Paris has gorgeous fashion, fabulous food....and murder

Tabitha Knight, raised in the US by her (French) mother and grandmother and (American) policeman father, arrived in Paris less than a year ago to live with her Grand-Père and his partner Oncle Rafe (her "messieurs"). After a decidedly mundane existence in Michigan that had briefly offered opportunities to expand her life there during the war. Tabitha is ready for more than was being offered there once the war (and the jobs and independence for women along with it) ended. Her neighbor and friend in Paris is a young-ish Julia Child (who is doing her best to teach Tabitha how to cook), and she is loving her new life in the post-war city. She does seem to stumble upon dead bodies, though...more than a half-dozen so far....and has found that her lifelong love of mystery novels and her knowledge of her father's work has inclined her to poke about into the crimes, much to the consternation of the brooding but attractive Inspecteur Merveille. Tabitha is helping an American friend of Julia's whose French isn't what it could be to navigate an haute couture atélier as she searches for a dress for an upcoming wedding, and sure enough finds the designer Madame Lannet dead just moments after their group had left the building. That won't be the last body she discovers either, and Inspecteur Merveille reluctantly accepts the information that Tabitha is uncovering about the crimes. Who would want a designer whose solo enterprise is just staring out dead? Is it the man who financed her business? Does it have roots in the days when Paris was occupied by the Germans and more than a few Parisians chose or were forced to collaborate? Is it the work of one killer, or more? As Tabitha grapples with these questions, she is also juggling her messieurs tangling over décor for their new business enterprise, tending to the the alley cat who saved her life during a previous investigation, and finding the perfect haircut.
This is the third installment in the American in Paris mysteries featuring the fictional Tabitha Knight and her partner-in-investigation Julia Child, known of course for her cookbooks and cooking shows but also the wife of an embassy official with ties to intelligence work. The tone is light and breezy, a cozy mystery heavy on the humor and charm. Tabitha is a woman ahead of her time looking to live life on her own terms but whose lack of a romantic partner as well as her shortcomings in the kitchen are only too well known in her circle of acquaintances and are a topic of considerable attention. A new possible romantic partner appears in this book, the young veterinarian who tends to Monsieur Le Chat de Gouttière (Mr. Alley Cat), although things may be heating up with l'Inspecteur as well. The messieurs are a fun pair, as is of course the exuberant Julia from whose kitchen miraculous foods appear (sans recipes, I'm sorry to say). Add in the glamour of Parisian fashion when Christian Dior's New Look was the talk of the town, and you have the makings of an enjoyable light read. Those who have read the two earlier entries will certainly want to find out what Tabitha gets into next, and fans of Janet Evanovich, Rhys Bowen and Ashley Weaver may want to give this book/series a spin as well. Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me access to a copy of A Fashionably French Murder in exchange for my honest review.

I always enjoy Cambridge's books, and this series never disappoints. Fun and funny, endearing and entertaining, each installment is a must-read for me. This particular adventure takes place around the world of haute couture in postwar Paris.

Tabitha Knight, an American expat living with her grandfather and his partner in Paris, finds herself involved (once again) in the mysterious deaths (which she discovers, once again) of the founder of a new fashion atelier and her shop manager. Meanwhile, she's also drawn into a break-in at an upscale shoe shop near the crime scene through a friend who works there. Are these crimes related or totally different plots?

This is a fun outing as we learn a little behind-the-scenes info centered around the Paris fashion houses. There's also a makeover for Tabitha, a surprising development and seemingly about-face in Inspector Merveille's demeanor and of course, the cute/funny interactions between Tabitha and her friend Julia Child as she is reluctantly drawn in to try her hand at some new recipes.

There are a few things that I especially like about this series. I'm definitely a character-driven reader, and the cast (both main and supporting) are so lovely to spend time with and so well-drawn. The plots are both entertaining and interesting in their subject matter. The Paris locations are both descriptive and evocative while also being a bit mysterious and imaginative at the same time.

