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A French Bistro Mystery #2
A Soufflé of Suspicion
The buoyant mood at Bistro Rousseau deflates when Chef Camille's sister, Renee, turns up dead in the chef's kitchen, and Mimi Rousseau must tease the real killer out of a m�lange of menacing characters.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2018
80 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Daryl Wood Gerber
48 books2,480 followersAgatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author Daryl Wood Gerber writes the Aroma Wellness Mysteries, Literary Dining Mysteries, Fairy Garden Mysteries, Cookbook Nook Mysteries, and French Bistro Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she pens the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries.
In addition, Daryl also writes suspense including the stand-alone novel, THE SON'S SECRET, the Aspen Adams novels of suspense, and two more stand-alone titles, DAY OF SECRETS and GIRL ON THE RUN.
She has recently delved into the realm of romance with her first Christmas romance, HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky who keeps her in line!
Visit Daryl at www.darylwoodgerber.com.
In addition, Daryl also writes suspense including the stand-alone novel, THE SON'S SECRET, the Aspen Adams novels of suspense, and two more stand-alone titles, DAY OF SECRETS and GIRL ON THE RUN.
She has recently delved into the realm of romance with her first Christmas romance, HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky who keeps her in line!
Visit Daryl at www.darylwoodgerber.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
July 31, 2022
Author Daryl Wood Gerber has been on my TBR list for ages, but I hadn't gotten to reading from her collection in the past. When the second book, A Soufflé of Suspicion, in the French Bistro cozy mystery series was listed in a giveaway contest, I jumped on the opportunity. I was selected as a reader (yay!) and lined up the book for my late June reading list. I normally read series mystery books in order but I'm all out of time lately, so I just dove in to this cooking and killing edition. I'm now a fan and look forward to reading more from the author, especially given she has a few other series under different pseudonyms.
In this book, Mimi has just recovered from solving a crime in the last few weeks, and then another one happens. Renee, the sister of Mimi's current chef, Camille, is found clobbered with a mixer in the kitchen. As details about Renee's life unfold, there's a possibility she was blackmailing someone, having an affair, or stealing information. Was she a good or bad person? We just don't know... and at times, it seems like Camille had a few reasons to off her own sister, too. As a backdrop setting, it's set in the delectable Napa Valley and it's dessert week... so I was in love with the ambiance and the food/drink in this book.
I like the characters and see some long-term potential as they begin to settle into their roles as friends, enemies and in-between. Mimi as a lead is interesting, but its her connections to the rest of the town that provide all the great opportunities to be a sleuth. People just talk to her, yet she's also constantly doing new things in the restaurant or meeting people to help re-build the town or her mom's winery, so she has lots of relationships that can offer clues and secrets.
For me, this falls into the right spot for a cozy mystery. I like that the recipes are all listed at the end and not interspersed throughout the story, as I don't enjoy having to flip tons of pages to find the next chapter. I really enjoyed learning about the restaurant business. Many of the names of places and some chefs are authentic, as I've been to the places when I visited Napa Valley in the past. I kinda wanna go back now and see exactly where some of these conversations and stores are in comparison to streets I've visited before. Kudos to the author for making it real. She's undoubtedly been there, and I wonder if we've been to the same winery at the same time. Ha!
As for the mystery plot, it was in the middle in terms of obvious versus complex. There was more to it than I expected, but I pegged the killer from the beginning. There were a few strong red herrings and misleading side stories, but ultimately, it's a classic story that works well in this background. I will definitely read more from the author and look forward to catching up on the first book in the series.
In this book, Mimi has just recovered from solving a crime in the last few weeks, and then another one happens. Renee, the sister of Mimi's current chef, Camille, is found clobbered with a mixer in the kitchen. As details about Renee's life unfold, there's a possibility she was blackmailing someone, having an affair, or stealing information. Was she a good or bad person? We just don't know... and at times, it seems like Camille had a few reasons to off her own sister, too. As a backdrop setting, it's set in the delectable Napa Valley and it's dessert week... so I was in love with the ambiance and the food/drink in this book.
I like the characters and see some long-term potential as they begin to settle into their roles as friends, enemies and in-between. Mimi as a lead is interesting, but its her connections to the rest of the town that provide all the great opportunities to be a sleuth. People just talk to her, yet she's also constantly doing new things in the restaurant or meeting people to help re-build the town or her mom's winery, so she has lots of relationships that can offer clues and secrets.
For me, this falls into the right spot for a cozy mystery. I like that the recipes are all listed at the end and not interspersed throughout the story, as I don't enjoy having to flip tons of pages to find the next chapter. I really enjoyed learning about the restaurant business. Many of the names of places and some chefs are authentic, as I've been to the places when I visited Napa Valley in the past. I kinda wanna go back now and see exactly where some of these conversations and stores are in comparison to streets I've visited before. Kudos to the author for making it real. She's undoubtedly been there, and I wonder if we've been to the same winery at the same time. Ha!
As for the mystery plot, it was in the middle in terms of obvious versus complex. There was more to it than I expected, but I pegged the killer from the beginning. There were a few strong red herrings and misleading side stories, but ultimately, it's a classic story that works well in this background. I will definitely read more from the author and look forward to catching up on the first book in the series.
June 19, 2018
A Soufflé of Suspicion by Daryl Wood Gerber is the second book in the cozy A French Bistro Mystery series. As the title and cover may indicate this series is one that is perfect for the foodies to dive into with all the delicious treats and eats hiding between the pages. And if the mouth watering food during the read isn’t quite enough to satisfy there are also recipes included at the end of the book for readers to try some of the foods out on their own.
Mimi Rousseau is our leading lady in the French Bistro series with the first book introducing her to readers as she had just lost her husband. Mimi’s dream had always been to open her own bistro and she had taken the tough route getting there by learning the ropes holding various jobs in the food industry. Once her husband had passed she had found herself in debt so she sold everything to clear the debt and then returned home to Nouvelle Vie in Napa Valley where she found a backer to open her own bistro.
