The Paris Mystery Review

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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!

Charlie has left her failed marriage behind in Australia and moved to Paris. It's 1938 and she's determined to make herself the best crime reporter in town. She gets a good start when a man is killed at the Circus Ball, which she's attended thanks to Lady Ashcroft, a wealthy British expat. Charlie links up with Inspector Bernard and we're off. It's an interesting take on a historical cozy - and it's got room to grow as a series. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, A good read and I'm look forward to more from Manning.

It’s 1938 and Charlie, short for Charlotte, has just landed her dream job as a reporter for The Times in Paris. (Her masculine byline may have something to do with that but who’s counting!) Charlie has just arrived as her marriage back in Australia is ending and she’s looking for a fresh start in the legendary city. Almost immediately she’s drawn in to the intrigues of high society and it’s not as glamorous as it seems. In fact, it’s dangerous and deadly. In the background Hitler is making noise and Europe is on edge, afraid of another war.

This is a fun, interesting whodunnit. Paris is a lovely setting and I find the ‘intrepid girl reporter’ trope entertaining. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the rest of the series.

This is a new series starting Charlie James. A sassy, head strong red headed news reporter from Australia, living in Paris.
Charlie and her boss George and his secretary Violate are all ver likable characters.
While covering a summer ball, a Murder takes place and Charlie’s on it. This was a refreshing mystery. It had me wrongly thinking about whom the murderer was until the end. I look forward to the second book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for a honest opinion. 3.5

This gave me all the Agatha Christie vibes! It is 1938 and Charlotte, (Charlie) James is a young, ambitious Australian journalist. She is given the opportunity of a lifetime to be a foreign correspondent for The Times, a British-based newspaper, in Paris. It comes at the prefect time, as she needs a fresh start, away from her crumbling marriage in Sydney. She needs a big story to prove herself, and she finds just that when a man is murdered at the Ashworth’s Circus Ball. The victim was a man who had many enemies, which means there is a long list of likely suspects. Charlie will stop at nothing to solve the crime, and get the story.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this e-arc.*

Charlie James is full of surprises. Hoping to start a new life she arrives in pre World War II Paris and is met by her boss, who expected Charlie, not Charlotte, an attractive, ambitious, and talented news reporter. Hoping to secure a position as the Paris Correspondent for the London Times she strives to prove herself worthy of the position, regardless of her sex. Though initially to get close to the politically “in crowd” she interviews the influential Lady Ashworth and gains an invitation to the Spring Ball Gala. Drama, murder, friendship, and relationships are woven into an intricate plot with several surprising twists. I am not sure that all the detail about Charlie’s ex husband added to this tale, but since this is the first of a series there may be relevance in future books. Charlie is a very likeable character and I am glad that this is the first of a series so I will enjoy more of her adventures. Since this first book takes place in 1938, the war is brewing so I suspect (and hope) that there may be some historical events included in subsequent episodes. This is the first book authored by Kirsty Manning that I have read. I hope to read some of her previous books and look forward to additional books in this series.
Thanks to Net Galley for providing an electronic prepublication copy of this book for me to review.

Set in Paris 1938 Charlie is a female trying to be a journalist for the British paper.
She is to cover a special event with important people when a murder is committed.Charlie tries to gather all the facts to solve the murder.
Intriguing story with good characters,suspense,danger,twists and mystery.Voluntarily reviewed.

On a rainy gray Sunday morning I whizzed through this story. It has everything--romance, mystery, haute couture, gourmet dining, international intrigue, women's rights. I was so fascinated I didn't realize that it had turned into a beautiful sunny afternoon.

1938, Paris, murder and secrets. What a way to start of book one of The Charlie James series.
Charlie is an Australian reporter making her own way in Paris. Little does she know what’s ahead. A fun, historical fiction with a female lead that’s a comparison to Shiela Grant Duff.
Looking forward to more in this series.

Pub Date: 07/25/2023

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I didn’t really like this one. It was more of a cozy mystery which is not my vibe. I didn’t really dare for this.

I really enjoyed this book! The timeline, the setting, all the characters, were vivid. Charlie especially was memorable, but the supporting characters were well-developed and I was hoping for a series!

My thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the book in exchange for my honest thoughts. This was my first read by the author, and I’ll definitely be looking for more. Such a delightful story.

A newspaper reporter attends a society ball where a murder has occurred and helps with the investigation of the murder.

