A new mystery set in post-WWII Paris and starring Julia Child’s (fictional) best friend, confidant, and fellow American.

As Paris rediscovers its joie de vivre, Tabitha Knight, recently arrived from Detroit for an extended stay with her French grandfather, is on her own journey of discovery. Paris isn’t just the City of Light; it’s the city of history, romance, stunning architecture . . . and food. Thanks to her neighbor and friend Julia Child, another ex-pat who’s fallen head over heels for Paris, Tabitha is learning how to cook for her Grandpère and Oncle Rafe.Between tutoring Americans in French, visiting the market, and eagerly sampling the results of Julia’s studies at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, Tabitha’s sojourn is proving thoroughly delightful. That is, until the cold December day they return to Julia’s building and learn that a body has been found in the cellar. Tabitha recognizes the victim as a woman she’d met only the night before, at a party given by Julia’s sister, Dort. The murder weapon found nearby is recognizable too—a knife from Julia’s kitchen.

Tabitha is eager to help the investigation, but is shocked when Inspector Merveille reveals that a note, in Tabitha’s handwriting, was found in the dead woman’s pocket. Is this murder a case of international intrigue, or something far more personal? From the shadows of the Tour Eiffel at midnight, to the tiny third-floor Child kitchen, to the grungy streets of Montmartre, Tabitha navigates through the city hoping to find the real killer before she or one of her friends ends up in prison . . . or worse.

The cover of the book was really pretty and I took a chance to read this book. And let me say, I also like the setting of the story as well. Historical fiction mingled with a backdrop of thriller is going to be my cup of tea!

Set in 1950’s, Tabitha Knight comes to Paris to live with her French grandfather. While in Paris, a woman was murdered in the kitchen of one of Tabitha’s friend Julia and soon, Tabitha is engrossed into solving the mystery and find the real culprit before the police arrest Julia’s sister.

As I mentioned earlier, I like the setting of the story, which is a plus sign to me. The 1950’s and French has just got out of Nazi occupation and WWII. I like the flow of the story and the writing which is a plus sign in my opinion. Though this wasn’t fast paced but slightly slow paced, this was a page turner and it was interesting to feel that you are in the era of 1950’s. Overall, the ending was OK and if this was a series, I couldn’t wait to read the next book in the series. The author was new to me so I am going to check out more of her books. Worth four stars!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.