An interesting new series

Daryl Wood Gerber is known for adding some serious food to her mysteries, and this new series continues that tradition.
Mimi Rosseau has opened an inn and bistro thanks to her mentor and benefactor Bryan Baker. When he turns up dead Mimi with the help of her friends search to discover the killer. The story had twists and turns that really

I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

I love cozy mysteries and A Deadly Éclair was no disappointed. Loved the plot and setting. I look forward to reading more of the books in this series.

I was excited to get my hands on an ARC of this book because I always take great enjoyment from reading this author, I've liked all her series. After the death of her husband, who left her with many unpaid debts, Mimi knows that she needs to make some changes in her life. She begins by moving back home and starting fresh. After coming home, a friend introduces her to Bryan, an entrepreneur who gets great enjoyment from helping young professionals in making their dreams come true. With Bryan's help Mimi's dream of owning her own Bistro and Inn are becoming a reality. When Bryan's niece decides to use Mimi for her wedding she can't help but look towards the future with happiness. The wedding will be all anyone can talk about and Mimi thinks of the exposure it will bring to her little slice of heaven will receive. When Bryan is found dead at the Bistro the morning after family and friends have gotten together Mimi realizes she must figure out who the killer is so that she can clear her good name. She is terrified that her business will suffer before it has truly gotten off the ground. Who killed Bryan and why and will Mimi be able to find those answers? The author did a fantastic job of writing some wonderfully in depth characters. I liked how their differences stood out and how they interacted with one another. Her description of Nouvelle Vie had me wanting to book a flight so that I could visit this charming destination and take a tour of all it had to offer. Don't get me started on the fabulous recipes that she included at the end. If you love to cook they are definitely a bonus and and a fun way to end any story.

I really enjoyed this book in Ms. Gerber's new series.

I loved the idea of an entrepreneur helping promising individuals a chance to succeed. I so wish that the inn and bistro were available to visit. The foods sounds incredible as well as the setting in wine country. This book was well-written and moved at a nice pace. The descriptions were enough to help me visualize everything but did not bog down the story line. However, I do wish that Bryan would have been around for a couple of more books.

I can't wait for the next one.

First in a New Series! A Deadly Eclair written by the lovely Daryl Wood Gerber was a joy to read. The story is set in the Napa Valley (where I was born and raised) so it was like a fun trip back home! The story follows Mimi who owns/runs a bistro. Lots of twists and turns! Food, Wine, and murder, what more could you ask for! This was an awesome read that I couldn't wait to get my hands on! I requested an ARC through Netgalley and was blessed to receive it! This is an awesome cozy mystery, I can't wait for the next in the series. Cheers to Daryl Wood Gerber! I love her work, A Deadly Eclair did NOT disappoint.

Mimi is working hard to make her dream come true. With the help of her benefactor, Bryan Baker, she's now running a rustic inn and a French Bistro restaurant. Their first destination wedding is being held here. Everything has to be perfect. What Mimi doesn't need is a murder with herself as the prime suspect, but unfortunately that's what she gets when her mentor is found dead. Daryl Wood Gerber starts off her French Bistro series with a suspenseful, well written mystery. The characters are likable. They captured my interest with their quirks as well as their past. They quickly involved me in the story. The attendees at the out-of-towers dinner all have the means and opportunity to murder Bryan which added to the suspense. With so many suspects I wasn't sure who was guilty until the very end. Napa Valley was the perfect setting for this brutal murder. Also, I loved the touch of romance and the sparkling dialogue. I'm curious about Nash's intentions. I always enjoy the mysteries written by this author. She keeps me entertained. I'm looking forward to getting to know more about Mimi and her family and friends.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

After a difficult start for me trying to sort out all of these new characters I actually was relieved when I got to the murder. As the plot unfolded and I got more of the back stories it began to make more sense. Ultimately I was hooked and invested, and am looking forward to more! Mimi Rousseau's benefactor and mentor is murdered on the patio of her restaurant and she is committed to finding his killer. Her relationship with local police is only slightly antagonistic which made her investigations more realistic. There is a wonderful cast of surrounding characters, a potential love interest and an expert mystery. There is a bonus of recipes for the mouthwatering dishes from Mimi's restaurant. I'd highly recommend this new series.

