Every time I thought I had things sussed, along came another surprise!! So rare for a story to catch me out, so well done to the author.

"Delicious Death" by Byrd Nash is an exquisite feast of mystery, romance, and the paranormal that deserves a resounding five-star review. From the first page to the last, Nash captivates readers with a tantalizing narrative that combines a thrilling investigation with delectable descriptions of cuisine, all set against a backdrop of gaslamp fantasy and ghostly intrigue.

The story unfolds as Elinor Chalamet's holiday takes an unexpected turn when an assassin targets the king. Nash skillfully weaves a tapestry of suspense, enlivened by the charm and wit of the protagonist, who finds herself entangled in a web of societal intrigues and a race against time to thwart the looming danger. The plot is expertly crafted, offering a perfect blend of mystery and fantasy that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.

Elinor Chalamet emerges as a formidable and endearing protagonist, armed not only with her skills as a medium but also with a sharp intellect and a sense of humor. The complexities of her character shine through as she navigates society's expectations, solves a myriad of intriguing cases, and grapples with her own quest for justice. The slow-burn romance adds an extra layer of depth, enhancing the emotional resonance of the story.

Nash's world-building is nothing short of enchanting, immersing readers in a gaslamp fantasy setting that is rich in detail and atmosphere. The inclusion of supernatural elements, including séances and ghostly encounters, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the mystery, making "Delicious Death" a standout in the genre.

The supporting characters, including Tristan Fontaine and Elinor's ghostly companion, contribute to the story's charm. The dynamics between the characters, coupled with witty dialogue, create a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. The inclusion of a gaslamp fantasy ghost mystery series is a unique and refreshing twist, promising readers an immersive and ongoing adventure.

In conclusion, "Delicious Death" is a literary masterpiece that not only satisfies the cravings of mystery enthusiasts but also delights those with a taste for romance and the supernatural. Byrd Nash has crafted a delectable treat for readers, and this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating and immersive escape into a world of culinary delights, ghostly mysteries, and slow-burning romance. Five stars without a doubt!

Review: Madame Chalamet series (books 1-2-3)

The Madame Chalamet series is a paranormal, fantasy, gaslamp, historical mystery series set in the fictional place of late 19th century-early 20th century Alenbonne (which sounds a lot like France).

Madame Elinor Chalamet is a trained medium belonging to the Morpheus Society who uses her skills as a Ghost Talker to solve paranormal related cases while searching for clues and details pertaining to her father's murder which she hopes will lead her to his killer.

Tristan Fontaine, Duke de Archambeau, is an aristocrat and a right hand man of sorts to the King of Alenbonne whose path crosses with Elinor when he requires her assistance and expertise to solve certain cases that could put the king's political and diplomatic position as well as his life in grave danger if not solved in time. The Duke also has a dark history related to his first wife's death.

In all the three books we see both Elinor and Tristan doing what they do best while indulging in some sharp witted banter. Being a paranormal series the descriptions of séances and Elinor's gift to interact with ghosts/spirits and travel to the Otherworld are easily explained and these scenes blend in well with the ongoing plots. Elinor finds herself with a new female apprentice at the end of book two who shows to possess some unique powers of her own.

As per the author, this is a six part series and I look forward to reading what happens next. My thanks to NetGalley, the publishers Rook and Castle Press/IBPA and the author Byrd Nash for the e-Arcs.

Ratings:
Ghost Talker: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Delicious Death: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spirit Guide: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received a copy from the publisher via Negalley for an honest review.

This was book number two with our delightful ghost detective, Madame Chalamet and her adventures with her quirky, wonderful doctor friend, Dr. Charlotte LaRue! I love this novel as it centers around essentially an extended weekend in the countryside for a royal cooking competition......and someone trying to murder the king. These are fun, fluffy and easy to read novels that are easy and sweet and I definitely want to continue on with this series!

This is the 2nd book in the Ghost Talker series. I didn't enjoy the first book and as the 2nd in the series, it was no better. No cities or places that even came close to real. The lead character was a woman, and I like mysteries that feature the woman as the solution solver. The book was just too far out of even my imaginary realm that I didn't enjoy the read.