Now as Mimi has settled into her new life and things seem to be going well for her she’s decided to tackle the Sweet Treats Festival during Crush Week in Nouvelle Vie. But before Mimi knows it she finds herself smack dab in the middle of another murder investigation when Chef Camille’s sister Renee is found dead. Renee had been managing the festival and really wasn’t winning everyone over with her demanding ways so the list of suspects is a mile long but Mimi is determined to find the killer.
Having read the first book in this series and liking it well enough I was hoping to dive into this one and find myself loving it even more. However, this time around I just found this one to be missing a bit of that quirky spark that I love so much in stories like this. The story and characters are likable enough but it didn’t really jump out and grab me as much this time around either although the foodie in me enjoys hearing of Mimi’s creations and I do enjoy the lovely setting this series takes place in. So in the end I just found this one to be an OK addition to the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more review please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Mimi Rousseau is our leading lady in the French Bistro series with the first book introducing her to readers as she had just lost her husband. Mimi’s dream had always been to open her own bistro and she had taken the tough route getting there by learning the ropes holding various jobs in the food industry. Once her husband had passed she had found herself in debt so she sold everything to clear the debt and then returned home to Nouvelle Vie in Napa Valley where she found a backer to open her own bistro.
Now as Mimi has settled into her new life and things seem to be going well for her she’s decided to tackle the Sweet Treats Festival during Crush Week in Nouvelle Vie. But before Mimi knows it she finds herself smack dab in the middle of another murder investigation when Chef Camille’s sister Renee is found dead. Renee had been managing the festival and really wasn’t winning everyone over with her demanding ways so the list of suspects is a mile long but Mimi is determined to find the killer.
Having read the first book in this series and liking it well enough I was hoping to dive into this one and find myself loving it even more. However, this time around I just found this one to be missing a bit of that quirky spark that I love so much in stories like this. The story and characters are likable enough but it didn’t really jump out and grab me as much this time around either although the foodie in me enjoys hearing of Mimi’s creations and I do enjoy the lovely setting this series takes place in. So in the end I just found this one to be an OK addition to the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more review please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
June 18, 2018
Release Date: July 10, 2018
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Highly Recommended
If you are new to cozy mysteries and want to give the genre a try I highly recommend starting with this series! It has been quite a while since I have been able to sit down and 5 star both books in a cozy series but this one deserves it! The heroine/sleuth (Mimi) is a pure delight! I love her personality, attitude, and the way she goes after solving mysteries that end up falling on her plate. The mysteries themselves can somewhat be predictable, although some may not be able to figure it out until the very end! And the recipes? SCRUMPTIOUS. I have never in my life wanted to cook french food but after reading about these delicious dishes? I know what I'll be making for dinner for the coming days.
This is a cozy mystery series. This means that the person who solves the crime is an amateur. Readers become sleuths right along with the characters and try to figure out the killer with the clues provided. This is also a culinary cozy which means a lot of the book is surrounded in food! Recipes are provided at the end of the novel for readers to try out if they like.
Now, what you should know is that this is NOT a series of standalones. Most cozy mysteries aren't. They follow the same sleuth throughout the series. Mimi, the main character in this one opened her own French Bistro in the previous book and is still carrying on with it in this one. Unfortunately for her, someone is murdered and her head chef is a suspect! Mimi will stop at nothing to clear her friends name. Even if it puts her in danger...
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Highly Recommended
If you are new to cozy mysteries and want to give the genre a try I highly recommend starting with this series! It has been quite a while since I have been able to sit down and 5 star both books in a cozy series but this one deserves it! The heroine/sleuth (Mimi) is a pure delight! I love her personality, attitude, and the way she goes after solving mysteries that end up falling on her plate. The mysteries themselves can somewhat be predictable, although some may not be able to figure it out until the very end! And the recipes? SCRUMPTIOUS. I have never in my life wanted to cook french food but after reading about these delicious dishes? I know what I'll be making for dinner for the coming days.
This is a cozy mystery series. This means that the person who solves the crime is an amateur. Readers become sleuths right along with the characters and try to figure out the killer with the clues provided. This is also a culinary cozy which means a lot of the book is surrounded in food! Recipes are provided at the end of the novel for readers to try out if they like.
Now, what you should know is that this is NOT a series of standalones. Most cozy mysteries aren't. They follow the same sleuth throughout the series. Mimi, the main character in this one opened her own French Bistro in the previous book and is still carrying on with it in this one. Unfortunately for her, someone is murdered and her head chef is a suspect! Mimi will stop at nothing to clear her friends name. Even if it puts her in danger...
July 2, 2018
A delicious addition to the French Bistro Mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber. Amidst all the eating, drinking, and merriment at Bistro Rousseau, Mimi’s head chef, Camille, has to face the tragic death of her sister, Renee. Evidence reveals there is a killer at large during Napa Valley’s Crush Week.
I enjoyed getting to know more about Mimi and the great cast of characters from book one as they continue in their work and personal lives. The lengths the perpetrator goes to stop anyone from finding out their identity keeps the story lively and intriguing. The author provides delicious-sounding recipes for readers to try.
I reviewed an ARC from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. Thank you.
I enjoyed getting to know more about Mimi and the great cast of characters from book one as they continue in their work and personal lives. The lengths the perpetrator goes to stop anyone from finding out their identity keeps the story lively and intriguing. The author provides delicious-sounding recipes for readers to try.
I reviewed an ARC from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. Thank you.
July 13, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
What a SWEET cozy! Daryl Wood Gerber has served up her readers a delectable mystery with fine characters and full-bodied story.
We arrive just in time for Crush Week and the brand new Sweet Treats Festival. Chef C’s sister, Renee is in charge of the festival and the chef is at Bistro Rousseau preparing meals and menus for all the tourists coming into town. Mimi is running between her bistro and her inn, where the festival is taking place trying her best to help out everywhere. That is until her chef arrives home to find Renee dead on her kitchen floor. Mimi can’t believe the police are actually looking at her chef as the prime suspect.
