Gilt Frame

by Matt Kindt, Margie Kraft Kindt

A classic whodunit murder mystery that spans the globe from Paris to Hawaii to Montenegro as we hustle to keep up with the most unlikely murder-solving duo in the history of murder-solvers.

Sam, who is in his early twenties, is an orphan, taken in when he was younger by his well-off Aunt Merry who has an eccentric taste for antiques and travel.

Together, Sam and Merry have solved some of the most notorious murders in the world. And true to form, their Parisian vacation is cut short when they stumble upon a murder scene so bizarre that only a raging psychopath could have produced it.

But to solve the crime, they have to wrestle with jewel thieves, art forgers, gun-runners, a lost puppy, and a master French detective who may just solve the crime before they do.

Collects issues #1–#3 of Gilt Frame.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Mystery, Fiction, Comic Book

216 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clever murder mystery with an unexpected twist! The miniature scenes created for the chapter breaks were also unique and nicely done.

[Jiro Dreams of Suchy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid murder mystery that plays out in a very interesting manner and honestly unexpected. I was tricked, deceived and misled!
The art is wonderful, the kind of watercolor Kindt is known for.
If you enjoy murder mysteries you’ll enjoy this comic. It’s not my favorite genre but I enjoyed this one.

[David Records · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for another of Betty’s Books book clubs. Kindt and his mother were there talking about how the whole thing came about and how all the World’s Fair stuff was accurate. Pretty solid twist. Can’t believe they plan on writing more after it.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in Paris!

Gilt Frame (2025) is a comics detective fiction story written by Matt Kindt and Margie Kraft Kindt, told with a clarity one can only attribute to Margie, since Matt generally revels in obfuscation in his crime stories, deliberately leading us through dark passages and weird postmodern or surreal culdesac tributes to pulpy crime comics history. He's mostly just having fun, but some readers just think he's too weird, or don't like his sketchy artwork, something like his buddy Jeff Lemire's artwork.

Well, I like Kindt's artwork a lot, always have, and I like it here. And yeah, Kindt is the King of Quirky, and I have always found that amusing, so 'm happy to report that it is still here in this voloume with his typical ephemera to create the illusion of historical fact and evidence--Documens, newspaper articles, photo-realistic art in places that appear to feature some miniature room displays that creator Seth would be proud of.

I am in a minority here, probably, but the conventionality and coherence of this story, which has an ending even I could guess, I found maybe a little bland and predictable. It's a tribute, I'll say, to Paris-based crime thrillers where a man is killed among art objects, a closed room mystery where, police procedural fashion, we interview each suspect in order. Who killed the guy!!? The tale is told from the perspective of two Americans, a lady and her nephew, traveling to Paris. The lady is a collector of antique chairs, French fauteuils, and gilt picture frames, and there's some jewels hidden in curtain rods. A whodunnit with interesting characters and a crafty detective. Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. If you like Kindt, it's a must; if you like crime comics and tributes to fifties French crime stories, check it out.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Gilt Frame' (graphic novel by Matt Kindt) is a delightfully quirky mystery murder puzzle that’s as playful as it is puzzling! Jewel thieves, art forgers, a lost puppy, and a clever French detective, all drawn in with charming watercolor-style art and touches; a cozy whodunit that’s as satisfying as it is surprising.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys clever mysteries, delightful characters, and storytelling that’s both comforting and full of surprises.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little Knives Out, a little Wes Anderson, a lotta Kindt, and a lot of fun. I love the variation in the art styles here. Ultimately not as complex and immersive as some of my favorite Kindt series, but still a very pleasant diversion. Might be the one I'd most recommend to do first for someone to getting a taste.

[Jonathan Hawpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt Kindt plays to his strengths with Gilt Frame, crafting an offbeat twist on the whodunnit and locked room mystery genres that is fun and heartwarming, yet still has a an edge. Kindt's collaboration with his Mom is reflected in the story's sleuth team of an unconventional septuagenarian and her great-nephew. It's Murder She Wrote meets Wes Anderson in warmly textured watercolors. 8/10

[Mee Too · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book absolutely sucked until the very end, the plot twist was so wtf it took the story from 1.5✨ to a easy 3.3😬

If you’re patient enough to get to the end ot will be worth the 45-60 it took to read the whole book.

[Brigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart, funny, fast-moving, well drawn. Escapist pleasure of the highest order. The creators use graphic novel techniques in a variety of ways, to show us the characters and settings but also sometimes to show that people are unreliable narrators. Good stuff; want more.

[Dair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally enjoy Matt Kindt and think he is a good visual storyteller. This was on display here, but the characters and story overall were just not very compelling. A decent read, but not one I would recommend to any but the staunchest Kindt fans.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun- and would make for a really great limited series tv show. My favorite parts were honestly the little interstitial scenes with miniatures (which I feel somewhat guilty saying, but hey- I love miniatures.)

[Cristhian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entre 3 y 3.5 quizás.

El plot twist es interesante pero no lo suficiente como para arreglar toda la historia.

[Bayneeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic novel. Some nice unexpected twists in this mystery that's primarily set in Paris. If there were sequels or prequels I definitely read them.

[Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good art, clever writing, lots of personality. I enjoyed this one. Nice little murder mystery.

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Christa Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was just brilliant. I can't say more or there will be spoilers!

[T.J. Gillespie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully drawn.
Lots of clues, but the final pay-off feels slightly disappointing.

[Andrea Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read - nice and quick who done it.