If there’s one art the French have mastered as well as fine cuisine, it’s haute couture. Tabitha and Julia are already accustomed to sampling the delights of the former. Now fashion is returning to the forefront in Paris, as the somber hues of wartime are replaced by vibrant colors and ultra-feminine silhouettes, influenced by Christian Dior’s “New Look.”

Tabitha and Julia join a friend for a private showing at an exclusive fashion atelier, Maison Lannet. The event goes well, but when Tabitha returns later that evening to search for a lost glove, she finds the lights still on—and the couturier dead, strangled by a length of lace. The shop manager suspects that a jealous rival—perhaps Dior himself—committed the crime. Tabitha dismisses that idea, but when another body is found, it’s apparent that someone is targeting employees of Maison Lannet.

Meanwhile, Tabitha’s Grand-père and Oncle Rafe are in the midst of their own design-related fracas, as they squabble over how to decorate their new restaurant. And there are strange break-ins at a nearby shoe store—but are the crimes related? It’s up to Tabitha to don her investigative hat and find answers before someone commits another fatal fashion faux pas.

Tabitha Knight is back on the scene of another murder, or two, in another delightful installment of the American in Paris series. Filled with couture fashion and food courtesy of Julia Child this is a fun backdrop to the mystery at hand.

Tabitha Knight and her best friend Julia Child are tangled up in another murder, this time involving two exclusive clothing designers. Going into this book I knew nothing about haute coture -- or Christian Dior's "new look" -- but I quickly found myself fascinated by the exclusive ateliers. The series so far has been absolutely delightful. One of the things that first attracted me to cozy mysteries was the chance to vicariously enjoy different hobbies and settings and this book is an absolutely perfect example of that. 1950s Paris, especially thorough the eyes of Tabitha and Julia, is a whole lot of fun, even when the book explores serious subject matter.

This was my favorite of the series, as Tabitha finds two more dead bodies to begin her investigations. Julia Child again appears as Tabitha’s friend and sounding board, as Tabitha finds the head of a design house murdered. A day later, her assistant is also found murdered, creating the question of whether there were two murderers or just one. The setting is Paris in the 1950’s, where tensions after the war and the consequences of the Nazi collaborators continue to haunt Parisians. Inspector Merveille is also the investigator assigned, and his relationship with Tabitha is again teasing the reader. I highly recommend this enjoyable cozy mystery, thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Colleen Cambridge’s "A Fashionably French Murder" invites readers into a world of haute couture and high stakes, where fashion meets murder in the heart of Paris. With its intricate plotting, vibrant setting, and a dash of delightful intrigue, this novel delivers an immersive reading experience that balances charm with suspense.

Paris itself plays an integral role in the novel, enveloping the reader in its refined elegance, artistic history, and secrets that lurk beneath its polished façade. From bustling cafés to fashion houses brimming with creativity and competition, Cambridge infuses each scene with rich details that transport the reader straight into the glamour and tension of the Parisian elite.

At the novel’s heart is a murder that disrupts the world of fashion, forcing the protagonist to navigate rivalries, scandals, and the ever-watchful eyes of the industry. The mystery unfolds with precision, blending traditional detective work with the refined social circles of Paris. Clues are cleverly placed, leading to a resolution that feels both surprising and satisfyingly earned.

Cambridge’s characters are elegantly crafted, offering personalities that sparkle with wit and nuance. The protagonist is sharp, observant, and deeply entangled in a world where appearances can be deceiving. Surrounding figures—whether allies or potential foes—are written with enough depth to keep the reader guessing, ensuring every interaction adds a layer of intrigue to the unfolding mystery.

"A Fashionably French Murder" is a stylish and engaging mystery that blends Parisian glamour with a sharp, satisfying investigation. Colleen Cambridge delivers a well-paced and immersive novel, perfect for readers who love their mysteries with a touch of elegance and wit.

For fans of cozy-yet-sophisticated whodunits, this book is a captivating addition to the genre, offering a delightful mix of fashion, intrigue, and unexpected revelations.

If you liked the first two (which I did) you will enjoy this one as well! The romantic tension is getting a little old, so I'm hoping in the next book we can get a little further past the "will they/won't they" with the love interest. The mystery was interesting, but what keeps me coming back is the setting and the food descriptions. The author has put in so much effort to really immerse the reader in Post WWII Paris and I've learned so much about how Paris rebuilt itself after the war.

I really enjoy this mystery series. This outing packs a punch and takes us into WWII and the world of haute couture fashion. Our heroine of course solves the mystery with flying colors but with engaging encounters and characters along the way. If we get another book will she find love with our inspector? Food lovers out there will fall for the scenes with Julia Child and the food she is cooking. Makes you want to head to the kitchen and try it. If you have never been to Paris. I dare you to say you do not want to go after reading this.

