4.0

A cute, clever historical mystery, but definitely reminiscent of several other of the cozy series of the era, particularly independent gals like Olive, Ginger, Posie, Georgianna, etc.

This new series kicks off with a Parisian mystery at the cabaret that leads to some creative puzzles. Most of the female sleuth series set in the 1920s and 30s have had mysteries in Paris, though not early in te series. When we meet Opal, then working in a fashionable shop in London with her dog, I could only think of Ginger Gold. Opal, however, is a very gifted milliner, though somewhat under utilized at her mother’s shop.

After her family lost much of their fortune—it literally sank with the Titanic—when she was still a child, Opal has fallen in the middle between rich and poor and not fitting in anywhere. She is quickly and suspiciously sent away to Paris by her mother to work on the statuesque headpieces for the cabaret, which is led by cousin she’s never met from THAT side of the family, even though her mother had chosen to avoid them until now. The cabaret can use all of the help it can get after the mysterious death of one of the other two principal dancers. Opal has always been extremely observant and jumps into sleuth mode like a fish to water, making a place for herself along the way. It’s just kind of fun to see (or hear) Opal start to make friends and come into her own. I think it’s something that most of us can relate to: needing to make friends in a unfamiliar environment and then finding your niche and your people.

I liked Opal, and not just because she has a dog (even if it a small poodle) named Napoleon for whom she made a bicorn hat. I’m also swayed by her talent and flair for making hats and headwear, like me. I can’t wax poetic about the mystery or say that it’s setting up to be the best series ever, but it was cute, interesting, and in Paris, long after one terrible war and before anyone suspected the next one.

The narrator for this book sounded similar to many of its contemporary, though I don’t believe she narrated any of those. She did a job considering the breath of language and accents. Nothing annoying, which is always a great thing.

Thank you to Millicent Binks, NetGalley, and Bookouture Audio for providing me with a free advanced copy of this audiobook for my unbiased review.

#AMostParisianMurder #NetGalley #bookreview #ADHDreader #Paris #cabaret #historicmystery #millinery

I had the ALC for A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks. This is a historical mystery/ cozy mystery and is the first book in a series, the Opal Laplume mystery series. This book was narrated by Narrated by Antonia Beamis and she does a fine job with the english accents but the french accents are a bit over the top, in my opinion. I enjoyed this mystery. Opal is an english woman and she works in her family's hat shop in London. They used to be wealthy, but were forced to sell their estate and get work to make money. Opal is a clever and very observant young woman and one day she is informed by her mother that she must go to Paris and design headpieces for her cousin's show. Her cousin is a dancer in Paris. No real explanation provided. Her mother previously always pretended her cousin didn't exist because she was embarrassed to be related to a dancer. So, off Opal goes to Paris to meet her cousin for the first time. Opal is observing the girls trying out for a dancing role with the show because one of the dancers died recently - the police believe she unalived herself, but another dancer in the show believes her boyfriend, the costume designer killed her. Opal makes a good first impression by finding her cousins missing engagement ring. She uses her skills at observation to deducing who murdered the dancer, and solving a theft, and escaping from an abductor. This is a lightweight cozy mystery and I enjoyed it and gave it 3 stars.

Thank you to Bookouture and Net Galley for my advance reader copy. This book is available on Libro.fm and Kobo and is being released Tuesday, May 13th.

It's 1930 and the Honorable Opal Laplume and her mother own an upscale millinery shop in London. There was a time when British aristocrats wouldn't dream of being in trade, but times change and the Laplume women design and sell VERY fashionable hats while Opal's father, Viscount Laplume, studies birds all over the world.

Twenty-two year old Opal has led a sheltered life, so she's surprised when her mother, Lady Phyllis, suddenly says Opal has to go to Paris. Opal is to design headpieces for a glamorous cabaret show starring Opal's cousin Clementina, who belongs to the scandalous side of the family. In addition to Clementina, the show features chorus girls - including Valentine, Estelle, and Zsa Zsa - and will highlight a fabulous diamond necklace worth twelve thousand pounds. Lady Phyllis instructs the maid to pack Opal's bags, and Opal and her little black poodle Napoleon - who wears a tricorn hat - are soon on their way to France.

