What do you think?
Rate this book
An American in Paris #3
A Fashionably French Murder
American expat Tabitha Knight has found a new life in postwar Paris, along with a delightful friend in aspiring chef Julia Child. Yet there are perils in peacetime too, as a killer infiltrates one of the city’s most famous fashion houses.
If there’s one art the French have mastered as well as fine cuisine, it’s haute couture. Tabitha and Julia are already accustomed to sampling the delights of the former. Now fashion is returning to the forefront in Paris, as the somber hues of wartime are replaced by vibrant colors and ultra-feminine silhouettes, influenced by Christian Dior’s “New Look.”
Tabitha and Julia join a friend for a private showing at an exclusive fashion atelier, Maison Lannet. The event goes well, but when Tabitha returns later that evening to search for a lost glove, she finds the lights still on—and the couturier dead, strangled by a length of lace. The shop manager suspects that a jealous rival—perhaps Dior himself—committed the crime. Tabitha dismisses that idea, but when another body is found, it’s apparent that someone is targeting employees of Maison Lannet.
Meanwhile, Tabitha’s Grand-père and Oncle Rafe are in the midst of their own design-related fracas, as they squabble over how to decorate their new restaurant. And there are strange break-ins at a nearby shoe store—but are the crimes related? It’s up to Tabitha to don her investigative hat and find answers before someone commits another fatal fashion faux pas.
If there’s one art the French have mastered as well as fine cuisine, it’s haute couture. Tabitha and Julia are already accustomed to sampling the delights of the former. Now fashion is returning to the forefront in Paris, as the somber hues of wartime are replaced by vibrant colors and ultra-feminine silhouettes, influenced by Christian Dior’s “New Look.”
Tabitha and Julia join a friend for a private showing at an exclusive fashion atelier, Maison Lannet. The event goes well, but when Tabitha returns later that evening to search for a lost glove, she finds the lights still on—and the couturier dead, strangled by a length of lace. The shop manager suspects that a jealous rival—perhaps Dior himself—committed the crime. Tabitha dismisses that idea, but when another body is found, it’s apparent that someone is targeting employees of Maison Lannet.
Meanwhile, Tabitha’s Grand-père and Oncle Rafe are in the midst of their own design-related fracas, as they squabble over how to decorate their new restaurant. And there are strange break-ins at a nearby shoe store—but are the crimes related? It’s up to Tabitha to don her investigative hat and find answers before someone commits another fatal fashion faux pas.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 29, 2025
175 people are currently reading
5249 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Cambridge
23 books1,110 followersColleen Cambridge is the pen name of Colleen Gleason, an award-winning USA Today and New York Times bestselling author.
Colleen Cambridge writes mostly historical-set mysteries with famous people as the sidekick or friend of her protagonists and has a blast doing so. She's written about Agatha Christie's (fictional) housekeeper, Abe Lincoln's (fictional) aide, and Julia Child's (fictional) best friend in Paris.
Colleen lives in the midwest United States with her family and two dogs, and is always plotting her next murder—er, book.
Colleen Cambridge writes mostly historical-set mysteries with famous people as the sidekick or friend of her protagonists and has a blast doing so. She's written about Agatha Christie's (fictional) housekeeper, Abe Lincoln's (fictional) aide, and Julia Child's (fictional) best friend in Paris.
Colleen lives in the midwest United States with her family and two dogs, and is always plotting her next murder—er, book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
March 11, 2025
Truly enjoyed the latest mystery in the American in Paris series written by Colleen Cambridge. From cooking to fashion, it's filled with engaging and relatable situations. The mystery kept me guessing, and the double murders brought it to a new level. Such a fan!
May 2, 2025
4 stars for "A Fashionable French Murder", the third outing of the “American in Paris” cozy mystery series with chef Julia Child in a supporting role. In this installment, our MC Tabitha investigates a murder in the post-war Parisian fashion houses including Christian Dior’s. So far, my favorite of the three, we see the lead, Tabitha really coming into her own as a sleuth, and I also enjoyed learning more about Dior, both during & after the war. Interesting, charming and entertaining, I really enjoyed it & will continue to follow the series.
April 26, 2025
I think I may have not enjoyed this quite as much as many of its reviewers because I have not read the first two books. It may well be that getting to know the main characters is important and I just jumped in and hoped for the best.
I still enjoyed the time I spent in post WW2 Paris as the city recovered from the damages of the war and fashion houses such as Christian Dior were flourishing once again. Julia Child featured well. She is famous for introducing French cuisine to America, but this book takes place at an earlier time when she is just beginning to learn it herself.
Most of the story surrounds Julia's friend Tabitha, language tutor and self-styled sleuth. When two murders take place in a fashion house, she begins an investigation and manages to contribute a lot towards solving the case.
The author is obviously much enamored with the city of Paris and she provides a lot of interesting history about its history, its food and its people. This particular book spends quite a few pages discussing how the Parisians were affected by the German presence in their City during the war. It was well balanced and made for good reading.
So I did enjoy it but probably should have read those first two book first! My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I still enjoyed the time I spent in post WW2 Paris as the city recovered from the damages of the war and fashion houses such as Christian Dior were flourishing once again. Julia Child featured well. She is famous for introducing French cuisine to America, but this book takes place at an earlier time when she is just beginning to learn it herself.
