A Murder Most French by Colleen Cambridge: Book Review

A Murder Most French is the second book in the An American in Paris series by Colleen Cambridge. Released on April 23, 2024 it continues to follow the exploits of Tabitha Knight. While at a cooking demonstration with her friend Julia, Tabitha finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Will she be able to resist temptation, and not investigate?

I want to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of A Murder Most French. All opinions presented here are my own.

Synopsis from Goodreads

Postwar Paris is surging back to life, and its citizens are seizing every opportunity to raise a glass or share a delicious meal. But as American ex-pat Tabitha Knight and chef-in-training Julia Child discover, celebrations can quickly go awry when someone has murder in mind . . .

The graceful domes of Sacré Coeur, the imposing cathedral of Notre Dame, the breathtaking Tour
Eiffel . . . Paris is overflowing with stunning architecture. Yet for Tabitha Knight, the humble building that houses the Cordon Bleu cooking school, where her friend Julia studies, is just as notable. Tabitha is always happy to sample Julia’s latest creation and try to recreate dishes for her Grand-père and Oncle Rafe.

The legendary school also holds open demonstrations, where the public can see its master chefs at work. It’s a treat for any aspiring cook—until one of the chefs pours himself a glass of wine from a rare vintage bottle—and promptly drops dead in front of Julia, Tabitha, and other assembled guests. It’s the first in a frightening string of poisonings that turns grimly personal when cyanide-laced wine is sent to someone very close to Tabitha.

What kind of killer chooses such a means of murder, and why? Tabitha and Julia hope to find answers in order to save innocent lives—not to mention a few exquisite vintages—even as their investigation takes them through some of the darkest corners of France’s wartime past.

My Opinions

I loved reading this book! If only life and responsibilities hadn’t gotten in the way, I would have read it in a day. I may have enjoyed A Murder Most French a little more than Mastering the Art of French Murder. For my review of Mastering the Art of French Murder, click here.

A Murder Most French is the second book in the An American in Paris series. The series is set in post-war Paris and focuses on Tabitha Knight, a 30-something woman trying to find herself and what she wants from life. Tabitha has become fast friends with a neighbor who lives across from her, an American. That friend? Someone by the name of Julia Child, yes, that Julia Child. While Julia is not the story’s main character, she adds a terrific dimension. The author states that many of Child’s actions are true to life, but many others are not. You’ll just have to read the series to determine which is which.

The second installment picks up Tabitha’s adventures mere weeks after the conclusion of the first installment. I don’t think you would have to read Mastering the Art of French Murder to understand the story, but why wouldn’t you?

A Murder Most French has an expanded cast of characters. You see Tabitha going to the market with Julia and their interactions with many of the vendors. There are also more wonderful interactions with Inspecteur Merveille.

Alas, again, I shall mourn the book’s lack of recipes. I know I could research them and find several variations, but I would still love to have the ones Julia made in the book. No matter what, you will find yourself hungry while reading. And when you’re preparing your food, you may think, “What would Julia do?” I know I certainly did.

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 Murder Most French!

Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.