It’s not often that I come across a new series and am blown away by the creativeness of the premise, but this definitely fits the bill! Combining cozy mystery with historical fiction and a few real people in a real setting, Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge brings post WWII Paris to life. The fictional protagonist, Tabitha Knight, is an American expat staying with her grandfather and honorary uncle (who may or may not have been in the resistance). Their neighbor just happens to be Julia Child and has become a close friend to Tabitha. The author’s descriptive language will make you drool as you visit the French markets, or make you feel as if you’re huddled around the stove as Julia turns the simplest of poulet into mouthwatering fare as she barks out instructions (I can just imagine her iconic booming voice!), or experience the bitter bite of the cold winds off the Seine.

Set amongst the romantic backdrop of Paris, a brutal murder takes place in Tabitha and Julia’s apartment building. It turns out to be a young woman they both know and French investigators turn their attention to the two women when Julia’s knife turns out to be the murder weapon. Tabitha’s curiosity and desire to prove her and Julia’s innocence, pushes her to begin asking questions and tracking down people who knew the victim. It was a joy seeing the City of Light through the eyes of Tabitha and imagining the lyrical romanticism of the French language (this is one book that would be amazing in audiobook). The plot was well-paced and I enjoyed how Tabitha confers with her Grandpère and Oncle Rafe to put the clues together. The surprising reveal brings all the threads of the story together in a highly satisfying conclusion. My only lament is that there aren’t any recipes included because, you know, Julia Childs!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A wonderful new cozy mystery featuring Julia Child. Set in Paris where Julia is living with her husband and attending the Cordon Bleu. Wonderful characters, beautiful food descriptions and an intriguing tale of murder and spies in post World War II Paris. Can't wait for the next entry in the series.

Ooh la la! I've just gotten back from a sleuthing adventure in 1949 Paris. A mystery shrouded theater, a young American woman trying to find her place after the War, her friend, an American diplomat's wife who is determined to master the Art of French cooking, two charming and retired "messieurs" and their equally adorable pets, are on the trail of a murderer that may have them all in their sights! Oh, did I mention the diplomat's wife is none other than the legendary chef - Julia Child?

What a wonderful mystery to read on an August afternoon. I was transported back to a time when Paris was opening up and life was slowly returning to normal. The descriptions of the city brought the book to life in my comfy reading nook. Combine that with the fast-paced mystery that has everything I love - humor, family, twists and turns and some of the most delicious food descriptions you'll ever read and I found myself not wanting the book to end. The mystery had red herrings and a main character who while maybe is a bit too curious for her own good, came out of dangerous situations by her logic and persistence.

A unique premise for a mystery that I loved - filled with history, family, food and the beautiful setting in the City of Lights. I wish I could rate this higher than 5 stars and I can't wait for the next adventure!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Julia Child in a cozy mystery, yes please. This book had everything I would want from a mystery that would have Julia Child in it, the cooking, and her wittiness. The author did a great job with the Julia character at time I just imagined Julia cooking show on tv. Julia isn't the main character but the reason I wanted to read this book. Even without the Julia character, the author did a good job with the main character Tabitha and the story keep me waiting to read on and solve the mystery. Looking forward to reading more from this Author
Hopefully Hallmark Movies & Mysteries will pick this up and do a show
4.5/5 stars.

For fans of mysteries, Paris and Julia Child, there is a new series to watch for. The debut, Mastering the Art of French Murder, is set in Paris in the 50s and follows Tabitha Knight, a young half-French woman who is staying with her grandfather and living across the street from Julia. Tabitha is hoping to absorb some of her friend’s cooking genius.

Their somewhat carefree existence is disrupted when a young woman party guest of Julia’s sister is found murdered. Tabitha was the last person – except the murderer – to see her alive.

Against the specific instructions of the stern young investigating officer, Tabitha sets out to investigate on her own.

The ensemble characters are affectionately portrayed, and reinforce the popular picture of Julia as being funny, passionate, madcap, creative and a bit ribald at times. Tabitha is an appealing character and her grandfather and friends are nicely fleshed out.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Tabitha Knight left Detroit behind after the loss of her beloved grand mere. Now, staying with her grand pere and oncle in Paris, she has made friends with some other American expats. Her closest friendship is with Julia Childs, who lives across the street with her husband, Paul. Julia is attending Le Cordon Bleu and is determined to help Tabitha do two things: learn to cook and find a man. What wasn’t on the agenda was having Tabitha become a sleuth. However that changes when a young woman’s body is found in Julia’s apartment building.

Turns out the young woman had attended a party thrown my Julia’s sister the night before and when Tabitha recognizes the body and reveals they left the party together, well she becomes a suspect. Not to be left out, Julia’s knife is found to be the murder weapon, so there’s more at stake than just having a murder in the building. Julia helps Tabitha talk through the case as do her grand pere and oncle. Could it be Russian spies? Other expats? Is Tabitha putting herself at risk? So many questions, so many suspects and so little success, but Tabitha won’t give up her sleuthing to the ghost!

This is a fabulous start to a new cozy series set in post WWII Paris! What could be better than sleuthing than spending time with the Culinary Queen herself. You’ll find some cooking tips throughout the book, they’re not highlighted, but you’ll see them in there and sure enough you’ll be using them as you cook. I can’t wait for more in this series! I’m hooked!

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this wonderful arc! DELIGHTFUL!!!!!

This was a fun read, with very enjoyable characters and i can't wait for the next in the series already!

Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge is a great cozy mystery that is the first book in a new series: An American in Paris Mystery.

This is a great first book in a new series. The author does a great job blending the traditional cozy murder/mystery plot with historical fiction, and fun characters.

Adding the iconic Julia Child to the fictional narrative and with the main character, Tabitha, is just so creative. It was also great to have it all set amongst Paris.

I was thoroughly engaged and entertained.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/25/23.