Chef Camille is taking some time off to mourn the loss of her sister and deal with the police, so Mimi steps in to manage the kitchen all the while trying to find the real killer. She realizes she is getting close to the truth when she seems to be the target of some unusual “accidents”. She needs to wrap things up quickly before something more than the grapes get crushed.
In this second book of the series, the author again sets a brisk pace. Readers are drawn into the story through two big events taking place. These events introduce us to some new characters like Chef Camille’s sister Renee and her husband Rusty. Renee tired quickly of Rusty’s new chicken farmer lifestyle and has purchased an event business. She has thrown herself into making the first event, the Sweet Treats Festival a huge success. The former business owner, Allie O’Malley, confronts Renee about their agreement and it doesn’t go well. Mimi considers them both suspects but she finds they are not the only ones that would have the motivation to bash the woman over the head.
I was very entertained following Mimi’s footsteps as she did her best to capture the killer. Especially because her footsteps went through the kitchen of the bistro and the grounds of the Sweet Treats Festival. We were treated to descriptions of the most scrumptious savory and sweet foods, my mouth was watering. I really appreciate the author for including several recipes at the end of the book.
This author is an amazing storyteller. She sets the scene, nurtures her characters and gives them dynamic dialogue, all while wrapping them in a masterful mystery. I have enjoyed every book she has written. I believe this new French Bistro Mystery is my new favorite. Like a perfect soufflé would impress your guests this story reached great heights to impress me and make it both a great and perfect escape.
What a SWEET cozy! Daryl Wood Gerber has served up her readers a delectable mystery with fine characters and full-bodied story.
We arrive just in time for Crush Week and the brand new Sweet Treats Festival. Chef C’s sister, Renee is in charge of the festival and the chef is at Bistro Rousseau preparing meals and menus for all the tourists coming into town. Mimi is running between her bistro and her inn, where the festival is taking place trying her best to help out everywhere. That is until her chef arrives home to find Renee dead on her kitchen floor. Mimi can’t believe the police are actually looking at her chef as the prime suspect.
Chef Camille is taking some time off to mourn the loss of her sister and deal with the police, so Mimi steps in to manage the kitchen all the while trying to find the real killer. She realizes she is getting close to the truth when she seems to be the target of some unusual “accidents”. She needs to wrap things up quickly before something more than the grapes get crushed.
In this second book of the series, the author again sets a brisk pace. Readers are drawn into the story through two big events taking place. These events introduce us to some new characters like Chef Camille’s sister Renee and her husband Rusty. Renee tired quickly of Rusty’s new chicken farmer lifestyle and has purchased an event business. She has thrown herself into making the first event, the Sweet Treats Festival a huge success. The former business owner, Allie O’Malley, confronts Renee about their agreement and it doesn’t go well. Mimi considers them both suspects but she finds they are not the only ones that would have the motivation to bash the woman over the head.
I was very entertained following Mimi’s footsteps as she did her best to capture the killer. Especially because her footsteps went through the kitchen of the bistro and the grounds of the Sweet Treats Festival. We were treated to descriptions of the most scrumptious savory and sweet foods, my mouth was watering. I really appreciate the author for including several recipes at the end of the book.
This author is an amazing storyteller. She sets the scene, nurtures her characters and gives them dynamic dialogue, all while wrapping them in a masterful mystery. I have enjoyed every book she has written. I believe this new French Bistro Mystery is my new favorite. Like a perfect soufflé would impress your guests this story reached great heights to impress me and make it both a great and perfect escape.
July 15, 2018
When I finished book one in this series, A DEADLY ÉCLAIR, I wasn’t sure how I was going to wait for the second installment. Now having read, A SOUFFLÉ OF SUSPICION, it was well worth the wait! But how do I last until the next one!
It was fun to be back in wine country with Mimi Rousseau and the great cast of characters in the French Bistro Mysteries. Author Daryl Wood Gerber has written them all in a way that makes me feel I personally know each one them. She has done the same for the setting. While reading, I can vividly see my surroundings. I can hear the sounds and smell the food.
As for the mystery in, A SOUFFLÉ OF SUSPICION, it was top notch, with a fair amount if suspects, as well as red herrings. Just when I thought for sure I knew who the killer was, another twist was thrown in to foil me.
You’ll also find an amazing variety of recipes to enjoy. I honestly think I gained weight just reading them!
Fans of the first book will love this second trip to Napa Valley. Haven’t read the first? No worries. You can read A SOUFFLÉ OF SUSPICION as a standalone (But get them both and read them back to back. More fun that way!).
It was fun to be back in wine country with Mimi Rousseau and the great cast of characters in the French Bistro Mysteries. Author Daryl Wood Gerber has written them all in a way that makes me feel I personally know each one them. She has done the same for the setting. While reading, I can vividly see my surroundings. I can hear the sounds and smell the food.
As for the mystery in, A SOUFFLÉ OF SUSPICION, it was top notch, with a fair amount if suspects, as well as red herrings. Just when I thought for sure I knew who the killer was, another twist was thrown in to foil me.
You’ll also find an amazing variety of recipes to enjoy. I honestly think I gained weight just reading them!
Fans of the first book will love this second trip to Napa Valley. Haven’t read the first? No worries. You can read A SOUFFLÉ OF SUSPICION as a standalone (But get them both and read them back to back. More fun that way!).
July 8, 2018
This book centers around Mimi's bistro in Napa Valley. Chef Camille's sister, Renee, is in charge of the Sweet Tooth Festival and all appears to be going well with the festival. That is, until Chef C calls Mimi in the night to tell her that Renee has been found murdered. With multiple suspects each having their own reasons for wanting Renee dead, including Chef C, Mimi must sort through the various clues to solve this mystery which occurs so soon after the first one.
