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reneesmith's review against another edition
4.0
An enjoyable page-turner. I'll definitely try a few more in this series!
henrismum's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Audiobook (All of my entries on The Story Graph are audiobooks.)
#12 in series (I started reading this series on Kindle in October 2016 and I have been committed to this series since March 2021.)
Will I read other installments? Yes, I am committed to this series and I guess I'm accustomed to it.
Comparison to others in series:Not as good About the same Better
This volume was slightly better than the last. I still listened at advanced speed (1.25), and I still rolled my eyes at Aimee's stunts. There was a bit of emotion at the end with a big decision from one of the characters. There was also more information about Aimee's mother.
The narrator was Rebecca Gibel. This is a change of narrator. I know Ms. Gibel's work from the Coffeehouse Mystery Series and other readings. Her voice is familiar and at times I imagined characters from the other books (i.e. her old lady).
Source: Brooklyn Library
#12 in series (I started reading this series on Kindle in October 2016 and I have been committed to this series since March 2021.)
Will I read other installments? Yes, I am committed to this series and I guess I'm accustomed to it.
Comparison to others in series:
This volume was slightly better than the last. I still listened at advanced speed (1.25), and I still rolled my eyes at Aimee's stunts. There was a bit of emotion at the end with a big decision from one of the characters. There was also more information about Aimee's mother.
The narrator was Rebecca Gibel. This is a change of narrator. I know Ms. Gibel's work from the Coffeehouse Mystery Series and other readings. Her voice is familiar and at times I imagined characters from the other books (i.e. her old lady).
Source: Brooklyn Library
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder, Blood, and Abandonment
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
I seem to be reading this series in reverse... it's an interesting way to discover a character and their backstory.
As with Murder Below Montparnasse this is set in an area of Paris I know but Black brings out odd corners and history that I didn't know; I'm starting to keep notes so on my next trip I can go to this church... that bistro. There's a little bit of Templar madness here, but it doesn't rise to Dan Brownian levels (yay!). The socially relevant parts revolve around Chinese snakeheads and forced labor, but again the messages isn't hammered home.
I'm still annoyed by the name dropping of designers, thought. It doesn't really add to the plot to know that there's a Fendi jacket, or vintage Chanel. Really. And it's a little strange that this is set in the 1990s, for no apparent reason. Aimee and Rene's business is technology - computer security, with some hacking involved - so why not bring the series into the modern day? Perhaps I'll learn the why when I get to Book One.
As with Murder Below Montparnasse this is set in an area of Paris I know but Black brings out odd corners and history that I didn't know; I'm starting to keep notes so on my next trip I can go to this church... that bistro. There's a little bit of Templar madness here, but it doesn't rise to Dan Brownian levels (yay!). The socially relevant parts revolve around Chinese snakeheads and forced labor, but again the messages isn't hammered home.
I'm still annoyed by the name dropping of designers, thought. It doesn't really add to the plot to know that there's a Fendi jacket, or vintage Chanel. Really. And it's a little strange that this is set in the 1990s, for no apparent reason. Aimee and Rene's business is technology - computer security, with some hacking involved - so why not bring the series into the modern day? Perhaps I'll learn the why when I get to Book One.
nonna7's review against another edition
5.0
In typical Aimee Leduc fashion, what should be a celebration as her partner, Renee, hosts a birthday celebration for his new love, turns into a disappearance, a murder and intrigue after intrigue. It all starts with the body of a young scientist/engineer found shrink-wrapped on the street. Soon Aimee is asked to investigate his death by his aunt, a former member of the French Resistance. It is soon obvious that Renee's new love is not what she seems including her name and the people she introduces as her parents. Before she knows it, Aimee is discovering links to the Templars, an old formula with new applications and the fact that her mother is very much alive..... This was really exciting and a fun read. I've been to Paris 5 or 6 times although not since the 70's. I can picture the winding streets though. I ache to return, and Ms. Black's books only increase that desire!
3no7's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting profiles of illegal workers in the garment and accessory trade in Paris. One set of "papers" being used by many people to provide legitimacy to workers and hide the identity of characters in the story. Lots of ineptitude by police and oppression by traffickers in counterfeit goods.
ceeceerose's review against another edition
3.0
Once again, author Cara Black brings Paris to life with her Aimee Leduc mysteries. I’ve read Black and her Leduc mysteries before but I read this one while in Paris on vacation. And let me tell you -- Black has the atmosphere of the city spot-on. For me, the mystery itself (this time, involving the HUGE mess her business partner’s new girlfriend gets tangled up into) is not the real draw with the Leduc stories. It is the way Paris sparkles and vibrates as Aimee wanders, chases and races through the city to find clues. I liked this story, though, because unlike some of Black’s other tales, this one had more of an ethnic vibe since her partner’s girlfriend is Chinese and much of the action takes place in Paris’ active, yet sometimes seedy Chinatown. For any mystery reader, this is a must read…but also for those Francophiles out there, if you have not stumbled onto Aimee Leduc and her special brand of Parisian charm.
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