A Fashionably French Murder is the third book in Colleen Cambridge’s An American in Paris series. It will be released on April 29, 2025, and takes readers to Paris in 1952. This time, Tabitha is helping a friend find the perfect dress for a wedding at an up-and-coming fashion house. When they stumble upon a dead body, Tabitha finds herself in the middle of yet another investigation. Who would murder a rising star in fashion? And why?
I want to thank Kensington and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of A Fashionably French Murder. However, all opinions expressed here are solely mine.
Synopsis from Goodreads
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.
Positives
- It is a quick and easy read.
- There are fewer than 300 pages.
- The descriptions of Paris in February and the city’s fashion houses.
Negatives
- A sprinkling of French phrases left me unsure of their meaning.
My Opinions
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.
Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.
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