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As the sleepy French village of Saint Margaux eagerly awaits its new resident, in the form of professional pastry chef Isobel Gilyard, tongues are already wagging. A few days later, when local vineyard owner Cecile Vidal is brutally murdered, fingers naturally point towards the newly arrived Englishwoman. Suspicion is not without foundation, as Isobel was seen near the murder scene, and holds some deadly secrets of her own. As Inspector Max Mallery tackles his first case for Bordeaux police, he's thrown a curveball in the form of Yorkshire detective Jack Hobbs who joins the team with enthusiasm and English wit. As investigators untangle a tightly woven web of clues, Isobel finds herself trapped on the wrong side of the law.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2019
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Griffiths-Jones
33 books72 followersA.J.Griffiths-Jones is a historian & genealogist with a special interest in Victorian Crime. After a decade of living & working in China, she now lives in Shropshire, England. A.J's interests include cooking, travelling & swimming.
Her debut book 'Prisoner 4374' was the result of ten years research in to the life of Dr.Thomas Neill Cream, the notorious Lambeth Poisoner & Jack the Ripper suspect.
A.J. is currently working on a sequel Ripper book and a series of novels, the first of which 'The Villagers' was published early 2016.
Her debut book 'Prisoner 4374' was the result of ten years research in to the life of Dr.Thomas Neill Cream, the notorious Lambeth Poisoner & Jack the Ripper suspect.
A.J. is currently working on a sequel Ripper book and a series of novels, the first of which 'The Villagers' was published early 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 9, 2020
Loved this murder mystery. Kept me occupied for a few evenings, being a slow reader. Was good to read a little French too, as it has been a while since I have. I've warmed to the characters of Mallary and Hobbs, though kind of want to know what happens next with Isobel too... Hope the author does a follow up for that side of the story. Shall definitely be reading more of this series though. Highly recommend, particularly as I know the area of Bordeaux having grown up visiting there often in my youth.
December 12, 2019
When she makes the move from England to France, hopeful baker Isobel wants to start a new life, but being the new girl in the village she soon gets attention from the police after local vineyard owner Cecile is found murdered. With suspicion growing around her, could Isobel be hiding something? And why is her new employer’s son behaving so oddly towards her? Meanwhile, two other recent arrivals to the area face the task of tracking down the killer, but Inspector Max Malory hasn’t bargained for red-headed Yorkshireman Jack Hobbs as his sidekick. Can the ill-matched duo work out what’s going on?
This is the first in what I expect will be a ‘Mallery & Hobbs’ series
and is an enjoyable read with plenty of clues to get us wondering where’s the plot is leading. The text is peppered with AJs usual delightful descriptions, creating lovely images of the French scenery. Along with a bunch of odd-ball characters to populate her mystery, the author creates a tale that mixes murder, mystery and a touch of romance.
Another winner from a talented author.
This is the first in what I expect will be a ‘Mallery & Hobbs’ series
and is an enjoyable read with plenty of clues to get us wondering where’s the plot is leading. The text is peppered with AJs usual delightful descriptions, creating lovely images of the French scenery. Along with a bunch of odd-ball characters to populate her mystery, the author creates a tale that mixes murder, mystery and a touch of romance.
Another winner from a talented author.
December 12, 2019
Having read other titles by this author, I was keen to check out her new thriller. Boy, I'm glad I did.
The wonderful setting of a small town in southern France was described beautifully. Isobel arrives at the boulangerie, ready for a new job and a new start in life. But Isobel has a past - one that she wants to bury. The cobbled streets of the picturesque location hide secrets too. Deadly ones. I'll say no more on the plot, not wanting to reveal too much.
Another terrific read from Griffiths-Jones, who paints a wonderful picture, drawing the reader in with ease. I could almost smell the freshly-cooked cakes as Isobel and Maurice slid them from the oven. I love how the author describes varying foods, which just adds to the tapestry being created.
