Book Review: Murder on the French Riviera by Helena Dixon

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently finished Murder on the French Riviera, the latest installment in Helena Dixon's delightful Miss Underhay series, and I have to say, it was quite the ride! Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the French Riviera in late spring 1936, the novel transports you to sun-soaked beaches and glamorous hotels, where the only thing more shocking than the stunning views is the sudden appearance of a dead body.

The story kicks off when Kitty Underhay, on a mission from Whitehall to find a missing man, arrives in Nice with hopes of enjoying some leisurely poolside time. But, as fate would have it, instead of savoring a perfect croissant, she and her husband Matt stumble upon the lifeless body of Fred Bennett, the very man they were sent to locate. As they navigate through the vibrant yet dangerous world of casinos and suspicious characters, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary murder mystery. With a cast of intriguing suspects—including a wealthy widow and a dubious aristocrat—Kitty and Matt are thrust into an investigation that feels like a high-stakes spy thriller.

What I loved about this book was how it blended the charm of a cozy mystery with a palpable sense of danger. It felt like there was always something lurking just beneath the surface, making each page turn feel more thrilling than the last. Dixon has done an excellent job crafting a well-plotted narrative that keeps you guessing until the end. The tension was definitely ramped up compared to previous entries in the series, which made for an exhilarating read!

Kitty and Matt are wonderful characters that you can't help but root for. Their chemistry and sharp deductive skills shine throughout the investigation, making you feel confident in their abilities—even when the odds seem stacked against them. Plus, the picturesque settings Dixon creates always add an extra layer of enjoyment to each story. This time around, with the ominous shadow of an impending World War II looming over Europe, the stakes feel even higher, enhancing the plot beautifully.

All in all, Murder on the French Riviera is a fabulous episode in the Miss Underhay series and one I highly recommend! If you enjoy a good mystery with a touch of glamour and suspense—especially for fans of Agatha Christie or cozy crime novels—this book is sure to captivate you. So grab your favorite beverage, settle into your favorite reading nook, and prepare for a delightful escape into a world where nothing is quite as it seems!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

I received this as an Arc and unfortunately did not realize it was the 16th in the murder mystery series. However with that, I did not care for the story. The FMC should not be trying to solve murder mysteries. I'm not sure if it is the style of story I do not care for. I found it incredibly dull unfortunately. Its a book for someone, just not for me.

Kitty and her husband Matt are invited to swap Torbay and the English Riviera for Nice and the French Riviera. The trip is actually a secret mission to retrieve some important papers from a spy as Europe reacts to the rise of fascism. But on their arrival, they find their contact dead...
Murder on the French Riviera is the 16th book in the Kitty Underhay (now Bryant) series of cosy murder mysteries.
Under cover of sightseeing, Kitty and Matt are exploring their holiday destination while keeping their true purpose a secret. Unfortunately they discover their contact murdered in an alley. The killer may be looking for the papers so the race is on to find them first, but this could also lead to danger for the pair.
I enjoyed the change in dynamic that is offered by the new setting. The backdrop of the international political situation in 1936 brings the plot to life and has been well researched. Matt and Kitty have the respect of government officials and are entrusted with an important mission. It is nice to see 'amateur' sleuths being given the respect they deserve!
Kitty's focus is upon the other guests at their hotel and also the casino where the victim was last seen. There are a range of characters to explore and suspect. I thought the mystery was sustained well and the characters act in keeping with the historical era depicted.
Murder on the French Riviera is an enjoyable addition to this well established series.

This series does not disappoint and this time we are in a luxurious setting.
Sent undercover to intercept some important papers Matthew and Kitty are living the high life.
But, as usual they encounter secrecy, murder and danger and it is up to them to protect the secrets and escape murdering spies.

Kitty and Matt are visiting her family at Enderley when they get a request from the Brigadier, Matt's former boss. He wants them to head to Nice and meet up with a British operative who has information for Whitehall. They agree to go, thinking it will be a nice time away and help their country at the same time. A couple will not be as suspect as a lone male agent. Shortly after arriving in Nice, they stumble upon a man, dead in an alley. He looks like the person they are supposed to meet. It doesn't take long for a group at their hotel to latch onto them and take them around town, introducing them to casino owners and going to parties. Matt and Kitty are still trying to find the papers, but are sure this group is also looking for them. When another person ends up dead and they are still no closer to finding the papers, they decide it is time to go home, but others are not in agreement.