It's always a fun time to spend a little while with Tabitha and friends, and I'm always anxiously anticipating their next escapade.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing / Kensington for providing the free early arc of A Fashionably French Murder for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Another delightful book in this series. I loooooved a look into the couture fashion industry in this book. From the descriptions of the stunning designs (so well done) to meeting and getting to know the mannequins who got to wear them. I love how the characters in this series jump off the page and they quickly become like a family for Tabitha. And of course Julia Child is her fabulous, exuberant self, making the most mouth watering dishes. Who knew reading about making crepes would be so fascinating. The story also focuses quite a bit on the aftermath of WWII and confronting the fact that so many French collaborated with the Germans (and the many degrees and opinions on that). It is not something I have read extensively about and I so appreciated reading about people's feelings and how passionate the French about the resistance. This is a heavy and important topic and I love how it was incorporated and not shied away from in this cozy. I was shocked by the man turn of events and completely smitten with a certain alley cat.

I adore this series and already cannot wait for more!

Who uses lace to strangle someone? Could it have been Christian Dior? This delightful addition to the series (also fun as a standalone) is set in post War Paris, a city where old issues linger, Tabitha, our intrepid American who is working as a translator and learning cooking from Julia Child, found the body of the couturier and now she's determined to find the villain. I like the atmospherics, not just of Paris but also of Julia's cooking and Tabitha's family. There's a hint of romantic tension, a few red herrings, and a nicely complex answer. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Looking forward to the next one.

The dynamic duo of Tabitha Knight and her bestie, Julia Child, are back in this entertaining third instalment of the “American in Paris”;mystery series. Tabs continues to enjoy her expat life, making money by tutoring diplomats’ children, and gradually improving her cooking skills under Julia's tutelage. She also continues to stumble upon bodies, this time pulling her into the haute mode ateliers of post-war Paris.

That setting works really well here. Bringing Dior into the storyline allows Colleen Cambridge to delve into the stories of the Resistance in Paris and Catherine Dior's heroic work within that movement. Cambridge does an excellent job in this novel of conveying the post-war tensions in Paris between those who resisted and those who did not. Processing those tensions through the eyes of a young American adds an interesting perspective and one that some young adult readers might appreciate.

The brooding but dashing Inspector Merveille is back, as are Tabitha's beloved housemates. This is my favourite of the series so far, as it lets Tabitha grow up a little. 4 stars.

We return to post-war Paris, this time, to solve a murder at a fashion house. While Paris was under German occupation, the city’s title of fashion capital of the world was almost seized by London and New York. Now, thanks to some recognizable names, Parisian haute couture is reclaiming its former glory. But when a young designer is found dead and her partner accuses Christian Dior of being the killer, Tabitha can’t quite shake her interest in the case. She does her best to keep out of it, focusing instead on helping the injured alley cat who saved her life in book one and a shoemaker whose store has been robbed, but she isn’t able to stay away for long.

Meanwhile, Grandpère and Oncle Rafe are at each other's throats about the restaurant they are renovating, Julia is busy as ever at Le Cordon Bleu, and we get to see Merveille as more than just a police detective.

As the story concludes, the investigation takes a turn for the emotionally-raw and grounded. Though I missed the pure excitement of the other installments’ finales, I appreciated the description of overwhelming devastation and righteous fury that survivors of the German occupation experienced. Readers who appreciate an emphasis on the historical will doubtless enjoy this book, for its reflection on the lingering tension in Paris and its incredible attention-to-detail (the gowns described in Dior’s fashion show are the real dresses that the real Dior made for the 1950 spring/summer season). Four stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy! Reviews of all three books in the series are available at femmagezine.com/blog/reviewing-the-art-of-french-murder.

A fashion faux pas happens when Tabitha finds a body rather than a fabulous Haute Couture gown on her first visit to a Collection showing. Colleen Cambridge continues to wow me with her fun blend of real life personage Julia Child, post-WWII Paris, and her entertaining fictional characters and mystery plot.

A Fashionably French Murder is the third installment in a series of standalone mysteries. That said, there are elements that carry over through the series so I think they work best read in order.