A wonderful book, with some great characters. I particularly liked Maurice, the French boulangerie owner, along with Jake (Jacque) Hobbs, the fresh-faced detective, trying to fit in with his new French colleagues.
Bring on book II.
The wonderful setting of a small town in southern France was described beautifully. Isobel arrives at the boulangerie, ready for a new job and a new start in life. But Isobel has a past - one that she wants to bury. The cobbled streets of the picturesque location hide secrets too. Deadly ones. I'll say no more on the plot, not wanting to reveal too much.
Another terrific read from Griffiths-Jones, who paints a wonderful picture, drawing the reader in with ease. I could almost smell the freshly-cooked cakes as Isobel and Maurice slid them from the oven. I love how the author describes varying foods, which just adds to the tapestry being created.
A wonderful book, with some great characters. I particularly liked Maurice, the French boulangerie owner, along with Jake (Jacque) Hobbs, the fresh-faced detective, trying to fit in with his new French colleagues.
Bring on book II.
May 16, 2020
I was drawn by the exquisite cover to read Isobel: A Mallery & Hobbs Murder Case, the first in a charming and fresh cosy mystery series. Set in Saint Margaux near Bordeaux in the French countryside, this mystery contains all the elements of a satisfying read with memorable characters, a romantic setting and a healthy dollop of lighthearted wit. The story is peppered with lovely evocative descriptions. Meet English Isobel Gilyard, a baker in her mid-thirties taking up a position at Monsieur Maurice Fabron’s boulangerie to escape the clutches of her judgemental family of origin. She’s blonde and pretty but Maurice’s son Telo is not attracted to her. He’s moody, brooding, almost hostile and Isobel can’t figure out why. Meanwhile, Inspector Max Mallory suffers the arrival of a new recruit in Yorkshireman Jack Hobbs who proves a dab hand at solving local crime. This delightfully entertaining mystery is filled with dark secrets and plenty of twists and turns, and things are rounded up nicely at the end, which will please fans of the genre.
December 19, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. The setting in small place in France where Isobel has got a job in a bakery but a murder takes place since her arrival. Mysterious twists uncover Isobel’s dark background and the truth of the murder is slowly uncovered. My first read by this author and will defo be reading more loved it
January 8, 2020
Isobel Gilyard moves from England to Saint Margaux in France to start a new life with a new job. But what is she hiding ?
Inspector Max Mallery has been transferred from a busy job in Paris to the quiet village of Saint Margaux why is the question. His quiet life is soon interrupted by the arrival of Yorkshire detective Jack Hobbs and the murder of local vineyard owner Cecile Vidal. So is the new start for Isabelle who becomes their main suspect.
The author has produced another thoroughly enjoyable read that I enjoyed from the first page to the last. The book is well written and easy to follow and doesn't leave the reader confused. The author as in her previous books give the reader a variety of interesting characters to learn about, one of my favourites being Isobel herself.
I would definitely recommended it to others who enjoy reading murder mystery
Inspector Max Mallery has been transferred from a busy job in Paris to the quiet village of Saint Margaux why is the question. His quiet life is soon interrupted by the arrival of Yorkshire detective Jack Hobbs and the murder of local vineyard owner Cecile Vidal. So is the new start for Isabelle who becomes their main suspect.
The author has produced another thoroughly enjoyable read that I enjoyed from the first page to the last. The book is well written and easy to follow and doesn't leave the reader confused. The author as in her previous books give the reader a variety of interesting characters to learn about, one of my favourites being Isobel herself.
I would definitely recommended it to others who enjoy reading murder mystery
November 30, 2019
Why has Isobel Gilyard decided to move from England to France? What is she running from?
Why has Inspector Max Mallery moved from a busy job in Paris to the quiet village of Saint Margaux?
When the local vineyard owner Cecile Vidal is murdered, Inspector Mallery and his team need to get this case solved and quickly.
