The Paris Mystery is an easy to read cozy mystery. An Australian news correspondent, Charlie James, moves to Paris and is immediately wrapped up in the the high class world of the Parisian elite. She is invited to a fancy ball by Lady and Lord Ashworth and while watching the circus acts performing a guest is murdered. Charlie and the French police investigate the murder trying to determine which party guest is the culprit.

I liked Charlie as a character, but I was more drawn to Violet and felt she was a powerhouse character. I would have loved to hear some of the story from her perspective. The murder didn't happen until almost 25% of the way through so the beginning of the book was slower for me. I enjoyed the end, but I do not know how memorable this book will be for me. Fun and easy while I read it, but not groundbreaking.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for granting me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a messy one for me. Left me relieved it was over, if I'm honest.
If you've read any of my reviews, you'll know I'm a big dialogue girl. I love books based and pulled along with pure dialogue. So, it should come as no surprise that one of the biggest sticking points on this one is the dialogue. It was horrendous. Choppy. Unrealistic. Cringe-worthy.
The plot felt messy, if not slightly boring. Another reviewer said it best when she called the MC a schemer. I see that.
Although I appreciate any book set in Paris. A MC that's a reporter. A female breaking boundaries....... this one couldn't cut it for me.
I could picture this as a cheesy, dramatic UK TV show? Anyone else?
I'm rating this a 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 due to the setting and other aspects of the story that pulled on my heart strings.

I love a mystery set in the 1930s, and what fun to visit Paris instead of London or New York! Charlie James, looking to escape a failed marriage in her hometown of Sydney, has pulled up stakes and moved to France. The chief of The Times’ Paris bureau, having hired her believing she’s a man, decides to give her a chance. She’s assigned to cover the ball of the season, Lord and Lady Ashworth’s Circus Ball, and finds herself in the right place at the right time to get a sensational scoop on the murder of a prominent banker.

Likes: I enjoyed the friendship between Violet and Charlie; it’s always nice to find a pair of female detectives on the page, even if Violet doesn’t get much credit in the story for her contributions to the investigation. The cast of supporting characters is full of convincing red herrings and a few characters based on real-life people (Lady Ashworth is immediately recognizable as a doppelganger of Elsie de Wolfe). My favorite bits, it must be said, are the descriptions of the clothes! Having a character serve as an employee of Mainbocher is quite fun. Like Charlie, I would have been unable to turn down a free gown!

Dislikes: Some bits verged on melodrama. The pace of this book is uneven, and I found some of the scenes, like a drunken scavenger hunt and a flashback to Charlie’s old life in Sydney, unnecessary. The sex scenes were a bit more explicit than what I expect to find in a cozy title. I also found the final scene hard to swallow. This was a fairly entertaining read but, like the title, didn’t strike me as unique or memorable.

FYI: murder, violence, sexual assault, infidelity. References to parental abandonment and death of parents.

A new to me author with the start to a new historical mystery, pulled me in from the first!

Charlie has her chance to make her mark as a journalist and prove she can do even better than the men. Covering a ball in Paris seems the perfect chance, but she never expected murder!!

A fun, entertaining story that puts you in Paris in the 1930's and has you guessing until the end! Cannot wait until more! I read this through NetGallery

Such a great story with an appealing main character and lovely setting. Author did a good job of making you feel you were in 1938 Paris. Book title was a little dull and did little to inspire the story.
Would read a sequel. Thanks to #NetGalley and #TheParisMystery for advanced digital copy..

The year is 1938 and Charlotte “Charlie” James has just arrived in Paris. As the new Paris desk correspondent for the newspaper “The Times,” she is met right off the train by her boss and his office manager. The stakes are high that she prove her worthiness of the position from her first story. This is especially true since her boss was under the impression that with the name Charlie, she was a he, as almost everyone writing for a paper in 1938 was.

Charlie is to immerse herself into the world of Lord and Lady Ashworth. Obtaining a relationship with the pair as well as a much coveted invitation to their annual party is a must if she wants to maintain her position and new life in Paris. With the help of the paper’s office manager and Charlie’s new friend, Violet Carthage, she manages both. Little does she know that this years party, the Circus Ball, will include a murder and put her on the new assignment of finding a killer.

This book kept me guessing right up to the last pages! Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher Vintage Anchor, and the author Kristy Manning for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Charlotte “Charlie” James is a new journalist for The Times of London, and she finds herself assigned to cover the Paris elite. On her first assignment, she attends the Circus Ball hosted by Lord and Lady Ashworth. While Charlie is there to get background information and make connections, she soon finds herself covering a murder when a scream rings out and a bloody knife makes an appearance.

One tiny criticism about this book and cozy mysteries in general: I REALLY wish more books included a dramatis personae at the beginning of the books. It just really helps to have a list of characters in these cozy mysteries that are set in a time or place where naming conventions vary from our current conventions.
I really enjoyed this cozy little mystery, and it’s perfect for fans of the genre. I found the aspect of Charlie as a female reporter during a time when the industry was male dominated to be an interesting back drop. Charlie is a clever character who uses the limitations society tried to place on her to her advantage.