Most of the story surrounds Julia's friend Tabitha, language tutor and self-styled sleuth. When two murders take place in a fashion house, she begins an investigation and manages to contribute a lot towards solving the case.
The author is obviously much enamored with the city of Paris and she provides a lot of interesting history about its history, its food and its people. This particular book spends quite a few pages discussing how the Parisians were affected by the German presence in their City during the war. It was well balanced and made for good reading.
So I did enjoy it but probably should have read those first two book first! My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 17, 2024
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
A FASHIONABLY FRENCH MURDER (An American in Paris Mystery Book #3) by Colleen Cambridge once again returns the reader to post WWII Paris as experienced through the eyes of an inquisitive young American who continually happens upon dead bodies. Her best friend and neighbor is Julia Child who is attending classes to learn French cuisine. This addition to the series is another well-paced murder mystery which is easily read as a standalone historical mystery, but I have read this series in order of publication to follow the evolution of all the charming characters.
Tabitha Knight is helping one of Julia’s friends as a translator at an exclusive haute couture fashion house. When she realizes she lost a glove and goes back to retrieve it, she discovers the famed designer dead. On the same night, a fashion shoe store across the alley is broken into.
Inspector Merveille once again must deal with the inquisitive Tabitha who is asked to investigate the shoe store break-in. He knows she will not stop there and after a second murder at the fashion house, both are determined to bring the killer to justice.
I always enjoy Tabitha’s escapades and drool over the recipes Julia is teaching Tabatha to prepare or she is cooking for others. Tabitha is a wonderful protagonist and amateur sleuth even as she “accidently” stumbles over so many dead bodies. The relationship between her and Merveille is still up in the air and that makes it always interesting. In this book in the series, besides the food, the reader gets a glimpse into the workings of a Paris house of fashion after the war and the beginning of Dior’s reign at the top of Paris fashion scene.
Ms. Cambridge does an exceptional job of balancing all the interesting historical facts of postwar Paris life and atmosphere with the twists and red herrings of the murder mystery plot. She is able to intertwine everything together into an entertaining, intriguing, and satisfying historical mystery read.
I highly recommend this addition to the series, and I am looking forward to following Tabitha and Julia in future books.
A FASHIONABLY FRENCH MURDER (An American in Paris Mystery Book #3) by Colleen Cambridge once again returns the reader to post WWII Paris as experienced through the eyes of an inquisitive young American who continually happens upon dead bodies. Her best friend and neighbor is Julia Child who is attending classes to learn French cuisine. This addition to the series is another well-paced murder mystery which is easily read as a standalone historical mystery, but I have read this series in order of publication to follow the evolution of all the charming characters.
Tabitha Knight is helping one of Julia’s friends as a translator at an exclusive haute couture fashion house. When she realizes she lost a glove and goes back to retrieve it, she discovers the famed designer dead. On the same night, a fashion shoe store across the alley is broken into.
Inspector Merveille once again must deal with the inquisitive Tabitha who is asked to investigate the shoe store break-in. He knows she will not stop there and after a second murder at the fashion house, both are determined to bring the killer to justice.
I always enjoy Tabitha’s escapades and drool over the recipes Julia is teaching Tabatha to prepare or she is cooking for others. Tabitha is a wonderful protagonist and amateur sleuth even as she “accidently” stumbles over so many dead bodies. The relationship between her and Merveille is still up in the air and that makes it always interesting. In this book in the series, besides the food, the reader gets a glimpse into the workings of a Paris house of fashion after the war and the beginning of Dior’s reign at the top of Paris fashion scene.
Ms. Cambridge does an exceptional job of balancing all the interesting historical facts of postwar Paris life and atmosphere with the twists and red herrings of the murder mystery plot. She is able to intertwine everything together into an entertaining, intriguing, and satisfying historical mystery read.
I highly recommend this addition to the series, and I am looking forward to following Tabitha and Julia in future books.
March 12, 2025
I drool as I read the opening passage in book three of this charming mystery series, with its description of Julia Child's tiny kitchen at Roo de Loo, as she and her husband call their apartment on the Left Bank of Paris. It's February 1950, cold but sunny, and Julia is teaching her American friend Tabatha how to make the creamiest potato leek soup:
“You just let those chunks and slices mingle nicely in a gentle, quiet bubble bath. They’ll sort of dance together—not like the bunny hop,” she added quickly with a laugh, “but more like a waltz. We want our potatoes and leeks to be genteel and proper when they’re simmering—simmering, Tabs, not boiling and hopping about—and then when they’re nice and soft, you blend them together.”
Oh la la. I am so into these descriptions of food that I cannot put this delightful histfic novel down, even though I want to root through my kitchen to find anything simmering and creamy to sate my now ferocious appetite. Passages like these are why I adore the author's fab new book, which is soon to heat up when Julia and Tabitha attend a Dior fashion show, and find a couturier dead, followed by the death of another high fashion atelier employee. The haute couture murder mystery is afoot!
It's one of my fav histfic mystery series, with characters I've grown to love and a 50s Paris setting I adore. Plus amazing food and gorgeous gowns. Who could ask for more?
“You just let those chunks and slices mingle nicely in a gentle, quiet bubble bath. They’ll sort of dance together—not like the bunny hop,” she added quickly with a laugh, “but more like a waltz. We want our potatoes and leeks to be genteel and proper when they’re simmering—simmering, Tabs, not boiling and hopping about—and then when they’re nice and soft, you blend them together.”