I enjoyed this book from the start, plenty of characters to learn about and try and filter between fact and fiction. A great mystery and I loved the descriptions of the French countryside. I am hoping this is the start of a new series - just fabulous.
Why has Inspector Max Mallery moved from a busy job in Paris to the quiet village of Saint Margaux?
When the local vineyard owner Cecile Vidal is murdered, Inspector Mallery and his team need to get this case solved and quickly.
I enjoyed this book from the start, plenty of characters to learn about and try and filter between fact and fiction. A great mystery and I loved the descriptions of the French countryside. I am hoping this is the start of a new series - just fabulous.
December 1, 2019
As soon as I started reading this one I know it was going to be a page turner I could not stop reading it’s got very likeable characters you find you’re self really feeling for some of them and the story is just right very believable and easy to follow an amazing read and you will be hooked from the start I can’t wait for more of them I would definitely recommend
January 15, 2020
When Isobel Gilyard arrives in the beautiful village of Saint Margaux to begin her job as a pastry chef..she is both enchanted by the scenic views and excited by a new chapter in her life.Working for Maurice who lives with his autistic son Telo..She has no idea that within a week she will be arrested for a brutal crime..a crime that will shake the small village to its core ,and bring the Bordeaux police to her door..Inspector Max Mallery joined by Detective Jack Hobbs ..who has just transferred from Yorkshire with his wife and baby are first on the case .A case that is both intriguing and not quite as straightforward as it seems .as they investigate further. Was Isobel framed for a murder she did not commit? As they dig deeper they find Isobel had a secret that she was hiding from the world..But could this attractive young woman be guilty of such a heinous crime ...?As the secret is unveiled and the Chinese whispers are carried..Mallery ,Hobbs and the team are forced to move quickly..With no choice but to stay in a village where it seems everything is against her favour ..Isobel prays for a miracle.But as Mallery and Hobbs go through everything with a fine toothcombe.,from out of the smallest detail they find something..but what they find will shock this little community ..And for years to come Saint Margaux will never forget...My first read by A.J.Griffiths - Jones ..A story that once I got onto ..I didn't want to put down ..All the Stars ..
January 21, 2020
Excellent read :-)
This murder mystery set in rural France drew me in from the first page.
It was very well written with a great who-dunnit storyline.
The author did a fab job keeping the suspense going, and there were clever plot twists throughout.
I found the characters well crafted and interesting, especially the jaded detective Mallery and the main suspect Isobel who I felt genuine sympathy for.
A superb enjoyable read by a talented author. Looking forward to reading more of her work. :-)
Definitely worth five stars
This murder mystery set in rural France drew me in from the first page.
It was very well written with a great who-dunnit storyline.
The author did a fab job keeping the suspense going, and there were clever plot twists throughout.
I found the characters well crafted and interesting, especially the jaded detective Mallery and the main suspect Isobel who I felt genuine sympathy for.
A superb enjoyable read by a talented author. Looking forward to reading more of her work. :-)
Definitely worth five stars
March 8, 2026
When Isobel Gilyard arrives in the small French village of Saint Margaux to take up her new position as a professional pastry chef, the reader is unaware that this young woman has a past she would rather keep hidden. There are some great characters, and the relationship between the French Inspector Max Mallery and Yorkshire detective Jack Hobbs was inspired, and I look forward to reading more about this pair. The story is well-paced and well-written, and it held my attention from start to finish. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed it very much.
June 28, 2020
New beginnings and dark distrust underline this amazing, suspense-driven story!
I didn’t know much about the book ‘Isobel’ when I started reading it; only that it took place in France and it featured a mixed up young woman with a dark past. Within a few pages of this superb book, you’re pulled into this tightly-knit, small French community in St Margaux, a sleepy village just outside of Bordeaux. From the beginning, there is a sense of something unsettling, bubbling gently beneath the pristine village surface, and such is the accomplished power of Ms Griffiths-Jones’ writing, you soon feel a sense of slight uncomfortableness that the Englishwoman, Isobel also feels, the moment she sets foot in St Margaux, despite Monsieur Fabron, her employer in boulangerie (bakery) showing her warmth and his gratitude for her taking the appointment as his bakery assistant.