If you like to read about mysteries, women as lead characters, ghosts and set in England but not in England, then be sure to read this book after finishing "Ghost Talker" so you have all the characters set in your mind.

This is my second book in this fun series and this one was even better than the first. Between ghosts and poisoners Elinor is kept on her toes. I really enjoyed this mystery and again the author kept me on my toes and guessing. You will love this quick story.

Great author, first time reading her books will look for more, love this book it kept me reading into the wee hours can't wait to read the next book.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of delicious death. this had so much in it, historical fiction, a mystery, and its sci-fi. this was a very full book and a sequel. I will have to go back and check the first.

I do love a competent heroine!

Thoroughly enjoyed this historical/supernatural tale, with an interesting premise, fun characters and a twisty plot.

Occasionally the prose was a little jarring, but all in all, I will look forward to spending more time in this world.

Simply wonderful. A quick, entertaining, and clever read.

This is a character driven story that doesn't disappoint in that respect. I love Elinor and the Duke, and absolutely adore Dr. Charlotte. The "world" isn't very fleshed out, but again it's a character driven story. I particularly enjoyed the food descriptions during the competition meal times of the Winter Revels, held by the King.

It's a cozy and tidy mystery, and second in the series. I do feel it stands alone, as there is just enough hint and clue to the first one to get the reader by. It's like a Nancy Drew book, referencing events in a previous mystery but no part of this book depends on that one.

The romantic tension between Elinor and the Duke is lovely, as a I'm not one to enjoy rushed romances. The way the are depending on each other to solve this mystery is indicative of respect and partnership. I'll be grabbing the previous book and look foward to more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rook and Castle Press for the advanced copy to read.

I want to thank netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I haven't read Byrd Nash before nor have I read book1 in the series - ghost talker but I loved loved this book.
There isn't a single moment of boredom. There is intrigue, angry ghosts that throw pans , gastronomic goodness, a very very slow burn romance and suspects abound in a murder attempt. Last of all, the setting of a country estate with all the characters under one roof, what can go wrong.

There was a mild requirement of reading the prior book but it isnt necessary. I am definitely going back to read ghost talker now that i am done with this book.

With thanks to Netgalley and Rook and Castle for my ARC. Special thanks to Byrd Nash the author for sharing that this title and its sequel, Spirit Guide were available via Netgalley.

I whizzed through Ghost Talker, the first title in this series and was instantly addicted, Delicious Death took the world and character building of the first story and expanded both. A well told tale that expands narrative threads begun in Ghost Talker, these stories are compelling reads fusing Gaslamp fantasy with murder mystery, historical settings and a soupçon of romance.

Thankfully I don’t have to wait for the next title Spirit Guide as I already have it waiting to be enjoyed.

Madame Chalamet goes on a Victorian foodie competition-what could go wrong? Only freeloading ghosts, assassination attempts and, god forbid, she doesn't get to enjoy her meals!

This series gets better and better every book. It's like a mélange of everything I like: urban fantasy, historical slow burn romance, murder mystery, travelogue and a little touch of thriller. Recommended!

Book two of four and NetGalley have really got me hooked on this series of books by Byrd Nash!

Enjoyed the first but, now we are getting to really know Elinor and Tristan, we can really see the characters grow!

A gentle book of a psychic able to see ghosts and a formidable handsome Duke who are thrown together to solve mysteries of murder and mayhem…… with a hint of romance thrown in for good measure! Gimme more!

The second fun cosy ghost mystery in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series. Although short, this is jam packed with mystery, secrets, deceit and romance so you'll want to finish in one sitting because you can't put it down. This book follows a fast paced mystery with Elinor and her friends having to solve who is trying to kill the king. I liked seeing more of the characters and their relationships developing. I also find the worldbuilding and the lore of ghosts really interesting and unique and I would like to learn more. The writing is amazing and intriguing and the overall book is light-hearted and an easy quick read, I'd recommend for anyone who wants a short book or if you're in a reading slump.