Unfortunately, the Paris cabaret show seems to be cursed with bad luck. Before the show opens, the dancer Valentine is killed by a fall from her hotel balcony. The circumstances are suspicious, but Police Inspector Prosper Delacroix considers the incident a terrible accident or a suicide. Nevertheless, chorus girl Zsa Zsa insists she heard Valentine calling for help, and Opal - who has the soul of an amateur detective - decides to investigate. Before long there are additional suspicious events when someone vanishes, there's a robbery, and a murder occurs. DI Delacroix seems clueless about all of this, so Opal really has to step up.

Opal investigates these incidents by examining crime scenes, asking questions, making deductions, and so on. Valentine is very observant and lucky, and she manages to collect important evidence and charm people into speaking to her. Valentine interviews the cabaret show's fashion designer, producer, and director, as well as dancers, restaurant waiters, and others. Along the way, Valentine develops a friendship with Clementina's handsome Spanish bodyguard Augusto. Both Valentine and Augusto like to sketch, and they visit various Paris sites to dance, dine, meet people, and draw pictures.

While all this is going on, Valentine observes an unknown, gun-toting man lurking around, and reports this to DI Delacroix. The mysterious man has a gun license and claims to live and work in the area, so nothing can be done. Of course the stranger turns out to be important to the story.

Much of the charm of the book lies in the descriptions of the cabaret show's extravagant costumes and elaborate sketches, which are carefully choreographed and rehearsed. It's fun to visit 1930s Paris, which is an enticing place with tango dancing at the Eiffel Tower, posh restaurants, intellectual people, street vendors selling oysters, and more.

The book is a pleasant cozy mystery in an interesting setting. Opal's next adventure will take place in Hollywood, which should make for a good story.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Antonia Beamish, who does a fine job.

Thanks to Netgalley, Millicent Binks, and Bookouture Audio for a copy of the book.

A Most Parisian Murder is the first book in the Opal Laplume Mystery series by Millicent Binks.

Opal is working in the family hat shop when her mother suddenly sends her to Paris to help her estranged cousin. The cousin is a dancer in a show and they need help with the headpieces. There was also a mysterious death of one of the stars.

I enjoyed the cast of characters, and the mystery was compelling. I listened to this as an audiobook. The narration was good as well. A fun start to this series!

𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓝𝓮𝓽𝓰𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓜𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓬𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓑𝓲𝓷𝓴𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓬!

Millicent Binks' debut novel, A Most Parisian Murder, is an enchanting foray into the glittering world of 1930s Paris, blending the charm of a cozy mystery with the allure of the cabaret scene. Set against the backdrop of feathers, diamonds, and showgirls, the story introduces readers to Opal Laplume, a British milliner who finds herself entangled in a perplexing murder case shortly after arriving in Paris to assist her cousin's cabaret show. I found this really interesting and fun!

A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks was an absolute delight! From the moment the story began, I was completely drawn in. The audiobook elevated the entire experience — the accents were so well done, adding a rich, immersive layer that made Paris in the 1930s come alive.

The storyline was both captivating and clever, with just the right balance of suspense, charm, and elegance. The murder mystery at its heart was intricately plotted, with twists that kept me guessing. I kept changing who I thought the murderer was as the story went on, which made the journey even more exciting. Each clue pulled me deeper into the mystery, and the tension built masterfully as it progressed.

I found myself invested not only in the mystery but in the lives of the characters, all of whom were developed with nuance and flair. Opal, in particular, was a standout — stylish, witty, and incredibly engaging. Her determination to uncover the truth added depth to the narrative and made the resolution all the more satisfying.

