A review by leandrathetbrzero
Death and Croissants by Ian Moore

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

An English-French Investigative Duo! 🥐🐓

Thank you so much to Poisoned Pen Press and #Netgalley for gifting me an ARC of Death and Croissants by Ian Moore in exchange for this honest review! I’ve already borrowed the sequel, Death and Fromage, via Hoopla and cannot wait to dive into another adventure with Richard and co.

↓ Similar Reads ↓
  1. Robert Thorogood’s A Meditation on Murder
  2. Colleen Cambridge’s Mastering the Art of French Murder (on my TBR!)
  3. M.C. Beaton’s The Quiche of Death

Richard Ainsworth enjoys the predictable life he has running a B&B in Val de Follet, a fictional village in the Loire Valley. At least, he thinks he does. This comfort in the habitual is soon obliterated when a guest disappears, leaving behind a bloody handprint on the wall. One of his other guests–the self-assured, poised Valérie Dorçay–pulls him into a terrifying but also exciting investigation. The two search for answers in the most eccentric, entertaining ways. Such a treat!

While reading this mystery, I pictured Richard as Hugh Grant bumbling his way through French etiquette and always, very cutely, a step behind everyone else. I really enjoyed how chaotic this read was! It’s a mix of modern cozy elements and satirical suspense/espionage-esque storytelling. 

Richard is the classic Englishmen who gets swept up in the glamorous, unpredictable life of the mysterious Valérie. They complemented each other nicely and reminded me of Richard and Camille’s dynamic in the earliest seasons of Death in Paradise. I would say this read is perfect for those who enjoy humorous dialogue, chaotic plotting, and writing that doesn’t take itself seriously, showing that the author clearly had fun while writing this.  

I actually participated in some immersive reading for this one, listening to the audiobook (borrowing it from Hoopla) while reading along with my e-ARC. If you have the opportunity, I would recommend following suit and do a reading-listening combo because Ian Moore narrates. It is a rare delight when the author reads his own book!