Tabitha continues her job of teaching French to the American expat community in Paris, learning to cook from her neighbor and friend, Julia, looking after her Messieurs (her grandpa and uncle), and trying hard to stay away from dead bodies for a while. This ends when a translating job takes her to a newly established fashion house and she stumbles on a murder. She has full intentions of leaving it up to the police especially when the case ends up with Merveille as the lead detective, but people will talk to her when they won’t talk to ‘the flics’ and she spots little oddities she can’t help but dig into.

Like with the earlier books, the historical background is relevant and comes alive like an extra character in the book and, for all the details, never bogs down the pace of the plot. This time, the focus is French Couture fashion. I enjoyed learning details of this industry during that time period including a scene when a Collection was being shown. Had to laugh when Tabitha thought to herself that her hometown Detroit wasn’t exactly known for high fashion.

As always, Julia’s cooking had my mouth watering. I appreciated seeing Tabitha continue to grow as a character and figure out a little of her feelings about a certain stern Inspector. Oh, and I can’t not mention her feral cat friend who pops up in each book.

The murder mystery was the easiest so far to figure out, but was still enjoyable to see Tabitha and the others work through the evidence and witnesses to the truth.

I’ll wrap up with saying I was again well satisfied and left eager for the next installment. Those who enjoyed a strong historical element, lively characters, and a clever mystery should give this series a go.

In post-war Paris, Tabitha and Julia investigate a murder at a high-fashion atelier, uncovering a series of crimes linked to the fashion world and their family’s restaurant. Their investigation leads them through a world of haute couture rivalries and deadly secrets.

This historical cozy mystery is clever and fun. I haven’t read the previous books in the series (yet), but that didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of this one. The relationships between the characters add depth to the story.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A Fashionably French Murder is a lovely addition to the An American in Paris series. It continues to follow Tabitha Knight as she explores the city and finds herself caught up in yet another murder. This time around, Tabitha and some friends find themselves in a fashion house. While there, she stumbles across a body. Who would have murdered the rising fashion star? And why? Soon, Tabitha finds herself embroiled in another mystery. And facing Inspecteur Merveille, a man who excites her and questions her motives.

While the book’s primary focus is the fashion world, I mean, it’s Paris, how can it not have food and fashion? But it is set in Paris after World War II. The scars from the war are still healing. Many people are still trying to see that not everything is black and white. There are several discussions about what people did during the Occupation, whether they were collaborators or just trying to survive.

Overall, I enjoyed reading A Fashionably French Murder. Learning about the famed fashion ateliers and even meeting Christian Dior was interesting. I also enjoyed seeing more of the lives of people in post-war Paris. I hope there will be more to the series, as I am keen to know what happens next between Tabitha and the inspector.

Do you enjoy reading cozy mysteries? What about historical fiction? Books that feature real people? What about delicious food and beautiful descriptions? Then what are you waiting for? Get yourself a copy of A Fashionably French Murder! While you do not need to read the other books in the series, why wouldn’t you? They are all under 300 pages, and so quick to read.

This is Book 3 of An American In Paris Mystery that follows Tabitha Knight and her good friend Julia Child. This book is set postwar 1950’s Paris and involves French fashion with some of Julia’s famous French dishes which was fun to read. Tabitha visits a fashion house and not only does she find gorgeous fashions but she also finds a dead body. Will Tabitha figure out who is the killer before the handsome police detective? You will have to read to find out.

I am caught up in this series and will continue reading. These are fun, historically accurate novels. After reading this book I need to look up Julia Child’s cassoulet recipe and give it a try…

Thank you Kensington Publishing for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I had not read the first two books in this series. but it worked well as a stand-alone. What's not love to about Julia Childs, Paris, fine cuisine and haute couture? This is a well-written and entertaining cozy mystery.

My thanks to Net Galley and Kensington for allowing me to review this arc.

Julia Child(yes the famous chef) and her friend, Tabitha Knight are back again to solve more murders in Paris. This time at fashion houses.

I liked this. Nice and light. Highly recommend.

The third in the An American in Paris series, A Fashionably French Murder is a rollicking and lively cozy which takes place in post-WWII in Paris in the 1950s. Everyone is trying to put the horrific war behind them and the focus is on luxuries not available during that time such as excellent food and haute couture. Christian Dior's "New Look" ushered in a new era. Though I'm not a fashion person, it is interesting to read about the factors which brought about its evolution in the 1950s.

Julia and Paul Child were living in Paris, Julia cheerily cooking up incredible dishes such as Vichyssoise and Cassoulet, comforting peasant food made with dollops of love. Her friend Tabitha was an American expat who more than gladly offered to sample her creations. Not only were they friends but also amateur sleuths which came in handy when a body was found at a fashion event. A string of crimes occurred before another body was found. The whodunit includes several suspects, red herrings and a few surprises.

What appealed to me most are the cultural aspects and food as someone who splits my time in North America and in Europe. Colleen Cambridge writes great cozies which make me feel comfy and welcome.

The American in Paris Mystery series just keeps getting better, and A Fashionably French Murder is no exception! This book is a blend of mystery and fashion, with a side of haute couture. Tabitha and Julia find themselves tangled in a murder investigation at a glamorous fashion house. When a couturier is found strangled with lace, Tabitha dives headfirst into the case. I’ve adored every book in this series, and this one was just as fun!

"American expat Tabitha Knight has found a new life in postwar Paris, along with a delightful friend in aspiring chef Julia Child. Yet there are perils in peacetime too, as a killer infiltrates one of the city's most famous fashion houses.

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."

You can always be confident that the inside of one of Colleen's books is top notch, but this series also looks smashing on your bookshelves. Seriously, I love the design.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the third book in the series.

Ok. Let me say that I have a love/hate with cozyish mysteries. And I feel this series is definitely cozy. But gosh I really enjoy this series. Maybe it's the setting. Maybe it's food descriptions. Maybe it's the characters. Or alllll three. :) I know that was corny.

In the third installment, we are introduced to the haute couture (sp?) of France and Christian Dior. This was an absolute fun read and I recommend for those who want a "lighter" mystery.

This was a fun mystery and I really like the parts that included Julia Child. Very descriptive of post-war Paris and a good "who-dun-it?".
I have not read the other books in the series and this works as a stand-alone.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

Colleen Cambridge's An American in Paris series tackles the world of French fashion and haute couture in this new entry. As a massive fan of Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, I was excited to read a mystery story with Julia Child and the fashion powerhouses of the day! While Julia is a secondary character, helping our protagionist Tabitha cook and solve murders, Cambridge does a great job of including her naturally. I loved the flow of the story with a few twists and turns and also seeing the growth of Tabitha as she gets more accustomed to Paris and the French life. Highly recommend for cozy lovers!

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC!

In A FASHIONABLY FRENCH MURDER, written by Colleen Cambridge, Tabitha Knight and her married friend, Julia Child, are in Paris (post World War II). Tabitha is learning how to cook with help from Julia Child, and I grow excited to continue reading this novel. Tabitha and Julia go to Maison Lannet, a boutique, and find Madame Lannet dead by strangling. Why is she dead? I need to read on.



Since I like Colleen Cambridge’s Phyllida Bright mystery series, I am happy to give this book (from her American in Paris series) a try. The plot is good, but I want more food descriptions. Despite that, the author creates an interesting world. I like that Tabitha is an amateur sleuth and look forward to experiencing her future adventures.Thank you, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of A FASHIONABLY FRENCH MURDER.

A FASHIONABLY FRENCH MURDER is the third book in the American in Paris Mysteries by Colleen Cambridge. With Julia Childs as a friend and neighbor in Paris, protagonist Tabitha Knight is one lucky young woman! Well, except for the murder victims she seems to accidentally stumble over quite frequently. Ms. Cambridge does an admirable job bringing post war Paris to life, through food, culture, and fashion while weaving in a twisty murder mystery for the plucky heroine to solve. It’s obvious the author has delved into the history of the time period and includes that research in detail without slowing down the plot. Who knew couture fashion could be so cutthroat?! I enjoyed this newest release and look forward to the next in this delightful historical mystery series!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.