The author’s evocative descriptions of someone new arriving in a place that has its own societal ebb and flow demonstrates disruption, and with it, a sense of distrust by all parties. This feeling of uncertainty and distrust is mirrored with the arrival of Jack (Jacques) Hobbs, a detective from Leeds in the UK, who drops into Detective Inspector Max Mallery’s world and turns it upside down. You can feel the pulsing impertinence and dripping disdain of Mallery at having to accept the young detective from England being foisted upon him, as Hobbs’ French wife’s father ‘pulled strings’. The development of the crime busting duo was a joy to witness, from sketchy beginnings to Mallery showing Hobbs respect, and vice versa. This is an exciting and unpredictable police partnership that I will be watching with continued eagerness, and I’m looking forward to reading the next adventure with them in ‘Noel’.
The book leaps effortlessly through social introductions and interactions, and you feel that you’re there with these colorful but tainted individuals. I loved the way that the author describes with deft astuteness, the behaviours of chic women and the addition of clumsy Izzy to the social scene. All bleach blonde hair, tomboyish, elfin features and 50’s fashion style, slaps in the face of the sophisticats of St Margaux. The phrase: ‘square peg in a round hole’ has never been so quite apt.
Isobel is a book that has ‘acceptance’ as its core theme. The Englishwoman Isobel is wanting to be accepted into a world that is wary of her. A Frenchman is wanting to accept that there is life after the death of his wife. An Englishman is wanting to be accepted as part of a Police team that already has a clique of its own, with rhythms and personalities predisposed to particular ways of working. A young, confused man is refusing to accept a situation he’s been presented with. Amongst the psychological game play there exists a question: “Do we judge without really understanding another’s plight?” The story lays bare our propensity as humans to judge others based on rumor and implied supposition. The gossipers and rumor-mongers of St Margaux are analogous to social media platforms where people are pilloried and found guilty of ‘crimes’ they never knew they’d committed, just because of manipulation of public perception. What happens to our protagonist is no different. Incarcerated in a police cell, and with a dark past exposed and used to fuel speculation, judgement is finally made. And after the wicked whispers have done their work, they’re abandoned, left adrift with the society wolves of St Margaux baring their teeth, ripping confidence so completely that the accused can hardly raise an eyelid in public.
The way in which each of the characters come together shows the prowess of the author’s stunning ability to weave a tale filled with distrust, dark deceit and destructive obsession. I loved this book, with its little red herrings, shadowy personalities and twisted pathways leading to probable perpetrators of the grisly murder. You’re left wondering until the dénouement, and even then, this is a book that leaves you wondering still. Deep, affecting and powerful, Isobel is fabulous book and I recommend it unreservedly.
I didn’t know much about the book ‘Isobel’ when I started reading it; only that it took place in France and it featured a mixed up young woman with a dark past. Within a few pages of this superb book, you’re pulled into this tightly-knit, small French community in St Margaux, a sleepy village just outside of Bordeaux. From the beginning, there is a sense of something unsettling, bubbling gently beneath the pristine village surface, and such is the accomplished power of Ms Griffiths-Jones’ writing, you soon feel a sense of slight uncomfortableness that the Englishwoman, Isobel also feels, the moment she sets foot in St Margaux, despite Monsieur Fabron, her employer in boulangerie (bakery) showing her warmth and his gratitude for her taking the appointment as his bakery assistant.
