An Official Killing

Molly Sutton Mysteries #7

by Nell Goddin

June, 2007. Castillac appears calm, even serene. Roses spill over stone walls, the Saturday market is overflowing. Villagers are lulled into feeling safe and secure. But a dark corruption is spreading underneath the surface. Unbeknownst to anyone but those involved, the village has been infiltrated from within and without.And Molly Sutton, the best detective in town, has her eye off the ball as she juggles her gîte business along with planning her best friend’s wedding. A shocking murder shatters the illusion of peace, and Molly and Ben jump into action. This time around, the more they investigate, the longer the list of suspects grows. Will Sutton/Dufort Investigations find the killer before he or she finds them?

Genres: Mystery, France, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Friendship

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2017

About the author

She has worked as a radio reporter, SAT tutor, short-order omelet chef, and baker. She tried waitressing but was fired twice.

Nell grew up in Richmond, Virginia and has lived in New England, New York City, and France. Currently she's back in Virginia with teenagers and far too many pets. She has degrees from Dartmouth College and Columbia University.

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still love the various characters and the setting but this wasn't my favorite in the series. The La Perla aspect was a nice touch but a bit too far reaching as a means to solving the mystery in the manner it was. The Russian angle seemed a bit odd and who leaves their best friend's wedding that you're catering! Maybe my biggest issue is that I am becoming wary of Molly; her constant need to be the star detective, the constants hints about her wanting a baby, and her treatment of Ben. In many ways her behavior is "real" but I fear she'll become another in a list of crazy, shrewish, cozy detectives albeit one with a baby strapped to her back while driving a failing scooter.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

AN OFFICIAL KILLING by Nell Goddin is Book #7 in the Molly Sutton Mystery series.
The mayor of Castillac is murdered in his residence. Can the village police solve the murder? Can Molly and Ben solve the murder?
Of course, Molly is right in the middle of the drama. The residents of Castillac turn to her to solve every mysterious case in the town - from missing dogs to grisly murders. She is joined by her ‘love interest’ and former head of police, Ben. They have joined forces to create a detective agency of sorts. (I say ‘of sorts’ because every detail in a cozy mystery is a bit vague and not always realistic.)
There are some interesting characters and some clever plot arcs. Food and wine at the local cafe. Life in a small town in southwestern France. Running a gite and all the drama that it entails. A nice glossary of French words and expressions. Very colorful, rustic book cover.
But what about closure? One minute Molly is hosting a wedding reception and the next minute a murder is solved and Molly is feted as the next best thing to happen since red wine. Ben is hardly mentioned except as a ‘love interest’. The local police are portrayed as stumbling idiots. Where is the son? What will happen to Malcolm? The bank manager? Will there be a new election for mayor? Where are the Russians? What happened to Josette and Julien and their mother - Madame Barneau? Did the cat eat the spilled beaten eggs?
A somewhat interesting and plausible ‘mystery’ came to a dead halt with so many loose threads that it looked like a rat’s nest. My 3 1/2 stars just fell to 2.

[Cynthia Farrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Molly Sutton Mystery So Far

I recommend reading these wonderful books in order for the best experience, but I suppose it’s not entirely necessary. I love these books because I feel totally immersed in this small village in France. I enjoy reading about the day to day challenges that come with running a bed and breakfast establishment in France in a centuries old set of buildings with only the simplest knowledge of the language, improving over time as one mingles with the locals. Add to that the solving of crimes, a handsome eligible chief of police and the description of the food, wine and countryside surrounding the village and you find yourself entirely immersed in Molly’s world.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Molly Sutton's newest group of guests arrived, she didn't expect any trouble. One was a repeat visitor from the previous year; two were a pair of women in their 60s who liked to travel; and the last were a Russian couple with limited ability to speak in either English or French.
However, trouble arrived with the murder of the mayor of Castilloc just as election campaigning was getting under way.
With boyfriend- detective Ben Duford away and best friend Frances having wedding jitters, life becomes hectic and muddled.
This is another enjoyably visit to Molly Sutton's life in Castilloc, France.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite Molly Sutton book, so far. In An Official Killing, Molly is running her gite business and trying to help her best friend, Frances, with he upcoming wedding. When the mayor gets murdered, Molly tries to find a way into getting hired as a detective to investigate. Each Molly Sutton book is like a little visit to Castillac and I love catching up with all of Molly's friends and neighbours. Molly is settling into the village and I enjoyed how a little thing like Molly noticing the laundry line of La Perla underwear from earlier books was tied into this story.

[Tina Marking · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Molly Sutton series. LOVE it. The people, the locations, the food, the community. And, of course, the mysteries.