The Paris Mystery was great! I liked Charlie James and her friend, Violet a lot. I found almost every character in this lively, descriptive and engaging novel likable. Key word here is almost…there are a few rather despicable fellows in The Paris Mystery, too.

In 1938 Charlotte James, a.k.a. Charlie James, left Sydney Australia and her marriage to take a job as a reporter for the Times in Paris. Unbeknownst to her soon to be boss, Charlie James is a woman. And, as such, she needs to prove she is better than any male reporter in the competitive field of Paris journalism.

A key component in her success is her ability to mingle with the upper-crust of society as well as being in the right place, at the right time, to get the scoop. Charlie clicked with Lady Ashworth, one of high society’s most beloved and sought after hostesses, which gave her immediate access to people she would not have easily met on her own.

Violet, the Times receptionist, most valued employee and sometime miracle worker, comes from an established English family who wants her to return to London to find a suitable husband. Violet, who loves design and Paris, becomes Charlie’s best friend and together they tackle society head-on.

Murder soon rears its ugly head, sending Charlie and Violet on a chase to find the killer. In the process, Charlie and Inspector Benoit Bernard share information and begin to trust each other in an effort to solve the crime(s).

As the story unfolds, we are treated to mouth-watering descriptions of Paris couture, elegant dining and extravagant, lavish dinner parties and gatherings. I was delighted to read in the Author’s Notes the events, and many of the main characters, were based on actual events and compilations of impressive women. That said, I could have done without the sex scenes - all of them. As far as I’m concerned they didn’t add anything to this book.

The Paris Mystery is chock full of twists and turns to the very end. I had absolutely no idea who the murderer was and I often figure this out before the end of a book. I was surprised when the murderer was unveiled and then surprised again when the next twist in this tale emerged towards the end.

I hope Kirsty Manning has the next Charlie James book in the works as I will be delighted to meet Inspector Bernard, Violet and the Times crew again soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Vintage Anchor for an advanced copy of The Paris Mystery in exchange for my honest review.

Charlotte "Charlie" James is an Australian news journalist who has landed her dream job. A reporter for The Times in Paris. Since Charlie is going through a rough patch in her life, namely a divorce this job came at the perfect time. Charlie tells herself that this new job will help her get over her pending divorce, and Paris will be a new beginning Once Charlie settles into her new city she finds herself meeting Lady Ashcroft. Charlie then finds herself attending Lady Ashcroft's Circus Ball where she is meeting many high ranking social friends of Mrs. Ashcroft's. The thing Charlie didn't intend on reporting on was that a very rich and connected patron. Charlie knows this is the story she has been waiting for and jumps in head first. Yet there are many people she must handle carefully and make sure she stays on Mrs. Ashcroft"s good side.

Once Charlie starts working with Inspecteur Bernard she knew she must remember to work with him not against him or she will never get the information she needs With the help of her good friend Violet who is popular in the Paris fashion circles. Charlies steps into the world of the rich and famous and attends Paris's biggest social events. While she is attending these events, Charlie will also be looking into who the killer is and what danger lurks around the corner for her friends and for herself.

Charlie's character was so well written. A young women who will be divorced is something you would never hear about in 1938. She also was a women with a career. A career that was usually held by men. So digging into this story of murder of the rich was very refreshing to read. I also loved the era of the 1930's, the fashion, big parties and old Paris. The secondary characters were also written very colorfully. Everything about this book was charming and appealing and I couldn't put it down.

Thank you Ms. Manning for a truly enjoyable book that I will recommend highly to all my mystery readers. Also NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for the ARC copy. It was mentioned that this is the first in a series. I surly hope that down the road I will be able to read about the next Charlie James adventure. I feel she has many stories to tell.
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Fresh off the boat from Australia and newly single, Charlotte 'Charlie' James hits the ground running in Paris as a new correspondent journalist for The Times. Slightly unrealistic at times, Charlie finds her footing quickly in society and a network to work with. The mystery was intriguing, even with a slightly predictable twist at the end. Was not disappointed and had a good time over all. Violet was the unsung hero of this story.
Seemed to drag on unnecessarily in parts and was a bit slow to start for me for a murder mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the eARC for an honest review.