The author’s evocative descriptions of someone new arriving in a place that has its own societal ebb and flow demonstrates disruption, and with it, a sense of distrust by all parties. This feeling of uncertainty and distrust is mirrored with the arrival of Jack (Jacques) Hobbs, a detective from Leeds in the UK, who drops into Detective Inspector Max Mallery’s world and turns it upside down. You can feel the pulsing impertinence and dripping disdain of Mallery at having to accept the young detective from England being foisted upon him, as Hobbs’ French wife’s father ‘pulled strings’. The development of the crime busting duo was a joy to witness, from sketchy beginnings to Mallery showing Hobbs respect, and vice versa. This is an exciting and unpredictable police partnership that I will be watching with continued eagerness, and I’m looking forward to reading the next adventure with them in ‘Noel’.
The book leaps effortlessly through social introductions and interactions, and you feel that you’re there with these colorful but tainted individuals. I loved the way that the author describes with deft astuteness, the behaviours of chic women and the addition of clumsy Izzy to the social scene. All bleach blonde hair, tomboyish, elfin features and 50’s fashion style, slaps in the face of the sophisticats of St Margaux. The phrase: ‘square peg in a round hole’ has never been so quite apt.
Isobel is a book that has ‘acceptance’ as its core theme. The Englishwoman Isobel is wanting to be accepted into a world that is wary of her. A Frenchman is wanting to accept that there is life after the death of his wife. An Englishman is wanting to be accepted as part of a Police team that already has a clique of its own, with rhythms and personalities predisposed to particular ways of working. A young, confused man is refusing to accept a situation he’s been presented with. Amongst the psychological game play there exists a question: “Do we judge without really understanding another’s plight?” The story lays bare our propensity as humans to judge others based on rumor and implied supposition. The gossipers and rumor-mongers of St Margaux are analogous to social media platforms where people are pilloried and found guilty of ‘crimes’ they never knew they’d committed, just because of manipulation of public perception. What happens to our protagonist is no different. Incarcerated in a police cell, and with a dark past exposed and used to fuel speculation, judgement is finally made. And after the wicked whispers have done their work, they’re abandoned, left adrift with the society wolves of St Margaux baring their teeth, ripping confidence so completely that the accused can hardly raise an eyelid in public.
The way in which each of the characters come together shows the prowess of the author’s stunning ability to weave a tale filled with distrust, dark deceit and destructive obsession. I loved this book, with its little red herrings, shadowy personalities and twisted pathways leading to probable perpetrators of the grisly murder. You’re left wondering until the dénouement, and even then, this is a book that leaves you wondering still. Deep, affecting and powerful, Isobel is fabulous book and I recommend it unreservedly.
January 29, 2020
A Murder Mystery that is captivating in so many ways.
A.J. Griffiths-Jones brings all of her consummate writing skills to produce a superlative first book in what I hope will be a growing Mallory and Hobbs series.
I am not ordinarily a fan of police procedurals but, I am a fan of A.J’s books and, this book, whilst different to the ‘Skeletons in the Cupboard’ series (if you haven’t read them then you are missing out), the style is the same. Immediately the reader is engaged in the lives and personalities of the fascinating characters.
Set in a French rural village, just outside Bordeaux, we have the added delight of an experienced detective from Yorkshire, England, joining a Parisian exile, senior detective, in the Bordeaux Crime force; what a brilliant concept.
It gets better: In the village of St Margaux a baker invites a talented English patisserie chef to join him in his established boulangerie; her cakes are an immediate success but, she is still an interloper and becomes the prime suspect when the wife of the local vineyard owner is murdered – she claims innocence, but she has a past and, she is English.
We are then treated to the full-on A.J writing as we are hypnotically drawn into the characters of the village and the lives of the detectives in Bordeaux and, I loved it; not crash bang wallop. It is far better than that. I am in and can’t wait for the next in the series.
This is a cosy crime novel, yes, but as with all of A.J’s books, there are shocks and barbs along the way. Character flaws and hidden gems to discover, where the cosy, comes with such beautifully subtle twists and turns it is a delight to be in the hands of an accomplished writer.
So, no more plot reveals, just read it – you will not be disappointed.
