The Paris Mystery

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       September 15, 2022

 

Author  Kirsty Manning

Distributor:      Allen & Unwin
ISBN:                 9781760879907
Publisher:         Allen & Unwin
Release Date:   September 2022  

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Charlotte “Charlie’ James is a determined young woman. She lived in Sydney and was happily married until her world fell apart. As a journalist, she knew she needed a fresh start and a challenge, so she applied for a job with a Parisian paper, The Times. Speaking fluent French, as her mother was a native of France, Charlie was accepted for the job with the proviso that she produced work of a high standard.

On her arrival in Paris, Charlie is greeted by a co-worker, Violet, who proves to be a very capable and supportive friend. Set just after the time when King Edward abdicated and the Boche were gathering supporters Lord Ashworth and his wife have moved to Paris after their support of the King failed. Charlie, the rookie realises the best way to a good story is to get to know the Ashworth’s and gain their trust.

So it is that Charlie finds herself in the height of society, where an annual Solstice party, a Circus Ball, is given by the Ashworth’s. She has met Lady Ashworth and her husband, and both have been welcoming. They have suggested she follow the Ball as a journalist and provide her with a photographer to support her newspaper article. There are some powerful characters at this ball, none more so than Marchant, a prominent banker and financier, a man despised by many

Charlie has sharp eyes and a curious disposition, which are of great benefit as there is a murder committed in the gardens during the ball. Every guest needs to be checked and motives are sought. It seems that the murdered man had many enemies. Can Charlie cement her place on the newspaper team? Will Inspector Bernard be amenable to working with Charlie?

Set in a time of amazing wealth and fashion, The Paris Mystery, a decidedly French story is certain to please and makes the perfect introduction to a new series from Kirsty Manning.