Death and Croissants (A Folle Valley Mystery, #1)

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Death and Croissants is a promising series starter set in the Loire Valley written by Ian Moore. Released in 2021, this paperback edition was released 14th March 2023 by Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press imprint. It's 256 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. Hardcover format is also available. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a light humorous cozy featuring a pair of unlikely amateur sleuths: Richard, a hapless middle aged Englishman running a B&B in France and Valérie, a force of nature femme fatale and current patron of Richard's establishment. 

The comparison between this and Osman's excellent Thursday Murder Club books is not entirely apt and unfortunately this series suffers by comparison. There is a frenetic bantering quality to the humor here and there's more self-aware aspect; almost breaking the fourth wall in places. (Metalepsis for the English majors in the room). Despite that, it's entertaining and easy to read and the denouement and resolution are satisfying and well written. 

Three and a half stars. There are three books in the series currently, along with a couple of shorter stories, and it would make a good choice for binge/buddy read. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.