A Fashionably French Murder is filled with mystery, murder, intrigue, and Julia Child! In this installment we are also graced with another historical character, Christian Dior! Of course, the stories are fictional, but the plots are based on historical events which make them even more powerful.

As Tabitha Knight, an American in Paris and her beloved friend Julia Child once again find themselves in another messy murder (or two), the reader will laugh at the humor and salivate at the many dishes Julia is making. We also begin to see perhaps Tabitha's changing style from an American to perhaps a Parisian.

Tabitha and Julia go to a private fashion showing and are so excited. All this is so new to Tabitha. But when she realizes she has forgotten one of her gloves and goes back, she finds more than her glove...a woman's body...strangled with lace. The owner. When they call the police, she is very grateful her crush Inspecteur Ettienne Merveille, who unfortunately knows Tabitha's track record for finding dead bodies is not the officer who responds.

As Tabitha searches for clues, and Merveille is put on the case, she discovers that there is a connection to the house of Dior with Christian Dior actually being a suspect. Of course this is impossible...right? In a rather shocking turn of events, Merveille decides Tabitha should assist with the case. Is he coming around? She does have a new hairstyle...

At the same time this is all going on the added stress of watching her grandfather and uncle open a restaurant eats away at her. They seem to be bickering all the time. Thank goodness for Julia who keeps them healthy by constantly bringing them food!

And then Tabitha stumbles upon another body! In another shop. Are the two murders connected?

As the murders are solved, we begin to see our lovable cast of characters beginning to become closer and some even changing. The American in Paris Series gets more cozy, more interesting and has even more twists and turns. A Fashionably French Murder is an enjoyable read, but even more because Cambridge sews real historic events into the plots in such clever ways. Bon appetite!

Thank you #NetGalley #Kensington #ColleenCambridge #AFashionablyFrenchMurder for the advanced copy.

From haute couture to whodunit, this mystery is dressed to kill.

It’s Winter 1950 in Paris, and I adore being back in Tabitha Knight’s world, where the croissants are buttery, the mysteries are layered, and the fashion is always très chic. Food and high fashion (two of my favorite indulgences) intertwine in Colleen Cambridge’s latest American in Paris Mystery, and it’s a five-star recipe for cozy crime.

Tabitha and Julia Child are assisting Charmaine, an American friend, with purchasing her mother-of-the-bride outfit. Charmaine is hungry for haute couture and dreams of being dressed by Madame Lannet, a disciple of the legendary Christian Dior. But when the fashion house learns Charmaine plans to sashay through Paris in the dress, her dream begins to unravel faster than a loose hemline. Color me surprised when I learned that haute couture pieces are served exclusively, one order per continent, to avoid any fashion faux pas.

Despite the dress debacle, the trio whips up plans for more fashionable fun in Paris. But just as they start to strut into adventure, Tabitha finds herself in another murder soufflé. This time, the mysterious Madame Lannet has gone from the runway to rigor mortis.

When Christian Dior himself is accused by Madame Lannet’s companion, Tabitha and Julia toss aside their aprons and slip into their sleuthing shoes for another deliciously twisty mystery.

I adore Cambridge’s ability to whisk readers back in time. With every page, I feel like I’m piping crème pâtissière with Julia and Tabitha or dashing through the cobbled streets of Paris in heels that are murder on the feet. This is the third in the series I’ve devoured, and I enjoy reconnecting with Tabitha’s beloved messieurs and the stellar supporting cast. The mystery also didn’t waste any time; by the end of chapter one, I could smell something sinister in the oven.

And with a new detective on the scene to ruffle Tabitha’s perfectly pressed buttons, this mystery was glamorous, gripping, and gorgeously plated.
Cambridge whips up another winner in A Fashionably French Murder. Readers will savor every fashionable, flavorful clue in this delightful historical cozy.

I admit - I was attracted to this series at first because I had enjoyed <I>Julie and Julia</I> so much. The idea of Julia Child as a literary character appealed to me after that experience, so I tried <I>Mastering the Art of French Murder </I>and I was hooked. With that first book readers enter Julia's world of Le Cordon Bleu cooking school as she teaches her neighbor Tabitha how to cook for her grandfather. In the second book, Tabitha learns more about fine French wines (which no French dinner would be complete without). And in this third installment, readers follow Tabitha into a third area of French mastery - haute couture.