I absolutely can’t wait to read the next Opal Laplume adventure — she’s a character I want more of!

Simply delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed the flamboyant, well-drawn characters as well as the twists and turns. The setting was captivating. I'll be following Millicent Binks' future books. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator did a stellar job. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

I wasn't really looking to start another new cozy mystery series, but A Most Parisian Murder was offered as an audiobook review, so I couldn't say no. I enjoy Bookouture's cozy mysteries (I think most of the cozy series I'm reading are published by them). I had high hopes for this one.

The main character, Opal Laplume, is a milliner, and if you know me, you know I LOVE hats. I think the description of the hats was my favorite part of the novel. She is British but her mother sends her to a cousin in Paris. The cousin has a cabaret show that needs a hatmaker and Lady Laplume needs somewhere for her daughter while she goes to her adventurous husband.

It is the 1930s but it is the early 1930s, as there are no hints of the coming conflict. It is noted that Paris is still recovering from WWI and the Great Depression.

I don't know if it was just a young ex-pat living in Paris or the writing, but while reading this book, I kept thinking about Colleen Cambridge's An American in Paris series. It also gave off strong Agatha Christie vibes. I've recently read a few books that have Agatha Christie as a character and Opal embodied many of the same characteristics.

The murder mystery was interesting. If you follow the clues, you can work out who done it. What really got me was I thought the mystery was all wrapped up. Opal had gathered everyone together and revealed the killer. An arrest was made. And then WHAM! There is a second mystery. I won't tell you any details so you can be surprised too.

The audiobook was well done. Antonia Beamish is the narrator. I haven't listened to any other books she's read, and I enjoyed her narration. I didn't have any trouble telling the characters apart. It was an easy story to listen to.

If you are looking for a new historical cozy mystery to read, then this is a great choice.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Friday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2025/05/2-mysteries-to-keep-you-guessing.html

This story was an absolute delight from start to finish. I loved everything about it, the atmosphere, the mystery, and especially the main character, Opal. Opal is amazing: she's cunning, observant, and has an incredible eye for details that others miss. Following her thoughts and being inside her clever mind was such a treat. She’s one of those protagonists you can’t help but root for, even when she’s being mischievous.

I completely loved the story itself. It felt so cozy, like the perfect cozy murder mystery set against the charming yet shadowy backdrop of Paris. It definitely gave me Emily in Paris meets Only Murders in the Building vibes! The twists were smart, the humor was sharp, and the setting was beautifully vivid. There wasn't a single moment that I did not enjoy.

Also, a special shoutout to the narrator, they did an absolutely phenomenal job bringing Opal and the entire world to life. Their performance added so much charm and wit to the experience, and made the audiobook even more enjoyable.

This is a very entertaining cosy murder mystery set in 1920s Paris theatreland where dancers and backroom staff are preparing for an extravagant new show designed to display priceless diamonds, with a young English aristocrat, Opal, working as a milliner in the show's wardrobe department. The plot moves along quickly with Opal appointing herself detective to solve the unfortunate death and disappearance of some members of the cast. There is a cosmopolitan variety of characters, a hint of romance, and some unexpected twists and turns.

This fun audiobook is well read by Antonia Beamish

Thank you to Millicent Banks, Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF 39%. I'm bored and don't really care about the characters or the story. We also haven't gotten much into the murder, either--it's there, but there's no tension or stakes. The stakes will probably come sooner or later but I doubt the tension will rise.

Opal is nice enough but doesn't have much personality or charisma. Kind of airheaded, actually, or perhaps that's naivete. Also, I don't see a good reason why Opal should want to get involved other than she obnoxiously believes she's the most observant person in the world and could easily figure out whodunit if the stupid police would just let her. Her fascination with hats and feathers is not something I can relate to, nor do I care about show business.

I'm not sure who the love interest was meant to be, it wasn't clear yet at 39%, but if it's the detective, yikes. Neither the author nor the narrator, Antonia Beamish, did him any favors.