Tabitha Knight has firmly entrenched herself in her grandfathers and uncles house. She loves her work, her life and has no intention of returning to America. Becoming friends with Julia Child, introduces fabulous cuisine into the story, along with haute couture. What Tabitha did not think was that she will stumble over corpses and be the first person to encounter them. Her sort of on off attraction to n dashing Inspector helps.

In this story Tabitha establishes herself as a promising sleuth. There is a lot of history during this era in Paris, including the brutal treatment of women collaborators some of whom just got into it to survive. It didn’t turn out well for them. Julia Child was just coming into her own and the food descriptions are exquisite.

I like the vivid historical background, the setting, the solid plot, the likeable characters
Another good novel in this series
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

We rejoin Tabitha and her community for a peak into post-WWII fashion. Tabitha stumbles upon yet another body (Merveille is clearly thrilled) this time in a new haute couture fashion house. We meet a new cast of mannequins (models), shoe makers, and even Christian Dior himself while trying to untangle a lacy web of murder, Nazi collaboration, investments, and possible romantic tensions.

I loved every bit of this new installment! The beautiful food ala Julia Child is always a fun and creative addition to the mystery main story, my favorite dish was the cassoulet this time around. The new characters are vibrant and complex adding complexity to the investigation with their backstories that drive the story forward. I enjoy the research that obviously went into these books and you see it so well with the weaving of everyday experiences from Nazi occupied Paris in the major sectors of Parisian culture. So far we’ve explored cuisine, wine, and now fashion, and I’m on tenterhooks to find out about book 4!

In 1950 Paris, Tabitha Knight, who is good friends with Julia Child, becomes involved in another mystery unexpectedly. After a fashion show she discovers a body ... and then, a few days later, another. She works as an amateur detective in the Post-War high fashion world of Paris to solve both murders.

I wanted to read A Fashionably French Murder because I absolutely love this series. I have recommended it to so many times to friends - Julia Child, Post-War Paris - such a charming and unique mystery series.

This was another wonderful mystery from Colleen Cambridge. It is well paced with little twists and surprises along the way. The characters - especially Tabitha and the delightful Julia Child - are so well drawn. And the peek at life in 1950 Paris is absolutely lovely!

The mystery in this book surprised me a bit, which was fun. I enjoyed Tabitha's detecting and her slow building friendship (possibly future romance?) with Inspector Merveille.

I loved her messieurs and the lovable animals that share their lives ... including the alley cat that Tabitha befriends.

I cannot recommend A Fashionably French Murder - and this series - highly enough! Fans of cozy mysteries and historical mysteries will really love these books. Five enthusiastic stars!

This is a wonderful series, and I love the fact that the author took the liberty of creating mysteries that involve Julia Childs during her time in France. It is absolutely divine and I have not missed a single entry since it was first released. I hope this series continues on forever! Absolutely delicious.

What book do you get for a friend who is a foodie and a mystery lover? Every single book in the series!! Mother’s Day is almost here… This would make an excellent gift to get Mom started with the series. Seriously, I would love to get this from my daughter if I weren’t already reading it.

Paris - 1950

Tabitha and her friend Julia Child are meeting another friend (all Americans living in France) at Maison Lannet for her to try on a couture dress to wear to a wedding. Unfortunately, a dress like this can only be sold once to be worn in Europe. It can be sold a second time to an American but only if it won’t be worn in Europe. When they leave, Tabitha realizes that she dropped one of her gloves so she hurries back to the place and finds the door open and no one answering when she calls out. Curious, she heads upstairs only to find the couturier strangled.

Tabitha has had dealings with the police in another murder that she uncovered (in another book). Inspecteur Merveille is the man she dealt with in the first murder she uncovered so she is surprised that he is again assigned to this case. Secretly, she is drawn to him. But when she uncovers a second murder, she finds herself bound and determined to solve the case.

Tabitha is living with her grandfather and uncle who have a lovely home. Currently, they are discussing reopening a restaurant, Maison de Verre, but are disagreeing on how to decorate it.

We follow Tabitha in her adventures with her friends searching for a murder suspect. The clues are there and readers can closely follow Tabitha in her quest. Meantime, we get to enjoy cooking by Julia Child and other fun things.

