The Paris Mystery

A Novel

By: Kirsty Manning

Narrated by: Anthea Greco

Intrepid reporter Charlotte "Charlie" James arrives in Paris in 1938 eager to make a fresh start, but little does she know the trouble that awaits her...

Charlie James is chasing her first big scoop as correspondent for British-based newspaper The Times, and she needs to prove to her boss that she can do this job as well, if not better, than her male counterparts. The best way to forge the necessary contacts quickly is to make well-connected British expats, Lord and Lady Ashworth, her business. Lady Eleanor knows everyone in Parisian high society, and at her sumptuously extravagant annual party, a Circus Ball, Charlie will meet them all.

On the summer solstice eve, the Circus Ball is in full swing, with the Parisian elites entranced by burlesque dancers, tightrope walkers, a jazz band . . . and a horrific murder. A wealthy but unscrupulous investor is dead, and the list of suspects is a veritable who's who of le haut monde. As Charlie tries to determine who the murderer is, she finds herself drawn into the magical parties, couture houses, and bohemian wine bars of the City of Lights. Soon secrets start to unravel, including some Charlie has a personal stake in keeping hidden.

Critic reviews

Named a best book of the week by the New York Post

“A fizzy, fast-paced caper full of glitz, glamour and intrigue. . . . Manning highlights the opulence and decadence of interwar Paris in this engaging and delightful mystery. The City of Light comes alive through her descriptions of haute couture fashion and Parisian cuisine. Charlie is an engaging sleuth, too: She’s intelligent, empathetic and a skilled reporter. She’s keenly aware that the 1930s news industry is a male-dominated profession, but she refuses to let that mindset hold her back. Her relationship with Inspecteur Bernard, the French detective heading up the murder investigation, is also a highlight. Journalists and police officers often find themselves at odds in mysteries, especially cozy mysteries, but Charlie and Bernard quickly strike up a cordial working relationship that benefits them both.
—Bookpage

“Australian author Kirsty Manning (The Lost Jewels) launches a new cozy mystery series with this stellar entry, set in the stunning summertime beauty of 1938 Paris. . . . Readers join Charlie in the glamorous, decadent world of the novel and its Chanel gowns, Hermѐs handbags, Brut champagne, buttery croissants, and the fabulous sights and sounds of beautiful Paris. The story—with intriguing characters, a fast plot that twists and turns, a growing list of dead bodies, and a very surprising final reveal—is certain to leave readers wonderfully satisfied and eagerly awaiting the next installment in this charming series.”
—Shelf Awareness

“Enjoyable. . . . [Manning’s] talents for scene-setting and unpredictable plotting freshen up tired mystery tropes. Colorful characters and a brisk pace make this a pleasure.”
—Publishers Weekly

“This atmospheric historical mystery by the author of The Jade Lily reveals a Paris on the verge of war, in all its captivating beauty and excess. Suggest for fans of Cara Black or Betty Webb’s Lost in Paris.”
—Library Journal

The characters and personalities of the women in the story were well developed.

I liked the French language and places used through out the story.
I would recommend a bit more location information.

It's not a really cozy mystery. It's more like a "Masterpiece Mystery"!

Putting aside the author's obsession Boucle, this book was a pleasant surprise! I loved it! It did take me a few chapters to warm up to it, but by the end, I was searching to see if there was a follow up. Very good read.

Adolescent

I was disappointed enough not to listen all the way thru. But the writing, story and narration was fitting for an adolescent book, not adult. Cute, sweet, unrealistically prefect with childish sexual allusions. Perhaps I didn’t notice if it was truly marked as YA.