I hadn't read anything in the series, and i felt it could stand alone. The characters were well-descriibed and I expect,, that backstage intrigue/ back-stabbing is not unusual. A very enjoyable cozy read.

The 10th installment of this mystery series set in Aix is well written and enjoyable. Verlaque is again investigating a murder while his wife Marine is almost ready to give birth. The murder involves an amateur theater group, which seems to be beset with problems, yet attracted two aging major stars. Recommended for mystery lovers. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

3.5 stars

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

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

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

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

I finished this book but I found that I didn’t enjoy it very much. It was very predictable to me. I am not interested in reading others in the series.