Death and Fromage

by Ian Moore

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Death and Fromage is the second book in Ian Moore's Follet Valley cozy series set in the Loire Valley. First published in 2022, this paperback edition was released 5th March 2024 by Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press imprint. It's 320 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This is a very 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 whilst she's house hunting in the area. 

The comparison between this and Osman's 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. There are a number of genuinely funny bits and the author is quite adept at patter and dialogue and his comedic timing is excellent.

Four stars. There are three books in the series currently (with a 4th out in June 2024), along with a couple of shorter stories, and it would make an excellent choice for binge/buddy read. 

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