Oh la la. I am so into these descriptions of food that I cannot put this delightful histfic novel down, even though I want to root through my kitchen to find anything simmering and creamy to sate my now ferocious appetite. Passages like these are why I adore the author's fab new book, which is soon to heat up when Julia and Tabitha attend a Dior fashion show, and find a couturier dead, followed by the death of another high fashion atelier employee. The haute couture murder mystery is afoot!
It's one of my fav histfic mystery series, with characters I've grown to love and a 50s Paris setting I adore. Plus amazing food and gorgeous gowns. Who could ask for more?
November 12, 2024
I adore this series and how Tabitha's character continues to develop as she settles into life in Paris.
In this installment, Tabitha supplements her usual tutoring work with being a translator for an American woman who wants to buy an haute couture gown at a Parisian atelier. Tabitha winds up finding the designer dead and can't help but notice some clues. There's a break-in at the shoe store nearby, where a friend works, and another death along the way.
Inspector Merveille is back as the detective working the case and a potential love interest. However, another love interest emerges while Tabita is trying to take care of the stray cat that saved her life in the previous book. I'm rooting for one of these characters, but I imagine we'll have to wait a few books to see how Tabitha's love life works out.
It was wonderful to see Tabitha's social circle expand in this book. Julia Child has been her close friend from the beginning, but she meets some women working in fashion and becomes friends with them.
I really enjoyed this story and the setting was uniquely French! The real dresses described during Tabitha's visit to Dior had me searching for pictures of them (I voted for the Mozart!). It seems funny to describe a book with two murders as fun and charming, but there it is!
In this installment, Tabitha supplements her usual tutoring work with being a translator for an American woman who wants to buy an haute couture gown at a Parisian atelier. Tabitha winds up finding the designer dead and can't help but notice some clues. There's a break-in at the shoe store nearby, where a friend works, and another death along the way.
Inspector Merveille is back as the detective working the case and a potential love interest. However, another love interest emerges while Tabita is trying to take care of the stray cat that saved her life in the previous book. I'm rooting for one of these characters, but I imagine we'll have to wait a few books to see how Tabitha's love life works out.
It was wonderful to see Tabitha's social circle expand in this book. Julia Child has been her close friend from the beginning, but she meets some women working in fashion and becomes friends with them.
I really enjoyed this story and the setting was uniquely French! The real dresses described during Tabitha's visit to Dior had me searching for pictures of them (I voted for the Mozart!). It seems funny to describe a book with two murders as fun and charming, but there it is!
May 3, 2025
A fashion faux pas happens when Tabitha finds a body rather than a fabulous Haute Couture gown on her first visit to a Collection showing. Colleen Cambridge continues to wow me with her fun blend of real life personage Julia Child, post-WWII Paris, and her entertaining fictional characters and mystery plot.
A Fashionably French Murder is the third installment in a series of standalone mysteries. That said, there are elements that carry over through the series so I think they work best read in order.
Tabitha continues her job of teaching French to the American expat community in Paris, learning to cook from her neighbor and friend, Julia, looking after her Messieurs (her grandpa and oncle), and trying hard to stay away from dead bodies for a while. This ends when a translating job takes her to a newly established fashion house and she stumbles on a murder. She has full intentions of leaving it up to the police especially when the case ends up with Merveille as the lead detective, but people will talk to her when they won’t talk to ‘the flics’ and she spots little oddities that she can’t help but dig into.
Like with the earlier books, the historical background is relevant and comes alive like an extra character in the book and, for all the details, never bogs down the pace of the plot. This time, the focus is French Couture fashion. I enjoyed learning details of this industry during that time period including a scene when a Collection was being shown. Had to laugh when Tabitha thought to herself that her hometown Detroit wasn’t exactly known for high fashion.
As always, Julia’s cooking had my mouth watering. I appreciated seeing Tabitha continue to grow as a character and figure out a little of her feelings about a certain stern Inspector. Oh, and I can’t not mention her feral cat friend who pops up in each book.
The murder mystery was the easiest so far to figure out, but was still enjoyable to see Tabitha and the others work through the evidence and witnesses to the truth.
I’ll wrap up with saying I was again well satisfied and left eager for the next installment. Those who enjoyed a strong historical element, lively characters, and a clever mystery should give this series a go.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 4.20.25
A Fashionably French Murder is the third installment in a series of standalone mysteries. That said, there are elements that carry over through the series so I think they work best read in order.
Tabitha continues her job of teaching French to the American expat community in Paris, learning to cook from her neighbor and friend, Julia, looking after her Messieurs (her grandpa and oncle), and trying hard to stay away from dead bodies for a while. This ends when a translating job takes her to a newly established fashion house and she stumbles on a murder. She has full intentions of leaving it up to the police especially when the case ends up with Merveille as the lead detective, but people will talk to her when they won’t talk to ‘the flics’ and she spots little oddities that she can’t help but dig into.
Like with the earlier books, the historical background is relevant and comes alive like an extra character in the book and, for all the details, never bogs down the pace of the plot. This time, the focus is French Couture fashion. I enjoyed learning details of this industry during that time period including a scene when a Collection was being shown. Had to laugh when Tabitha thought to herself that her hometown Detroit wasn’t exactly known for high fashion.
As always, Julia’s cooking had my mouth watering. I appreciated seeing Tabitha continue to grow as a character and figure out a little of her feelings about a certain stern Inspector. Oh, and I can’t not mention her feral cat friend who pops up in each book.
