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ashreads223's review
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
This book was well researched and if you enjoy French cooking in past settings then you might enjoy it.
However… If you are looking for a mystery or even a cozy mystery this is not the one. This book spends more time focusing on setting the scene and introducing numerous characters (that it then goes on and on about) then actually discussing murder.
Of course when there is a murder you then get to hear about a single detail of it multiple times as the main character who has fully stuffed herself into the investigation proceeds to tell absolutely everybody, everything about it.
The only true mystery here that I was unable to solve in the first few chapters was why would you refrigerate fresh eggs, especially if space was an issue? Europe still does not refrigerate fresh eggs!
Also if you like Julia Child do not do the audio version. Maybe that’s a voice best read.
This was a book club pick or it would have ended up in my DNF pile.
However… If you are looking for a mystery or even a cozy mystery this is not the one. This book spends more time focusing on setting the scene and introducing numerous characters (that it then goes on and on about) then actually discussing murder.
Of course when there is a murder you then get to hear about a single detail of it multiple times as the main character who has fully stuffed herself into the investigation proceeds to tell absolutely everybody, everything about it.
The only true mystery here that I was unable to solve in the first few chapters was why would you refrigerate fresh eggs, especially if space was an issue? Europe still does not refrigerate fresh eggs!
Also if you like Julia Child do not do the audio version. Maybe that’s a voice best read.
This was a book club pick or it would have ended up in my DNF pile.
alyceparry's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
metta's review against another edition
1.5
Main is TSTL. Writing and pacing aren't bad, but I really just disliked all the characters for some reason, and the main, Tabitha, kept doing the stupidest things, and blaming it on her inner imp or sprite.
I like mysteries, but this just wasn't suited to my taste; I read it to complete a Kindle Challenge (it was the only option available from the library).
I like mysteries, but this just wasn't suited to my taste; I read it to complete a Kindle Challenge (it was the only option available from the library).
Content Warnings
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Sexism
ect625's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a cute little mystery that was sprinkled with a bit of intrigue in post-occupation Paris. The historical references were a surprising and interesting part of the book.
lmrajt's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
An adorable, charming murder mystery set in Paris with Julia Child as a character - what’s not to love? Bonus points for the main character originally hailing from Belleville!
lwprice1209's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
teresaalice's review
3.0
Listened to this book on Libby - almost turned it off as narrator made Julia Child sound like the chicken lady from the kids in the hall, but i liked the premise enough to finish it up.