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French Ghost
Ghost-writer Melody Layne is stranded in Paris when the over-sexed but unloved French movie star who hired her to produce his memoir accidentally drowns before the interviews begin. It's a major financial relief when his enigmatic Spanish son re-hires her, but the seductive Carlos Ortega is strangely silent about his reasons for funding a feel-good bio about a father that he clearly despised. There's enough amour in the air for Melody to ignore this apparent paradox… at least until she uncovers a hidden cache of death threats addressed to the actor. For the French police, the sexy, secretive Spaniard – and sole heir to the actor's immense fortune – is suddenly a prime murder suspect. Can Melody's research into the Ghosts of Carlos-Past be enough to save her lover from prison?
302 pages, Paperback
Published January 10, 2022
4 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Corinne LaBalme
3 books126 followersCorinne LaBalme lives in France and loves everything about it… except eating snails. Her articles about European fashion, food and fun destinations have appeared in The New York Times Travel section, Diversion, La Belle France and France Revisited. Her favorite place to write? Any Parisian café with a good croissant connection…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 23, 2022
Ghostwriter Melody Layne lands her big-money break when her client winds up dead and it’s up to her to unmask the killer. Melody loves ghostwriting but it doesn’t pay much. She’s biding her time, waiting for her big break. Like a beacon of light, she’s hired to be the ghostwriter for some aging playboy French movie star. But before she can start the interviewing process in Paris, he ups and dies. An accident says the authorities. Many suspects attend his funeral, including Melody. She panics, thinking she’ll be broke and alone in Paris, but when the heir of the estate, Carlos, contacts her, she’s rehired. There’s something mysterious about Carlos. Why would he want some fluffy, happy memoir about his father who he loathes? What’s his motive? As Melody researches, she discovers death threats for the deceased actor. The French police get involved and finger Carlos for the murder. Melody tries desperately to save her now boyfriend, Carlos, from the proverbial guillotine but she might be too late.
French Ghost is a romantic mystery set in Paris I couldn’t put down. Who knew ghostwriting in France could turn deadly? From the first page, I connected with Melody. She’s a fun, plucky heroine with a comedic flair I enjoyed immensely. Through immersive descriptive narration, I transported to France and experienced everything Melody went through. I could smell the croissants and the French smells waft through my tablet as I read. One of my favorite scenes has to be the costume party where Carlos chose her costume. Hilarious! The plot moves at a pretty quick pace but between the dialogue, quirky characters, and trying to figure out the mystery, I hardly noticed. I stayed up late reading because I could not put it down. There’s a definite French vibe throughout the story and I adored every minute of it. Corinne LaBalme is a talented writer who writes an intricate storyline so lush, so beautiful, I wanted to stay in her crafted world forever. If you’re looking for a mystery with romance set in France, you’ll want to read French Ghost. If you love romantic mystery, you’ll want to read French Ghost. I look forward to reading from this author. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
French Ghost is a romantic mystery set in Paris I couldn’t put down. Who knew ghostwriting in France could turn deadly? From the first page, I connected with Melody. She’s a fun, plucky heroine with a comedic flair I enjoyed immensely. Through immersive descriptive narration, I transported to France and experienced everything Melody went through. I could smell the croissants and the French smells waft through my tablet as I read. One of my favorite scenes has to be the costume party where Carlos chose her costume. Hilarious! The plot moves at a pretty quick pace but between the dialogue, quirky characters, and trying to figure out the mystery, I hardly noticed. I stayed up late reading because I could not put it down. There’s a definite French vibe throughout the story and I adored every minute of it. Corinne LaBalme is a talented writer who writes an intricate storyline so lush, so beautiful, I wanted to stay in her crafted world forever. If you’re looking for a mystery with romance set in France, you’ll want to read French Ghost. If you love romantic mystery, you’ll want to read French Ghost. I look forward to reading from this author. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
February 24, 2022
I was hooked in the beginning and entertained to the end. The author weaves a tale with a fabulous, enthralling mystery and paints us a picture of the beautiful Paris setting. The premise is nothing like I’ve ever read before and I loved how the author let it all unfold. With a smart, funny protagonist, a sexy, mysterious Spaniard and conflict galore, this book is a must read.
March 6, 2022
Paris is such a beautiful place to read about, and Ms. LaBalme does an excellent job of describing all of the sights, sounds, and even tastes the characters experience in this romantic setting.
Read full review in the 2022 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 29, 2021
Corinne LaBalme’s January 10, '22 debut weaves the perfect amount of humor, mystery, and romance, balanced with lovely descriptions of Paris. French Ghost isn’t a spooky story. Instead, it revolves around Melody Layne’s ghostwriting profession.
Melody is a smart, witty woman, just trying to keep afloat financially when she lands a gig to ghostwrite a famous bad-boy actor’s novel. When he dies suddenly, she’s fortunate that a secretive family member keeps her on – plus, she can do her research in France. But as she untangles the actor’s sordid past, and falls for her gorgeous new benefactor, can she dig up any sources who aren’t soured and unreliable?
We definitely root for Melody as she pushes through obstacles to finish the book and figure out which, if any, of the shady side characters can be trusted. French Ghost is a clever, well-written beginning to a series. Readers can anticipate more fast-paced, enjoyable reads with a strong, sassy heroine, hot leading men, and a touch of intriguing whodunnit.
Melody is a smart, witty woman, just trying to keep afloat financially when she lands a gig to ghostwrite a famous bad-boy actor’s novel. When he dies suddenly, she’s fortunate that a secretive family member keeps her on – plus, she can do her research in France. But as she untangles the actor’s sordid past, and falls for her gorgeous new benefactor, can she dig up any sources who aren’t soured and unreliable?
We definitely root for Melody as she pushes through obstacles to finish the book and figure out which, if any, of the shady side characters can be trusted. French Ghost is a clever, well-written beginning to a series. Readers can anticipate more fast-paced, enjoyable reads with a strong, sassy heroine, hot leading men, and a touch of intriguing whodunnit.
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March 10, 2022This novel made me laugh out loud, it also made me very hungry. There were so many references to good food and beautiful places. It made me wish I could go back to France. It was fresh, with so many twists and turns.
January 31, 2022
The mystery here is who killed Charles-Henri Banville, an actor. Ghost-writer Melody Layne is 34 and a cat lover. Her cats are Purrboy, Coolio, and Gigi a crotchety Persian rescue kitty. Charles-Henri Banville went overboard on a rented barge after eating a meal of stewed lamprey (eel-like fish) in red wine. The victim wasn't well-liked and Melody had been going to write his memoir. She had drawn up a contract and started the preliminary preparation before his death. Charles-Henri Banville had a son who makes contact with Melody; the son is of the same name as his dad and meets with her, though they don't get off to a good start. Charles-Henri Banville junior was born in June 1980, his mother is a Spaniard and it's customary for them to give their offspring a name from the mother's family so his full name is Charles-Henri Banville y Ortega. He lives his private and professional life as Carlos Ortega, his business card showing Professor Carlos Ortega as he was educated at the Universidad de Madrid. He will pay her 20,000 dollars for the biography of his dad.
Very, very pacy, humourous, colourful characters and lots of detail ensured French Ghost was heaps of fun. Melody was witty and effervescent and I loved travelling in her pockets, feasting in fancy restaurants on gourmet food. The hotel and Gala dinner dance venue and the Palas des Congrés sounded amazing with their servings of lobster in cream sauce! The general writing style of Corinne LaBalme sat well with me and I adored the descriptions of Paris and other regions of France; the places Melody visited conjured up the history, scents and the overall ambience brilliantly for me. Who wouldn't want to try the shrimp in anchovy sauce at the meeting she had with food guide and journalist, Jenna Bardet? I also relished the descriptions of the period costumes and refinery - you can tell the author knows her onions on the subject.
Pain-au-chocolat lover and OCD sufferer, Melody's trips included travelling to Rouen to meet Jacques and Véronique Poinot at a restaurant, La Couronne, a retired couple who had gone to school with Charles-Henri when they were all fifteen years old. She also meets Charles-Henri's first wife, Delphine Carroll at a pop concert at the Paris Olympia theatre she attends with her friend Jenna's cousin, Michel. A trip to Madrid is delayed and matters get really complicated for Melody when she falls for cat allergy sufferer and Spanish Cava drinker Carlos, especially when Carlos becomes a suspect for his wine-lover dad's murder and the Parisian Bordeaux police are involved. I did not figure out the perpetrator; I had no idea at all of their identity at the halfway point and guessed at ⅔ through for amusement, but failed. I’m looking forward to the next episode. Told from Melody's viewpoint, readers will be exhausted from all the drinking, eating and travelling when they turn the final page.
Thanks to Great Escapes Book Tours and Corinne LaBalme for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.
Very, very pacy, humourous, colourful characters and lots of detail ensured French Ghost was heaps of fun. Melody was witty and effervescent and I loved travelling in her pockets, feasting in fancy restaurants on gourmet food. The hotel and Gala dinner dance venue and the Palas des Congrés sounded amazing with their servings of lobster in cream sauce! The general writing style of Corinne LaBalme sat well with me and I adored the descriptions of Paris and other regions of France; the places Melody visited conjured up the history, scents and the overall ambience brilliantly for me. Who wouldn't want to try the shrimp in anchovy sauce at the meeting she had with food guide and journalist, Jenna Bardet? I also relished the descriptions of the period costumes and refinery - you can tell the author knows her onions on the subject.
Pain-au-chocolat lover and OCD sufferer, Melody's trips included travelling to Rouen to meet Jacques and Véronique Poinot at a restaurant, La Couronne, a retired couple who had gone to school with Charles-Henri when they were all fifteen years old. She also meets Charles-Henri's first wife, Delphine Carroll at a pop concert at the Paris Olympia theatre she attends with her friend Jenna's cousin, Michel. A trip to Madrid is delayed and matters get really complicated for Melody when she falls for cat allergy sufferer and Spanish Cava drinker Carlos, especially when Carlos becomes a suspect for his wine-lover dad's murder and the Parisian Bordeaux police are involved. I did not figure out the perpetrator; I had no idea at all of their identity at the halfway point and guessed at ⅔ through for amusement, but failed. I’m looking forward to the next episode. Told from Melody's viewpoint, readers will be exhausted from all the drinking, eating and travelling when they turn the final page.
Thanks to Great Escapes Book Tours and Corinne LaBalme for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.
February 1, 2022
Corinne LaBalme’s debut romantic mystery French Ghost pulls the reader in on the first page, and takes us on a wild ride through Paris, Bordeaux, and beyond. With a cast of richly developed and crazy characters to support her hero, Melody Layne. We soon learn that she is the ghost in the story, ghost writer that is! She's hired by the world-famous actor Charles-Henri Banville, rich, talented, and a womanizer, but before she can even begin the job and after she’s spent most of the advance, Banville is found murdered on location of his latest film in Bordeaux.
Melody is torn. With all the research she’s done to prepare for this job, she’s found that Charles-Henry Banville is one of Europe’s worst sexual predators, and she has his journals to prove it. He might even be a pedophile, and the more she learns the luckier she feels that she doesn’t have to pen his sanitized and over-glorified version of his life.
But a girl’s gotta eat. When a drop-dead gorgeous Spaniard approaches her to finish the autobiography of Charles-Henri Banville, she jumps at the offer, only to find out that her new boss,
Carlos Ortega, is the son of her former employer, Charles-Henri Banville Jr.. Without missing a beat, Melody continues her research for her new employer. Together they find out more about Banville the elder, but Carlos needs to prove that his father has some redeeming qualities, or his mom will refuse the bountiful estate!
Are you hooked yet? This novel is a fun romp with laughs and tears, mystery, and romance. It is a satisfying read that will suck you in and keep you turning pages into the night. I highly recommend Corinne LaBalme’s French Ghost. Mystery/Romance fans won’t be able to put it down!
Melody is torn. With all the research she’s done to prepare for this job, she’s found that Charles-Henry Banville is one of Europe’s worst sexual predators, and she has his journals to prove it. He might even be a pedophile, and the more she learns the luckier she feels that she doesn’t have to pen his sanitized and over-glorified version of his life.
But a girl’s gotta eat. When a drop-dead gorgeous Spaniard approaches her to finish the autobiography of Charles-Henri Banville, she jumps at the offer, only to find out that her new boss,
Carlos Ortega, is the son of her former employer, Charles-Henri Banville Jr.. Without missing a beat, Melody continues her research for her new employer. Together they find out more about Banville the elder, but Carlos needs to prove that his father has some redeeming qualities, or his mom will refuse the bountiful estate!
Are you hooked yet? This novel is a fun romp with laughs and tears, mystery, and romance. It is a satisfying read that will suck you in and keep you turning pages into the night. I highly recommend Corinne LaBalme’s French Ghost. Mystery/Romance fans won’t be able to put it down!
January 29, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Well this book is certainly different. We meet Melody as she embarks on a trip to France in order to work as a ghost writer for a famous French actor who is not a pleasant man. Before she can get started though he turns up dead leaving her at loose ends. She thinks things are horrid leaving her in a lurch when his secret son reaches out to hire her for a different book all together. This leads to all sorts of surprises as the story plays out. This makes for quite the intriguing read as you wonder what is really going on. Showcases French culture extremely well too making for a nice treat. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Well this book is certainly different. We meet Melody as she embarks on a trip to France in order to work as a ghost writer for a famous French actor who is not a pleasant man. Before she can get started though he turns up dead leaving her at loose ends. She thinks things are horrid leaving her in a lurch when his secret son reaches out to hire her for a different book all together. This leads to all sorts of surprises as the story plays out. This makes for quite the intriguing read as you wonder what is really going on. Showcases French culture extremely well too making for a nice treat. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
December 30, 2021
A cozy mystery with sass and style
I don’t know what I enjoyed most about French Ghost by Corrine LaBalme. The rollicking fun adventure set in Paris? A wisecracking first-person narrator who’s a blast to spend time with? The clever pop culture references, French cuisine, and pastries that pop up throughout? A romance plotline that’s snappy and entertaining, not saccharine and silly.
Maybe all of the above.
LaBalme does a terrific job, leading readers through a story that packs humor, suspense, mystery, and a dash of heady romance. It’s no surprise that she lives in Paris, herself. The sights and sounds of the City of Light come to vivid life in these pages. I also love that narrator Melody Layne is a ghost-writer, and that the leading man, Carlos Ortega, while intriguing, is shrouded in mystery with a hint of danger.
This book is a page-turner.
I’m looking forward to the next cozy mystery from Corrine LaBalme!
I don’t know what I enjoyed most about French Ghost by Corrine LaBalme. The rollicking fun adventure set in Paris? A wisecracking first-person narrator who’s a blast to spend time with? The clever pop culture references, French cuisine, and pastries that pop up throughout? A romance plotline that’s snappy and entertaining, not saccharine and silly.
Maybe all of the above.
LaBalme does a terrific job, leading readers through a story that packs humor, suspense, mystery, and a dash of heady romance. It’s no surprise that she lives in Paris, herself. The sights and sounds of the City of Light come to vivid life in these pages. I also love that narrator Melody Layne is a ghost-writer, and that the leading man, Carlos Ortega, while intriguing, is shrouded in mystery with a hint of danger.
This book is a page-turner.
I’m looking forward to the next cozy mystery from Corrine LaBalme!
December 8, 2021
This book was a serious romp. I had so much fun reading it and found myself laughing aloud at times. LaBalme's humor is right up my alley. Add a bit of adventure, a handsome man, and a mystery and it's the perfect read to go with a glass of wine or a bowl of popcorn.
March 12, 2022
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only for my honest review.
Melody Layne is a Ghost Writer. She publishes her writing under another name. And she just scored big time. One of the biggest names in French "Hollywood," Charles-Henri Banville, hired HER to write his memoir. Even with an "as told to" byline, Melody can pocket a pretty good chunk of change from this book deal. Her first meeting with Banville tells her all she needs to know. He is a womanizing sleaze who is used to getting what he wants. But when Charles-Henri suddenly dies after falling overboard at a yacht party, Melody's book deal and sweet payday dove overboard with him.
That is until Melody meets the mysterious and handsome but also snobby and judgmental Spaniard who, as it turns out, is the only heir to the Banville estate. Charles-Henri Carlos Ortega Banville would rather disown his father and the estate. Charles-Henri Sr. had made a reputation of scandals and womanizing.
Carlos revises Melody's contract and re-hires her to write an in-depth look at the real Charles-Henry Banville Sr., but Carlos has an ulterior motive. Tensions rise between Melody and Carlos as they discover the truth about Charles-Henri's life and death.
This 'cozy' mystery is an easy page-turner. The main character, Melody, is quirky, intelligent, and has a way of meeting all the right people. Through her research, she is able to uncover a mystery that no one knew needed solving. Her relationship with Carlos becomes the main plot though most of the book, with the mystery as a subplot. This makes the book an easy, light read.
I gave this book 4/5 stars because it was pretty engaging and fast. The ending probably isn't what most readers would want, but I felt like it was a real-life result of a situation. Melody stood up for herself when insulted or knocked down throughout the book, so the ending should be no different. However, French Ghost is a series, and therefore the conclusion should lead into the next book.
Melody Layne is a Ghost Writer. She publishes her writing under another name. And she just scored big time. One of the biggest names in French "Hollywood," Charles-Henri Banville, hired HER to write his memoir. Even with an "as told to" byline, Melody can pocket a pretty good chunk of change from this book deal. Her first meeting with Banville tells her all she needs to know. He is a womanizing sleaze who is used to getting what he wants. But when Charles-Henri suddenly dies after falling overboard at a yacht party, Melody's book deal and sweet payday dove overboard with him.
That is until Melody meets the mysterious and handsome but also snobby and judgmental Spaniard who, as it turns out, is the only heir to the Banville estate. Charles-Henri Carlos Ortega Banville would rather disown his father and the estate. Charles-Henri Sr. had made a reputation of scandals and womanizing.
Carlos revises Melody's contract and re-hires her to write an in-depth look at the real Charles-Henry Banville Sr., but Carlos has an ulterior motive. Tensions rise between Melody and Carlos as they discover the truth about Charles-Henri's life and death.
This 'cozy' mystery is an easy page-turner. The main character, Melody, is quirky, intelligent, and has a way of meeting all the right people. Through her research, she is able to uncover a mystery that no one knew needed solving. Her relationship with Carlos becomes the main plot though most of the book, with the mystery as a subplot. This makes the book an easy, light read.
I gave this book 4/5 stars because it was pretty engaging and fast. The ending probably isn't what most readers would want, but I felt like it was a real-life result of a situation. Melody stood up for herself when insulted or knocked down throughout the book, so the ending should be no different. However, French Ghost is a series, and therefore the conclusion should lead into the next book.
September 14, 2022
A cozy featuring an American writer on assignment in Paris who meets a sexy, mysterious Spaniard? Mais oui!
I loved this story from start to finish. Ms. LaBalme weaves a clever, fun tale of ghost writer, Melody hired to write the puffed up memoir of an unlikeable French movie star who promptly dies before Melody has begun said memoir. We meet many of movie star Charles Henri Banville's former flames as well as his grown son the gorgeous, history professor, Carlos Ortega. Carlos woos Melody even as he makes her an offer (she can't refuse) to finish the bio of the father he hated. Before long Melody is up to her neck in chocolate croissant and wine-soaked adventures figuring out whether Banville's accidental death wasn't so accidental after all and whether her hot Spanish boyfriend might be responsible for his demise. Francophiles and foodies beware. This one will have you planning your Parisian getaway before you turn the last page. Well done indeed. Highly recommend.
I loved this story from start to finish. Ms. LaBalme weaves a clever, fun tale of ghost writer, Melody hired to write the puffed up memoir of an unlikeable French movie star who promptly dies before Melody has begun said memoir. We meet many of movie star Charles Henri Banville's former flames as well as his grown son the gorgeous, history professor, Carlos Ortega. Carlos woos Melody even as he makes her an offer (she can't refuse) to finish the bio of the father he hated. Before long Melody is up to her neck in chocolate croissant and wine-soaked adventures figuring out whether Banville's accidental death wasn't so accidental after all and whether her hot Spanish boyfriend might be responsible for his demise. Francophiles and foodies beware. This one will have you planning your Parisian getaway before you turn the last page. Well done indeed. Highly recommend.
April 14, 2022
I loved this book from page 1 to the end. It has love, jealousy, thrilling secrets revealed and characters you won't soon forget. The pace will keep you turning pages. I got two copies for friends of mine and they are raving about it and offering to buy me lunch. Books like this one don't come around often.
October 31, 2022
Constantly funny and surprising, French Ghost keeps the pages turning: who is the murderer? will Melody survive Paris? will she end up with that Spanish hunk, man of her dreams?
Part mystery, part romance, always hilarious, extremely readable: I was cheering for CARLOS
Part mystery, part romance, always hilarious, extremely readable: I was cheering for CARLOS
March 10, 2022
French Ghost was an engaging read right from the opening line, "Charles-Henri Banville's funeral was a box office smash." The prose was delightful and fun. The story line had unanticipated plot twists and yummy references to French food. I loved the side trips with the French restaurant reviewer! Overall, an enjoyable mystery with romance, good food and fun anecdotes of life in gay Paris! I love forward to reading more from this author.
May 26, 2025
French Ghost is a witty, cozy mystery with a ghostwriter-turned-sleuth, a glamorous setting, and just the right sprinkle of romance. A perfect escape for mystery lovers and Francophiles alike!
October 25, 2022
I enjoyed this story start to finish. It had mystery, humor, intrigue, love and a well thought out plot. The authors style drew me in right away and more than once it had me wishing I was in a cafe in Paris from its beautiful descriptions. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 25, 2025
A fun read. A mystery, a romance and a travelogue all in one. Plus the food! I may have gained ten pounds just reading the descriptions. Thank you Voracious Readers Only for this delightful book.
March 16, 2022
A fun read! I loved it!
If Covid canceled your trip to France, this light mystery will help soothe the wound. The protagonist was like able and believable. I can’t wait for the next. Please tell me there is a next one?
If Covid canceled your trip to France, this light mystery will help soothe the wound. The protagonist was like able and believable. I can’t wait for the next. Please tell me there is a next one?
June 10, 2025
It was a good easy read. Full of mystery and beautiful details.
February 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. There was always something interesting happening which kept me thoroughly entertained. I didn’t want to put it down. I would recommend.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
January 29, 2022
I loved French Ghost so much that I read it straight through over the course of an afternoon and evening. It’s exciting - a thriller - but also very funny. The dialogue crackles with wit.
French Ghost could be made into a great film about a clever female ghost writer and a handsome, mysterious client. I loaned my copy to a couple of friends, who enjoyed it a lot. This is a fantastic book for people who love Paris.
French Ghost could be made into a great film about a clever female ghost writer and a handsome, mysterious client. I loaned my copy to a couple of friends, who enjoyed it a lot. This is a fantastic book for people who love Paris.
February 13, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact I couldn't put it down! Perfect travel companion. The reader follows the main character, a ghost writer for a celebrity biography. When the celebrity is found dead, we follow the clues to figure out who is responsible. In the meantime, there is a love intrigue, but that too is entangled with the murder. This book is addictive. It takes place in Paris, where one is submerged in the wonderful daily details that only a real Parisian knows.
July 16, 2022
If you think this is a ghost story, like I did, you're in for a surprise with this lively romp.
Ghost writer, Melody Layne, travels to Paris to at the request of famous French movie star, Charles-Henri, to write his memoir.
She trades apartments and finds herself in a gorgeous place with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
She's spending the advance and looking forward to the additional money when tragedy strikes.
Charles-Henri dies in a drowning accident while filming a movie.
Now she has no job and no prospects. Unless she can write a serious biography about this man and not a "as told to."
Melody soon discovers that no one of the actor's acquaintance liked him, in fact, most loathed him.
At the funeral she meets a surprising legitimate son of the actor that no one knew about. Carlos hated his father for deserting his mother after their rushed-together marriage. But he asks Melody to continue in her research into Charles-Henri's past.
Carlos needs to find a kindness, some goodwill, in his father, or his ill mother won't accept the huge inheritance. Carlos needs that money to care for her in her last years.
Melody's plight is amusing as she digs deep to find someone who can praise Charles-Henri. And was his death really an accident? Complications abound, and then she finds herself attracted to Carlos. The writing is lively and the story moves quickly. The attraction between Carlos and Melody feels real-though there's plenty of bumps in the road. Other obstacles, one dire, soon close in.
Melody is a resourceful heroine who is easy to like. Carlos is enigmatic and full of secrets. A fun mystery wrapped in a romance. This is the beginning of a series, so maybe the cliffhanger ending will be expanded on. Well worth the read. Enjoy!
Ghost writer, Melody Layne, travels to Paris to at the request of famous French movie star, Charles-Henri, to write his memoir.
She trades apartments and finds herself in a gorgeous place with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
She's spending the advance and looking forward to the additional money when tragedy strikes.
Charles-Henri dies in a drowning accident while filming a movie.
Now she has no job and no prospects. Unless she can write a serious biography about this man and not a "as told to."
Melody soon discovers that no one of the actor's acquaintance liked him, in fact, most loathed him.
At the funeral she meets a surprising legitimate son of the actor that no one knew about. Carlos hated his father for deserting his mother after their rushed-together marriage. But he asks Melody to continue in her research into Charles-Henri's past.
Carlos needs to find a kindness, some goodwill, in his father, or his ill mother won't accept the huge inheritance. Carlos needs that money to care for her in her last years.
Melody's plight is amusing as she digs deep to find someone who can praise Charles-Henri. And was his death really an accident? Complications abound, and then she finds herself attracted to Carlos. The writing is lively and the story moves quickly. The attraction between Carlos and Melody feels real-though there's plenty of bumps in the road. Other obstacles, one dire, soon close in.
Melody is a resourceful heroine who is easy to like. Carlos is enigmatic and full of secrets. A fun mystery wrapped in a romance. This is the beginning of a series, so maybe the cliffhanger ending will be expanded on. Well worth the read. Enjoy!
August 7, 2022
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
French Ghost by Corinne LaBalme is a cozy mystery. It's the first book from the Paris Ghost Writer series.
This book follows Melody Layne, a ghostwriter, through her journey to write Charles-Henri Banville's biography and her quest to find the truth about his death so she can prove her lover's innocence. It's such a lovely book. It begins with the sudden death and then slowly uncovers the mystery of what happened and who the victim was. The author's writing style created an entertaining and enjoyable story. It was easy to follow and comprehend. The constant revelations gave the plot a steady flow, keeping my interest until the end. The characters were a bit odd and some of them quite funny. Melody was my favorite, she was such a nice girl,
focused on her job, and sometimes loyal to a fault.
I really liked this book and I highly recommend it. I will rate it with 4 stars.
French Ghost by Corinne LaBalme is a cozy mystery. It's the first book from the Paris Ghost Writer series.
This book follows Melody Layne, a ghostwriter, through her journey to write Charles-Henri Banville's biography and her quest to find the truth about his death so she can prove her lover's innocence. It's such a lovely book. It begins with the sudden death and then slowly uncovers the mystery of what happened and who the victim was. The author's writing style created an entertaining and enjoyable story. It was easy to follow and comprehend. The constant revelations gave the plot a steady flow, keeping my interest until the end. The characters were a bit odd and some of them quite funny. Melody was my favorite, she was such a nice girl,
focused on her job, and sometimes loyal to a fault.
I really liked this book and I highly recommend it. I will rate it with 4 stars.
November 20, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
“Whose side was I on here? The sexy Spanish skinflint who was paying me? The Swedish super-model who hated me? The dead creep who hired me in the first place? My side. That’s whose side I was on.”
Melody Layne, who lands herself a job ghost writing Charles-Henri Banville’s memoir, finds out that, before she even has her first interview, the infamously sexually deviant actor has died. What is she to do in Paris for the next 6 months with no income?
Enter Carlos Ortega, the Spanish heartthrob, and Charles-Henri’s only heir to his fortune. Can he persuade Melody to find out the information he needs about his father in order to care for his ill mother before it’s too late?
This book takes the reader on a journey through France: An 1860s gala in Vichy, a Rouen cathedral, Nice, Cannes film festival, a Bordeaux romantic getaway, and a Dijon food tasting, to name a few.
The mystery portion of this book doesn’t appear evident (at least to me) until about 5-7 chapters from the end. It was a bit of a fast-moving rollercoaster though, and I never did catch on who was behind the “plot” until it was revealed.
What was always in the back of my mind, however, was how did Carlos, a university professor, have the funds to travel from Madrid to Paris and surrounding areas so often. As he stated himself: “Professors don’t earn much, but that was never a problem for me. I got by perfectly fine.” Still, doesn’t clear it up at all and, if anything, made me a little suspicious of his character.
All in all, an entertaining read.
“Whose side was I on here? The sexy Spanish skinflint who was paying me? The Swedish super-model who hated me? The dead creep who hired me in the first place? My side. That’s whose side I was on.”
Melody Layne, who lands herself a job ghost writing Charles-Henri Banville’s memoir, finds out that, before she even has her first interview, the infamously sexually deviant actor has died. What is she to do in Paris for the next 6 months with no income?
Enter Carlos Ortega, the Spanish heartthrob, and Charles-Henri’s only heir to his fortune. Can he persuade Melody to find out the information he needs about his father in order to care for his ill mother before it’s too late?
This book takes the reader on a journey through France: An 1860s gala in Vichy, a Rouen cathedral, Nice, Cannes film festival, a Bordeaux romantic getaway, and a Dijon food tasting, to name a few.
The mystery portion of this book doesn’t appear evident (at least to me) until about 5-7 chapters from the end. It was a bit of a fast-moving rollercoaster though, and I never did catch on who was behind the “plot” until it was revealed.
What was always in the back of my mind, however, was how did Carlos, a university professor, have the funds to travel from Madrid to Paris and surrounding areas so often. As he stated himself: “Professors don’t earn much, but that was never a problem for me. I got by perfectly fine.” Still, doesn’t clear it up at all and, if anything, made me a little suspicious of his character.
All in all, an entertaining read.
January 10, 2022
Ghost-writer Melody Layne arrives in Paris to begin her interview of Charles-Henri Banville for the memoir she is writing for him when the bad-boy French movie star accidentally drowns. Melody is contacted by the actor’s secret son, hunky Carlos. Despite his hatred for his father, Carlos inexplicably pays Melody to write a biography of his father with a positive spin. The story gets complicated when Melody falls for Carlos. There are plenty of suspects to throw the reader off when the police investigation determines that the actor’s death was not accidental. The plot thickens and Melody’s romance with Carlos goes completely off the rails when he is accused of murdering his father.
The story moves at a fast pace with a cast of believable characters readers will find themselves rooting for. Protagonist Melody Layne’s humorous outlook on life tickles the reader’s funny bone with her snappy, sassy dialog. If you’re anxious to experience all the excitement, romance, sights, and flavors of Paris, but can’t leave your living room, don’t stress. French journalist Corinne LaBalme has got you covered. LaBalme’s rom-com-mystery French Ghost takes readers on a fun-filled romp through Paris as well as other French hangouts of the rich and famous. Long-time Parisian denizen LaBalme’s descriptions of the food, sights and, social mores of France are so deliciously detailed that readers will have jet lag from their Parisian adventure when they turn the last page.