I am new to this series but it was easy to enjoy as a standalone. The characters were likeable and meshed well together. The mystery had several red herrings, though the killer's identity was not too hard to solve. It was really the writing and the characters that kept me engaged throughout the book and I enjoyed the author including delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book in a cozy to neatly tie it all up.
****Thanks to the Cozy Mystery Review Crew and Crooked Lane Books for a complimentary ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
I am new to this series but it was easy to enjoy as a standalone. The characters were likeable and meshed well together. The mystery had several red herrings, though the killer's identity was not too hard to solve. It was really the writing and the characters that kept me engaged throughout the book and I enjoyed the author including delicious sounding recipes at the end of the book in a cozy to neatly tie it all up.
****Thanks to the Cozy Mystery Review Crew and Crooked Lane Books for a complimentary ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
March 9, 2018
Daryl Wood Gerber is such a talented author! She has a definite flair for description and creates characters that just come alive. If you are a fan of her Cookbook Nook Mystery series, you will enjoy her new French Bistro Mystery series. A Souffle of Suspicion is the second in the series. I somehow missed the first one, but this book easily stands on its own. The plot centers on a suspicious murder during Crush Week in the beautiful Napa Valley. Not only was the mystery deliciously fun in this book, but the recipes at the end of the book are fantastically appetizing. It even includes a standard and gluten free versions of recipes! I am going to try the Champignon Parmentier au Gratin (mushrooms parmentier with cheese) and the vanilla bean sugar cookie recipes this weekend.
July 19, 2018
Souffle of Suspicion by Daryl Wood Gerber is the second book in the Ms. Gerber's A French Bistro Mystery series and was definitely a hard book to put down.
Ms. Gerber's detailed description of Crush Week in Napa Valley and the Sweet Treats Festival being held at Mimi's inn made me feel like I was there among the crowds. The delicious food being served at her Bistro made me hungry while I was reading, so the recipes at the end of the book were welcome. All of the characters are likable; and I was glad to be back in this charming setting once again. The plot was quickly paced with several suspects, twists and turns to keep me engaged until the end.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Ms. Gerber's detailed description of Crush Week in Napa Valley and the Sweet Treats Festival being held at Mimi's inn made me feel like I was there among the crowds. The delicious food being served at her Bistro made me hungry while I was reading, so the recipes at the end of the book were welcome. All of the characters are likable; and I was glad to be back in this charming setting once again. The plot was quickly paced with several suspects, twists and turns to keep me engaged until the end.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
April 9, 2018
Chefs sister, Renee, has left her husband and come to town where she is setting up the Sweet Treats Festival at Mimi's Inn. Mimi decides to go meet Renee and finds out that she is a headstrong women who likes to be in charge. When Mimi receives a phone call at night from Chef C saying her sister is dead she goes to comfort her and see what she can do to help. Mimi realizes that Renee has been murdered, but who would have wanted to kill her and why? The police think it was her sister, upset that Renee was edging in on her man, but Mimi just doesn't see it. Follow along as Mimi starts her own investigation hoping that she can clear Chef C's name. While looking into the murder Mimi learns that there were several people who had issues with Renee, her soon to be ex-husband, the lady she bought the rights to the festival from, a local woman to name a few but did any of them have reason to kill her? The author delivers a fun whodunit that will have you looking for the killer in many directions the whole way through. The characters are well written and the scenic setting is a delight to imagine, and don't forget about the wonderful recipes that she includes at the end (I look forward to trying many). I can't wait to see what happens next!!!
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 18, 2018
This was another awesome addition to the French Bistro series! I enjoyed reconnecting with the characters I'd grown very fond of from the first book, and I'm happy that Mimi and Nash's relationship is growing, as well as (finally) Jo and Tyson's. Mimi's mom and Stefan's dad seemed really happy together too.
When Chef Camille's sister Renee took over the Sweet Treats Festival from the previous owner, then Renee was found dead at Camille's house, it may have looked a little like her sister had something to do with it. Mimi had a feeling she knew who it was, but the problem was, she may have possibly just hired that person as help for Camille when she came back. With the Sweet Treats Festival and Crush Week going on, the bistro and inn were enjoying some major success, and Camille had definitely needed the extra help. Mimi was worried that she was getting a little too close to the truth when a couple of things happened that could have been taken to mean someone was trying to scare her. But of course, she didn't give up and the real killer was found. I liked this showdown for a change, it was safe and a lot calmer (to me the reader lol) than I usually find in my cozies. I hadn't guessed the killer until it was supposed to be known.
It was fun visiting with some of my favorite characters in the Napa Valley and I'm looking forward to the next book!
I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed it.
When Chef Camille's sister Renee took over the Sweet Treats Festival from the previous owner, then Renee was found dead at Camille's house, it may have looked a little like her sister had something to do with it. Mimi had a feeling she knew who it was, but the problem was, she may have possibly just hired that person as help for Camille when she came back. With the Sweet Treats Festival and Crush Week going on, the bistro and inn were enjoying some major success, and Camille had definitely needed the extra help. Mimi was worried that she was getting a little too close to the truth when a couple of things happened that could have been taken to mean someone was trying to scare her. But of course, she didn't give up and the real killer was found. I liked this showdown for a change, it was safe and a lot calmer (to me the reader lol) than I usually find in my cozies. I hadn't guessed the killer until it was supposed to be known.
It was fun visiting with some of my favorite characters in the Napa Valley and I'm looking forward to the next book!
I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed it.
June 18, 2018
A Soufflé of Suspicion, the second book in the French Bistro Mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber, pulled me in with its charming cover and then kept me turning pages until the very last word was read! The protagonist, Mimi Rousseau, owns both Bistro Rousseau and Maison Rousseau, the inn next to her bistro. All I can say is Mimi is extremely fortunate with her location, location, location! Set in Napa Valley, the author paints a gorgeous picture with words, describing views, tastes, and sounds, so that the reader will feel like they’ve been on vacation… except for the murder. When the Sweet Treats Festival organizer is murdered, Mimi finds herself pulled into helping solve the crime. The victim was Mimi’s chef’s sister and the festival is being held at Maison Rousseau. There are plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing, including the victim’s abandoned husband who runs a chicken farm. The twists and turns of the plot kept me guessing and just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist changed my mind.