And I have a huge peeve with the writing--those jarring switches to first person inner thoughts, usually italicized in print. They're awkward and clunky and unskillful normally, but they're so bad in this book they made me physically cringe. There's no reason a writer needs to switch voice and pov to deliver one sentiment.

The book just overall isn't to my taste. Why did I bother requesting it? Well I don't give a fig about the Amish, yet I love Linda Castillo's series. It depends on the writer. I hoped I'd love it, but alas.

An excellent debut!
For reasons unknown to Opal she’s sent off to Paris to work as a seamstress at a cabaret with her long lost cousin. When she arrives the cabaret are looking for a new dancer as one of the girls has had an deadly accident. Opal has a tendency to notice small things and starts to question if it was an accident at all. Along with her little poodle Napoleon they start looking for clues-
There is a moment when Opal is too stupid for a smart girl but I excuse it as it’s a debut. There’s a few things that could have been tweaked but bet next book is even better and Opal and Napoleon are off to Hollywood, really looking forward to it.

A Most Parisian Murder is set in 1930’s Paris and follows Opal Laplume as she finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation as she arrives at the most glamorous cabaret in Paris for a job. Right off the bat, I should say that I didn’t really enjoy this book much.

While the premise was interesting and gave off the whole locked-room murder mystery vibe, the plot fell flat with the final reveal and in general some actions of this absolutely amateur, yet very self-assured, pseudo-detective. The protagonist wasn’t likable and her attitude was appalling at times. She also has a knack of somehow always getting people to give her information because who wouldn’t divulge information to a random stranger asking pointed questions. Nothing weird or suspicious here.

There were also unnecessary situations thrown in, which felt more like fluff and didn’t really contribute to the whole narrative in general. The reason locked-room mysteries are so loved is because people want to try and figure out the mystery and how they came about. As the story progresses, it becomes fairly obvious how these murders were committed and the reveal of the mastermind behind everything was just disappointing.

It is possible that my enjoyment of the story was overshadowed by my annoyance at the protagonist but unfortunately this book didn’t really work for me. It is an easy read but not one I would recommend so easily unfortunately.

'A Most Parisian Murder' is the first book in the 'An Opal Laplume Mystery' series.

The story is quite cozy but glamorous as well, with many name-dropping of stars of the time, and a fabulous main lead, Miss Opal, who is endearing, sweet, and quite energetic.

The mystery was also intriguing and unpredictable, with many twists. The author also did a good job dropping the clues at the most strategic time, and they blended nicely with the story. The side story of Opal's family's secret was a nice treat as well.

The narrator, finally, gave an entertaining performance and the audiobook was nicely produced.

Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture Audio for an early audio copy of A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks

Opal Laplume is unsure what she is getting into when her mother sends her from their London home to 1930s Paris to spend time with her cousin Valentine, a first-rate stage performer. Opal's mother has plans to join her husband who searches the globe for rare birds.

Shortly after Opal's arrival and adjustment to Paris, a priceless necklace to be used as a prop in the stage show goes missing. Following this mystery, Valentine is found dead due to a fall out of a window. While some are suggesting suicide, evidence will quickly prove otherwise. When a second murder is discovered and a stage performer disappears, an inspector is assigned to these seemingly-linked cases. But it will be the tenacity and keen insight on Opal's part that will solve the crimes and bring to light an incident from her father's past.

Part haute couture (including the appearance of Coco Chanel), part geography of Paris and certainly part mystery, Millicent Binks has introduced a character readers connect with and look forward to enjoying in future novels. Narrator Antonia Beamish brings both the British and French sounds wonderfully alive and adds to the personalities of the characters.

3.5 stars. light, cozy mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously—silly, wildly implausible, and yet enjoyable. The Parisian setting adds charm, and while the plot twists defy logic, they’re part of the fun. I just wish the author had trimmed the final dramatic turn; it was so ridiculous and over the top that I almost ruined the whole book for me.