I have read other books by this author that I enjoyed, however, I have not read the first two books in this series. I was drawn to this book as Julia Child is a part of it. She is someone I have followed for years and I love her cooking. In addition, having spent many years in Paris, I love reading a book that takes place there. Enjoy, Readers!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I love Julia Child, Paris, and mysteries, and Colleen Cambridge's A Fashionably French Murder combines all 3 in a perfectly cozy story! Tabitha Knight is living comfortably with her messieurs in Paris when she stumbles across two dead women a day apart in the same fashion house. Sensing a connection to those who collaborated with the Nazis during the Occupation, Tabitha investigates the world of haute couture while trying to uncover the killer. A+

February 1950. On returning to Maison Lannet to retrieve her gloves Tabitha Knight discovers the body of Madame Rose-Marie Lannet.. Her curiosity leads her to ask questions. But later she finds another body in the building. Meanwhile she is asked to investigate the break-in at a nearby shoe shop which results in her in making new friends.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Fashionably French Murder by Colleen Cambridge finds Tabi (Tabitha) living in Paris with her grandfather and his friend and across the street from Julia Child, early in her career. They depended on Julia for their meals, either directly or with something she had taught Tabi. They were fast friends and so when Tabi got caught up in a murder, there was Julia by her side. Her grandfather and Oncle Rafe were busy with plans to reopen their favorite restaurant, which had been a casualty of the war. Tabi worked as a translator for anyone who cared to hire her and so she ended up at Maison Lannet with a woman who was looking for a dress to wear to her daughter’s wedding. While looking for one of the mannequins (models), Tabi came upon the dead body of the madame herself, Lannet. Police were called. Her friend, Merville, was not the inspector to answer the call. She was disappointed. She noticed several clues that the inspector didn’t seem to consider important.

This is a lovely book. These people lead charmed lives; their home is wonderful, and it is Paris, after all. Tabitha is a good character, very American, and the addition of Julia just adds the perfect touch. The two older men argue as only long-time “friends” can and that is amusing, but what is really entertaining is Tabi and Merville investigating. There is another murder and the whole thing gets very complicated and tied up with haute couture. As mentioned, the setting is divine and the mystery a good one. Characters are entertaining and plentiful, as well as colorful. A very entertaining cozy mystery.

I was invited to read A Fashionably French Murder by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #ColleenCambridge #AFashionablyFrenchMurder

Tabitha Knight is an American expat living in post-World War II Paris with her grandfather and his companion. When she isn't tutoring English, she is allowing Julia Child to teach her to cook--and discovering dead bodies. When she and Julia visit a fashion atelier, she inadvertently leaves her glove behind. Returning to find it, she also discovers a the recently deceased designer.

This is the third in a series, but the first I've read. The premise is a good one; I'm not sure how much of a presence Julia Child has in the previous two books, but in this one, she doesn't really seem like a necessary character (not a bad one--she just doesn't add much to the story). I loved the setting, which explores the unresolved issues pertaining to World War II (those who actively participated in the Resistance vs. those who were less resistant and preserved their own safety). The fashion house aspect added an additional layer of interest. #AFashionablyFrenchMurder #NetGalley

This is the third book in the An American in Paris series. Tabitha Knight continues to enjoy her new life in Paris. She lives with her French grandfather and his friend. Julia Child and her husband Paul are their neighbors. Julia is always on hand to help Tabitha cook and sleuth too.

I love this series. I love how each mystery delves into a different area of French Culture. Colleen Cambridge does fantastic research to bring post WWII Paris to life. Tabitha learns about the world of haute couture and the Dior siblings. I gave this one 5 stars. If you haven’t started this series yet, don’t hesitate to start it now. The only thing I didn’t like was the introduction of a new love interest setting up a love triangle for future installments.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the free Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Colleen Cambridge has become one of my favorite cozy authors, particularly in the historical area, with her books having historical women in supporting roles (Julia Child, as portrayed in this book and series, is a delightful addition). I thought this one did a really nice job incorporating the sentiments of people living in post-war Paris and the complications of living alongside those who you suspected may have been collaborators. The mystery is fascinating, and Tabitha is a perfect blend of pluck and cleverness.

As Julia Child once said, “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” Her best (fictional) friend, Tabitha Knight, seems to have followed Child’s advice. Unfortunately for the denizens of post-World War II Paris – but fortunate for the reader – she’s discovered that she’s passionate about investigating murders – and the city seems to be encouraging her in that passion by dropping corpses at her feet.

The story begins when Julia and Tabitha, attend a private showing at an up-and-coming new haute couture fashion house. The luxury of Maison Lannet’s location and creations are a complete antithesis to the austerity and rationing of the late war, and Tabitha is a bit entranced by it all – as is the client who brought her to the atelier to serve as translator for all the meticulous and precise terminology of the highly regulated business of providing ultra-exclusive fashion to the fashionably wealthy.

It’s only after the showing that Tabitha does what she seems to do – well, not so much best as often. She finds a dead body. She returns to the atelier after the show to find her missing glove – it’s a miserable winter – and finds the corpse of Maison Lannet’s premiere designer instead. And gets shoved into the side of a desk as the murderer makes his escape.