The murder mystery was the easiest so far to figure out, but was still enjoyable to see Tabitha and the others work through the evidence and witnesses to the truth.
I’ll wrap up with saying I was again well satisfied and left eager for the next installment. Those who enjoyed a strong historical element, lively characters, and a clever mystery should give this series a go.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 4.20.25
August 29, 2025
A Fashionably French Murder is filled with mystery, murder, intrigue, and Julia Child! In this installment we are also graced with another historical character, Christian Dior! Of course, the stories are fictional, but the plots are based on historical events which make them even more powerful.
As Tabitha Knight, an American in Paris and her beloved friend Julia Child once again find themselves in another messy murder (or two), the reader will laugh at the humor and salivate at the many dishes Julia is making. We also begin to see perhaps Tabitha's changing style from an American to perhaps a Parisian.
Tabitha and Julia go to a private fashion showing and are so excited. All this is so new to Tabitha. But when she realizes she has forgotten one of her gloves and goes back, she finds more than her glove...a woman's body...strangled with lace. The owner. When they call the police, she is very grateful her crush Inspecteur Ettienne Merveille, who unfortunately knows Tabitha's track record for finding dead bodies is not the officer who responds.
As Tabitha searches for clues, and Merveille is put on the case, she discovers that there is a connection to the house of Dior with Christian Dior actually being a suspect. Of course this is impossible...right? In a rather shocking turn of events, Merveille decides Tabitha should assist with the case. Is he coming around? She does have a new hairstyle...
At the same time this is all going on the added stress of watching her grandfather and uncle open a restaurant eats away at her. They seem to be bickering all the time. Thank goodness for Julia who keeps them healthy by constantly bringing them food!
And then Tabitha stumbles upon another body! In another shop. Are the two murders connected?
As the murders are solved, we begin to see our lovable cast of characters beginning to become closer and some even changing. The American in Paris Series gets more cozy, more interesting and has even more twists and turns. A Fashionably French Murder is an enjoyable read, but even more because Cambridge sews real historic events into the plots in such clever ways. Bon appetite!
Thank you #NetGalley #Kensington #ColleenCambridge #AFashionablyFrenchMurder for the advanced copy.
As Tabitha Knight, an American in Paris and her beloved friend Julia Child once again find themselves in another messy murder (or two), the reader will laugh at the humor and salivate at the many dishes Julia is making. We also begin to see perhaps Tabitha's changing style from an American to perhaps a Parisian.
Tabitha and Julia go to a private fashion showing and are so excited. All this is so new to Tabitha. But when she realizes she has forgotten one of her gloves and goes back, she finds more than her glove...a woman's body...strangled with lace. The owner. When they call the police, she is very grateful her crush Inspecteur Ettienne Merveille, who unfortunately knows Tabitha's track record for finding dead bodies is not the officer who responds.
As Tabitha searches for clues, and Merveille is put on the case, she discovers that there is a connection to the house of Dior with Christian Dior actually being a suspect. Of course this is impossible...right? In a rather shocking turn of events, Merveille decides Tabitha should assist with the case. Is he coming around? She does have a new hairstyle...
At the same time this is all going on the added stress of watching her grandfather and uncle open a restaurant eats away at her. They seem to be bickering all the time. Thank goodness for Julia who keeps them healthy by constantly bringing them food!
And then Tabitha stumbles upon another body! In another shop. Are the two murders connected?
As the murders are solved, we begin to see our lovable cast of characters beginning to become closer and some even changing. The American in Paris Series gets more cozy, more interesting and has even more twists and turns. A Fashionably French Murder is an enjoyable read, but even more because Cambridge sews real historic events into the plots in such clever ways. Bon appetite!
Thank you #NetGalley #Kensington #ColleenCambridge #AFashionablyFrenchMurder for the advanced copy.
April 23, 2025
Another delightful book in this series. I loooooved a look into the couture fashion industry in this book. From the descriptions of the stunning designs (so well done) to meeting and getting to know the mannequins who got to wear them. I love how the characters in this series jump off the page and they quickly become like a family for Tabitha. And of course Julia Child is her fabulous, exuberant self, making the most mouth watering dishes. Who knew reading about making crepes would be so fascinating. The story also focuses quite a bit on the aftermath of WWII and confronting the fact that so many French collaborated with the Germans (and the many degrees and opinions on that). It is not something I have read extensively about and I so appreciated reading about people's feelings and how passionate the French about the resistance. This is a heavy and important topic and I love how it was incorporated and not shied away from in this cozy. I was shocked by the man turn of events and completely smitten with a certain alleycat.
I adore this series and already cannot wait for more!
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
I adore this series and already cannot wait for more!
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
October 26, 2025
I'm really enjoying this series and glad I was able to dive into book 3 this week. The mystery kept me on my toes the entire time. I also realized I'm really bad at guessing who did it while doing research for work at the same time. Still, enjoyed the crap out of this book and can't wait for book 4!
May 19, 2025
I was totally enamored with this third in the series, in spite of Julia Child playing a smaller role in the investigative (appropriately, I might add! Her friendly personality, culinary talents and meals shared with Tabitha and her “messieurs” are a lovely substory).
The setting in Paris’ haute couture ateliers was so intriguing and delightful -even with two murders! As I read this I decided to rewatch Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris- a perfect accompaniment!