In addition to great story-telling, I love the way Ms. Gerber develops her characters. Mimi is kindhearted, treating her employees like family. It is refreshing to see the caring interaction she has with each of them. I also greatly enjoyed how Mimi’s relationship is blossoming with Nash. She’s had some emotional hurdles to overcome in her past, but the author allows Mimi to grow like a real person would which makes her relatable. I look forward to reading more in this highly entertaining series!
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In addition to great story-telling, I love the way Ms. Gerber develops her characters. Mimi is kindhearted, treating her employees like family. It is refreshing to see the caring interaction she has with each of them. I also greatly enjoyed how Mimi’s relationship is blossoming with Nash. She’s had some emotional hurdles to overcome in her past, but the author allows Mimi to grow like a real person would which makes her relatable. I look forward to reading more in this highly entertaining series!
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 20, 2018
This is the 2nd Book in A French Bistro Mystery Series but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. This is a fast-paced mystery with several twists and turns along the way. All your favorite characters from book one are back and few new characters being introduced. I really love how the main character, Mimi, is protective of the ones she cares about such as her Chef Camille. After the murder of Camile’s sister, Mimi takes her chef into her home and is determined to help find the killer. Mimi feels that if she can find the killer she will firstly clear Camille’s name of any wrongdoing and secondly help give Camille a little closure over her sister’s death. Author Daryl Wood Gerber is a wonderful storyteller. She has a way of describing the setting in such a way that you can see the flowers in the gardens and the delicious food that is being served in the restaurants. Speaking of food if you are a lover of French food several recipes of food mentioned in the book are included.
I would recommend this book to cozy mystery and culinary mystery lovers. I also recommend reading the first book as this is a really good series. I know I am looking forward to the next book.
*** I received an ARC of this book in hopes that I would supply a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and have in no way been influenced. ***
I would recommend this book to cozy mystery and culinary mystery lovers. I also recommend reading the first book as this is a really good series. I know I am looking forward to the next book.
*** I received an ARC of this book in hopes that I would supply a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and have in no way been influenced. ***
March 13, 2018
A Soufflé Of Suspicion is the second book in A French Bistro Mystery series by Daryl Wood Gerber. What a fantastic book! Being back in beautiful Napa Valley, yummy food, and a festival is the setting for the murder of the festival owner....who just happens to be Chef C’s sister.
With Sweet Treats Festival going on at the B&B as well as Crush Week in Napa the bistro was busier than ever.
Wonderful trip back to Napa, Mimi and her friends.
Lots of suspects and motives and a twisty plot kept me sorting clues as I turned the pages.
Recipes included in the book for the mouth watering dishes.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you Daryl Wood Gerber for the wonderful trip back to Napa.
With Sweet Treats Festival going on at the B&B as well as Crush Week in Napa the bistro was busier than ever.
Wonderful trip back to Napa, Mimi and her friends.
Lots of suspects and motives and a twisty plot kept me sorting clues as I turned the pages.
Recipes included in the book for the mouth watering dishes.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you Daryl Wood Gerber for the wonderful trip back to Napa.
July 9, 2018
Another great entry in the series! I really enjoyed this book. The characters are likeable, the setting fantastic and the mystery was well done and kept me guessing. There were lots of characters to keep track of, especially with the festival going on but it wasn't too difficult. This book was easy to read and fun. The recipes at the end of the book sounded good and there are gluten-free versions included. Looking forward to the next book!
April 4, 2018
If you are looking for a good mystery, love affairs lies and deceit,and French recipes, this is the series for you. I bet you won't be as to stop reading it until the very end. It was really hard for me, I know. Now I can look forward to the next book in the series.
March 15, 2018
Awesome book! Thoroughly enjoyed reading about Mimi and her quirky friends. Very entertaining mystery. The food and wine descriptions are tantalizingly mouth-watering. Loved this book!
July 15, 2018
When I finished book one in this series, A DEADLY ÉCLAIR, I wasn’t sure how I was going to wait for the second installment. Now having read, A SOUFFLÉ OF SUSPICION, it was well worth the wait! But how do I last until the next one!
It was fun to be back in wine country with Mimi Rousseau and the great cast of characters in the French Bistro Mysteries. Author Daryl Wood Gerber has written them all in a way that makes me feel I personally know each one them. She has done the same for the setting. While reading, I can vividly see my surroundings. I can hear the sounds and smell the food.
As for the mystery in, A SOUFFLÉ OF SUSPICION, it was top notch, with a fair amount if suspects, as well as red herrings. Just when I thought for sure I knew who the killer was, another twist was thrown in to foil me.
You’ll also find an amazing variety of recipes to enjoy. I honestly think I gained weight just reading them!
Fans of the first book will love this second trip to Napa Valley. Haven’t read the first? No worries. You can read A SOUFFLÉ OF SUSPICION as a standalone (But get them both and read them back to back. More fun that way!).
It was fun to be back in wine country with Mimi Rousseau and the great cast of characters in the French Bistro Mysteries. Author Daryl Wood Gerber has written them all in a way that makes me feel I personally know each one them. She has done the same for the setting. While reading, I can vividly see my surroundings. I can hear the sounds and smell the food.
As for the mystery in, A SOUFFLÉ OF SUSPICION, it was top notch, with a fair amount if suspects, as well as red herrings. Just when I thought for sure I knew who the killer was, another twist was thrown in to foil me.
You’ll also find an amazing variety of recipes to enjoy. I honestly think I gained weight just reading them!
Fans of the first book will love this second trip to Napa Valley. Haven’t read the first? No worries. You can read A SOUFFLÉ OF SUSPICION as a standalone (But get them both and read them back to back. More fun that way!).