And that’s only the FIRST body that Tabitha literally trips over, much to the consternation of police Inspecteur Étienne Merveille. He’s dealt with Tab’s penchant for getting involved in murder investigations twice already (Mastering the Art of French Murder and A Murder Most French), and would really rather not deal with her blend of exasperating but effective nosiness ever again.

Or at least that’s what his generally impassive expression has led Tabitha to believe. Even though she’d rather not. Believe she’s not helpful and that he’s not interested in her help, that is. After all, he’s engaged.

But the case won’t leave her alone – and neither will her budding reputation as someone who is more reliable and less corrupt than ‘les flics’ – the police – are reputed. Most of officialdom is still tarred with the brush of collaboration with the hated Nazi occupation even six years after liberation – especially the police. The abuses were legion, the Parisian memory is long, and the past isn’t nearly far enough passed for those who suffered under it to have gotten over it.

Tabitha’s every turn seems to wind this case tighter around her, as it leads from the fashionable ateliers of the post-war fashion industry into the lingering darkness of that past and the still open questions around collaboration versus survival that simmer behind every door – including the door of the maison where Tabitha lives with her elderly ‘messieurs’ – her grand-père and her Oncle Rafe, whose wartime activities and life-long relationship uneasily straddle that very same strand of barbed wire.

As, seemingly, frighteningly and sometimes desperately, does the whole of the City of Light that she has come to love.

Escape Rating A-: This third entry in the series isn’t as light and frothy as the first – and it’s all the more compelling for it. Part of that lesser application of froth is that Julia Child’s presence is reduced in this one – not in the negative sense, but very much and appropriately in the cooking sense, where the flavor of her presence is more intense and concentrated but in fewer scenes. She simmers a lot in this one, but doesn’t bubble over quite as much or as often as she has in the previous books.

Which is totally appropriate, because just as Tabitha’s cooking skills – originally quite execrable – have improved under Julia’s tutelage, her investigative skills have come along nicely as well, and we’ve gotten to know her and her ‘messieurs’ better. She’s grown as a character, and is now more than capable of carrying the story even if her messieurs are still more than willing to enjoy Julia’s cooking whenever it’s on offer. And who can blame them?

While Tabitha’s investigations still rely on her literally tripping over corpses, it’s a pleasant change from some other amateur detective series that she is not intimately involved with any of the victims or those in their immediate circles before they drop. Also, Paris has a big enough population that it’s not quite so outre that there are as many murder victims as Tabs seems to find. (In other words, this is not Cabot Cove or Midsomer County – and it’s quite possible to believe that people will ALWAYS come to Paris in spite of the murder rate!)

As much as I enjoy this series, this entry is considerably darker than the first two – and not precisely as a result of Tabitha’s predilection for tripping over corpses. Not that that helps. But in this case it’s all about motivation for the murders rather than the actual gore.

While the setting for this entry in the series is draped in the lush fabrics and ultra-feminine silhouettes of Christian Dior’s signature ‘New Look’ for the post war era, the elitist, snobby, wasteful underpinnings of haute couture make a stark contrast to the austerity of the occupation – as Dior intended – and to the still roiling grief that embraces the city even in recovery. It’s not exactly the sense of Nero fiddling while Rome burned, but more that Nero is fiddling while the ashes still smolder. Or something like that. It feels really wrong even though it’s also really true.

But the darkness at the heart of this story is tied up and chained by the lingering pain of the occupation, caught up in the hard questions about who merely paid as much lip service and even actual service to the Nazis and their puppet French government as they had to in order to survive – versus who was a true collaborateur who willingly climbed into bed with the Nazis, literally or figuratively – for profit or power or both.

That her beloved grand-père was one who cooperated enough to stay alive AND to earn money to funnel to the Resistance, while Oncle Rafe was an active member of that Resistance, brings the tension uncomfortably close to home.

It’s not a question about whether the right people were punished, because it’s clear that that wasn’t always the case. But rather, that there is still a taste for more punishment because it is certain that there are plenty of people who have so far managed to avoid reaping what they gleefully sowed.

Which leads back to what made this story darker than the previous books in the series, because the occupation was dark. That darkness still lingers, there are still rats hiding in it and in this entry in the series it turns out to be Tabitha Knight’s calling to pin at least one of those rats in the light.

The story does end on an upbeat note. Good does triumph in this case, evil does get its just desserts, and it looks like Tabitha’s messieurs are well on the way to re-opening their restaurant so that they no longer have to rely on Tabitha’s still somewhat questionable cooking or Julia Child’s expansive culinary charity. Tabitha’s love life seems to be on the uptick as well – much to the delight of her friends and family so they have something to gossip about.

How much those developments will be part of future books in the series, I can’t wait to find out!