This was a outstanding book in a new series. It's an excellent culinary cozy mystery set in the wine country of Northern California. The characters are really fun and interesting, and as always, Daryl Wood Gerber's writing style is great and interesting to read (see the Cheese Shop mysteries). The plot was well thought out and kept me guessing until the end.

Mimi Rousseau has opened an inn and bistro with the help of her mentor, Bryan Baker. Her first big event is the wedding of Bryan's niece Anglelica, who also is a famous television host. Her groom is a jeweler named Lyle who has a contentious family in attendance. Angelica's father unexpectedly comes to the rehearsal dinner, and sparks fly between him and his brother Bryan. When Mimi finds Bryan dead the next morning, there is no shortage of suspects. Did Lyle's father kill him over a bad business deal? Is his sister involved? Mimi feels obligated to find the killer after everything Bryan has done for her, even if it puts her in danger.

The characters in this book are very entertaining. Mimi has a sous chef with a mysterious past, and a new love interest who is just getting a divorce. All the family members from both sides of the wedding have their own individual quirks and secrets. They made the book more fun to read.

I highly recommend this book, and can't wait for the next installment. Don't read this one on an empty stomach! There are some delicious recipes included too.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed the first book in the series and look forward to many more! Good mystery, good sub-plots, good romances. Loved the culinary aspect of it. Fun, quick read that was hard to put down. Look forward to more books in the series!

Food, a beautiful settings, and a murder! What else do you need for a strong first installment of a new series! This book completely had me engaged from page one, and once I hit the end, I found myself longing for the next in the series! This story had a very strong plot and was a very easy read. The author did a wonderful job of introducing us to all of the characters without overwhelming you with details. The mystery was well written with enough suspects that it was next to impossible to figure out who the killer was until the author revealed it. This was definitely a delicious tale that I would read again and again.

I savored this debut cozy mystery like a glass of fine wine. Set in the appealing wine country near Napa Valley, California, Author Daryl Wood Gerber plates up a scrumptious menu featuring mouth-watering foods, murder, and mayhem.

Protagonist Mimi Rousseau, has a smart and feisty personality I immediately liked and has successfully established a first-class restaurant and beautiful bed-and-breakfast inn with the financial help and guidance of wealthy entrepreneur, Bryan Baker. Mimi has gathered a likeable, top-notch crew to assist her at Bistro Rousseau including the marvelous Chef C; hostess-with-the-mostess, Heather; and no-last-name sous chef, Stefan. A VIP wedding party arrives at the Inn. Bryan's niece, Angelica, who's a popular talk-show host, is marrying Lyle, a jeweler. Various family members assemble for the weekend nuptials at a celebratory dinner. After finishing the main meal and delicious eclairs for dessert, the diners slowly disperse. The next morning, Bryan is no longer alive. Evidence gathered at the crime scene points suspicion toward Mimi. She noticed emotions running high the evening before and feels strongly that one of the dinner guests is a cold-blooded murderer.

A DEADLY ECLAIR is rich with beautiful prose and liberally frosted with breathtaking scenic details and food--oh! the food! I didn't want to take my eyes off the words on the pages in case I would miss something! The mystery itself is compelling--heart touching and tragic--and the perpetrator proved well-hidden from me. I had my suspicions, but I just didn't synchronize all the clues before the author reveal. I love having a new fictional place and an affable cast of characters to anticipate visiting again in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Crooked Lane.

Do not read this book on an empty stomach. Perhaps it pairs well with a fine wine.
Aliens, Ghosts, Glonkirks, and Jewelers all play a role in this delicious cozy mystery.
My vocabulary also got a workout, which I enjoy. Reading a good cozy should expand your world and this does that very well.
Weddings should be a joyous time, with family and business associates all coming together to celebrate. We all know what happens when extended family gets together- secrets slip and tempers flare. But murder? Thankfully that is not a regular result.
Unfortunately this time there is murder and the victim seemed to be the most likable person anyone knew. Was the method of murder leaving a message?

Mimi is constantly in motion, a very hands on manager involved in all decisions. Even when she takes time to enjoy a local music festival, and perhaps the company of a handsome man, or when she visits a local art gallery, she manages to put herself in danger. At least by midway she seems more aware of the danger she attracts.
I enjoyed the investigative aspects of the book and figuring out who killed the victim took a long time.