The food descriptions and the French culture are very well researched and written. Really enjoy this series and found this to be my favorite of the three.
The setting in Paris’ haute couture ateliers was so intriguing and delightful -even with two murders! As I read this I decided to rewatch Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris- a perfect accompaniment!
The food descriptions and the French culture are very well researched and written. Really enjoy this series and found this to be my favorite of the three.
November 15, 2024
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
In this latests installment of the beloved An American in Paris Mystery series, our Tabitha Knight expands her social circle and resume as murder investigator. Given the opportunity to translate for an American woman searching for an haute couture dress, Tabitha is formally introduced into the fashion world of post-war Paris-- but finds herself embroiled in yet another death when she discovers the body of up-and-coming designer and atelier owner. As the clues (and the crimes) start piling up, Tabitha has to make the decision of what and who to investigate while balancing her burgeoning social life.
A FASHIONABLY FRENCH MURDER earned its spot as my favorite book in this series for its sheer ambition! Cambridge has expanded Tabitha's social circle to include a new charming cast of characters, while deftly deepening her long-standing relations. Grand-père and Oncle Rafe no longer hide in the shadows, but have their own plot and provide interesting commentary on occupied Paris. Julia Child's role as friend and cook extraordinaire remains firmly in place, but Tabitha's will-they-won't-they relationship with Inspecteur Merveille enters into the next phase.
Cambridge also deftly took on the discussion of German collaborators during Occupation and the grey area of what collaboration meant that many people even today struggle to define. Tabitha struggles to navigate her own feelings as an American living in Paris as they redefine and reconstruct post-WWII, while also learning about some of the atrocities people endured in her new home.
All the while, the readers are treated into an inside look of Parisian haute couture during the era of reconstruction! Tabitha has (and thus, we have) the unique opportunity to experience the world of fashion not only as a customer, but also from 'behind the curtain' with her new friends who work as mannequins. It was such a treat to find which pictures of the gowns Cambridge described, and it was a real testament to the author's dedicated research!
Fun and charming and full of delicious food and fashion, A FASHIONABLY FRENCH MURDER left me hungry for Tabitha Knight's next adventure!
In this latests installment of the beloved An American in Paris Mystery series, our Tabitha Knight expands her social circle and resume as murder investigator. Given the opportunity to translate for an American woman searching for an haute couture dress, Tabitha is formally introduced into the fashion world of post-war Paris-- but finds herself embroiled in yet another death when she discovers the body of up-and-coming designer and atelier owner. As the clues (and the crimes) start piling up, Tabitha has to make the decision of what and who to investigate while balancing her burgeoning social life.
A FASHIONABLY FRENCH MURDER earned its spot as my favorite book in this series for its sheer ambition! Cambridge has expanded Tabitha's social circle to include a new charming cast of characters, while deftly deepening her long-standing relations. Grand-père and Oncle Rafe no longer hide in the shadows, but have their own plot and provide interesting commentary on occupied Paris. Julia Child's role as friend and cook extraordinaire remains firmly in place, but Tabitha's will-they-won't-they relationship with Inspecteur Merveille enters into the next phase.
Cambridge also deftly took on the discussion of German collaborators during Occupation and the grey area of what collaboration meant that many people even today struggle to define. Tabitha struggles to navigate her own feelings as an American living in Paris as they redefine and reconstruct post-WWII, while also learning about some of the atrocities people endured in her new home.
All the while, the readers are treated into an inside look of Parisian haute couture during the era of reconstruction! Tabitha has (and thus, we have) the unique opportunity to experience the world of fashion not only as a customer, but also from 'behind the curtain' with her new friends who work as mannequins. It was such a treat to find which pictures of the gowns Cambridge described, and it was a real testament to the author's dedicated research!
Fun and charming and full of delicious food and fashion, A FASHIONABLY FRENCH MURDER left me hungry for Tabitha Knight's next adventure!
July 26, 2025
The third installment in this charming Julia Child murder mystery series continues to be thoroughly delightful. The characters are great, the plot is swift, and even though I had this one figured out before the reveal, it was still great fun getting there.
Cozy, sweet, and low stakes, it’s a perfect reading escape.
Cozy, sweet, and low stakes, it’s a perfect reading escape.
August 7, 2025
Now this is good soup.
A cozy mystery? Check.
Slow burn romance? CHECK.
Historical Easter eggs for future study? Check.
JULIA CHILD?! CHECK AND BON APPETIT!
Every time I pick up a new murder mystery series, this is the kind of book I’m looking for. I can’t WAIT to read the rest of the series!
A cozy mystery? Check.
Slow burn romance? CHECK.
Historical Easter eggs for future study? Check.
JULIA CHILD?! CHECK AND BON APPETIT!
Every time I pick up a new murder mystery series, this is the kind of book I’m looking for. I can’t WAIT to read the rest of the series!
April 15, 2025
I want to thank Kensington and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of A Fashionably French Murder. However, all opinions expressed here are solely mine.
4.5 stars rounded to 5
A Fashionably French Murder is a lovely addition to the An American in Paris series. It continues to follow Tabitha Knight as she explores the city and finds herself caught up in yet another murder. This time around, Tabitha and some friends find themselves in a fashion house. While there, she stumbles across a body. Who would have murdered the rising fashion star? And why? Soon, Tabitha finds herself embroiled in another mystery. And facing Inspecteur Merveille, a man who excites her and questions her motives.