Tabitha is a wonderful protagonist - fresh from the U.S. and enjoying her time with her grandfather in his lovely Parisian home, she soaks up everything about Paris. Her determined attempts to make dinner for her grandfather and uncle are comical and make her a very sympathetic character. How many of us could try to pull off dishes that Julia makes seem so effortless and succeed any better than Tabitha does? And her work as a translator and language tutor lets her meet an interesting cross-section of people living in the city. When she is asked to accompany a wealthy woman to a fashion house in search of a dress for her daughter's wedding, the stage is set for her next adventure.

It seems that along with a talent for the French language, Tabitha also has an uncanny knack for stumbling across dead bodies. The one she finds this time makes number seven and of all people, a friend of the deceased accuses Christian Dior of the crime! Between her paid work, her continued struggles to avert disaster in the kitchen, and acquaintances asking her to solve their own mysteries, Tabby certainly has her hands full. Julia adds to the drama by insisting that the brooding police inspector and Tabitha should date, and then Tabitha actually goes out with a charming veterinarian. Where does she find the time?

If you haven't tried this series yet, I recommend it for anyone show enjoys mysteries in an historical setting. The descriptions of Paris as it recovers from WWII are wonderful in themselves, and the characters are sure to become favorites.

Book Review: A Fashionably French Murder by Colleen Cambridge

Rating: 4 Stars

I just finished A Fashionably French Murder, the third book in Colleen Cambridge’s “American in Paris” cozy mystery series, and I’m happy to give it a solid 4 stars. This installment once again follows American expat Tabitha Knight as she navigates her new life in postwar Paris. Alongside her delightful friend, the aspiring chef Julia Child, Tabitha finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery that unfolds within one of the city’s most glamorous fashion houses.

The story beautifully captures the vibrant resurgence of Parisian haute couture in the wake of WWII, as designers like Christian Dior introduce the iconic “New Look” with its bold colors and feminine silhouettes. Tabitha and Julia attend an exclusive preview at Maison Lannet, a prestigious fashion atelier. But when Tabitha returns later to retrieve a lost glove, she stumbles upon the shocking scene of the couturier strangled with a length of lace. What begins as a puzzling crime soon reveals a sinister pattern targeting the fashion house’s employees.

Meanwhile, the novel peppers in charming subplots: Tabitha’s Grand-père and Oncle Rafe bicker over decorating their new restaurant, and mysterious break-ins at a nearby shoe store add another layer of intrigue. Through it all, Tabitha’s sharp investigative instincts—and her quirky feral cat companion—keep things lively as she pieces together the puzzle before another fatal “fashion faux pas” occurs.

What I especially loved about this book is how the historical backdrop feels like a character itself—rich and immersive without ever slowing down the story’s momentum. The details about the couture industry during that era were fascinating, and Julia’s cooking descriptions made my mouth water. I also appreciated seeing Tabitha’s character continue to develop, especially as she grapples with her feelings toward a certain Inspector.

All in all, A Fashionably French Murder is a charming and well-crafted cozy mystery that blends history, fashion, and food with a compelling whodunit. If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries with strong female leads and a dash of Parisian flair, this series is definitely worth your time!

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

The third installment in this series, this one is sure to bring laughs and mystique. I really enjoy this series and would continue to read more.

If there’s one art the French have mastered as well as fine cuisine, it’s haute couture. Tabitha and Julia are already accustomed to sampling the delights of the former. Now fashion is returning to the forefront in Paris, as the somber hues of wartime are replaced by vibrant colors and ultra-feminine silhouettes, influenced by Christian Dior’s “New Look.”

Tabitha and Julia join a friend for a private showing at an exclusive fashion atelier, Maison Lannet. The event goes well, but when Tabitha returns later that evening to search for a lost glove, she finds the lights still on—and the couturier dead, strangled by a length of lace. The shop manager suspects that a jealous rival—perhaps Dior himself—committed the crime. Tabitha dismisses that idea, but when another body is found, it’s apparent that someone is targeting employees of Maison Lannet.

Meanwhile, Tabitha’s Grand-père and Oncle Rafe are in the midst of their own design-related fracas, as they squabble over how to decorate their new restaurant. And there are strange break-ins at a nearby shoe store—but are the crimes related? It’s up to Tabitha to don her investigative hat and find answers before someone commits another fatal fashion faux pas.

Tabitha Knight is back on the scene of another murder, or two, in another delightful installment of the American in Paris series. Filled with couture fashion and food courtesy of Julia Child this is a fun backdrop to the mystery at hand.