“Instead, hands covered mouths as the guests huddled closer together. For it was not music they were listening to: it was a terrifying scream.”

Charlie James leaves Australia in 1938 to become the British Times Paris correspondent. She starts to mingle in high society when there’s a murder. A wealthy investor Maxime Marchand is killed at Lady Ashworth’s Circus Ball. Which of the hundreds of guests performed the horrific deed? Charlie works with Inspector Bernard to find the alibis of Commander Rose-Thomas and his wife. Milly Goldsmith, Lord and Lady Ashworth, Madame Marchand and her son, Photographer Conrad McKenzie, Violet and Alexander and others. It’s a complicated and fascinating mystery and quite entertaining!

I was interested in this book as soon as I read the prologue, which set the stage nicely for the mystery to come. I liked Charlie James quite a lot, as a woman who is working out of her traditional role. I wish the details of her marriage issues had come earlier than 62% into the story, it would have helped in understanding her character. Violet was delightful, someone who had options but was right where she wanted to be and was enjoying every minute. The twist at the end was not a complete surprise but still handled well, and leaves me wanting to read a second installment to continue on with these characters. Paris itself was a very strong character and always a pleasure.

Thank you Vintage for my complimentary eARC and PRHAudio for my complimentary audiobook. I paired them so I could enjoy the correct French pronunciation. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Paris Mystery was a fast paced and enjoyable read. I would classify it between a cozy and thriller. While not much attention was focused on the food, (as would a cozy) instead the Paris lifestyle was shown in all her glory. Since returning from Paris this spring, I have been drawn to all stories set in the glorious city and this one did not disappoint.

I enjoyed all the characters and the historical aspect of the late 1930’s. The story is set between the wars so Paris is a fun and exciting place to be.

Charlie is a great news writer and amateur sleuth. The constraints placed on women in a typical man dominated field do not keep her down. I hope there are more books to come as I believe Charlie has a very bright future ahead of her.

Anthea Greco did a superb job as narrator. She had a very pleasant voice. I really enjoyed listening to the correct pronunciation of the French words.

"Charlie James is chasing her first big scoop as correspondent for British-based newspaper The Times, and she needs to prove to her boss that she can do this job as well, if not better, than her male counterparts. The best way to forge the necessary contacts quickly is to make well-connected British experts, Lord and Lady Ashworth, her business. Lady Eleanor knows everyone in Parisian high society, and at her sumptuously extravagant annual party, a Circus Ball, Charlie will meet them all." Lord Ashworth turns out to be the culprit. He was the surprising element in this tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Despite the books title, there is no sign of a mystery at all in the first quarter of this new novel by Kirsty Manning, but there is a delightful escapade through 1938 Parisian high society. The main character is a young Australian journalist, who has just taken a new position as a foreign correspondent for the British newspaper, the Times, in their Paris bureau. Hired sight unseen based on her reporting in her hometown newspaper, Charlie (Charlotte) James surprises her new boss upon arrival, when, based on her name, he expected a man to appear. Immediately, he lets her know that she must excel in her very first reported story or he will quickly replace her.

Charlie’s first assignment will be to explore the private world and political network of Lord and Lady Ashworth, who have recently relocated to Paris from London due to the Lord’s appointment as a diplomat. The Ashworths are one of Paris‘ wealthiest and most prominent society hosts during a troubled time in Europe’s history, when Germany’s growing aggression is causing increasing concern among Europe’s leaders and powerful people. As Charlie ingratiates herself with Lady Ashworth and infiltrates the pre-WWII world of Parisian high society known as le tout-Paris, readers follow her attempts to learn more about their inner circle of friends and their political sympathies. She is introduced to society’s beautiful people, and readers accompany her as she learns about their preferences in couture apparel, wines and champagnes, lavish food, and luxe residences. Of course, she, and readers, also hear numerous whispers and innuendo about clandestine liaisons, drug secrets and extramarital affairs. Having successfully gained the friendship of Lady Ashworth, Charlie is invited to Lady Ashworth’s famous masked circus ball, which very exclusive guest list even includes Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor. While waiting for something sinister to occur, we are entertained by a delightful frothy overview of the extravagant behavior of this elite circle. Then, in the middle of the elaborate festivities, a bloody body is discovered.

Charlie is told very directly by her new boss that to secure her post with the Times, she must scoop the other top newspapers that have raced to print “Society Murder” headlines, in her reporting of facts on the crime. Charlie is determined to play amateur sleuth and discover the truth as quickly as possible, not only to secure her reporting position, but to aid some of her new society friends who are coming under suspicion. No grisly facts must be dealt with, the mystery is not overwhelmingly complicated, and Charlie has a reasonably smooth path ahead to solve the mystery with a little help from a charming and handsome police inspector. She faces her challenges without needing to work too hard or sacrifice her new love of independence and French indulgence. The remainder of the book is a charming, breezy adventure in which Charlie achieves her goals while never turning down a glass of wine, a martini or a flute of champagne!