Oh, the little clues that have been given in previous book, that were like little Easter eggs to be found well after the Easter season. Good move, Ms. Goddin.

This one was the right mix of murder, mystery, danger, intrigue, love and friendship. Especially the love part. I'll not say another word on that subject, except...nope. No spoiler alerts from me.

Someone get me an almond croissant. Please!!

[Marcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

One would assume from the title that the victim would be an elected official; although, there are times at the beginning of the book one wondered which official would become the victim. I especially liked the author's ability to build this particular story line throughout all the preceding six books -- a demonstration of Nell's thoughts into the development of Molly Sutton and her French adventures. Hesitant to read the next book of the series because I am concerned that Molly will loose her independence as a female detective and will become too connected to her male partner.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

From voyeur to murder victim. The mayor of Castillac and his housemaid have an interesting work relationship but the girl's mother wants her to do more and bring home more money. There are so many suspects and eventually much more comes to light. Add in the peculiar madness her best friend (the bride) adds to the mix, and there is one fascinating cozy!
I enjoyed the narration by voice artist Becket Royce who really does a fine job!
#audiobook #MollySuttonMysteries7 #AuthorSales

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly is becoming a little too self-centered for me…getting upset when Ben doesn’t agree with her analysis, tossing aside her best friend’s wedding to solve a murder, not sharing her thoughts and findings with authorities in order to get credit for solving a crime, calling in her friends to save the day when she is too self-absorbed. She is not always a loyal friend, having others clean up her messes.

[Lanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

NUMBER 7 -- THE BEST YET

I so enjoyed this book. Each story makes me feel that old friends have returned and let me peek into their lives. The characters have unique person!cities that author has down pat. The stories have just enough mystery to keep us guessing. I highly recommend AN OFFICIAL KILLING. Its a great beach book.

[Mary Hathaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a little disappointed

I read no 1 and no 2 Molly Sutton books and loved them. Somehow, this professional angle of an investigative team rings "cute", a little unbelievable. I liked it best best when Molly was coincidentally involved in adding her perspective; not urged by everyone in the village to investigate and solve.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better. I love the characters and the setting of the village. Ms. Goddin continues to grow as a writer and really brings her characters to life. There's always at least one mystery and usually some little sweet romance. It's always like a visit with friends!

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and have them all. I love France, so this feeds my need for the feel of a small village there. The characters are amusing, the writing is fun and well described. Story lines are all different. I am on the 8th one now, and very sad that I only have 1 more to go. Although Nell is writing a tenth.

[Kristen N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prob closer to a 3 but as I often note in my quick reviews, sometimes I just like the history and some of the personalities. Not the best plot but I forgive it because I simply like the general idea and history in the series. And I feel like nosey crime solving women = a light read and I am not expecting literature.

[Diann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly's back and better than ever! I love all of her stories. They are
always so exciting and full of the most enjoyable characters. The mysteries
are always very well written and keep you guessing. I truly loved this story
and I know you will too. Highly recommend to everyone.

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy the tone and relaxed, village life of these mysteries. Not sure how I feel about the ending to this one--maybe the next book will tell the trial verdict. Without wanting to give spoilers, all I can say is I don't agree that the killer is a murderer.

[Philip Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly Sutton of Boston becomes a French detective

A delightful escape into a French village. The entire series is well-written; the characters are charming and the plots entertaining…

[Karen L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best murder mystery series

This is the seventh book in the Molly Sutton series and there are more! The characters are very well portrayed and the location is in France. As I speak French and used to live there, it doesn’t get any better than that!

[Frances Sawaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick summer fare.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this series since the beginning and this is the best Molly mystery yet! A great mystery with detailed characters and lots of side intrigue to keep it interesting.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly Sutton is always a fun read. This one involves the murder of a detestable politician who seems very jolly but is actually quite vile. The more Molly digs, the more folks with motives emerge.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mayor is murdered. Also corruption and steroid production uncovered. Ben asks Molly to marry him.

[Anwnh5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying the series

[Michael Israel · Rating 5 out of 5]

great

I have loved all of Nell Goddin books, This one leads to Molly’s happiness.
Maybe even a baby. Here’s hoping

[Karen Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done. #7 in the series.

[Anja Bruijl · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed reading the latest Nell Godwin book

Very well written, enjoyed the story. Easy reading, looking forward to the next Molly Sutton mystery and her getting married to Ben.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I took a star off my rating due to the typo in the synopsis blurb on the back cover, but it still falls in the "ok" to "liked it" range

[Sharon Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed all of these books in the series… light hearted mysteries set in France

[Cyndi Berve]

A fun, French village mystery. Croissants aux amandes!!

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am enjoying the series...have been reading them in order and the writing and plots keep getting better!