Engaging historical fiction mystery.
Only slightly historical in that the time period is well-defined. The main character, Charlotte "Charlie" James, is not specifically involved in any real events of that time.
Charlie is a journalist who starts a new job at the Paris bureau of the London Times.
She gets the job site-unseen from England, so the editor thinks she is a man until she shows up.
He's angry; she has to prove herself.
Her first assignment is to write a piece on a rich, generous woman who is known to throw lavish parties.
And then someone is murdered and it becomes a who-dun-it.
There is a large, varied group of characters. She also has a best friend from the office who helps her.

I found some of it rather predictable. The time-period, and the way women were treated then, has been covered many times.
I had no clue, however, who the murderer was. The author did a good job of misdirection and provided several red herrings.
Overall, I was satisfied with this book. I would recommend it to mystery lovers with the proviso that the story is a bit oversimplified.
I give it 3-1/2 stars.

I was unable to finish this book and thus will not be posting a full review to my blog. Immediately, I found the story troll and the language cliche. I'm sure it will work for others but unfortunately it did not work for me. Thank you for the opportunity and consideration.

For the most part, this was your typical murder mystery. A woman reporter in a time when they were not common, who helped the police solve a murder mystery with a few twists and turns thrown in... but nothing that helped it stand out from other murder mysteries. It took a while to get to the actual murder, about a quarter of the way through the book, although I attribute this to this story being the first in a series so the author needed to introduce characters and get the setting established. However, there were a few things included that made it seem like the author was either trying to meet a page quota and stretch the story out... or maybe to pull in a different audience?... that had no relevance to the story and were more of a distraction, and in my opinion, not in a good way. Our crime solving reporter found herself relocated to Paris as a correspondent in the midst of a divorce from her husband, that part is logical and contributes to the story explaining why she is where she is. However, more than halfway through the book there are flashbacks to the night the reporter found out her husband was cheating on her, sparking the divorce, which includes their last time having sex (in a closet at a party) that just flat out didn't fit in with anything or have anything to do with the plot or the murder. As I said, it felt like the author might have been trying to meet a page quota or maybe was trying to bring in the romance audience? It made it even worse that the flashback was followed by her mastribating to the memory... which fit in even less than the flashback and really had nothing to do with anything. I don't know why the author chose to make the choice to add that to the story but maybe the future books in the series should just stick to the murder mystery. Really my rating would be 2.5 stars because of the unnecessary additions but since I can't give half a start I've rounded up as the book without those parts was about average. I likely won't continue to read the series and there are better murder mysteries out there, but it isn't the worst book I've read.

The Paris Mystery

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for providing an unbiased review.

3.75

I won’t bog half of my review down with a summary of the book like many reviewers as I assume you are able to look above to the publisher’s summary that says the same thing. That drives me crazy when I just want to know their opinion!

I liked this book.

I was a little hesitant since I knew nothing about the author or the book and was anxious to get to another upcoming release that is part of a series I love. It takes place in Paris, obviously, in an era suspended in time after the gilded age and the depression and between the two wars. In fact, it takes place the year before World War II began, but there isn’t a ton of recognition of the circumstances in Germany, especially early on, for it to be so close. For a while, I actually thought it took place after World War II, which, to me, is always a relief not to have to read about the horrific events. I read plenty of novels and non-fiction books about the atrocities of the war and prefer to leave it out of my cozy mysteries.

I loved that Charlotte/Charlie was Australian. It’s a bit of a change from all the main characters who are American or British ex-pats, though there were plenty of those as supporting characters. That’s understandable, since she was working for the London Times and lots of rich Americans moved to Europe in the early 20th century.

Before I continue, I was continually perplexed about how her editor in Sydney could have sent a recommendation letter to the editor in Paris without using any pronouns, as she got the job by the assumption that Charlie was a man. I would assume that the editor would immediately fire her in real life and not even get to see how well she does.

That leads me to another important point. None of this story would have been possible without Violet! It kind of got a little ridiculous after a while. She was the one that convinced the editor to give Charlie, a chance, though that made sense, considering the main objective was to court, Lady Ashworth. She got Charlie into every event that mattered and introduced her to every important character, none of which Charlie could have investigated without, not to mention that she made sure she was dressed appropriately in couture that Charlie could never afford. It’s not pilots circumstances that are so unbelievable to me, though I imagine many people will question it, but that she was always one step ahead of Charlie, but didn’t get credit or personally solve the case, though Charlie did have the access to pursue some of those leads better than Violet. I have known many Children of extremely rich people who have had to get a job because they don’t have disposable income, but still have access to fancy apartments, important people, and luxury items. Why she would really want to work for George. The editor is a little questionable though.

