An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder

An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder (2024) Dianne Freeman (Countess of Harleigh Mystery, #7)

Set in Paris in 1900

Frances and her husband, George, have two points of interest in Paris. One is an impromptu holiday to visit the Paris Exposition. The other is personal. George’s Aunt Julia has requested her nephew’s help in looking into the suspicious death of renowned artist Paul Ducasse.

There is a lot going on in this book. Lost family members, murder (of course), art, the Paris Exposition, and more.

There were things that annoyed me about this book. First, I was a bit taken aback by Frances’ art knowledge

“Ten years ago, all the Impressionists were gaining popularity. Twenty years ago was when they were the outcasts. Tell me she appreciated them twenty years ago, and I’ll be impressed.”

Julia leaned forward and spread her hands open on the table. “As you should. Twenty years ago, Frances was a child. I doubt she had an opinion of Renoir or any artist. But when she saw your mentor’s work, she felt he captured the essence of this place.”

I don’t remember her having any interest in art in earlier books. It’s possible she did, and it just didn’t stick in my memory, but if she did love art, I feel like I should have.

Second, I lost track of family members who were mentioned but didn’t necessarily make an appearance. That is on me, but also:

Lily and Leo had left their home in Lille

That doesn’t make it bad, but I kept getting distracted.

Oh, this is the best description of my fear of crowds I’ve read before.

Though people around me screamed, I could barely draw a breath, nor could I move my arms. When the flow moved backward again, I was helpless against it. My feet no longer touched the pavement, and panic surged like an electric shock.

That’s her experience, but it’s what I imagine when I’m in crowds.

It’s possibly I just might not have been in the mood for this book, but it’s also possible this is a weaker book in the series.

Characters: Frances Hazelton, George Hazelton, Lady Julia Hazelton, Edouard Legrand, Lissette, Monsieur Hubert, Inspector Cadieux, Paul Ducasse, Henry Standish, Gabrielle Ducasse, Christine, Fiona, Lucien, Monsieur Beaufoy, Martine, Alicia Stoke-Whitney

Publisher: Kensington

Rating: 7/10

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