July 16, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Warning do not read this book if you even remotely hungry because if you do you will find yourself running to the kitchen to find something to munch on as the story unfolds with them cooking all kinds of good stuff at the bistro. Of course there is also a murder that links directly to Chef C which makes Mimi start asking questions while trying to keep everything running as the bistro and the inn. Add a festival being held on the property and really mix things up a bit. I have to say the characters in these books really draw your attention making you feel like you have known them forever and the town feels like home as well. The cats added a nice touch in between plot twists going well with all the culinary details throughout. Wonderful writing that flows so smoothly you will find yourself on the last page before you know wishing the next book was out already. I highly recommend it to fans of culinary cozy mysteries. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Warning do not read this book if you even remotely hungry because if you do you will find yourself running to the kitchen to find something to munch on as the story unfolds with them cooking all kinds of good stuff at the bistro. Of course there is also a murder that links directly to Chef C which makes Mimi start asking questions while trying to keep everything running as the bistro and the inn. Add a festival being held on the property and really mix things up a bit. I have to say the characters in these books really draw your attention making you feel like you have known them forever and the town feels like home as well. The cats added a nice touch in between plot twists going well with all the culinary details throughout. Wonderful writing that flows so smoothly you will find yourself on the last page before you know wishing the next book was out already. I highly recommend it to fans of culinary cozy mysteries. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
July 28, 2018
I enjoyed this second in the series. Renee, the sister of Chef C of Mimi's Bistro, takes over the Sweet Treat Festival being held on the grounds of the hotel. She doesn't seem to be making many friends. When she turns up dead in her sister's kitchen, Mimi is drawn into looking for answers to help Chef C.
The story moves along quickly in the beginning and had me turning the pages quickly. I loved the characters, they are likable, I love Mimi's mother, she is a big support without being a nag, she respects Mimi as an adult. The mystery was excellent, there were enough twists to keep me second guessing as to who did it. Clues were added at a nice pace. The setting sounds wonderful, easy to visualize and place that I would like to visit. I will continue on with this series.
*I was lucky enough to have received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
The story moves along quickly in the beginning and had me turning the pages quickly. I loved the characters, they are likable, I love Mimi's mother, she is a big support without being a nag, she respects Mimi as an adult. The mystery was excellent, there were enough twists to keep me second guessing as to who did it. Clues were added at a nice pace. The setting sounds wonderful, easy to visualize and place that I would like to visit. I will continue on with this series.
*I was lucky enough to have received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
June 4, 2018
Crush Week in Nouvelle Vie is a madhouse—in a good way. Tourists pour into town for the pressing of the Napa Valley’s world-renowned grapes and all the town’s businesses get a nice lift, including Bistro and Maison Rousseau. Mimi is raising the ante this year with a Sweet Treats Festival, a wonderland of croissants, cakes, tarts, and soufflés crafted with expert care by the area’s top talents.
Chef Camille’s sister Renee is managing the festival with a cast-iron fist, upsetting everyone, including her sister. Which is bad for Camille when Renee turns up dead in the chef’s kitchen. Mimi is still building her business, so her first course of action is to whip up answers and catch the unsavory perpetrator before Camille takes a dusting and gets burned.
I was lucky enough to read an advance copy through NetGalley
Chef Camille’s sister Renee is managing the festival with a cast-iron fist, upsetting everyone, including her sister. Which is bad for Camille when Renee turns up dead in the chef’s kitchen. Mimi is still building her business, so her first course of action is to whip up answers and catch the unsavory perpetrator before Camille takes a dusting and gets burned.
I was lucky enough to read an advance copy through NetGalley
May 6, 2018
“A Souffle’ of Suspicion” is another fabulous read by the awesome Daryl Wood Gerber. Her writing is flowing, energetic, descriptive, and just plain fun to read. This is the second installment in her new mystery series “A French Bistro Mystery”. I loved the first one “A Deadly Éclair”, but have to say this one is even better. The pace is fast and intense, the characters have grown and developed and become even more real, the mystery is intriguing and I could not put the book down. The author’s writing style is, as always, smashing. This installment takes place during Crush Week when the Napa Valley is full of people. Protagonist Mimi just has to hope she is not crushed by the real killer when her chef’s sister ends up dead.
Mimi and her friends and coworkers have gone all out to celebrate Crush Week and it brings to town more than tourist. Chef Camille’s sister comes in and brings a cask load of trouble with her. Sweet Treats Festival should have been the cherry on top for Mimi and her amazing crew, not end up with her chef as the prime suspect in a murder. Mimi discovers that Renee, the victim, was not well liked and definitely might have stomped on more feet than it takes to stomp a bottle of wine. Thanks to the author’s finesse in murder plotting, the twists and turns kept me guessing. This is not just a wonderful written mystery, it is a trip for the senses. The food, the wine, the characters, the setting, just magnifique!
“A Souffle’ of Suspicion” is a journey into fabulous fun and mystery. Daryl Wood Gerber has done it again!! Even if you missed the first book in this series (get it now) you will be able to thoroughly enjoy this installment. Do not miss the fabulous recipes at the end! They are to die for!
I was given a copy of the book by the author/publisher, however this opinion is completely my own.
Mimi and her friends and coworkers have gone all out to celebrate Crush Week and it brings to town more than tourist. Chef Camille’s sister comes in and brings a cask load of trouble with her. Sweet Treats Festival should have been the cherry on top for Mimi and her amazing crew, not end up with her chef as the prime suspect in a murder. Mimi discovers that Renee, the victim, was not well liked and definitely might have stomped on more feet than it takes to stomp a bottle of wine. Thanks to the author’s finesse in murder plotting, the twists and turns kept me guessing. This is not just a wonderful written mystery, it is a trip for the senses. The food, the wine, the characters, the setting, just magnifique!