4.5/5⭐️

After finishing the initial book, I enjoyed it so much that I immediately purchased books 2 and 3 (4 is not out yet).

This was another fun ghost talker mystery featuring Elinor Chalamet and her eclectic gang of friends.

This one centers around an elite cook-off that might turn deadly for king. It also has Elinor helping bring closure for both some ghosts and their loved ones in mourning.

The duke (in all his dukeness) is both charming and enigmatic in this one, but things with he and Elinor do begin moving slowly along.

Love the characters, love the stories and love the fantasy world…a winner of a series.

This is the second book in a six part Gaslamp Fantasy Ghost Mystery series set in a time period reflective of the the late Victorian/early Edwardian era, circa 1880-1911, in a fictional land that is similar to but more of a blending of our own. Protagonist Elinor Chalamet, a Ghost Talker and member of the Morpheus Society who assists the police, from time to time, accepts an invitation from the King to attend the Winter Revels in Vouvant, described by Elinor as "the land of wine, lemons, and olives . . . and blessed sun." The purpose of the Revels is to allow the King to mingle with his subjects, not to mention provide a backdrop for a competition among the top 6 chefs of the land. Elinor invites her friend, Dr. Charlotte, LaRue (the coroner in charge of Alenbonne's morgue) to accompany her, and they embark on holiday looking forward to a relaxing time filled with sunshine and amazing food. However, their time is not quite as relaxing as desired between ghosts, seances, saving young ladies' reputations, and an attempted assassination. On the other hand, Elinor and Charlotte are no longer suffering the boredom of which both complained in Alenbonne'.

Of course, as the King's "fixer," the Duke de Archambeau also is present, and once the King's life is at risk, he and Elinor find themselves alternately competing and partnering to identify the would-be assassin.

Once again, this book took me outside my comfort zone, but less so than the first (possibly due to the introductions in Ghost Talker). The characters are intelligent, the dialogue witty, and while the setting is completely fictional, it would do any late Victorian era historical cozy mystery justice, with its pompous, hypocritical, and often immoral, aristocracy.

I enjoyed this book, particularly the interactions between Elinor and Archambeau, and the slow burn romance that is developing between the two. I am off to read the third book and highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical fantasy, but also to those of us who are more accustomed to cozy paranormal and/or historical mysteries.

amateur-sleuth, aristocrat, attempted-murder, banter, chef, coercion, cooking-contest, gaslamp-fantasy, ghosts, haunt, historical-fiction, investigations, medium, Morpheus Society, mystery, paranormal, poisons, read, romantic, secret-passages, secrets, situational-humor, supernatural, suspense, verbal-humor*****

Welcome back to a world similar to the European past.
It's a very busy story filled with frustrated ghosts, personal backstories on the main characters, danger, a cooking festival held in a rather seedy castle, new permanent characters, and lots of fun and witticisms. Engrossing!
It's not really France, and the time frame is historic but indistinct.
Loved it!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Rook and Castle Press/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles via NetGalley. Thank you!

For her work well done, the Crown rewards Elinor with tickets to a food festival. When someone attempts to take out the King, Elinor and friends are quick to look into it.

With lots going on, you’ll find yourself totally immersed in the book and won’t be able to put it down until the last page. That’s how good the writing is and you’re missing out if you haven’t read this series yet. Grab the the first one and prepare to travel back in time!

Another solid novella in this genre-mixing series. Historical romance, alternate reality, supernatural powers, mystery and adventure, Byrd Nash seamlessly combines them all. I am loving the series so far and excited to continue. I've got to see Madame Chalamet and the Duke get together!

This adventure takes place a few months after the first novella. As a reward for helping the crown, Madame Chalamet is gifted tickets to a food festival at a country manor. Of course, she takes her bestie, the fiesty Dr. LaRue and the Duke and his family are all there as well. After an attempt on the king's life the gang is on the case. There is a killer to catch, ghosts to crossover, and a romance to rekindle! It's fast-paced and fun.

Fans of Gail Carriger, Deanna Raybourn, Genevieve Cogman, and Anna Lee Huber will really dig this series. They are quick weekend reads.