Tabitha Knight and her best friend Julia Child are tangled up in another murder, this time involving two exclusive clothing designers. Going into this book I knew nothing about haute coture -- or Christian Dior's "new look" -- but I quickly found myself fascinated by the exclusive ateliers. The series so far has been absolutely delightful. One of the things that first attracted me to cozy mysteries was the chance to vicariously enjoy different hobbies and settings and this book is an absolutely perfect example of that. 1950s Paris, especially thorough the eyes of Tabitha and Julia, is a whole lot of fun, even when the book explores serious subject matter.

This was my favorite of the series, as Tabitha finds two more dead bodies to begin her investigations. Julia Child again appears as Tabitha’s friend and sounding board, as Tabitha finds the head of a design house murdered. A day later, her assistant is also found murdered, creating the question of whether there were two murderers or just one. The setting is Paris in the 1950’s, where tensions after the war and the consequences of the Nazi collaborators continue to haunt Parisians. Inspector Merveille is also the investigator assigned, and his relationship with Tabitha is again teasing the reader. I highly recommend this enjoyable cozy mystery, thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Colleen Cambridge’s "A Fashionably French Murder" invites readers into a world of haute couture and high stakes, where fashion meets murder in the heart of Paris. With its intricate plotting, vibrant setting, and a dash of delightful intrigue, this novel delivers an immersive reading experience that balances charm with suspense.

Paris itself plays an integral role in the novel, enveloping the reader in its refined elegance, artistic history, and secrets that lurk beneath its polished façade. From bustling cafés to fashion houses brimming with creativity and competition, Cambridge infuses each scene with rich details that transport the reader straight into the glamour and tension of the Parisian elite.

At the novel’s heart is a murder that disrupts the world of fashion, forcing the protagonist to navigate rivalries, scandals, and the ever-watchful eyes of the industry. The mystery unfolds with precision, blending traditional detective work with the refined social circles of Paris. Clues are cleverly placed, leading to a resolution that feels both surprising and satisfyingly earned.

Cambridge’s characters are elegantly crafted, offering personalities that sparkle with wit and nuance. The protagonist is sharp, observant, and deeply entangled in a world where appearances can be deceiving. Surrounding figures—whether allies or potential foes—are written with enough depth to keep the reader guessing, ensuring every interaction adds a layer of intrigue to the unfolding mystery.

"A Fashionably French Murder" is a stylish and engaging mystery that blends Parisian glamour with a sharp, satisfying investigation. Colleen Cambridge delivers a well-paced and immersive novel, perfect for readers who love their mysteries with a touch of elegance and wit.

For fans of cozy-yet-sophisticated whodunits, this book is a captivating addition to the genre, offering a delightful mix of fashion, intrigue, and unexpected revelations.

If you liked the first two (which I did) you will enjoy this one as well! The romantic tension is getting a little old, so I'm hoping in the next book we can get a little further past the "will they/won't they" with the love interest. The mystery was interesting, but what keeps me coming back is the setting and the food descriptions. The author has put in so much effort to really immerse the reader in Post WWII Paris and I've learned so much about how Paris rebuilt itself after the war.

I really enjoy this mystery series. This outing packs a punch and takes us into WWII and the world of haute couture fashion. Our heroine of course solves the mystery with flying colors but with engaging encounters and characters along the way. If we get another book will she find love with our inspector? Food lovers out there will fall for the scenes with Julia Child and the food she is cooking. Makes you want to head to the kitchen and try it. If you have never been to Paris. I dare you to say you do not want to go after reading this.

Tabitha Knight has firmly entrenched herself in her grandfathers and uncles house. She loves her work, her life and has no intention of returning to America. Becoming friends with Julia Child, introduces fabulous cuisine into the story, along with haute couture. What Tabitha did not think was that she will stumble over corpses and be the first person to encounter them. Her sort of on off attraction to n dashing Inspector helps.

In this story Tabitha establishes herself as a promising sleuth. There is a lot of history during this era in Paris, including the brutal treatment of women collaborators some of whom just got into it to survive. It didn’t turn out well for them. Julia Child was just coming into her own and the food descriptions are exquisite.