A.J. Griffiths-Jones brings all of her consummate writing skills to produce a superlative first book in what I hope will be a growing Mallory and Hobbs series.
I am not ordinarily a fan of police procedurals but, I am a fan of A.J’s books and, this book, whilst different to the ‘Skeletons in the Cupboard’ series (if you haven’t read them then you are missing out), the style is the same. Immediately the reader is engaged in the lives and personalities of the fascinating characters.
Set in a French rural village, just outside Bordeaux, we have the added delight of an experienced detective from Yorkshire, England, joining a Parisian exile, senior detective, in the Bordeaux Crime force; what a brilliant concept.
It gets better: In the village of St Margaux a baker invites a talented English patisserie chef to join him in his established boulangerie; her cakes are an immediate success but, she is still an interloper and becomes the prime suspect when the wife of the local vineyard owner is murdered – she claims innocence, but she has a past and, she is English.
We are then treated to the full-on A.J writing as we are hypnotically drawn into the characters of the village and the lives of the detectives in Bordeaux and, I loved it; not crash bang wallop. It is far better than that. I am in and can’t wait for the next in the series.
This is a cosy crime novel, yes, but as with all of A.J’s books, there are shocks and barbs along the way. Character flaws and hidden gems to discover, where the cosy, comes with such beautifully subtle twists and turns it is a delight to be in the hands of an accomplished writer.
So, no more plot reveals, just read it – you will not be disappointed.
December 13, 2019
An unusual crime busting duo. Really original and a W read.
Young English woman, Isobel Gilyard moves to the small French town of Saint Margaux to take up a position with the town baker, Maurice. Unfortunately for Isobel, within days of her arrival, the body of the wife of the local vineyard owner is found on a train when it arrives in Bordeaux.
Before she knows what exactly is going on, Isobel finds herself being treated as the chief suspect in the murder, locked up, and interrogated by a most unusual combination of detectives, Inspector Mallory, newly arrived in town, from Paris and his new English sergeant, Yorkshire detective Jack Hobbs.
The police soon discover that Isobel is hiding a dark secret in her past and become even more convinced of her guilt. Their investigation, coupled with Isobel's determination to prove her innocence, soon drag the reader into a complex web of lies and deceit, hiding behind the outwardly respectability of small town France.
This is a real page turner with a good pace that keeps the reader engaged throughout, and
Young English woman, Isobel Gilyard moves to the small French town of Saint Margaux to take up a position with the town baker, Maurice. Unfortunately for Isobel, within days of her arrival, the body of the wife of the local vineyard owner is found on a train when it arrives in Bordeaux.
Before she knows what exactly is going on, Isobel finds herself being treated as the chief suspect in the murder, locked up, and interrogated by a most unusual combination of detectives, Inspector Mallory, newly arrived in town, from Paris and his new English sergeant, Yorkshire detective Jack Hobbs.
The police soon discover that Isobel is hiding a dark secret in her past and become even more convinced of her guilt. Their investigation, coupled with Isobel's determination to prove her innocence, soon drag the reader into a complex web of lies and deceit, hiding behind the outwardly respectability of small town France.
This is a real page turner with a good pace that keeps the reader engaged throughout, and
February 12, 2020
Isobel embarks on her new life in Saint Margaux leaving her past well and truly behind her, or so she thought... After many years of normal life for the residents of Saint Margaux the vineyard owners wife is found murdered... as Isobel is a newcomer in a very mundane ordinary village , eyes are soon on her as Number one suspect ..
Does she have a past that she is trying to hide? Or are suspicions falling on the wrong person...?
Inspector Max Mallory of the Bordeaux police has a new partner, a very bright, young Yorkshire detective by the name of Jack Hobbs. Can Jack shine any light on Isobel or is she innocent of the crime she is accused of? Or will the new detective clash with the older more established Inspector?
A J Griffiths Jones takes us on the journey where you feel you know all the characters well enough to know if they are guilty or innocent - or do you?