While the book’s primary focus is the fashion world, I mean, it’s Paris, how can it not have food and fashion? But it is set in Paris after World War II. The scars from the war are still healing. Many people are still trying to see that not everything is black and white. There are several discussions about what people did during the Occupation, whether they were collaborators or just trying to survive.
Overall, I enjoyed reading A Fashionably French Murder. Learning about the famed fashion ateliers and even meeting Christian Dior was interesting. I also enjoyed seeing more of the lives of people in post-war Paris. I hope there will be more to the series, as I am keen to know what happens next between Tabitha and the inspector.
Do you enjoy reading cozy mysteries? What about historical fiction? Books that feature real people? What about delicious food and beautiful descriptions? Then what are you waiting for? Get yourself a copy of A Fashionably French Murder! While you do not need to read the other books in the series, why wouldn’t you? They are all under 300 pages, and so quick to read.
4.5 stars rounded to 5
A Fashionably French Murder is a lovely addition to the An American in Paris series. It continues to follow Tabitha Knight as she explores the city and finds herself caught up in yet another murder. This time around, Tabitha and some friends find themselves in a fashion house. While there, she stumbles across a body. Who would have murdered the rising fashion star? And why? Soon, Tabitha finds herself embroiled in another mystery. And facing Inspecteur Merveille, a man who excites her and questions her motives.
While the book’s primary focus is the fashion world, I mean, it’s Paris, how can it not have food and fashion? But it is set in Paris after World War II. The scars from the war are still healing. Many people are still trying to see that not everything is black and white. There are several discussions about what people did during the Occupation, whether they were collaborators or just trying to survive.
Overall, I enjoyed reading A Fashionably French Murder. Learning about the famed fashion ateliers and even meeting Christian Dior was interesting. I also enjoyed seeing more of the lives of people in post-war Paris. I hope there will be more to the series, as I am keen to know what happens next between Tabitha and the inspector.
Do you enjoy reading cozy mysteries? What about historical fiction? Books that feature real people? What about delicious food and beautiful descriptions? Then what are you waiting for? Get yourself a copy of A Fashionably French Murder! While you do not need to read the other books in the series, why wouldn’t you? They are all under 300 pages, and so quick to read.
April 6, 2025
February 1950. On returning to Maison Lannet to retrieve her gloves Tabitha Knight discovers the body of Madame Rose-Marie Lannet.. Her curiosity leads her to ask questions. But later she finds another body in the building. Meanwhile she is asked to investigate the break-in at a nearby shoe shop which results in her in making new friends.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2025
This is a great series, featuring a young half-French half-American living in Paris with her wealthy French grandfather. Her across the street neighbor is none other than Julia Child, who is portrayed affectionately and amusingly.
Tabitha does tutoring and translation, and gets caught up in the world of post World War II French fashion for a client. She happens (again) to be on the spot to discover the dead body of the owner of a couture business. Naturally, she inserts herself into the investigation.
Meanwhile she is trying to absorb cooking chops from Julia, rescuing a stray cat, helping her grand pere and his partner, and figuring out her attraction to a handsome French detective.
Terrific Parisian setting, interesting mystery with roots in WWII and the French Resistance, and endearing characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tabitha does tutoring and translation, and gets caught up in the world of post World War II French fashion for a client. She happens (again) to be on the spot to discover the dead body of the owner of a couture business. Naturally, she inserts herself into the investigation.
Meanwhile she is trying to absorb cooking chops from Julia, rescuing a stray cat, helping her grand pere and his partner, and figuring out her attraction to a handsome French detective.
Terrific Parisian setting, interesting mystery with roots in WWII and the French Resistance, and endearing characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 30, 2025
From crepes to cassoulet, Julia Child could do it all. Tabitha Knight was not much of a cook, but since moving to Paris she has developed a close friendship with Child, much to the delight of her Grand-Pere and Oncle Rafe. What Tabitha does seem to be good at is finding dead bodies. As the daughter of a police detective she can not help getting involved with the investigations. Julia is happy to share what she has learned at Le Cordon Bleu in exchange for updates on Tabitha’s activities. After attending a fashion showing to translate for an American friend of Julia she returns to Madison Lannet to retrieve a glove that she left behind. There she finds Madame Lannet strangled with a piece of lace. The murderer is still in the building, but escapes through a door to a back alley. Tabitha has developed a reputation as an amateur investigator and she is approached by a friend to find the person who broke into a shoe store and destroyed a number of orders. It is a store that shares a number of clients with Maison Lannet and backs onto the same alley. Tabitha begins to wonder if the incidents are connected. Her investigation is further complicated by the death of Lannet’s assistant.
Tabitha’s activities have put her in danger in the past and she is once again warned by Inspector Mervielle to not get involved. She has found herself attracted to the inspector in the past. While Julia encourages her to consult with the inspector whenever possible, she is put off by the picture of his fiancee on his desk. Another man has also come into her life. A stray cat that once saved her has been injured. When she captures it and takes it to Jean Luc, the veterinarian recommended by Julia, he has heard of her exploits and takes an interest in her. Tabitha’s investigation takes her to the House of Dior and back to the German occupation of Paris. The war is still fresh in the minds of the people and some actions can not be forgiven. From the aromatic concoctions in Julia’s kitchen to the salons of haute couture, Colleen Cambridge’s mystery is an absolute delight. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this book.