Speaking of unbelievable, Charlie arrives in Paris along with divorce papers that will supposedly finalize her divorce as soon as she sends them back to Australia. Semi spoiler: it takes a while to find out about her marriage and its demise and it’s really not a satisfying answer, especially since it’s really just a comment by one woman that sends her immediately to a lawyer to start the proceedings, apparently without even confronting her husband. Then she immediately takes a job and moves halfway across the world. If there’s another book, I can’t imagine them not incorporating the husband, and I’m surprised if he really had signed the papers first.

The opulence in the story is great, and I liked the location that was next to Versailles. The mystery itself was good, not great, but kept me interested enough to read the book quickly. In submission, it’s a cozyish/amateur sleuth mystery in a fun era with some wild characters and a fun read overall. I’m sure there are elements that others may obsess over but if you take it for what it is and understand that it was a much different time and place, it is worth a try.

Murder is an uninvited guest to the most anticipated society party in Paris.

Looking to leave behind a failed marriage in her native Australia, seasoned reporter Charlotte “Charlie” James arrives at the Gare du Nord in the summer of 1938. There she is met by her new boss, George Roberts, who was under the impression that his new reporter was a man. Oops! Charlie had learned Down Under that many people give more credence to her work when they think she is male, so she has always published as Charlie….and figured that would be the best way to land a job at the Paris Bureau of The TImes. Roberts, who was certainly impressed by her portfolio of work, is willing to give her a chance. He leaves her in the hands of his very chic office manager, Violet Carthage, and tells Charlie to report to work the following day. There she is given her make-or-break assignment….interview the leading member of Parisian society, British ex-pat Lady Ashworth, and establish a friendship with her and her husband, Lord Ashworth. If the Ashworths welcome her into their circle, Charlie will have the necessary entrée into le tout monde, the cream of society, and as such will be positioned to have the pulse of the city. Fortunately, Charlie does just that, and is invited to the Circus Ball, the extravagant summer party being thrown by the Ashworths at their newly renovated estate (conveniently right next door to Versailles), the Villa Trianon. Violet uses her connection to Aleksandr Ivanov, a Russian designer working for one of the elite fashion houses, to make sure that Charlie is suitably attired for the event….and event it is, with maharajahs arriving on elephants, trapeze artists, knife throwers, and more. No one throws a party like the members of le tout monde, and Lady Ashworth is the acknowledged master of the art. There are hundreds of the most celebrated residents of Paris there, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor; Violet and Alexsandr, Lady Ashworth’s assistant and aspiring photographer from the American South, Conrad Mackenzie; famed banker to the wealthy Maxime Marchand and his wife Claudette; Milly Goldsmith, wealthy American socialite and correspondent to Harper’s Bazaar; and handsome British military attaché Commander Rose-Thomas and his wife Mercedes. When Milly emerges from the garden later that night screaming and with a bloody knife in her hands, it is clear that this is not one of Lady Ashworth’s party tricks. Someone has been brutally murdered, and just about everyone at the party has a motive to kill him. They say that most murders are committed over money, sex or power….and the victim had plenty of all of the above. The police are summoned, and Inspecteur Bernard is charged with finding the killer. As an investigative reporter, Charlie digs in to the story as well, and her experience in establishing a cooperative relationship with law enforcement back in Australia has Charlie pushing to share information with Bernard. Digging into the secrets and scandals that tie Marchand to the upper ranks of society won’t be easy, and it might just prove deadly to anyone who tries.
In the first of what is hoped to be a new series from author Kristy Manning, the reader meets tenacious reporter Charlie, who is smart and ambitious even as she recovers from setbacks in her personal life. The gruff but supportive boss Roberts, the fashionista Violet, and not one but two handsome men who appeal to Charlie, Commander Rose-Thomas and Inspecteur Bernard form the supporting cast. With a backdrop as glamorous as Paris as she rebounds from the First World War….the scandalous Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the elegant creations of fashion houses like Chanel and Mainbocher, and the amazing food and continually flowing champagne…it is hard not to be drawn into the decadent, anything-goes atmosphere. The Paris Mystery is a fun romp of a whodunnit, and the characters have the potential to continue future adventures (minus, of course, the dead man and the killer, one hopes). Readers who enjoyed The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre by Natasha Lester, The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict, and lighter historical mysteries in general should give this a try. My thanks to NetGalley and Vintage/Penguin Random House for providing me access to an advanced reader’s copy of The Paris Mystery.