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 4, 2019
Rachel Levin is an American living in Paris who also happens to stumble upon dead bodies. This happenstance has turned her and her best friend, Magda, into amateur sleuths.
When Rachel stumbles upon a dead body in the men’s room of a local cafe, she finds herself working under cover with the local police Capitaine Boussicalt to help find out more about who killed the man who was a librarian in Bibliotheque Nationale’s rare book reading room. While there a second librarian is murdered and it is discovered that pages from rare books have been stolen. While Rachel has helped to gather some additional information on the case, her cover is exposed so that she can listen in the interviews to translate and point out any discrepancies in statements.
Lots of twist and turns, and not just in the stacks, along with several suspects makes for lots of red herrings and second guesses. While I did not read the first book in the series, I had no trouble reading this second installment as a stand alone. It did take me a few chapters before I became fully vested, but once I got into it, it just flew by from there.
When Rachel stumbles upon a dead body in the men’s room of a local cafe, she finds herself working under cover with the local police Capitaine Boussicalt to help find out more about who killed the man who was a librarian in Bibliotheque Nationale’s rare book reading room. While there a second librarian is murdered and it is discovered that pages from rare books have been stolen. While Rachel has helped to gather some additional information on the case, her cover is exposed so that she can listen in the interviews to translate and point out any discrepancies in statements.
Lots of twist and turns, and not just in the stacks, along with several suspects makes for lots of red herrings and second guesses. While I did not read the first book in the series, I had no trouble reading this second installment as a stand alone. It did take me a few chapters before I became fully vested, but once I got into it, it just flew by from there.
May 2, 2019
I'll be honest, I had a hard time getting into the book, just the first few chapters but once I got into it, it was so good! Two American citizens in Paris, amateur sleuths, helping the police solve 2 murders and a theft in the library. I love the interaction between Rachel and Magda. Just like two old friends who have been working together a long time (BTW I did not read the first book in the series so I don't know how long they have been "working" together, but they are old friends.) What I loved best is that I really did not know who did it until the very end. Of course it was one of the suspects, but there was nothing that made me figure out it was definitely that person in the middle of the book and I had to keep reading until the end to be sure. Every new clue had you looking in a different direction. Truly a good mystery. Now that I have read this book, I will go back and read the first book and I look forward to the future investigations of Levis and Stevens (or is it Stevens and Levis?)
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review
September 5, 2019
The Books of the Dead: A Death in Paris Mystery by Emilia Bernhard. This is the second book in this mystery series. The main characters are Rachel Levis an American amateur sleuth and Capitaine Boussicault a Paris police inspector. Rachel earned Boussicault‘s respect and admiration when they worked together in the first book Death in Paris. What could be more delicious than a library, rare books, authors and a murder mystery. Murder mysteries are not usually my first choice but after reading Death in Paris I was hooked. I loved the details, situations, quirky characters mixed with suspense and thrills. Bernhard keeps her readers guessing about motives, opportunity, clues and killer to the end. I found this book a well crafted mystery and exciting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 4.5 Stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 4.5 Stars
October 11, 2019
This was my first time reading this author and I enjoyed it. I loved the setting of Paris. It's my #1 bucket list travel destination so I really enjoyed the descriptions etc. The mystery was good and the characters were engaging. I've read other reviews criticizing the plot etc. It's a COZY people! How many people do you know that go around trying to solve murders and are involved in one every time you turn around?!! They are not supposed to be thrillers! If cozies were completely realistic then these people would be in jail on suspicion of murder and have NO friends because how many want to be around someone that attracts dead bodies? Seriously folks, it's entertainment. If you don't like them, don't read them. I, for one, enjoy them and I really enjoyed this one. Thank you Ms. Bernhard!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publishers and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publishers and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 16, 2020
When Rachel Levis stops by a bar for a refreshing spritz, she stumbles across a dead body in the men’s bathroom. Calling her husband as well as Capitane Boussicault, the trio discover that the body is none other than the despise librarian, Guy Laurent, at the Bibliothéque Nationale. Going undercover to root out the murder suspects, Rachel uncovers a series of thefts. Could the two be linked? Will the trio be able to uncover who the murderer is? Filled with mystery, suspense, and a bit of humor, the author does a great job of bringing to life Rachel’s world. The characters are quirky, unique, and engaging. The plot is well-developed and draws the readers in. Readers who like mystery, humor, and cozy mysteries will enjoy reading this book.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No financial compensation was received.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No financial compensation was received.
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