A Most Parisian Murder takes us to early 1930s Paris with Opal LaPlume, daughter of a "riches to rags" Viscount who is an ornithologist and is off in some country I can't remember because I read the audio version of the novel. Millicent works with her mother making gorgeous hats in their milliner shop in London. They live above the shop. Her mother unexpectedly ships Opal off to Paris to help out her cousin who is a cabaret star. Opal will be responsible for repairing and keeping up the huge feather headdresses. We quickly learn that this is the questionable side of the family and until now Opal has never met her father's sister or her cousin. She arrives at her hotel and finds that one of the main dancers in the upcoming show fell off a balcony to her death very recently. Opals gift in life, possibly from working with her father in the field when studying birds, is that she observes detail all around her. Little by little ominous things are going on in the theater as they prepare for opening night. A diamond necklace worth twelve million dollars will be worn during the finale and then auctioned off. Along the way, others are attacked or killed.

This turned out to be a really entertaining book and mystery. The characters and setting were fun. Some romance was present but not over the top. All in all a win for me! As it was audio, I like to mention the narrator. Antonia Beamish did a bang up job complete with accents for an array of nationals. For me, this is 4.5 stars of its type. Not heavy literature, but hit all the buttons

This is a fun cozy mystery with a great location and a delightful amateur sleuth. Opal Laplume’s sheltered life in 1930’s London is turned upside down when her Mother sends her to Paris to help a distant relative. When a murder happens and the police don’t seem interested in finding the true killer, Opal decides to solve the case.
Opal is an interesting combination of brilliance and innocence, plus she has a dog named Napoleon who steals every scene he’s in.

The narrator does a nice job handling both the English and French accents.

Set in the dazzling yet dangerous world of 1930s Paris, this engaging historical mystery follows Opal, a spirited aspiring hat maker from London who lands a dream job designing costumes for a cabaret show. But her excitement is quickly overshadowed when she learns a dancer has been murdered just before her arrival. With a sharp mind and keen instincts—reminiscent of a young Sherlock Holmes—Opal, alongside her loyal dog Napoleon, begins unraveling the secrets behind the curtain. The mystery is full of intrigue, a touch of romance, and stylish suspense. The audiobook narrator was captivating, bringing the characters to life and keeping me hooked from start to finish.

Title: A Most Parisian Murder
Author: Millicent Binks
Genre: A Historical Cozy Mystery
Format: 🎧
Narrator : Antonia Beamish
Publisher: Bookouture Audio,
Pub Date: May 13, 2025
My Rating: 4.2 Stars
Pages: 284

Paris, 1930 ~ Milliner Opal Laplume is excited to be working on the most glamorous cabaret in Paris. (Just writing that sentence brings the vision of the beautiful head piece worn in cabarets!)
Everyone is excited for opening night, but tragedy strikes when the star Valentine Beaumanoir falls from her hotel balcony.

Many heard Valentine shout - Christophe. However, her door was locked and they when they got in Valentine’s room she had falling. Police ruled the fall an accident but those who heard her shout believe otherwise including Opal. Was Valentine shouting her beau’s name to stop or for help? However no cry when she fell.
Opal of course is an amateur sleuth and wants to help with the investigation; she finds two clues – a broken pencil and a white rose on her bedside table.

Next - one of the chorus girls goes missing. Opal is sure there is a connection.

This was a fun read~ as mentioned I could visualize the cabarets and the chorus girls with their beautiful costumes. I did laugh at some of the saying. “Bees Knees”, ‘You are off your Onion” Oh that is simply Rippie’ and ,Costume Malfunction” (which I thought was new when it occurred at the Super Bowl with Janet Jackson).

This was an enjoyable and I am looking forward to Opal and her poodle Napoleon’s next sleuthing adventure!!!

Thank you NetGalley and the awesome team at Bookouture Audio for this great audiobook
Pub date May 13, 2025.