I really enjoyed the plot , plenty of twists and turns right until the end!
Does she have a past that she is trying to hide? Or are suspicions falling on the wrong person...?
Inspector Max Mallory of the Bordeaux police has a new partner, a very bright, young Yorkshire detective by the name of Jack Hobbs. Can Jack shine any light on Isobel or is she innocent of the crime she is accused of? Or will the new detective clash with the older more established Inspector?
A J Griffiths Jones takes us on the journey where you feel you know all the characters well enough to know if they are guilty or innocent - or do you?
I really enjoyed the plot , plenty of twists and turns right until the end!
August 30, 2020
Isobel Gilyard (really named Green) moves from England to France and takes a job as a baker. She is in the little town working for only a few days when she is tied to a murder by the local police. It turns out Ms. Green has a checkered past, having been convicted of a murder in England and serving ten years in a mental hospital. The police are determined to pin the crime on her. But did she do it? She protests loudly that she did not. And far be it from me to tell you the answer. Read it for yourself. It is well worth the time and effort. The author is a wonderful writer. Her sentences are crisp and clear and without constant superlatives. She uses the language in a fashion to be emulated by all aspiring writers. The book flows, the story is connected and comes to a crashing conclusion. This is a great story, done by a great writer with style. Get it! You will not be disappointed.
March 20, 2022
This is a great first book in a six-part series.
Isobel Gilyard arrives in the quaint French village of Saint Margaux to start work in a patisserie. When a vineyard owner is brutally murdered and all evidence points towards the new arrival, Isobel has her work cut out to clear her name. But she is also hiding a dark secret.
French Inspector Mallery and his English sidekick, Jack Hobbs, are as different as a French baguette and English Cheddar Cheese. They have their own particular styles of investigating and don’t always see eye to eye. However, both agree that the killer must be caught at all costs.
The author shines in the art of deflection. As each new character is introduced, the reader spends the entire book second guessing who is the killer. This is a real page turner that I highly recommend.
Isobel Gilyard arrives in the quaint French village of Saint Margaux to start work in a patisserie. When a vineyard owner is brutally murdered and all evidence points towards the new arrival, Isobel has her work cut out to clear her name. But she is also hiding a dark secret.
French Inspector Mallery and his English sidekick, Jack Hobbs, are as different as a French baguette and English Cheddar Cheese. They have their own particular styles of investigating and don’t always see eye to eye. However, both agree that the killer must be caught at all costs.
The author shines in the art of deflection. As each new character is introduced, the reader spends the entire book second guessing who is the killer. This is a real page turner that I highly recommend.
January 12, 2020
Excellent book with a new detective group. Set in France and a beautiful village that is involved in a shocking crime, the likes of which they’ve never had to deal with.
An English woman goes to build her life, an English officer the same, different reasons but it’s funny how life comes together for different reasons.
Some nice characters, some not so nice, that makes this more relatable for me. Life is like that.
The descriptions are great and the village life as it seems when we visit these places. But what is underneath.
Definitely worth reading.
An English woman goes to build her life, an English officer the same, different reasons but it’s funny how life comes together for different reasons.
Some nice characters, some not so nice, that makes this more relatable for me. Life is like that.
The descriptions are great and the village life as it seems when we visit these places. But what is underneath.
Definitely worth reading.
March 29, 2022
Excellent read
Enjoyable read, moved along at a nice pace without being frenetic. A well developed plot with characters that are believable and constructed with skill.
Review by Robert Southworth author of The Ripper Legacies.
Enjoyable read, moved along at a nice pace without being frenetic. A well developed plot with characters that are believable and constructed with skill.
Review by Robert Southworth author of The Ripper Legacies.
