In this captivating installment of M. L. Longworth’s acclaimed series, our newlywed investigators contend with their most sinister challenge yet: a centuries-old curse
Provençal Mystery Series #6
Watch the series! Murder in Provence is now on Britbox.
Chef Sigisbert “Bear” Valets has just opened his own restaurant, La Fontaine, in Aix-en-Provence. It’s an immediate success—glowing reviews and a loyal clientele, including our favorite investigative duo, Verlaque and Bonnet. But when he decides to extend his restaurant’s seating into a historic courtyard, some very powerful neighbors are against him. The local historical society wants the courtyard, which witnessed a seventeenth-century hanging and two World War II-era murders, to remain untouched.
Valets charges on, even after a skeleton is found buried next to the courtyard’s ancient fountain. But when Valets begins receiving threatening letters, he becomes convinced that his life is in danger. And then the fountain inexplicably stops running. By disturbing the garden, has Bear triggered an age-old curse? And can newlyweds Verlaque and Bonnet solve the mystery before someone else ends up dead? Set against the blossoming backdrop of the south of France, M. L. Longworth’s latest is sure to thrill fans of Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri.
“Beguiling . . . Longworth evokes the pleasures of France in delicious detail—great wine, delicious meals, and fine company.” —Publishers Weekly
This one was better than #5, but not quite as compelling as the first few. But I think that's to be expected as a series progresses: familiarity with the characters and the storytelling creates a higher set of expectations.
Love has made Verlaque soft. This isn't a bad thing, but I'll admit he's slightly less interesting now that the sharp edges have been softened. Marine had far fewer pages in this book, which was a little bit of a disappointment; I liked her presence and contributions to earlier cases in previous books.
There were several plots going at once, all interwoven together and delightfully - and believably - muddying each others' waters. Almost all of the stories were interesting (one was a bit meh) and the resolution concerning the murder victim's drug usage/dealing was so very cheeky; I loved it. In the background runs the Curse of La Fontaine, adding a touch of atmosphere to everything.
I'm thoroughly enjoying this series and am very pleased there's another one on its way; I'm really looking forward to its release.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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28 November, 2017:
Finished reading
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28 November, 2017:
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