“A Souffle’ of Suspicion” is a journey into fabulous fun and mystery. Daryl Wood Gerber has done it again!! Even if you missed the first book in this series (get it now) you will be able to thoroughly enjoy this installment. Do not miss the fabulous recipes at the end! They are to die for!
I was given a copy of the book by the author/publisher, however this opinion is completely my own.
March 5, 2018
Napa Valley Crush Week, a Sweet Treats Festival, and murder are a great recipe for a fantastic book. Daryl Wood Gerber is back with her second book in the French Bistro Mystery series. The grounds of Mimi Rousseau's bistro and B&B are full with the Sweet Treats Festival. Business is good, but things get messy when the festival owner turns up dead.
As always, Daryl writes a very good book. Mimi and her friends and staff are fun and have deep characterization. The setting is fantastic, and I was finding myself longing for a French bistro to go get some of the yummy dishes they described. Luckily, the recipes for most of the dishes were included in the book (I see a very messy but wonderful smelling kitchen in my near future). The plot of the book is tight, and she had great red herrings throughout. I had an inkling of who the murderer might be early on, but she kept throwing new suspects and motives in as I kept reading, so I wasn't sure that I was on the right track until just before Mimi figured it out. That kind of twisty-turny plot is hard to find, and I loved every minute of it.
If you want a cozy mystery that will make you hungry, long for Napa, and keep you guessing until the very end, this is the book for you.
I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
As always, Daryl writes a very good book. Mimi and her friends and staff are fun and have deep characterization. The setting is fantastic, and I was finding myself longing for a French bistro to go get some of the yummy dishes they described. Luckily, the recipes for most of the dishes were included in the book (I see a very messy but wonderful smelling kitchen in my near future). The plot of the book is tight, and she had great red herrings throughout. I had an inkling of who the murderer might be early on, but she kept throwing new suspects and motives in as I kept reading, so I wasn't sure that I was on the right track until just before Mimi figured it out. That kind of twisty-turny plot is hard to find, and I loved every minute of it.
If you want a cozy mystery that will make you hungry, long for Napa, and keep you guessing until the very end, this is the book for you.
I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
May 15, 2018
This is the second in the French Bistro series and I was very eager to read this! Gerber does not disappoint! It’s great getting to know the characters better as well as an engaging mystery! Hard to put down! Please, let there be a third!
July 26, 2018
I’m really enjoying this series set in California’s Napa Valley. I know nothing about wine or French food, but that doesn’t keep me from loving the characters and the setting.
Mimi is a delightful protagonist – she’s smart, engaging, creative, warm, and enterprising. Not to mention, she’s got an inner Nancy Drew that surfaces with each new murder that crosses her path. She also has a great support network of friends, family and employees (who double as friends) – and you’ll be just as invested in them as you are in Mimi.
There’s a lot going on in A Souffle of Suspicion – just enough that you feel the tension of everything Mimi has to juggle but not so much that it’s overwhelming or distracting. And, after all, between the restaurant, the inn, and the festival, there are plenty of opportunities for Mimi to interact with lots of different people and, in turn, get all the gossip and clues she needs to solve the murder! And the desserts at the festival? YUM. I wanted all of them. Not a fan of French cuisine, though, so I appreciated that most of the recipes are included in the back of the book rather than having to stop the story for a cooking lesson.
Things are heating up on the romantic front, as well. Both main couples – Tyson & Jo and Mimi & Nash – see some major progress in their respective relationships. Again, though, this is sort-of tucked discreetly into the fabric of the story and isn’t too distracting for people who would rather have more mystery than smooches.
Bottom Line: Delicious food, engaging characters, and a well-constructed plot join with the gorgeous setting to make this book a delightful read from start to finish. Readers will enjoy tagging along with Mimi as she runs the restaurant (including stepping in for her chef for the majority of the book), navigates a busy festival on her inn’s property, and solves the latest murder in her quaint town. A great pick for foodies, wine connoisseurs and wanna-be sleuths alike!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Mimi is a delightful protagonist – she’s smart, engaging, creative, warm, and enterprising. Not to mention, she’s got an inner Nancy Drew that surfaces with each new murder that crosses her path. She also has a great support network of friends, family and employees (who double as friends) – and you’ll be just as invested in them as you are in Mimi.
There’s a lot going on in A Souffle of Suspicion – just enough that you feel the tension of everything Mimi has to juggle but not so much that it’s overwhelming or distracting. And, after all, between the restaurant, the inn, and the festival, there are plenty of opportunities for Mimi to interact with lots of different people and, in turn, get all the gossip and clues she needs to solve the murder! And the desserts at the festival? YUM. I wanted all of them. Not a fan of French cuisine, though, so I appreciated that most of the recipes are included in the back of the book rather than having to stop the story for a cooking lesson.
Things are heating up on the romantic front, as well. Both main couples – Tyson & Jo and Mimi & Nash – see some major progress in their respective relationships. Again, though, this is sort-of tucked discreetly into the fabric of the story and isn’t too distracting for people who would rather have more mystery than smooches.
Bottom Line: Delicious food, engaging characters, and a well-constructed plot join with the gorgeous setting to make this book a delightful read from start to finish. Readers will enjoy tagging along with Mimi as she runs the restaurant (including stepping in for her chef for the majority of the book), navigates a busy festival on her inn’s property, and solves the latest murder in her quaint town. A great pick for foodies, wine connoisseurs and wanna-be sleuths alike!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
April 7, 2018
A Souffle of Suspicion is the second installment in the A French Bistro Mystery series set in Nouvelle Vie, California featuring Chef and B&B owner, Mimi Rousseau. The small Napa Valley town is bustling - it's Crush Week for the wineries and Mimi has also agreed to host the Sweets Treat Festival, a delicious event featuring cakes, pastries, souffles with bake off competitions, on the grounds of the Bistro and B&B.