Murder on the French Riviera is the 16th book in the Miss Underhay series, although Kitty is now Mrs. Bryant after marrying Matt. Although several of the books in this series are set away from Devon, this is the first I have read outside the UK. Normally the mystery involves murder, but add espionage to this one. I was pulled in right away and was trying to sort out who the bad guys were right along with them. There were a group that were suspect and I was sure they were, but why and how? The biggest mystery was where are the papers? I do like Kitty's mind and how she goes about figuring things out. She is a great puzzler and in this book, she finally sorts it out and shares her hunch with Matt, who figures out the final step. The secondary characters in this one were both good guys and not so good, but they sure added an edginess to this story. I really loved this one, in fact the best one yet in my opinion. So, how are you going to top this one, Helena Dixon?

It's 1936, and Kitty and Matthew are engaged by British Intelligence to track down a missing operative in NIce who has vital documents. Off they go, and off we go on another rollercoaster adventure as our plucky duo encounter more dead bodies and whole cast of suspects. Fans of the series, like me, will love this, and the general atmosphere of the period and looming events have started to give the books an edgier feel, which only enhances the atmosphere and characterisation.

Another enjoyable and rewarding book in the series. 4 stars.

(With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.)

My favourite cosy mystery duo are back with...Merci beaucoup!
Kitty and Matt find themselves out of there comfort zone, on a mission for British Intelligence in Nice, France. Surrounded by a collection of characters who would not be out of place in an Agatha Christie novel, our favourite pair have to navigate unfamiliar territory if they are to recover a missing piece of intelligence; and never have their lives been more at risk. As always, Ms Dixon whisks up a mixture of comedy, drama and romance, and delivers a wonderful book, which always leave me wanting more. I really can't recommend this series enough!
My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the reading copy.

I've not had the pleasure of reading the other books from this series, but I thoroughly enjoyed this story by Helena Dixon. If you love a great (borderline cozy mystery) sort of historical mystery crossover with little bit of spy sleuthing, you'd enjoy this series, it's a great light read.

I love this series and think this latest book is the best yet. The story moves from the English to the French Riviera and the descriptions of Nice and the glamorous hotels are delightful.. It is now 1936 and the political changes of that era provide a wonderful backdrop for Kitty and Matt’s investigation. I’m now eagerly awaiting the next volume of this enchanting series.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Murder On The French Riviera' by Helena Dixon.

This book was very well written and I do believe some research went into it as everything linked correctly in with the era it was set in. It is a real bug bear for me when I read a historical novel and the author hasn't done their research and gets basic information mixed up so well done Helena!! It was very well written and I found the synopsis and the cover fitted the storyline perfectly, The descriptions were great and it really felt as if I was in the story.

Yet another hugely successful addition in this fantastic series by the very talented Helena!! The storyline was very interesting and fast paced. Helena completely emerges the reader into the storyline and as always Helena's evocative writing skills brings the atmosphere, sights sounds and characters to life ensuring the reader is completely sucked into the storyline seeing and feeling everything the characters are. I really enjoy the fact that this series is set in the past and the storyline really suited that. It really is a nice, easy to read and fun cosy mystery that will keep you guessing throughout. At no point did I suspect who was doing what or why so a huge well done there Helena!!! I have read many a mystery and find that I am working out the killer/perp quicker every time and there's nothing worse than working out who did what when your need even half way through a book. Not only is this quite a suspense and action filled mystery but there was just the right amount of quirkiness, laughter and romance to give it a nice mix!!! It is one of those books that once I started it I just could not put it down and devoured it in several hours, flying through each and every chapter!! A fun, addictive, unputdownable cosy crime mystery. This is a fantastic series and if you have never read any of Helena's previous books then you are definitely missing out. I, personally, would like to add that I think each storyline has got better and better which is a very rare thing for a series.

I have really become invested in all of these amazing characters since the first book I read in this fantastic series and I really enjoy meeting Kitty and her fantastic and quirky personality each and every time!!! In fact all of the characters have their own individual personalities which worked really well with each other. They have all become like a family to me and I always hate saying goodbye to them at the end of the book. I am looking forward to meeting them all again in the next 'episode' of Mrs Bryant's adventures which I'm sure will be just as exciting as this one!! A fantastic group of characters for yet another fantastic addition to an addictive series!!! Here's to meeting them all again in the next book 🥂!!!

Well done Helena on yet another fantastic success and here's to the next addition to an addictive page turning series 🥂!!!

Overall a perfect mix of mystery, crime, romance, laughter and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!!

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It's amazing that it's already the 16th adventure of Kitty and Matt, and I enjoyed this book as much as the previous ones! I love the main characters, the secondary characters were interesting, and the pacing was great. The only tiny thing that bothered me was the errors in French, but I suppose they'll be corrected by the time the book is published.

I definitely recommend this book and all 15 before if you haven't read them. Great cosy mystery series!