June 17, 2025
Another engaging and satisfactory continuation from the 1st & 2nd books in this delightful series [See my review on Mastering the French Art of Murder (2023) for more.]. Both the CHs and Paris setting, once again, take center stage in an intriguing series of murders that take place around an Haute Couture House of design as Cambridge seamlessly integrates fashion, dress design terminology and trends with Paris’s WWII history. Cuisine and wine are, again, important factors as our relentless Tabitha finds herself involved, of course. Her beloved grand-père and Oncle Rafe, like Julia Child, are secondary CHs that add zest to the plot as it unfolds, as well as an assortment of other CHs like the coterie of new girlfriends who model and shop keep in Paris. Tabitha’s involvement disquiets the formidable and entrancing Inspector Etienne Merveille; however, he seems a bit more accepting of her detecting gifts. The Sexual Tension (ST) continues to build between Tabitha and the Inspector at a very slow boil. The food and wine descriptions are divine (almost mouth-watering narrative recipes—this time cassoulet, crepes, and veal broth), the dialogue both humorous and clever, as this story explores postwar Paris as it still recovers from a Nazi Occupation. We get some scenes set at Christian Dior, some interesting tidbits about shoemaking, and the perils of decorating a restaurant. The Alley Cat who saved Tabitha’s life makes an appearance and through him she meets a very handsome and earnest veterinarian that adds a possible complication to her romantic path. Good Red Herrings and plotting as Tabitha uses her mystery-reading and her father’s police experience to good effect. Cambridge explains Tabitha's abilities in a way that makes me believe she could succeed when challenged physically and when in jeopardy. Fun and compelling—I look forward to #4. RED FLAGS: Graphic Violence; WWII Sadness; Injury to animals. Again, for fans of Cambridge’s Phyllida Bright series, and also for those who enjoyed Jessa Maxwell’s The Golden Spoon, and Emilia Bernhard’s Death in Paris.
July 23, 2025
This is the third installment of the series and I'm giving it 3.5/3.75 stars.
This time Tabitha discovers a dead body returning to an atelier to get her glove after a private viewing Tabitha and Julia were attending to help a fellow expat navigate the experience. A different detective takes the case, but Merveille does take the case over, so the two are "working" together again.
In this installment there is, of course, the fictional Julia Child and also a fictional version of Christian Dior as it is one of his previous employees who was murdered. The brave chat who saved Tabitha's life is also featured in this book. The book delves into some of the post-WW2 sentiment towards the police and the views of those who collaborated with the Germans and the fine line of being seen to collaborate but use that to help the resistance. There is of course, some fabulous food cooked by Julia and Tabitha is continuing to learn to improve her cooking.
I have given it a slightly lower rating than the others as it took me a bit to get into it. I don't know that this is a reflection of the book so much as what this year has been like for me personally.
This time Tabitha discovers a dead body returning to an atelier to get her glove after a private viewing Tabitha and Julia were attending to help a fellow expat navigate the experience. A different detective takes the case, but Merveille does take the case over, so the two are "working" together again.
In this installment there is, of course, the fictional Julia Child and also a fictional version of Christian Dior as it is one of his previous employees who was murdered. The brave chat who saved Tabitha's life is also featured in this book. The book delves into some of the post-WW2 sentiment towards the police and the views of those who collaborated with the Germans and the fine line of being seen to collaborate but use that to help the resistance. There is of course, some fabulous food cooked by Julia and Tabitha is continuing to learn to improve her cooking.
I have given it a slightly lower rating than the others as it took me a bit to get into it. I don't know that this is a reflection of the book so much as what this year has been like for me personally.
April 25, 2025
I eagerly look forward to each book in this series, since reading the first one, and am never disappointed! If you enjoy historical mysteries with strong plots and multifaceted characters, I highly recommend these books. You don't have to start with the first one, but as with most series, you'll appreciate each one more if you do.
Set in 1950, Tabitha Knight moved from the U.S. to post-war Paris less than a year ago and lives with her "messieurs", her grandfather and his partner across the street from Julia Child. Tabitha seems to have a knack for finding dead bodies, and for putting clues together to figure out who killed them. A Fashionably French Murder starts with Tabitha accompanying Julia and a friend to one of Paris's newest fashion houses, Maison Lannet. After they leave, Tabitha discovers that she must have dropped a glove back at the atelier, so she goes back to look for it... only to find Madame Lannet's still-warm body, strangled with a piece of lace, and Tabitha once again finds herself drawn into a murder investigation. The characters in this series are absolutely wonderful, and reading the parts where Julia helps Tabitha become a better cook always inspire me (I will likely be making crepes soon, putting Julia's tips to Tabitha to use!). The mystery(ies) are always complex and tie in post-war French history, such as Christian Dior's "New Look" and the resurgence of Paris as the fashion capital in this book. We learn more about each of the characters and their own histories in each story, and it was nice to see Tabitha grow up a bit in this one (and get a second love interest).
