The first entry in Janice MacDonald's new mystery series features an appealing protagonist, charming scenes of Parisian life (and pastries), and a mystery initiated by a grisly discovery in a hotel ice machine.

Imogene Durant is a recently retired comparative literature professor from Alberta. She is relishing her weeks in Paris, intending to research a new book--she quickly shifts her focus from Simenon to Hugo--and sample the varied wares of cheese shops. Her neighbour, Toni, a police officer with the Parisian Sûreté, quickly becomes a friend. Intrigued by Imogene's Victor Hugo research and her acute insights into psychology and storytelling, Toni invites her feedback about the puzzling crime she is investigating. A handsome Frenchman soon adds to Imogene's delight in her Parisian sojourn.

Janice MacDonald's previous mystery series was set largely in Edmonton, allowing the author to pay loving tribute to local music festivals and heritage. It's a pleasure to see the author tackle a more storied city and bring it to fresh life. While the mystery occasionally recedes for a stretch, readers seeking the vicarious pleasures of travel and French food will particularly relish this first offering in a promising new series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Turnstone Press for the advance read.

I enjoyed this mystery and the romp through Paris. that being said, when I accepted this copy, I believed it would be a historical mystery (based on the description)... it is not. BUT once I got past that, I enjoyed it!

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!