This is the first book in a new series and I really loved this book. Mimi Rousseau is starting over with a beautiful Bistro and Inn with grounds inspired by Monet's work in charming Napa Valley, California.
Presently she I s very busy with a high profile wedding and reception and all is going smoothly.
Well it was until the bride's uncle is found murdered.
This book has wonderful food descriptions and recipes are included at the end. Some quirky, yet interesting characters.
I like Mimi as she is loyal to her family, friends and staff and they are loyal back.
The mystery has twists and turns and kept me engaged from the beginning.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this book.

Mimi Rousseau is living in a dream come true, running a Bed and Breakfast and Bistro in the town of Nouvelle Vie, California, right in the middle of wine country. She has a wonderful financial backer, Bryan Baker, who encourages her to follow her dreams, and because money is no problem, he encourages her to use only the best materials for her venture. Everything is going beautifully as Mimi, the B&B and Bistro prepare to host the wedding weekend of Bryan's niece, a local celebrity. Unfortunately, on the morning of the wedding, a body is discovered on the Bistro's patio, which leaves Mimi distraught and also a suspect. Consequently, she is determined to solve the murder that could ruin her dream in more ways than one.

A Deadly Éclair is a wonderful book with an engaging cast of characters, and a whodunit with no shortage of suspects. The descriptions of the Bed and Breakfast and Bistro and the delicious meals it serves make you want to drop everything and head to Nouvelle Vie. And while Mimi definitely has her work cut out for her, she receives invaluable help from her best friend, Jo, Bistro Hostess, Heather, and perhaps even her pet goldfish!

I found this book hard to put down, as it transported me right into the middle of events, kept me on my toes, and had me guessing as to the identity of the killer until the very end. Additionally, the recipes provided at the end of the story are divine. I highly recommend this wonderful book, and can't wait for the next installment in this entertaining series to be released.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mimi Rousseau is starting to be more optimistic about her Bistro and Inn. The debt her late husband hid from her in the past had paralyzed her belief in the future. With the aid of Bryan Baker who liked to invest in promising prospects, she is more confident and secure for the future.

The dream of opening her own business felt unattainable when she moved back home to Nouvelle Vie in Napa Valley. Then her best friend, Jorianne James introduced her Bryan and everything changed. When Bryan turns up dead after an out-of-towner's wedding party, all she can do is worry. It looks like someone is setting Mimi up to take the blame. She has to find the killer before she ends up behind bars for the rest of her life.

The wedding is the talk of the town. Famous talk show host Angelica Edmonton has chosen Mimi’s inn as her perfect wedding venue. Everything seems to be going smoothly until Angelica’s father, Edison gets drunk and causes a scene. As the evening passes Mimi starts to relax. Even when she witnesses a few arguments between Bryan and several members of the wedding party, she feels the dinner is a hit. Early the next morning, Mimi receives a knock on her door and opens it to reveal a frantic Angelica demanding that she call the police.

--
Title: A Deadly Éclair
Series: A French Bistro Mystery
Author: Daryl Wood Gerber
Genre: Culinary Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

A Deadly Éclair, is the series debut by Agatha Award-winning author Daryl Wood Gerber. Like her other series, Ms. Gerber creates a cast of characters that bond together to make a murderous event into an enjoyable experience for the reader. Her writing is smooth and tantalizing, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader enthralled to the end.

Mimi is a great chef. However, she has a lack of confidence that could almost be crippling if not for her family and friends standing beside her encouraging her to spread her wings. Her employees are more family than anything else, and she treats them like family as well. Chef C, at first, is like a cranky old aunt but is nice, happy, and enjoys teasing those around her. Most of the characters are fun, exciting, and compliment Mimi. They bring reality to the story and a kinship to the reader.

The murder is conducted in an unusual fashion leading to worry and fear for Mimi as well as being a hit to her self-confidence. Mimi isn’t a detective in any sense of the word, but she falls into the role with ease, even if it is only to save her own hide. She receives help from everyone including her mother, and the police detective involved in the case to solve the crime and clear her name.