I like the vivid historical background, the setting, the solid plot, the likeable characters
Another good novel in this series
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

We rejoin Tabitha and her community for a peak into post-WWII fashion. Tabitha stumbles upon yet another body (Merveille is clearly thrilled) this time in a new haute couture fashion house. We meet a new cast of mannequins (models), shoe makers, and even Christian Dior himself while trying to untangle a lacy web of murder, Nazi collaboration, investments, and possible romantic tensions.

I loved every bit of this new installment! The beautiful food ala Julia Child is always a fun and creative addition to the mystery main story, my favorite dish was the cassoulet this time around. The new characters are vibrant and complex adding complexity to the investigation with their backstories that drive the story forward. I enjoy the research that obviously went into these books and you see it so well with the weaving of everyday experiences from Nazi occupied Paris in the major sectors of Parisian culture. So far we’ve explored cuisine, wine, and now fashion, and I’m on tenterhooks to find out about book 4!

In 1950 Paris, Tabitha Knight, who is good friends with Julia Child, becomes involved in another mystery unexpectedly. After a fashion show she discovers a body ... and then, a few days later, another. She works as an amateur detective in the Post-War high fashion world of Paris to solve both murders.

I wanted to read A Fashionably French Murder because I absolutely love this series. I have recommended it to so many times to friends - Julia Child, Post-War Paris - such a charming and unique mystery series.

This was another wonderful mystery from Colleen Cambridge. It is well paced with little twists and surprises along the way. The characters - especially Tabitha and the delightful Julia Child - are so well drawn. And the peek at life in 1950 Paris is absolutely lovely!

The mystery in this book surprised me a bit, which was fun. I enjoyed Tabitha's detecting and her slow building friendship (possibly future romance?) with Inspector Merveille.

I loved her messieurs and the lovable animals that share their lives ... including the alley cat that Tabitha befriends.

I cannot recommend A Fashionably French Murder - and this series - highly enough! Fans of cozy mysteries and historical mysteries will really love these books. Five enthusiastic stars!

This is a wonderful series, and I love the fact that the author took the liberty of creating mysteries that involve Julia Childs during her time in France. It is absolutely divine and I have not missed a single entry since it was first released. I hope this series continues on forever! Absolutely delicious.

What book do you get for a friend who is a foodie and a mystery lover? Every single book in the series!! Mother’s Day is almost here… This would make an excellent gift to get Mom started with the series. Seriously, I would love to get this from my daughter if I weren’t already reading it.

Paris - 1950

Tabitha and her friend Julia Child are meeting another friend (all Americans living in France) at Maison Lannet for her to try on a couture dress to wear to a wedding. Unfortunately, a dress like this can only be sold once to be worn in Europe. It can be sold a second time to an American but only if it won’t be worn in Europe. When they leave, Tabitha realizes that she dropped one of her gloves so she hurries back to the place and finds the door open and no one answering when she calls out. Curious, she heads upstairs only to find the couturier strangled.

Tabitha has had dealings with the police in another murder that she uncovered (in another book). Inspecteur Merveille is the man she dealt with in the first murder she uncovered so she is surprised that he is again assigned to this case. Secretly, she is drawn to him. But when she uncovers a second murder, she finds herself bound and determined to solve the case.

Tabitha is living with her grandfather and uncle who have a lovely home. Currently, they are discussing reopening a restaurant, Maison de Verre, but are disagreeing on how to decorate it.

We follow Tabitha in her adventures with her friends searching for a murder suspect. The clues are there and readers can closely follow Tabitha in her quest. Meantime, we get to enjoy cooking by Julia Child and other fun things.

I have read other books by this author that I enjoyed, however, I have not read the first two books in this series. I was drawn to this book as Julia Child is a part of it. She is someone I have followed for years and I love her cooking. In addition, having spent many years in Paris, I love reading a book that takes place there. Enjoy, Readers!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I love Julia Child, Paris, and mysteries, and Colleen Cambridge's A Fashionably French Murder combines all 3 in a perfectly cozy story! Tabitha Knight is living comfortably with her messieurs in Paris when she stumbles across two dead women a day apart in the same fashion house. Sensing a connection to those who collaborated with the Nazis during the Occupation, Tabitha investigates the world of haute couture while trying to uncover the killer. A+

February 1950. On returning to Maison Lannet to retrieve her gloves Tabitha Knight discovers the body of Madame Rose-Marie Lannet.. Her curiosity leads her to ask questions. But later she finds another body in the building. Meanwhile she is asked to investigate the break-in at a nearby shoe shop which results in her in making new friends.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.