Set in 1950, Tabitha Knight moved from the U.S. to post-war Paris less than a year ago and lives with her "messieurs", her grandfather and his partner across the street from Julia Child. Tabitha seems to have a knack for finding dead bodies, and for putting clues together to figure out who killed them. A Fashionably French Murder starts with Tabitha accompanying Julia and a friend to one of Paris's newest fashion houses, Maison Lannet. After they leave, Tabitha discovers that she must have dropped a glove back at the atelier, so she goes back to look for it... only to find Madame Lannet's still-warm body, strangled with a piece of lace, and Tabitha once again finds herself drawn into a murder investigation. The characters in this series are absolutely wonderful, and reading the parts where Julia helps Tabitha become a better cook always inspire me (I will likely be making crepes soon, putting Julia's tips to Tabitha to use!). The mystery(ies) are always complex and tie in post-war French history, such as Christian Dior's "New Look" and the resurgence of Paris as the fashion capital in this book. We learn more about each of the characters and their own histories in each story, and it was nice to see Tabitha grow up a bit in this one (and get a second love interest).
Read
May 15, 2025Tabitha Knight has firmly entrenched herself in her grandfathers and uncles house. She loves her work, her life and has no intention of returning to America. Becoming friends with Julia Child, introduces fabulous cuisine into the story, along with haute couture. What Tabitha did not think was that she will stumble over corpses and be the first person to encounter them. Her sort of on off attraction to n dashing Inspector helps.
In this story Tabitha establishes herself as a promising sleuth. There is a lot of history during this era in Paris, including the brutal treatment of women collaborators some of whom just got into it to survive. It didn’t turn out well for them. Julia Child was just coming into her own and the food descriptions are exquisite.
In this story Tabitha establishes herself as a promising sleuth. There is a lot of history during this era in Paris, including the brutal treatment of women collaborators some of whom just got into it to survive. It didn’t turn out well for them. Julia Child was just coming into her own and the food descriptions are exquisite.
July 15, 2025
Absolutely LOVED!
I love a good mystery, but this also included fashion, history, and continued the Julia Child food theme without taking away from fhe rest of the story!
I felt like I learned so much even tho it was fiction. From French fashion terms of those days and the way handmade shoes were made and the industry in general, to their historical ties to WW2 Germany and the lives affected years after the war.....it was all so fascinating! Loved it! 🤩
This one is by far my favorite in the series and really made us (me) question the morality of one's actions when confronted with unashamed injustice too. Just all really well done! I wish OUABC would have made matching books to the first one because an SE editon of THIS book is a NEED! It would be so beautiful 😍
I love a good mystery, but this also included fashion, history, and continued the Julia Child food theme without taking away from fhe rest of the story!
I felt like I learned so much even tho it was fiction. From French fashion terms of those days and the way handmade shoes were made and the industry in general, to their historical ties to WW2 Germany and the lives affected years after the war.....it was all so fascinating! Loved it! 🤩
This one is by far my favorite in the series and really made us (me) question the morality of one's actions when confronted with unashamed injustice too. Just all really well done! I wish OUABC would have made matching books to the first one because an SE editon of THIS book is a NEED! It would be so beautiful 😍
May 6, 2025
Another wonderful entry in the author's An American in Paris mystery series. This time, the murder focuses on the fashion industry in Paris, with connections to collaborators during World War II. As always, we see Julia Child (the neighbor of our main character Tabitha, the American of the series title) from time to time. I found myself hungry so often reading the book as Julia is trying out recipes.
I made the mistake of thinking this was the second in the series, but realized part-way through that there were too many mentions of events I hadn't read about in Tabitha's past investigations. I look forward to rectifying that mistake by reading the actual second book in the series soon.
I made the mistake of thinking this was the second in the series, but realized part-way through that there were too many mentions of events I hadn't read about in Tabitha's past investigations. I look forward to rectifying that mistake by reading the actual second book in the series soon.
July 28, 2025
Set in post WWII Paris, A Fashionably French Murder by Colleen Cambridge plunges Tabitha Knight into the dangerous world of haute couture when she discovers a dead body. The book boasts interesting real life characters, including Tabitha's friend Julia Child, who not only helps pore over clues but also tantalizes readers with descriptions of her delectable cooking. As the third book in the series, it provides a good amount of recap for Books 1 & 2, though I personally prefer to have read previous installments to fully appreciate the characters and plot. Nonetheless, the anecdotes involving Christian Dior and Julia Child were particularly captivating in this fast-paced read. 3/5
September 3, 2025
This historical mystery series has a period bit of something for everyone! Julia Child's character in is an utter delight! I enjoy the talk about food as much as the mystery itself! I also really loved learning about haute couture and the impact the German occupation had on Paris after WWII. Can't wait for the next book!
August 26, 2025
Detroit born Tabitha Knight is living with her maternal grandfather in 1950s Paris and, in this third book in the series, encounters haute couture. The murder of a couturier triggers an examination of haute couture during the German occupation, exposing acts of treachery and heroism and the gray areas in between.
p. 57 para. 4 line 2 : 9 months vs. p. 58 last line : 10 months
p. 57 para. 4 line 2 : 9 months vs. p. 58 last line : 10 months
November 30, 2025
Pretty fun to read…Paris, Julia Child, food, the beginnings of Haute Couture. Descriptions of Paris and the situation very shortly after WW2. ( I read an earlier book in the series, #2) There was a tense situation with a murderer; it was not who I thought, because there were quite a few red herrings. I enjoyed the characters, especially M de Goutierre, maybe he’ll turn up again in the next book.
May 20, 2025
I like this series and hope for many more installments
May 23, 2025
I just love Tabitha and Julia!! This is the third book in the series and it was fantastic, fun, exciting , and with heartfelt moments. Wonderful mystery!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews