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Reverend Annabelle Dixon #7
Fireworks in France (Reverend Annabelle Dixon Cozy Mysteries, #7
A missing priest. Scandalous secrets. A reverend with a taste for justice…
When a French priest collapses at Easter Mass, the church suspects foul play. A missing junior priest quickly becomes the prime suspect, but not everyone agrees.
Reverend Annabelle Dixon and Inspector Mike Nichols were looking forward to a few days off, but when her oldest friend in the whole world asks for help with this conundrum, how can Annabelle say no?
Annabelle and Mike dash off to France to join the investigation where they find themselves trapped in a culture clash of hilarious proportions. The lead French detective is pompous, arrogant, and utterly incompetent. And it's not long before another mysterious death rocks the church.
Annabelle may have a nose for crime, but she’s got no serious suspects, and too few clues. And even the rich French food can’t inspire her to crack the case.
On top of all this, Mike has a puzzle of his own to solve. But he’s determined to help Annabelle put this killer away before they strike again, and spoil his romantic plan for good…
Fireworks in France is the latest side-splitting entry in the Reverend Annabelle Dixon series. If you like quirky characters, clever puzzles, and a touch of sweet romance, then you’ll love Alison Golden’s deliciously addictive storytelling.
This book includes recipes for Annabelle’s favorite French treats:
– Apple and Fig Cheesecake
– Dried Fruit and Spice Compôte
– Crème Brûlée
– Strawberry Soufflé
– Quiche Lorraine
When a French priest collapses at Easter Mass, the church suspects foul play. A missing junior priest quickly becomes the prime suspect, but not everyone agrees.
Reverend Annabelle Dixon and Inspector Mike Nichols were looking forward to a few days off, but when her oldest friend in the whole world asks for help with this conundrum, how can Annabelle say no?
Annabelle and Mike dash off to France to join the investigation where they find themselves trapped in a culture clash of hilarious proportions. The lead French detective is pompous, arrogant, and utterly incompetent. And it's not long before another mysterious death rocks the church.
Annabelle may have a nose for crime, but she’s got no serious suspects, and too few clues. And even the rich French food can’t inspire her to crack the case.
On top of all this, Mike has a puzzle of his own to solve. But he’s determined to help Annabelle put this killer away before they strike again, and spoil his romantic plan for good…
Fireworks in France is the latest side-splitting entry in the Reverend Annabelle Dixon series. If you like quirky characters, clever puzzles, and a touch of sweet romance, then you’ll love Alison Golden’s deliciously addictive storytelling.
This book includes recipes for Annabelle’s favorite French treats:
– Apple and Fig Cheesecake
– Dried Fruit and Spice Compôte
– Crème Brûlée
– Strawberry Soufflé
– Quiche Lorraine
Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2021
242 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Alison Golden
105 books331 followersAlison Golden is the USA Today bestselling author of the Inspector David Graham mysteries, a traditional British detective series, and two cozy mystery series featuring main characters Reverend Annabelle Dixon and Roxy Reinhardt. As A. J. Golden, she writes the Diana Hunter thriller series.
Alison was raised in Bedfordshire, England. Her aim is to write stories that are designed to entertain, amuse, and calm. Her approach is to combine creative ideas with excellent writing and edit, edit, edit. Alison’s mission is simple: To write excellent books that have readers clamoring for more.
Alison is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons. She splits her time between London and San Francisco.
To receive three free books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, sign up at: http://www.alisongolden.com.
Alison was raised in Bedfordshire, England. Her aim is to write stories that are designed to entertain, amuse, and calm. Her approach is to combine creative ideas with excellent writing and edit, edit, edit. Alison’s mission is simple: To write excellent books that have readers clamoring for more.
Alison is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons. She splits her time between London and San Francisco.
To receive three free books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, sign up at: http://www.alisongolden.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 15, 2021
Wow! Each and every book in this series is better than the last. This one is the best so far. Mike has a week off and asks Annabelle to join him on a trip. As they are discussing it, Annabelle's oldest and dearest friend Mary turns up asking for her help. The priest in her village in France has been murdered. And so, Mike and Annabelle decide to go to France.
I felt like I was right there visiting this lovely village with Annabelle and Mike. I enjoyed the food and took in the sights right along with them. The characters, Nuns, villagers, and friends are interesting and engaging. The French detective is a bit stereotypical but absolutely delightful. But the best parts of the story for me are the mystery and Annabelle's and Mike's developing relationship. The suspense as everything culminates had me wide awake and reading until it was finished. I just love being taken along on the discovery of clues and how the solution comes together. There is a good dose of laughter in the relationship between Mike and the French detective to make this a well-rounded cozy mystery. And the end...is perfect! :-)
I felt like I was right there visiting this lovely village with Annabelle and Mike. I enjoyed the food and took in the sights right along with them. The characters, Nuns, villagers, and friends are interesting and engaging. The French detective is a bit stereotypical but absolutely delightful. But the best parts of the story for me are the mystery and Annabelle's and Mike's developing relationship. The suspense as everything culminates had me wide awake and reading until it was finished. I just love being taken along on the discovery of clues and how the solution comes together. There is a good dose of laughter in the relationship between Mike and the French detective to make this a well-rounded cozy mystery. And the end...is perfect! :-)
March 17, 2021
Police Inspector Mike Nicholls is trying to plan a hopefully-romantic vacation with his beloved Reverend Annabelle Dixon, when Annabelle's lifelong friend, Sister Mary, shows up unexpectedly. There is, she says, a problem at the convent where she has been living, in the tiny French village of Ville d'Eauloise. Specifically, a murder.
Of a priest. And her dear friend, another priest, is the chief, or rather the only, suspect.h But he can't possibly be guilty, and can Annabelle and Mike help?
They decide to spend their week of vacation in France, of course.
The French police inspector for the district, Charles Babineaux, initially seems like an ego-inflated fool, and he and Mike, to say the least, do not hit it off. There's more to him than meets the eye, though, and despite his own initial hostility, Babineaux decides that with his limited resources, two more experienced investigators are not to be turned down.
At the convent, and in the tiny village, they meet quite an impressive variety of people, including the Welsh owner and chef of the only restaurant in the village, and Sister Simone, the convent's gardener, herbalist, and chief baker. Simone is wise, gentle, and kind, and has even been baking a loaf of rye bread a couple of times a week for months, for Father Julien (now deceased), because it's his favorite, even though the convent bakery is not otherwise making any rye bread.
Father Raphael is missing, a major reason he's the suspect in Father Julien's death. Julien and the Mother Superior, Renate, may have a history together, prior to religious life. Raphael was a fashion model before the priesthood. Mary may be having doubts about her vocation. The two younger nuns, Veronique and Josephine, are both a little odd in their ways.
It's a fun, entertaining light murder mystery, with romance further enlivening it.
And I'm just being cranky when I note that the village's professional religious community, thirteen nuns and two priests, has no less than six of them engaged in varying degrees of questionable activity. Including the theft of the church's casket containing the relics of the saint the church is named for. This is, I am sorry, a farking big deal, and it's used only to create a possible red herring in the murder. But, after all, consider the death rate in Cabot Cove, Maine! One must allow some improbabilities, and beyond that, I will bite my tongue.
Definitely a fun book, with, it's fair to say, progress in the relationship of Annabelle and Mike. Enjoy!
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Of a priest. And her dear friend, another priest, is the chief, or rather the only, suspect.h But he can't possibly be guilty, and can Annabelle and Mike help?
They decide to spend their week of vacation in France, of course.
The French police inspector for the district, Charles Babineaux, initially seems like an ego-inflated fool, and he and Mike, to say the least, do not hit it off. There's more to him than meets the eye, though, and despite his own initial hostility, Babineaux decides that with his limited resources, two more experienced investigators are not to be turned down.
At the convent, and in the tiny village, they meet quite an impressive variety of people, including the Welsh owner and chef of the only restaurant in the village, and Sister Simone, the convent's gardener, herbalist, and chief baker. Simone is wise, gentle, and kind, and has even been baking a loaf of rye bread a couple of times a week for months, for Father Julien (now deceased), because it's his favorite, even though the convent bakery is not otherwise making any rye bread.
Father Raphael is missing, a major reason he's the suspect in Father Julien's death. Julien and the Mother Superior, Renate, may have a history together, prior to religious life. Raphael was a fashion model before the priesthood. Mary may be having doubts about her vocation. The two younger nuns, Veronique and Josephine, are both a little odd in their ways.
It's a fun, entertaining light murder mystery, with romance further enlivening it.
And I'm just being cranky when I note that the village's professional religious community, thirteen nuns and two priests, has no less than six of them engaged in varying degrees of questionable activity. Including the theft of the church's casket containing the relics of the saint the church is named for. This is, I am sorry, a farking big deal, and it's used only to create a possible red herring in the murder. But, after all, consider the death rate in Cabot Cove, Maine! One must allow some improbabilities, and beyond that, I will bite my tongue.
Definitely a fun book, with, it's fair to say, progress in the relationship of Annabelle and Mike. Enjoy!
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
March 17, 2021
It is Easter Sunday in Upton St. Mary, so Reverend Annabelle and Mike Nicholls are spending an enjoyable afternoon together with their
dogs, Molly and Magic. Upon their return to the church, Philippa meets them at the door and announces that Annabelle has an unexpected
visitor. The visitor is Annabelle's long-time friend, Mary, a Catholic Nun. Sister Mary is from a convent in the remote village of Ville
d’Eauloise, France. The village priest, Father Julien, died suddenly at the Easter Sunday service and a junior priest, Father Raphael, is
missing. Everybody automatically assumes he is guilty of murdering Father Julien. Mary insists that Father Raphael is innocent and asks
Annabelle's help to find the real killer!! Fortunately, Inspector Nicholls is happy to go with her. He has some vacation time coming and was
hoping to try to get some personal time with Annabelle.
The French policeman, Inspector Babineaux, appears to be a pompous fool and totally incompetent. Unfortunately, his assistant, Sgt.
Lestrange, is not much better. They both suspect Father Raphael of murdering Father Julien and refuse to even consider any other
suspects. The death of Mother Superior, which appears to be a suicide, only adds to the chaos in the community. Annabelle and Mike are
not so sure it was suicide and are determined to continue their investigations.
Who killed Father Julien? Where is Father Raphael? Is Father Raphael's disappearance related to Father Julien's death? Was Mother
Superior's death really a suicide? Are the two deaths related? If so, how? Can Reverend Annabelle and Inspector Nicholls unravel the
mystery and discover the truth? Will Annabelle and Mike find any time for themselves?
Alison Golden has created another wonderful mystery. The village is quaint and there are plenty of secrets to keep everybody guessing all
the way to the end. I can hardly wait to read Reverend Annabelle's next adventure!! As an added bonus, the short chapters make for much
easier reading.
dogs, Molly and Magic. Upon their return to the church, Philippa meets them at the door and announces that Annabelle has an unexpected
visitor. The visitor is Annabelle's long-time friend, Mary, a Catholic Nun. Sister Mary is from a convent in the remote village of Ville
d’Eauloise, France. The village priest, Father Julien, died suddenly at the Easter Sunday service and a junior priest, Father Raphael, is
missing. Everybody automatically assumes he is guilty of murdering Father Julien. Mary insists that Father Raphael is innocent and asks
Annabelle's help to find the real killer!! Fortunately, Inspector Nicholls is happy to go with her. He has some vacation time coming and was
hoping to try to get some personal time with Annabelle.
The French policeman, Inspector Babineaux, appears to be a pompous fool and totally incompetent. Unfortunately, his assistant, Sgt.
Lestrange, is not much better. They both suspect Father Raphael of murdering Father Julien and refuse to even consider any other
suspects. The death of Mother Superior, which appears to be a suicide, only adds to the chaos in the community. Annabelle and Mike are
not so sure it was suicide and are determined to continue their investigations.
Who killed Father Julien? Where is Father Raphael? Is Father Raphael's disappearance related to Father Julien's death? Was Mother
Superior's death really a suicide? Are the two deaths related? If so, how? Can Reverend Annabelle and Inspector Nicholls unravel the
mystery and discover the truth? Will Annabelle and Mike find any time for themselves?
Alison Golden has created another wonderful mystery. The village is quaint and there are plenty of secrets to keep everybody guessing all
the way to the end. I can hardly wait to read Reverend Annabelle's next adventure!! As an added bonus, the short chapters make for much
easier reading.
March 30, 2021
In the latest story about Reverend Annabelle Dixon, we are reintroduced to Annabelle's oldest friend. Our heroine and her boyfriend Inspector Mike Nichols take off on an adventure to a small town in France where they are asked to look into the death of a priest who collapsed at Easter Mass. Mike thinks it will be a romantic adventure for the two of them and Annabelle wants to help her old friend Mary who is troubled by the death of Father Julien and the disappearance of Father Raphael. Soon our adventurers are embroiled in another murder and try to discover the secrets held by the nuns at the nearby convent. Thoroughly enjoyable story filled with adventure and romance. Additionally, the book includes recipes for several delicious dishes.
April 25, 2021
This is an entertaining mystery with well-placed red herrings to keep the reader guessing until the big reveal. I never suspected the culprit until Annabelle let us know whodunit. The descriptions of the setting are great, you can picture where the characters are and what is going on as if you are there too. Annabelle is as strong and observant as usual but a couple of the other characters I found to be a little annoying this time. I was happy to see them redeem themselves by the end of the book. I recommend this book to fans of the series as well as other cozy mystery fans.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
March 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this good mystery. Mike is wanting to take Annabelle away for a little while, but she seemed underwhelmed by his choice of vacation places. When an old friend shows up and needs help, they know that a vacation in France is just the thing. It turns out to be a bit of a busman's holiday for Mike, but if he is with Annabelle, it is all good. He also is wanting to ask Annabelle a very important question. Is now the time? Love the car chase. Annabelle is quite the driver. Will they have any time for romance or will they spend their whole time looking for a murderer?
March 21, 2021
Another great. Wherever Annabelle the Vicar goes , mystery will definitely follow. A missing priest and secrets that should stay secret. Absolutely fantastic as always.
August 4, 2023
I enjoyed this book. As the characters referred to themselves it was kind of like Inspector Clouseau, Miss Marple and detective Holmes all investigating the same case and I really enjoyed it. Okay it wasn't actually the famous characters but I couldn't help but draw some comparison between them. A unique experience but worth a listen and a few chuckles. There was a lot going on with a murder, suicide and a missing priest but the author also managed to fit in some romance. It was fun to have Annabelle's friend Mary return from the first book but it is a standalone mystery so you don't need to have read the previous book to enjoy this one, it was just nice to catch up with her. The characters continue to delight and Annabelle and Mike have come along from the start of the series. I had guessed at the motive for the murder but was still surprised with the twist. On to the next book.
A death of a priest in France has detective Mike and Reverend Annabelle heading to the small village to help investigate. Annabelle's best friend Sister Mary lives there as a nun and when the elderly priest dies and another one goes missing, she needs Annabelle's help in getting to the bottom of what is going on. The police force are unuse to violent crimes and don't know how to investigate but with Mike distracting and unable to question the nuns, it is up to Annabelle to find the truth of why one priest is dead and another missing. Then a nun commits the ultimate sin and kills herself but Annabelle doesn't think so. Has the killer struck again? And if so have they finished?
I liked the narrator. Her French accent had me chuckling all the way through the story as I couldn't help but imagine Inspector Clouseau.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntary left this review.
A death of a priest in France has detective Mike and Reverend Annabelle heading to the small village to help investigate. Annabelle's best friend Sister Mary lives there as a nun and when the elderly priest dies and another one goes missing, she needs Annabelle's help in getting to the bottom of what is going on. The police force are unuse to violent crimes and don't know how to investigate but with Mike distracting and unable to question the nuns, it is up to Annabelle to find the truth of why one priest is dead and another missing. Then a nun commits the ultimate sin and kills herself but Annabelle doesn't think so. Has the killer struck again? And if so have they finished?
I liked the narrator. Her French accent had me chuckling all the way through the story as I couldn't help but imagine Inspector Clouseau.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntary left this review.
September 6, 2024
In this book there is a bit more introspection of the main characters and it would be interesting, if it weren't for the fact that, being this the seventh book of the series and there having been nothing similar in the previous books, it almost seems like we are dealing with different characters.
This time the action takes place in France: as Murder, She Wrote taught us, there is only a certain number of murders that can be committed in a village and, in order not to transform Upton St. Mary into a second Cabot Cove, Annabelle Dixon is called by a friend to solve the case of a mysterious death of a priest in a small French village.
The plot is a bit more credible (apart from a pig that becomes ham in the space of four days...) compared to the previous books and there are also some funny scenes.
A negative thing that, I have seen from some reviews, has also been noted by others, is the point of view on the Catholic religion and the behavior of priests and nuns. Here nothing is missing: priests who love nuns, nuns who love priests, nuns who love nuns, fake nuns, thieving priests. It seems to me that the book is a bit questionable from this point of view because the love relationships and crimes that exist within a single convent seem a bit excessive to me. Another negative thing: there is a multiplicity of crimes that are however committed by different people (three) and this clearly confuses the reader a bit because usually one person is sought who is behind everything.
This time the action takes place in France: as Murder, She Wrote taught us, there is only a certain number of murders that can be committed in a village and, in order not to transform Upton St. Mary into a second Cabot Cove, Annabelle Dixon is called by a friend to solve the case of a mysterious death of a priest in a small French village.
The plot is a bit more credible (apart from a pig that becomes ham in the space of four days...) compared to the previous books and there are also some funny scenes.
A negative thing that, I have seen from some reviews, has also been noted by others, is the point of view on the Catholic religion and the behavior of priests and nuns. Here nothing is missing: priests who love nuns, nuns who love priests, nuns who love nuns, fake nuns, thieving priests. It seems to me that the book is a bit questionable from this point of view because the love relationships and crimes that exist within a single convent seem a bit excessive to me. Another negative thing: there is a multiplicity of crimes that are however committed by different people (three) and this clearly confuses the reader a bit because usually one person is sought who is behind everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2021
The Reverend Annabelle Dixon series have all been very enjoyable reads. A great combination of exciting mystery, humour and some romance all combine to create books that I just want to read, especially after reading some thrillers or action and adventure stories, as they create a nice gentle atmosphere which relaxes me.
In this book Annabelle and her boyfriend Inspector Mike Nichols are asked to help out Annabelle's old friend Mary, who is now a nun, when the Catholic priest drops dead in the church.
There are a number of aspects of this book that make it special for me, but perhaps the most important things are the characters themselves who range from stolid and practical to eccentric and passionate and just about everything in between, but all are beautifully written; then there are descriptive passages, which are vivid and use wonderfully evocative language to create lovely pictures in the mind.
This story has an extra element with a bit more romance than normal for this series, sometimes between unexpected characters.
So if you want a bit of French escapism, it would be difficult to find anything better to read.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
In this book Annabelle and her boyfriend Inspector Mike Nichols are asked to help out Annabelle's old friend Mary, who is now a nun, when the Catholic priest drops dead in the church.
There are a number of aspects of this book that make it special for me, but perhaps the most important things are the characters themselves who range from stolid and practical to eccentric and passionate and just about everything in between, but all are beautifully written; then there are descriptive passages, which are vivid and use wonderfully evocative language to create lovely pictures in the mind.
This story has an extra element with a bit more romance than normal for this series, sometimes between unexpected characters.
So if you want a bit of French escapism, it would be difficult to find anything better to read.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
March 15, 2021
When a priest is murdered in Ville d’Eauloise, France on Easter Sunday morning, folks in this quaint village are stunned. Enter snotty, fastidious Inspector Babineaux and his Sergeant. Quick to call a missing priest a suspect a local nun travels to Reverend Annabelle’s village and asks for help in finding the real killer. Mary has been a friend of Annabelle’s for years so she is willing to drop everything and follow her to France. Luckily, Annabelle’s beau Inspector Mike Nicolls is willing to come along in hopes that between investigating the murder, he and Annabelle may have a few romantic moments together. After meeting Inspector Babineaux Mike’s impression is that Babineux is a pompous nitwit who does not know what he is doing. When another murder occurs, Annabelle, Mike and Babineaux find themselves with either too many suspects, or no suspects at all. This is the best Reverend Dixon book I have read. The setting is a charming village in France with a pompous Inspector, his inept sergeant, a convent full of nuns, two murders and a mystery not that easy to solve. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
March 15, 2021
Alison has hit another one out of the ballpark. This is the best Reverend Annabelle Dixon to date. Alison continues the saga of Annabelle’s romance with Inspector Mike Nicholls aided by their sibling dogs Molly and Magic. As Annabelle and Mike plan some vacation time together, Annabelle’s oldest and dearest friend, Sister Mary arrives in a tizzy. Her priest, Father Julien, has been murdered and his trainee, Father Raphael is missing. Their private vacation becomes a working one in France. Of course, they are unimpressed by French Inspector Charles Babineaux and his Sargeant Lestrange. None of the standard police procedures in England are adhered to in the French countryside. The French Inspector relies on frequently errant instinct in place of gathered facts. Shortly after they arrive, there is suicide or is it another murder? Mother Superior Renate is found hanged in her quarters. Mike and Annabelle use their talents to solve the crime, including a harrowing car chase through the countryside. By the time the case is solved, only one day remains for their romantic getaway and Mike is determined to make the best of it.
March 15, 2021
I really enjoyed Alison Golden's latest book Fireworks in France. In this book Annabelle's friend Sister Mary shows up very agitated over the death of her Priest. Everyone seems to believe it was just a heart attack but Mary believes he was murdered. Annabelle and her boyfriend Mike, an inspector, were going on vacation together so Mike suggested they change their destination plans and go to France to look into the Priest's death. He thought they could combine business with pleasure but one event after another kept them busy trying to get to the bottom of the Priest's death leaving very little time to enjoy the beauty and cuisine of the little French village.
For some reason while reading this book I really felt a connection to Annabelle making this my favorite Annabelle book to date. I can't quite pinpoint what was different this time but it seems like something in her character has changed causing me to like her more than in the past.
For some reason while reading this book I really felt a connection to Annabelle making this my favorite Annabelle book to date. I can't quite pinpoint what was different this time but it seems like something in her character has changed causing me to like her more than in the past.
March 23, 2021
I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I have read by Alison Golden, and "Fireworks in France" is no exception! At 61 chapters this is a bit longer than what I normally expect with a cozy mystery, but the writing style and introduction of new characters held my interest throughout. With a story line that moves along at a pace set to hold the reader's attention, the setting for this mystery is beautifully set by the opening narration. The characters are fun and realistic, wrestling with fears and self doubts that are totally relatable. And who doesn't like a good testosterone filled stand off between 2 suitors?! With not one, but two deaths to investigate in what should be the idyllic location for a romantic getaway, you won't guess the culprit until the conclusion. (Psst! You are going to like the way this one ends!)
March 24, 2021
Another excellent Annabelle Dixon mystery!
Once again, Alison has given us a fantastic mystery! Witty, fun, romance, and murder in France.... who could ask for anything more?
Old friends and new romance is balanced with the right amount of quirky humor and mystery. Each Annabelle Dixon mystery is better than the last! How she does it, I don't know, but I can tell you that these are books to read over and over.
It amazes me, how I can be laughing out loud, sniffing, and opening my mouth in shock, when reading these books. I highly recommend you start with the first book and read the entire series in order. Character development happens across the books and reading in order gives us a chance to know each character intimately. Annabelle is the relative I always wanted!
I can't wait for the next one!!!!
Once again, Alison has given us a fantastic mystery! Witty, fun, romance, and murder in France.... who could ask for anything more?
Old friends and new romance is balanced with the right amount of quirky humor and mystery. Each Annabelle Dixon mystery is better than the last! How she does it, I don't know, but I can tell you that these are books to read over and over.
It amazes me, how I can be laughing out loud, sniffing, and opening my mouth in shock, when reading these books. I highly recommend you start with the first book and read the entire series in order. Character development happens across the books and reading in order gives us a chance to know each character intimately. Annabelle is the relative I always wanted!
I can't wait for the next one!!!!
March 29, 2021
When an elderly priest in a small town in France drops dead, Sister Mary immediately seeks out her childhood friend, Reverend Annabelle, for help in solving this mysterious death. Mike and Annabelle decide this is the perfect place for their planned vacation together. Will they be able to quickly resolve this death leaving time to enjoy their alone time? Or will this be prove to be a dangerous endeavor. This was the best yet of the Annabelle stories. The imagery and poetic flow of words presented such vivid imagery. And without revealing too much of a spoiler, there was a section near the end that was breathtakingly beautiful. Of course, the mystery was also appropriately tricky, with misleading clues and motives. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book and all opinions are strictly my own.
March 16, 2021
I love the Anabelle series. She is a ray of sunshine and a good person all around. We have left our little village in England, only to be transported to another little village...in France. Everything that is nice about France is here, the food, the countryside, the people (funny inspectors and all). Whilst solving the murder is the main plot, the romantic sub-plot is woven closely within it. I loved the description of what women want in a romantic proposal and I agree it is definitely a memory to be remembered forever. Let me just say that I think the ending of the romantic plot will touch every woman's heart. I must admit I didn't guess the murderer right until when it was revealed, and I usually do. Highly recommended.
March 23, 2021
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the timely cozy mystery Fireworks in France: A Reverend Annabelle Dixon Mystery by Alison Golden and this review was given freely.
Vivid descriptions fill the pages of this easy flowing novel drawing you in to the lives of the characters, the beauty of a quaint small French town and of course the mystery..
British police inspector Mike Nicholls is ready to take the next step in his relationship with Reverend Annabelle Dixon when Annabelle's childhood friend, now Nun Mary, arrives in Upton St. Mary, England from the from the small quaint French town of Ville d'Eauloise with the tale of an Easter murder embroiling them in a twisted tale of blackmail, jealousy, revenge, and love.
I purchased a copy of the timely cozy mystery Fireworks in France: A Reverend Annabelle Dixon Mystery by Alison Golden and this review was given freely.
Vivid descriptions fill the pages of this easy flowing novel drawing you in to the lives of the characters, the beauty of a quaint small French town and of course the mystery..
British police inspector Mike Nicholls is ready to take the next step in his relationship with Reverend Annabelle Dixon when Annabelle's childhood friend, now Nun Mary, arrives in Upton St. Mary, England from the from the small quaint French town of Ville d'Eauloise with the tale of an Easter murder embroiling them in a twisted tale of blackmail, jealousy, revenge, and love.
March 19, 2021
I found this cozy eBook to be highly entertaining. It has all the elements of a good murder mystery. Inspector Mike Nichols and the Reverend Annabelle going to off to France at the request of Annabelle’s friend Mary to help discover the killer. There is never a dull moment with these two. The mystery takes them to a small remote village in France, Ville d’Eauloise. The case centers on the sudden death of the villages priest Father Julien and it only gets better after that.
I can almost smell the croissants and the escargot. This may be my favorite Annabelle mystery. Visualizing the events was like watching a movie. Absolutely delightful!
March 23, 2021
Just as Mike and Annabelle are getting ready to leave on a romantic trip Annabelle's childhood friend arrives very upset. Mary is a nun in training at a convent in France where the Pastor has just died. Of course they must go back with Mary to investigate. It is a very secluded town where the church is the focal point. The French Investigator is a hoot! Mike cannot believe his methods of investigation and the two bump heads over everything. I don't know if it was me or the book but it did take longer to read and the descriptions were beautifully done. I don't thing I really wanted it to end. The stories and characters just keep getting better and better. It's a must read.
May 16, 2021
I started this book and just could not put it down. The descriptions of the town were so vivid that I felt like I was there with Annabelle and Mike in France. I loved the change of setting and all of the new characters that were introduced in this book. The relationship between Annabelle and Mike is so sweet too. The mystery was interesting and I was surprised by the outcome. This book could be read as a stand alone, but I would recommend all of the books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 6, 2021
Scandalous secrets!
This is my favourite Annabelle mystery! I love her character and that of Inspector Mike, what a team.
A suspicious death and a request for help from an old friend, leads Annabelle and Mike to a quaint village and convent in France. They offer support to the local bumbling police and become entwined in the secrets and deception.
Lots of suspects but I was left guessing until the end!
There was also a magical part at the end, which will inevitably open another thrilling chapter of Annabelle's life!
I received a review copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is my favourite Annabelle mystery! I love her character and that of Inspector Mike, what a team.
A suspicious death and a request for help from an old friend, leads Annabelle and Mike to a quaint village and convent in France. They offer support to the local bumbling police and become entwined in the secrets and deception.
Lots of suspects but I was left guessing until the end!
There was also a magical part at the end, which will inevitably open another thrilling chapter of Annabelle's life!
I received a review copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 19, 2021
Books 2-6 in the series have been fairly entertaining cozy mysteries but this latest installment was just awful. It appears that the author has something against the Catholic church, as this is the second time that she has cast the clergy in a poor light (putting it mildly), and the things that she packed into this book are absurdly over the top.
I'm not sure why I am trying not to spoil it for others but I found this book rather insulting to the intelligence of the readers. It is a shame since I do enjoy Annabelle & Mike but I don't know if I can bear to subject myself to the author again in the future.
I'm not sure why I am trying not to spoil it for others but I found this book rather insulting to the intelligence of the readers. It is a shame since I do enjoy Annabelle & Mike but I don't know if I can bear to subject myself to the author again in the future.
March 19, 2021
When Annabelle's long time friend Mary shows up inconsolable at her door, what is the good Reverend to do? Mike wants her to go on a trip with him, so of course, Inspector Mike is coming along to France to help investigate. It is a small town with lots of secrets. Alison makes you feel like you are right there in the French countryside alongside Annabelle and Mike. Their vacation week is getting away from them as they assist the local detective. Will they solve the case in time? Will Mike share his big secret with Annabelle. This is a delightful book and enjoyable for everyone.
July 3, 2021
Fireworks in France
Annabelle and Detective Mike are paid a visit by a very old and very dear friend who is staying at a convent in France to try to determine if she should become a nun. There has been a murder of the senior priest and the junior priest has vanished ! The nuns are not very friendly and mystery is everywhere ! Then a supposed suicide of the Mother Superior! This is a wonderful cozy mystery. Alison has told Annabelle's story extremely well. Find out the answers to the mysteries. You won't be disappointed! I give it 5 stars and recommend it to everyone.
Annabelle and Detective Mike are paid a visit by a very old and very dear friend who is staying at a convent in France to try to determine if she should become a nun. There has been a murder of the senior priest and the junior priest has vanished ! The nuns are not very friendly and mystery is everywhere ! Then a supposed suicide of the Mother Superior! This is a wonderful cozy mystery. Alison has told Annabelle's story extremely well. Find out the answers to the mysteries. You won't be disappointed! I give it 5 stars and recommend it to everyone.
April 14, 2022
Reverend Annabelle and Mike Nicholls are going on a vacation. But, before they can leave Annabelle's old friend, Mary, comes and asks for help solving a murder at a church in France. Mike and Annabelle go to France. I especially enjoyed this book. Mike Nicholls was so funny. He wants to ask Annabelle something and is struggling to figure out how to do it. He is aided by the French police inspector who is investigating the murder of the priest. Annabelle and Mike help him solve the murder.
March 24, 2021
Well laid plans!
Like all Alison Golden's books, I was a fan. When her friend Mary asks for her help with a murder in France, Rev. Annabelle talks Mike into taking a vacation week and accompanying her. Thinking they'll be able to have a lovely, romantic time, they find themselves embroiled in the murder investigations and the hunt for the missing junior priest. Not quite the trip she envisioned, but instead, a fast paced race to solve the cases.
Like all Alison Golden's books, I was a fan. When her friend Mary asks for her help with a murder in France, Rev. Annabelle talks Mike into taking a vacation week and accompanying her. Thinking they'll be able to have a lovely, romantic time, they find themselves embroiled in the murder investigations and the hunt for the missing junior priest. Not quite the trip she envisioned, but instead, a fast paced race to solve the cases.
May 17, 2021
Good read
Many of my reviews sound the same. That's because when I look for a book or series to read, I look for the same thing: realistic believable characters, descriptive settings that I can picture the characters in, and an interesting plot with clues leading to a variety of perpetrators, but not giving away the actual guilty person until the end of the book. I especially like stories that have an unexpected twist at the end, Agatha Christy style. This book has all those.
Many of my reviews sound the same. That's because when I look for a book or series to read, I look for the same thing: realistic believable characters, descriptive settings that I can picture the characters in, and an interesting plot with clues leading to a variety of perpetrators, but not giving away the actual guilty person until the end of the book. I especially like stories that have an unexpected twist at the end, Agatha Christy style. This book has all those.
May 17, 2021
Many of my reviews sound the same. That's because when I look for a book or series to read, I look for the same thing: realistic believable characters, descriptive settings that I can picture the characters in, and an interesting plot with clues leading to a variety of perpetrators, but not giving away the actual guilty person until the end of the book. I especially like stories that have an unexpected twist at the end, Agatha Christy style. This book has all those.
May 17, 2021
I am really enjoying this series. Great mysteries with a touch of humour and a bit of romance thrown in. If you want a good cozy mystery you must check this series out. Father Julien has been murdered and Annabelle is called in to help solve the case. Her, and Inspector Mike Nicholls hope to also have a bit of a vacation getaway after quickly solving the case. Will they? A great read. I cannot wait for Annabelle’s next adventure.
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