
Member Reviews

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.

Thank you to Colleen Cambridge, Kensington Publishers, and NetGalley for allowing me to view a free ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the my favorite so far of the three "An American in Paris" novels in this series! I absolutely love the idea of having Julia Child as my best friend to gadabout Paris in 1950 with! It is such a fun series and this one had me smiling as I read! Loved it!

Truly enjoyed the latest mystery in the American in Paris series written by Colleen Cambridge. From cooking to fashion, it's filled with engaging and relatable situations. The mystery kept me guessing, and the double murders brought it to a new level. Such a fan!

The latest American in Paris mystery finds Tabitha at some of the big fashion houses of Paris. She goes with Julia Child to a private showing, but things take a turn when the designer is murdered. Tabitha finds herself involved in yet another murder investigation.
I’m really enjoying this series! I do think there was not enough Julia Child in this one. Since that was a big point of the first two, it felt weird without her as prevalent in the story. Maybe Cambridge is trying to phase her out slowly to make Tabitha the focus? If so, that’s fine! I really enjoying Tabitha and these mysteries. This one also had a slightly more somber tone as it discussed French collaborators during WWII- although fashion was probably a good subject for this storyline with Coco Chanel and a lesser extent Dior’s history. Can’t wait for the next one!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I reviewed this book for the May edition of Historical Novels Review, the magazine of The Historical Novel Society. Due to their policy, I cannot put my review online until the issue is published on May 1st. I will update the review then.

This is the third in a series set in postwar Paris. Tabitha Knight, a young American living with her grandfather, has become friends with their neighbor Julia Child who is taking classes at the Cordon Bleu cooking school and happy to share her food and recipes with Tabi.
In addition to French food, this episode introduces the reader to French haute couture. Tabi goes along to a French fashion house as an interpreter for a wealthy woman and stumbles on a dead body. A second soon follows and Tabi is committed to investigating that and a seemingly unrelated break-in at a shoemaker's shop nearby.
The reader is treated to a visit to the House of Dior as the story progresses and the solution to the mystery is a surprise. There is less of Julia Child in this book but it's an enjoyable addition to the series and can be read on its own.

Another wonderful adventure of Tabitha, an American expat living in post WWII Paris and befriending Julia Child. In this story, Tabitha and Julia attend a fashion show together, and soon after the show is over, they later find the dead body of the famous French designer. Now they must do their best to find the killer. There are a few very charming subplots which keep things moving along. This is a fun read that I look forward to recommending.