This book is very well written, with rounded characters that inspire as well as entertain. The investigation has plenty of red herrings to satisfy even the pickiest reader. The cooking ideas and recipes are mouth-watering and will make the reader hungry. The action is subtle but is throughout the book. The unmasking of the villain is a bit disappointing but does answer all the questions posed throughout the story. The motive for the murder was not apparent until the suspects were thoroughly examined. Most readers will not know who the killer was until the very end.

A Deadly Éclair is highly recommended. The series will be a hit with readers. Those who enjoy culinarily themed cozy’s will be in heaven. Fans of mysteries and authors that rely heavily on food as an integral part of the story will enjoy this book. This series is a wonderful addition to Ms. Gerber’s growing collection of work.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley

A Deadly Éclair is the first book in a new series by the extremely talented author Daryl Wood Gerber. I loved Mimi and her loyalty to her family, friends and staff. I loved reading about all the food descriptions, and am so glad there are recipes included. This book kept my attention from beginning to end, and I highly recommend it! If you love food and a great cozy mystery, then this is the book for you. I can't wait to read the next book in this series! I received an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is the first book I've read in this series. The title was quirky and I am a fan of the authors other works.
This was a good story, I like Mimi and the other characters.
This story was full of twists and turns, and I did get a bit confused as to who was who.
Wealth and greed seem to play a big role in this story.
When a death hits close to home, Mimi sets out to discover the truth, finding out some interesting secrets along the way.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Mimi Rousseau has been given the start over of a lifetime. A local investor, Bryan Baker, believes in Mimi's entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic and talent. He quickly mentors her and backs a quaint inn and French Bistro. The inn is hosting its very first wedding with a high profile bride. Mimi wants everything to be just perfect in hopes of getting a raving review and an influx of new potential customers. The wedding party is full of drama and things get even worse when the bride discovers Bryan's body the morning of her big day. Mimi finds herself at the top of the suspect list and quickly begins gathering clues in order to clear her name before it hurts her new venture and reputation.

I'm a big fan of the author's Cheese Shop Mysteries (written as Avery Aames) and just her style of storytelling in general. She always creates a close knit group of loveable characters and a smart main sleuth.

The setting in this book is quite charming. I love the idea of a little Bed and Breakfast with a French bistro nestled in Napa Valley. It also doesn't hurt that the grounds and gardens are inspired by Monet's masterpieces. The B&B aspect offers up a good potential for storylines about various visitors. However, this book could easily explore a lot of local characters that were already introduced. Yes, there were a lot of characters in this debut, but I managed to keep them all sorted. I really like Mimi. She's smart, a bit guarded, and has a loyal group of great employees/friends. I appreciate the fact that she was sad and mourning the main death. In some cozies, you wonder if these people really cared about the victim! It also the first time I've seen a main character who has pet fish. I love that she talked to them as she worked through some of the case. I love Mimi's employees too. The mysterious sous chef who won't reveal his last name, Heather who claims she was abducted by aliens and Jo, the best friend who the local sheriff has the hots for. I also loved Chef C and Raymond, the gardener. Nash, the love interest and his ex, Willow, are interesting characters as well. I look forward to seeing how all of these people are developed over time.

The mystery was very well done and definitely kept me guessing until the big reveal at the end. It brought about an entire different cast of characters. Each had their own quirks that caused them to all be on my suspect list. Some numerous times. I did not have the case solved - which is a pleasant surprise. The reasoning was a bit of a shock as well, but also very plausible.

Overall, this was a great beginning to a new cozy series that I hope will have a long and successful run! I loved all of the food descriptions and culinary lingo. The book also included quite a few recipes at the end. I'll definitely keep my eye out for a sequel.

Opening a Bistro and a bed and breakfast all at the same time is challenging, but Chef Mimi Rousseau takes the challenge. Her big event planned for the Bistro is a celebrity wedding, but nothing is ever simple. There is a simmering feud among the groom, his sister and their father. There's an undercurrent of tension between Mimi's benefactor Bryan Baker and her father. Then the worst happens. A body is found after the out-of-towners dinner and Mimi is drawn into the mystery.

I found this first book in the new series to be delightful. I loved every minute of it. I love the descriptive writing style of the author, I loved reading about the Inn and the Bistro as well as the food. The mystery was well plotted and kept my interest to the end. I was surprised by the actual murderer. I also love the recipes at the end of the book. I look forward to book #2 in this series.