DISCLAIMER: I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story moves at a fast pace with a cast of believable characters readers will find themselves rooting for. Protagonist Melody Layne’s humorous outlook on life tickles the reader’s funny bone with her snappy, sassy dialog. If you’re anxious to experience all the excitement, romance, sights, and flavors of Paris, but can’t leave your living room, don’t stress. French journalist Corinne LaBalme has got you covered. LaBalme’s rom-com-mystery French Ghost takes readers on a fun-filled romp through Paris as well as other French hangouts of the rich and famous. Long-time Parisian denizen LaBalme’s descriptions of the food, sights and, social mores of France are so deliciously detailed that readers will have jet lag from their Parisian adventure when they turn the last page.
DISCLAIMER: I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2023
This novel captivated me from the start with its tight, pithy writing and breezy tone. The first scene takes place at a funeral in Paris—a famous French actor is dead, and a small crowd of dry-eyed VIPs is in attendance in the icy-cold chapel.
The main protagonist, Melody Layne, is a ghost. Or more precisely, she’s a ghost writer. And she’s furious with the actor, Charles-Henry Banville. He hired her to write his memoir, and she had disrupted her whole life to move from New York to Paris for the job. She’d been counting on his fee to rescue her shaky finances—but now he’d fallen off a barge and drowned, before she had the chance to interview him even once. How could he do this to her?
Then she gets a call from Banville’s son, Carlos. A legitimate son, one the tabloids don’t seem to know about. He wants Melody to continue researching his father’s story. And he’s quite a dish, handsome and well-educated. Melody is fascinated—and she needs the $20,000 she’ll get for the job.
It becomes apparent that Banville’s death was likely a murder, not an accident. And Carlos, his main heir, is the main suspect. Melody isn’t sure just how to navigate through events as they unfold.
This book is delightful, a fast-paced romp. The settings, in Paris and other French cities, are vividly painted. The characters are engaging and the plot moves quickly, right to the final twist at the end.
The main protagonist, Melody Layne, is a ghost. Or more precisely, she’s a ghost writer. And she’s furious with the actor, Charles-Henry Banville. He hired her to write his memoir, and she had disrupted her whole life to move from New York to Paris for the job. She’d been counting on his fee to rescue her shaky finances—but now he’d fallen off a barge and drowned, before she had the chance to interview him even once. How could he do this to her?
Then she gets a call from Banville’s son, Carlos. A legitimate son, one the tabloids don’t seem to know about. He wants Melody to continue researching his father’s story. And he’s quite a dish, handsome and well-educated. Melody is fascinated—and she needs the $20,000 she’ll get for the job.
It becomes apparent that Banville’s death was likely a murder, not an accident. And Carlos, his main heir, is the main suspect. Melody isn’t sure just how to navigate through events as they unfold.
This book is delightful, a fast-paced romp. The settings, in Paris and other French cities, are vividly painted. The characters are engaging and the plot moves quickly, right to the final twist at the end.
January 16, 2022
Great Read
Melody is excited to begin ghost writing a memoir for the famous French actor Charles-Henri Banville. After swapping her NYC apartment for one in Paris, she arrives in time for her aspirations to go up in smoke when her new employer dies. Her assignment is resurrected when his son honors her contract, but the deeper she digs into Charles-Henri’s life, the more she discovers just how unsavory the man was. The perks of her research net her new friends, delicious French cuisine, and a hot steamy romance. The vivid depictions of Paris makes me want to pull up a chair at a sidewalk café and enjoy the atmosphere. The author is a master at weaving in location descriptions and character traits without overburdening the reader with too many details, allowing the story to flow smoothly. As told through the eyes of Melody, her sarcastic take on situations and people is funny and enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to be released!
Melody is excited to begin ghost writing a memoir for the famous French actor Charles-Henri Banville. After swapping her NYC apartment for one in Paris, she arrives in time for her aspirations to go up in smoke when her new employer dies. Her assignment is resurrected when his son honors her contract, but the deeper she digs into Charles-Henri’s life, the more she discovers just how unsavory the man was. The perks of her research net her new friends, delicious French cuisine, and a hot steamy romance. The vivid depictions of Paris makes me want to pull up a chair at a sidewalk café and enjoy the atmosphere. The author is a master at weaving in location descriptions and character traits without overburdening the reader with too many details, allowing the story to flow smoothly. As told through the eyes of Melody, her sarcastic take on situations and people is funny and enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to be released!
January 16, 2022
Corinne Labalme has written an absolutely delightful and engaging debut novel. I was drawn into her main character's life from the first page and loved following her through the streets of Paris, into the arms of a sexy, mysterious man and into picturesque restaurants where she enjoyed meals I could practically taste. Corrinne’s wonderful voice fit the story perfectly. I can’t wait for the next book in this great series. A must read!
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