Mastering the Art of French Murder

“Cambridge’s newest series has everything going for it…A first-rate traditional mystery with strong characterization that is certain to appeal to a broad readership, especially fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Rhys Bowen, and Cambridge’s own Phyllida Bright series.” –First Clue, STARRED REVIEW

“Colleen Cambridge has a knack for creating lively, atmospheric historical mysteries featuring fictional heroines on the periphery of the lives of actual historical figures. In MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH MURDER, we meet Tabitha Knight, a former Rosie the Riveter at loose ends after the end of World War II, who moved to Paris from Detroit to live with her grandfather and his partner - directly across the street from Julia Child. When a murdered woman is discovered in the basement of Child's apartment building, Tabitha can't resist a little amateur sleuthing - which leads her into real-life peril. MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH MURDER is a lively, entertaining mystery in the classic cozy style. Highly recommended!” –Carol Schneck Varner, Schuler Books (Grand Rapids, MI)

“With settings from the lively Parisian market and elegant Notre Dame to Julia Child’s tiny kitchen, Colleen Cambridge masterfully brings post-WWII Paris to life in her newest historical mystery. It’s within this fascinating time that we’re introduced to Tabitha Knight, a bright and curious new heroine, best friend and neighbor to Julia Child. Tabitha is loving her expat life in the City of Lights, until she suddenly finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation! There’s much to love about this cozy mystery - an entertaining friendship between Julia and Tabitha, vivid characters, and plenty of French cuisine. I’m already hoping for more of their shared adventures along the rue de l’Université!” –Stefanie Lynn, The Kennett Bookhouse (Kennett Square, PA)

“Ah, springtime in Paris, when love is all around, the air is filled with the scents of fine cooking and, uh, murder is in the cellar. What a delicious combination—the great Julia Child in her kitchen with her pots and pans and marvelous recipes, recreated from classes at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, and a grand mystery. A young American, Tabitha Knight, has developed a friendship with our future kitchen Queen…What a way to start a new mystery series! You'll love the characters, the road trips through Parisian streets, and the challenge of a whodunit that will keep you up night looking for answers. So get out your best wine, set the table, and pull up a chair. This is a meal you're destined to remember.” –Linda Bond, Auntie’s Bookstore (Spokane, WA)

“A clever whodunnit that blends the wit and charm of Julia Child in Paris with a series of murders involving her friends that resembles Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Armchair detectives and amateur French chefs are in for a culinary and literary treat.” –Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library (Austin, TX)

“This has all the ingredients of a great mystery: dynamic characters, multiple villains, and strong motives. Readers will savor Tabitha Knight's friendship with Julia and Paul Child, and her experience as an American in Paris. Luckily, each of Tabita's missteps as an amateur detective are peppered with clues!” –Tina Panik, Avon Free Public Library (Avon, CT)

“Cambridge breathes life into Julia Child, and any reader familiar with the French Chef will appreciate her cadence, humor, style and cooking tips, often referring to a chicken as Ms. Poulet, and fretting over a mayonnaise that doesn’t seem to be coming together. She provides a charming distraction, and her appearances are always welcome as Knight navigates the Parisian streets to catch a killer. Ultimately it is Tabitha’s story, as she often puts herself into danger to uncover the truth. The book creates the perfect blend of atmosphere, historical detail, suspense and character development that will make this title a sure-fire hit. Easily shared with fans of Jacqueline Winspear or the Miss Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood, MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH MURDER gives mystery readers a taste of a tremendous new series that will have them clamoring for a second course.” –Douglas Beatty, Baltimore County Public Library (Baltimore, MD)

“Native Michigander Tabitha finds a new home, new friends, and a murder mystery when she moves to Paris after WWII to stay with her grandfather. With the encouragement of her fellow ex-pat and friend, Julia Child, she works to solve the crime—and perfect her roast chicken—in this engaging cozy…Its vibrant post-war Parisian setting (including real-life characters such as Child), clever mystery, and mouth-watering food descriptions set it apart.” –Laurie Walters, Brighton District Library (Brighton, MI)

“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.” –Lisa Joyce, South Portland Public Library (Portland, ME)

“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…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.” –Robin Gard, Poudre River Public Library District (Fort Collins, CO)

“When you think of Julia Child and France, your mind automatically goes to French cooking. But when you add in Tabitha, a young American whom Julia is teaching to cook, a dead body, and a cast of intriguing characters, you wind up with this delightful concoction of murder, food, and mystery. From French street markets to a group of American expatriates to the seething undercurrents in post-WW II Paris, Tabitha must use her knowledge of French and natural talent for making connections to uncover the killer before she becomes the next victim.” –Joy O'Toole, Central Rappahannock Regional Library (Fredericksburg, VA)

“A delightfully murderous romp through post-World War II Paris! The simultaneously funny and creepy scenes kept me turning the pages as the bodies piled up. But it's the descriptions of Paris and the food, ah Parisian food!, that had me salivating throughout the entire book.” –Julie Earhart-Cracchiolo, St. Louis Public Library (St. Louis, MO)

“Colleen Cambridge depicts a look at everyday life in Paris with a twist. An enjoyable mystery.” –Tanya Alexander, Arab Public Library (Arab, AL)