April 17, 2022
I’ve not read a book by AJ before but after this one I will definitely be reading more. Superb writing style, immersive, great characters, some good twists and turns. A really good book, deserves each of those five stars
February 13, 2020
Cracking book. Loved the village setting and the way the characters are intertwined
February 24, 2020
A twisted web of lies and deceit, where you will question the characters innocence or guilt .
A fabulous read which draws the reader in with ease .
A fabulous read which draws the reader in with ease .
May 16, 2020
Having read other books by this author, I was given this as a Christmas present. Loved the references to all the food. And the characters really came across well.
Can't wait to read the sequel.
Can't wait to read the sequel.
March 9, 2023
Richly descriptive, immersive and entertaining.
There are two fish out of water in this book, one has a hidden past, the other is a police detective. Both of them arrive in France and become intertwined in a murder investigation.
Isobel is the new employee at a small town bakery. Initially, she's a two-dimensional character, as the story develops and we learn about her, she becomes a lot more. Meanwhile, the other, Jack Hobbs is a policeman, he has relocated and is now working for the French Police. With his new partner, the French detective Mallery, you can see the beginnings of a beautiful friendship as their differing cultures clash.
When a murder occurs, tongues wag and Isobel, the new arrival, is immediately a suspect. But is it that simple? In this small town, there are plenty of dubious characters and enough possible motives to make for a great story as the truth is revealed.
This is a very cleverly constructed mystery, there are plenty of clues and red herrings scattered throughout as guilt and innocence are proved and disproved. The depiction of life, gossip and intrigue in a small French town is riveting and makes the whole thing come alive.
The good news is that Isobel is the first book in a series. I’m looking forward to reading more of the adventures of Detectives Mallery and Hobbs.
Highly recommended.
There are two fish out of water in this book, one has a hidden past, the other is a police detective. Both of them arrive in France and become intertwined in a murder investigation.
Isobel is the new employee at a small town bakery. Initially, she's a two-dimensional character, as the story develops and we learn about her, she becomes a lot more. Meanwhile, the other, Jack Hobbs is a policeman, he has relocated and is now working for the French Police. With his new partner, the French detective Mallery, you can see the beginnings of a beautiful friendship as their differing cultures clash.
When a murder occurs, tongues wag and Isobel, the new arrival, is immediately a suspect. But is it that simple? In this small town, there are plenty of dubious characters and enough possible motives to make for a great story as the truth is revealed.
This is a very cleverly constructed mystery, there are plenty of clues and red herrings scattered throughout as guilt and innocence are proved and disproved. The depiction of life, gossip and intrigue in a small French town is riveting and makes the whole thing come alive.
The good news is that Isobel is the first book in a series. I’m looking forward to reading more of the adventures of Detectives Mallery and Hobbs.
Highly recommended.
October 8, 2024
What’s not to love about this book? A beautiful French country setting, myriad quirky characters, two diagonally opposed detectives (one English and one French), a young Englishwoman who, eager to change her life, ends up in a nightmare, and a murder of a prominent and greatly loved woman from the area. This leads to a lot of finger-pointing, chinwagging, and accusations galore as befits a small village. And, of course, many cups of delicious French coffee.
I’m now a fan of Mallery and Hobbs. I shall be coming back for more adventures with these two astute and funny men. Highly recommended.
I’m now a fan of Mallery and Hobbs. I shall be coming back for more adventures with these two astute and funny men. Highly recommended.
February 1, 2020
Brilliant read. Loved being in France with the character's. The French way of life is very romantic. I'm sure with this ending it will lead to another chapter.
Brilliant read. Loved being in France with these characters. The ending leaves way for a further novel. Looking forward to further developments
Brilliant read. Loved being in France with these characters. The ending leaves way for a further novel. Looking forward to further developments
July 27, 2021
As a fan of murder mystery books, this was one of the best I have recently read. Set in a sleepy french village, the plot thickens for an English woman who was hoping to start a new life there. Accused of murder she must do some detective work of her own to find the real killer. I didn’t see the end coming, what a twist! Thoroughly enjoyable.
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