Thank you to the publisher who provided me with an e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It always sounds strange when you discover you read the 16th instalment in a series and you enjoyed them all.
Kitty, Matt, their family and friends of all kind are character I’m always glad to meet and spend time with them.
This is a bit different, more on the internationl intrigue side and it’s set from the usual Devon setting.
Ms Dixon did an excellent job in recretating the atmosphere of the Negresco, the mix of very rich and morally ambiguous characters. I also appreciated the attention to the details and how the historical events were presented
There’s the feeling of of spy story d’antan mixed with a cosy story. It was a pleasant and highly entertaining read that kept me hooked and turning pages.
I read it in one afternoon and it was an excellent way to travel in time a space.
I look forward to the next story, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

May 1936. Under the disguise of a holiday on the French Riviera Kitty and Matt Bryant are recruited to retrieve documents from British agent Federico Benedetto aka Fred Bennet. Unfortunately on arrival they actually fall over his dead body. Who can they trust among their new acquaintances and police Inspector Villier while trying to finish their mission.
An entertaining cozy spy thriller/mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its likeable main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am currently in the middle of listening to this series on audible and all I can say is I have enjoyed every word!

You don't have to start at book one to enjoy, but I love a series and following the different characters.
Kitty and her husband Matt are in Nice to track down a man but hope enjoy a bit of a holiday also.

Of course, as in previous stories, they always land in a murder with a mystery and this is no different! Enjoy the sleuths as they navigate the wonders of Nice and try to find a murderer!

I just loved this book and once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. I just love these books and I look forward to the next one in the series!

I would like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early, it was amazing!

This is #16 in the Ms. Underhay series a cozy mystery from Helena Dixon. I’ve read #15 in the series so I already had a feel for all the characters and their relationships. This time Kitty and her husband head off to the French Riviera, under orders from Whitehall, to locate a missing man. They’re staying in a grand hotel with a view of the sea when they stumble upon a dead body. Soon they quickly realize it’s the man they were sent there to find. They discover a casino matchbox in his pocket, they head over there and meet an eclectic cast of suspicious characters. Soon another body is discovered, as Matt and Kitty try and investigate the murders along with the local detective.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed this fun, cozy mystery set in the 1930s before WWII started ramping up. I enjoyed the characters and there were some surprising twists and turns. Even though it’s a series, it’s pretty easy to read as a stand-alone story.

Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author of this ARC.

Wow, I can't believe this is the sixteenth Kitty Underhay mystery! Honestly, I don't think I'm ever going to tire of reading a new book featuring Kitty and Matt.

This time, the pair are in Nice, tasked to pick up important and confidential documents from a spy who had found himself compromised. The moment they set foot in town, they stumble across a body and find themselves the prime suspects.

What a great addition this was to this already entertaining series.

While I've enjoyed the books set in Britain, I really loved the change of setting in this book. The Riviera seems all glitter and glamour, but it doesn't take long for the sleuths to find the more seedy underbelly of the place.

I'm not usually a big fan of spy novels or books featuring espionage, but I ended up really enjoying this one. It still kept the elements of a cozy mystery and didn't become too outlandish or overly complicated.

I'm already looking forward to what will happen next for Kitty and Matt!

Kitty and Matt are once again in the middle of a murder investigation, this time in Nice, France, after being sent there to find a man and get some documents. Of course, the man they are looking for is the one they find dead, and since they have no idea who they can trust on foreign soil it's up to them alone to uncover the truth.

I always enjoy coming along with Matt and Kitty as they solve murders. I love going with them as they investigate and put the puzzle pieces together. I hope soon they get to go back home and to the Dolphin as I love the cast of characters that come along with that place. The story is fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next, and if they were going to find anyone else dead.

This is a fun cozy mystery series and I can't wait to see where they will end up and whose murder Kitty and Matt are going to end up investigating next!

An excellent addition to this amazing and truly addictive cozy mystery which sees our duo of Kitty and Matthew in Nice, undercover and looking for important documents during a troubled era in Italy and France.

Blending in with the locals they seamlessly immerse themselves into the society and try and track down the papers. Two deaths makes the local police concerned and most suspicious of the duo as they are there for both.

Great writing and plot. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Kitty and Matthew.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.75 stars

This is an appealing historical cozy series. We have followed hotel manager Kitty Underhay through her courtship with Captain Matt Bryant and their embarking on their life together and partnership as investigators. Matt's Great War experience and Kitty's level-headed clear-mindedness make them very effective. We are now in the mid-30s, leading up to World War II.

Matt and Kitty are on a break staying with her family when Matt's boss recruits him for an undercover exploit. They need to go to the French Riviera and help retrieve some sensitive documents from an agent who has been compromised. But when they arrive, the stumble on his body -- and the documents are missing.

Their fellow hotel guests are a shady bunch and Matt and Kitty don't trust any of them. They carefully explore the area while trying to stay incognito. These are always enjoyable reads without too much personal drama, thankfully. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.