Bistro Head Chef Camille's sister Renee is the Festival organizer and while things seem to be running smoothly on the surface, she's ruffled a few feathers behind the scenes including those of her sister. Renee has recently left her chicken farming husband, Rusty and Chef C thinks she's now got her sights set on Donovan Coleman, a younger and local baker that Camille has been dating. Allie O'Malley, the original Festival owner had sold the business to Renee with the understanding that she could buy the company back at any time and earn a percentage of the proceeds for any festivals that Renee organized, but Renee conveniently left that part of the agreement out of the contract when Allie signed the document, and now Allie is livid.
It's really no surprise when Renee turns up dead, the problem is that she's found in Chef C's kitchen. Dettermined to clear Camille's name, Mimi sets out to track down a killer.
A quick moving plot with plenty of suspects, the return of familiar characters including Mimi's best friend Jorianne "Jo" James and Nash Hawke, Mimi's hunky boyfriend. Mouthwatering recipes and lovable cats. A terrific addition to the series.
I received an advanced copy of A Souffle of Suspicion from NetGalley via Crooked Lane. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Bistro Head Chef Camille's sister Renee is the Festival organizer and while things seem to be running smoothly on the surface, she's ruffled a few feathers behind the scenes including those of her sister. Renee has recently left her chicken farming husband, Rusty and Chef C thinks she's now got her sights set on Donovan Coleman, a younger and local baker that Camille has been dating. Allie O'Malley, the original Festival owner had sold the business to Renee with the understanding that she could buy the company back at any time and earn a percentage of the proceeds for any festivals that Renee organized, but Renee conveniently left that part of the agreement out of the contract when Allie signed the document, and now Allie is livid.
It's really no surprise when Renee turns up dead, the problem is that she's found in Chef C's kitchen. Dettermined to clear Camille's name, Mimi sets out to track down a killer.
A quick moving plot with plenty of suspects, the return of familiar characters including Mimi's best friend Jorianne "Jo" James and Nash Hawke, Mimi's hunky boyfriend. Mouthwatering recipes and lovable cats. A terrific addition to the series.
I received an advanced copy of A Souffle of Suspicion from NetGalley via Crooked Lane. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
April 9, 2018
In this second book of the series Mimi and both her businesses are thriving and the future looks bright. Her Chefs sister, Renee, has left her husband and come to town where she is setting up the Sweet Treats Festival at Mimi's Inn. Mimi decides to go meet Renee and finds out that she is a headstrong women who likes to be in charge. When Mimi receives a phone call at night from Chef C saying her sister is dead she goes to comfort her and see what she can do to help. Mimi realizes that Renee has been murdered, but who would have wanted to kill her and why? The police think it was her sister, upset that Renee was edging in on her man, but Mimi just doesn't see it. Follow along as Mimi starts her own investigation hoping that she can clear Chef C's name. While looking into the murder Mimi learns that there were several people who had issues with Renee, her soon to be ex-husband, the lady she bought the rights to the festival from, a local woman to name a few but did any of them have reason to kill her? The author delivers a fun whodunit that will have you looking for the killer in many directions the whole way through. The characters are well written and the scenic setting is a delight to imagine, and don't forget about the wonderful recipes that she includes at the end (I look forward to trying many). I can't wait to see what happens next!!!
May 5, 2018
Loved loved, this story.
Set in beautiful Napa valley this book grabbed me at the first chapter. Daryl Wood Gerber is a very talented story teller weaving a page turning mystery with interesting characters made this story flow like a fine wine.
If you are a fan of her Cookbook Nook Mystery series, you will enjoy her new French Bistro Mystery series. A Souffle of Suspicion is the second in the series. I somehow missed the first one, but this book easily stands on its own. The plot centers on a suspicious murder during Crush Week in the beautiful Napa Valley.
the recipes at the end of the book are fantastically appetizing. It even includes a standard and gluten free versions of recipes. There are some I have to try.
If you are looking for a good mystery, love affairs lies and deceit,and French recipes, this is the series for you. Can't wait to read more of her books.
Set in beautiful Napa valley this book grabbed me at the first chapter. Daryl Wood Gerber is a very talented story teller weaving a page turning mystery with interesting characters made this story flow like a fine wine.
If you are a fan of her Cookbook Nook Mystery series, you will enjoy her new French Bistro Mystery series. A Souffle of Suspicion is the second in the series. I somehow missed the first one, but this book easily stands on its own. The plot centers on a suspicious murder during Crush Week in the beautiful Napa Valley.
the recipes at the end of the book are fantastically appetizing. It even includes a standard and gluten free versions of recipes. There are some I have to try.
If you are looking for a good mystery, love affairs lies and deceit,and French recipes, this is the series for you. Can't wait to read more of her books.
April 19, 2018
In this second book of the French Bistro Mystery, Mimi is looking forward to all the tourists attending the Sweets Treat Festival, part of Crush Week in Nouvelle Vie. But when Renee, the festival's manager turns up dead, Mimi realizes she needs to help with the investigation. Especially since her own Chef C, Camille, is also Renee's sister. The action moves along at a nice pace, with several possible suspects and motives. I love the introduction of a new cat for Mimi (black!), as well as a possible changing relationship with Nash. I enjoyed the descriptions of the festival's activities and contests, as well as the delectable foods served at Mimi's Bistro...with these recipes included at the end of the story! Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book.
April 3, 2018
I am always on the lookout for a new light mystery series, and I had high hopes for this one. But I am sad to say that at 60% in, I'm abandoning it. It just feels like the entire book is people saying to Mimi, "Tell Tyler about this." She's not really doing much that I can tell, and there doesn't seem to be any true investment in or reason for her to need to find Renee's killer.
Add to that a few little things that I found annoying (such as being home baking alone is not an alibi, and name-dropping other mystery authors/series is just weird and awkward), and I just decided to move on to other possibilities.
Review copy provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Add to that a few little things that I found annoying (such as being home baking alone is not an alibi, and name-dropping other mystery authors/series is just weird and awkward), and I just decided to move on to other possibilities.
Review copy provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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