An interesting start to what appears to be a new series.The main character is an Anglo french investigating magistrate or judge working for the french legal system.While still grieving the loss of his wife to0 cancer he tasked with investigating the strange death of an English ex-pat in a small town near Tours. The story has a cast of interesting characters both English and french and the descriptive prose gives a feeling of french rural life.
The murder investigation follows a devious path and the perpetrator is not obvious until the final reveal.
A good start to a series which I will happily continue to read.

This is an excellent mystery story, set in the Loire valley, but with a less than picturesque murder to deal with. Juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard is (in the way of policemen with tortured souls) still suffering acute depression after the death of his wife, but is called in from "sick leave" to apply his unique skills - or more cynically to act as a useful scapegoat. Despite the usual antagonistic figures in authority over him, he manages to pull himself together, uncover all the local secrets and solve the case.
The author lives in the Loire valley and is thus able to offer convincing insights into a local community as well as the French Judicial system. In addition to his writing, Moore currently runs a B&B - his previous novels have been more lighthearted and comedic (about a middle-aged man who runs a B&B in the Loire Valley...).

I can't help but draw - positive - comparisons with Peter May's series, set in France, with a mystery-solving university professor of Scottish/Italian descent. If you miss Enzo as much as I do, you will certainly enjoy this book.

Juge Lombard is investigating a brutal murder in rural France. The Juge arrives with such a provocative and intriguing back story at every level, on completion I determined to read the earlier novels, only to find that this was the first Lombard story. Ian Moore has set the scene to be able to create a pantheon of chronologically earlier and later works, with an already intriguing cast of memorable protagonists.
Lombard is assured a long and eventful career in Mr. Moore's very capable hands.
Despite the terrible and puzzling crimes, and the race against time to stop a potential series of murders, rural France with it's combination of old school formality and relaxed boules and wine imagery remains always firmly in the background casting a spell over everything.
Looking forward to Lombard 2

A great start to a new series. Wonderful. The author carefully spins the story, meanwhile teasing the reader with hints of what surely must happen next.
Many thanks to Duckworth Books and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really struggled with this book right from the start and couldn’t get into it. It has moments where I thought I understood where it was going but mostly I found it hard to read and a bit slow.

4 out of 5 stars

This book had it all ntrigue, mystery, murder all wrapped up in an eloquently well written novel. From the very first line “He knew he was dying.” I was in. The clues were so intriguing and the mystery was riveting. Juge d’Instruction Matthieu Lombard is an amazing character and I can't wait for the next novel in this new series. Pick it up, you will not be disappointed.

Really enjoyed this - will definitely be recommending and looking forward to the next one by this author!

This was well written, with strong characters and a tight plot. I liked the setting and would read more novels in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A little slow in places, but the plot soon warms up to reveal a twisty suspense thriller. Recommended.

Too slow going for me. It was a good read apart from its pace which spoiled the book overall for me.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. As it says at the end it is meant to reflect the slow systematic method of policing in France. However I'm afraid it lost me as the pace was too slow and I was struggling to remember who all the players were.

A great start to a new series in the the very scenic setting of the French Loire Valley. I did find it a bit of a slow burn to begin with but once it picked up I was hooked. Really interesting characters and lots of twists that will keep you guessing until the end.

An interesting murder mystery set in the Loire valley. Conveys well the atmosphere of France. Good characterisation of very fallible judges, victims and witnesses. A bit slow after a dramatic start but gathered pace.

The first book in the Judge Lombard series is a clever and witty read. The characters are well defined and good plot and pacing. Will look forward to the next book. Thank you to Duckworth books and Netgalley for this ARC review copy

The Man Who Didn’t Burn is the first book in the Juge Lombard mystery series by Ian Moore.
In short, the police turn to Juge d’instruction Matthieu Lombard to investigate the brutally murdered English expat left crucified on a Loire valley hillside. There are numerous suspects in the close community of Saint-Genese-sur-Loire and Lombard questions if there are too many coincidences for events to be a coincident!
I’ve read and enjoyed a previous book by Ian and this book is another entertaining read with plenty of twists and an intriguing plot with links to Joan of Arc. If I was to sum it up I’d say it’s a murderous romp full of French flavour with a bunch of fascinating characters thrown in…what’s not to like!
Big thanks to Ian Moore, Duckworth Books and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.

"The Man Who Didn't Burn" by Ian Moore is a gem of a mystery novel that cleverly weaves together intricate elements of the French legal and police system with a sharp wit that keeps you turning the pages.

At the heart of the novel is the enigmatic lead character, Juge Lombard who is beautifully layered with self-doubt and determination. His internal struggles and relentless pursuit of justice add depth to the narrative, and you can't help but root for him.

The narrative itself is filled with clever twists and turns, ensuring that you're trying to piece together the puzzle alongside Juge Lombard. The plot unfolds with just the right balance of suspense and surprises.

What truly sets "The Man Who Didn't Burn" apart is its wit and humor. Moore's writing is peppered with clever and often humorous observations that add a delightful layer to the story. It's not just a gripping mystery; it's a delightful one that can bring a smile to your face as you navigate the intricacies of the plot.

If you're a fan of Martin Walker's Bruno series, you'll find "The Man Who Didn't Burn" to be a delightful addition to your reading list. It captures the essence of French life, culture, and the complexities of law enforcement in a way that will resonate with fans of the genre.

Well worth reading, I hope there is more to come.

I read Ian Moore's cozy mysteries and enjoyed this classic whodunit which surprised me with each twist and kept me guessing.
The setting and the characters are fleshed out and the storytelling kept me reading.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A good but not great book set in France. I found it difficult to get into and slow going to get into the plot. I am sure it will appeal to many readers.

Enjoyed this novel set in France following a half French/English Judge who is returning to work after the death of his wife. His new case is investigating a murder; the victim was left ready to be burnt at the stake, Joan of Arc style!

It was interesting to discover the French criminal system is very different to the UK with the Judge working alongside the police, not dolling out warrants or sitting on the bench when the criminal is bought to justice.

Certainly would be interested in following this character in the future.

I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.

I really liked this book. Set in France, disgraced Juge Lombard is tasked with investigating a crucifixion of an English ex-pat. As he uncovers secrets in the small town he deals with his own issues.
Although this is the first book in the series I liked that the characters were already established with the relationships between each other explained throughout.