Thank you to Net Galley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
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Charlotte (Charlie) James relocated from Australia to Paris in order to be a reporter on the Paris desk for the London Times. The daughter of a well known prosecutor, she was raised to be independent and dogged in spirit. She was divorcing her husband of two years for his infidelity and needed a fresh start. Although surprised that “Charlie James” turned out to be an attractive female, her new boss quickly assigned her to covering Lady Ashworth and her charity functions. She becomes involved with a variety of characters, including a dress designer, an American photographer, a British commander, and many more. She uses her investigative skills to solve the Paris mystery. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.

What a wonderful read! This was a very enjoyable mystery with a cast of quirky characters with lots of personality. I loved every second of the audacious dream that is Paris and its excesses. I would highly recommend this very fast paced fascinating novel. Looking forward to the next Charlie James mystery!

It took a really long time to get to the mystery (nearly 25% of the way in).

If you’re looking for vivid descriptions of food, parties, and Paris in general you’ll definitely enjoy this book.

I wanted more action from Charlie and less conversations. The amount of characters who all spoke the same made it difficult to differentiate between them.

The mystery plot line was good; it just dragged on too long with irrelevant informaron shared either as a red herring or background knowledge.

This is the first entry in a planned series by Australian author Kristy Manning.

Reporter Charlie (Charlotte) James, seeking to start a new chapter of her life as she divorces her unfaithful Australian husband, lands a job as a reporter for the London Times in Paris. Eager to prove herself in a male dominated career, she's quickly immersed in reporting on the lives of some of Paris' rich and famous. In less than a week a murder occurs at a fancy party given by a wealthy expat British couple who live in a cottage on the estate of Versailles. Charlie is curious and tenacious and improbably manages to immediately insert herself in helping the chief inspector solve the case.

The Paris Mystery is a light, fast mystery with a look into 1938 Paris high society and fashion on the brink of WWII. I will look forward to future installments of Charlie's story - the premise is a good one - plucky, likeable young reporter turned sleuth at a momentous time in history, with the backdrop of one of my favorite cities. The pace of the plot strained credulity, the characters needed more development and her writing style could be tightened up, but the author did a great job of setting the scene and obviously did a lot of research. And that cover is fantastic! Overall it was an enjoyable read for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Vintage Anchor for the opportunity to read an advanced coy.

Paris, 1938. Charlie James arrives looking for a fresh start and what better place than Paris to get a second chance in life? But trouble is just around the corner!

From Amazon:
Charlie James is chasing her first big scoop as correspondent for British-based newspaper The Times, and she needs to prove to her boss that she can do this job as well, if not better, than her male counterparts. The best way to forge the necessary contacts quickly is to make well-connected British expats, Lord and Lady Ashworth, her business. Lady Eleanor knows everyone in Parisian high society, and at her sumptuously extravagant annual party, a Circus Ball, Charlie will meet them all.

On the summer solstice eve, the Circus Ball is in full swing, with the Parisian elites entranced by burlesque dancers, tightrope walkers, a jazz band . . . and a horrific murder. A wealthy but unscrupulous investor is dead, and the list of suspects is a veritable who's who of le haut monde. As Charlie tries to determine who the murderer is, she finds herself drawn into the magical parties, couture houses, and bohemian wine bars of the City of Lights. Soon secrets start to unravel, including some Charlie has a personal stake in keeping hidden.


I. LOVED. THIS. It was great fun and very fabulous. The author did an excellent job of transporting us to Paris in all of it's opulent glory. The mystery was solid. The main character is great. I look foward to further installments in this series.

Many thanks to Penguine Random House for the digital advanced reader copy in exchange for and honest review. The novel will be published this coming Tuesday, July 25, 203 and I highly recommned it.

historical-fiction, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, mystery, thriller, international-crime-and-mystery, international-tensions, occupied-France, romantic, fashion, intrigue, feminist, murder, murder-investigation, suspense, twisty, amateur-sleuth, unputdownable, new-series, first-in-series*****

An Aussie girl with ambitions to be a journalist heads off to Paris at the very beginning of WW2 with all the dangers she cannot foresee. The characters and the situations are very clearly depicted and the whole plot is very well done and drew me along until I finished it in near record time.
I requested and received an EARC from Penguin Random House/Vintage via NetGalley. Thank you!

Australian Author

Intriguing novel mixed in with the delicious sights and sounds of Paris and an intrepid reporter all make for a dazzling mystery, except for the boring title - The Paris Mystery. Charlie James finds her dream job with the Times in Paris. Her first story is an indepth intervivew with Lady Ashworth, one of the movers and shakers of Paris society. Invited to Lady Ashworth extravaganza Circus Ball, Charlie has high hopes for her career and the article until she finds a dead man in the bushes. He is a wealthy, but unscrupulous merchant and investor. Everyone is a suspect and Charlie finds herself caught between her journalism job and friendship. An excellent first in a series and I am looking for more.

The Paris Mystery Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow! I have never read a novel by Kirsten Manning before, but I can say this will not be my last read by her. I loved this historical fiction mystery. The setting was so descriptive, and exciting! I also absolutely loved the representation of a woman trying to prove herself in a ,then male dominated, profession. The characters were so well developed, and the plot had me reading this in one sitting. I can’t wait for this series to be continued!