Death in Paris

Màiri Maguire Mysteries #1

by Kate Darroch

Màiri Maguire teaches in top schools all over the world, but on days like today she wishes she had never left Glasgow!

8:10 a.m. on 15th August 1970. They’ve been in Paris only 12 hours. Lianna is locked up in jail, charged with murder. Màiri is being hunted by murderous criminals. She never dreamt that travelling outside Scotland would be so dangerous. Will Màiri ever again see her comfy home in Merrylea, her loving sisters Morag and Katriona, her schoolboy nephew Niall?

Major Ellis Peverel seldom leaves Màiri's side. Respected by the Paris police, shrouded in secrets, who is this man? Is he a true friend to Màiri, or does he have an agenda of his own?

Who really killed the corrupt taxman for whose death Lianna has been framed? Màiri has only 6 days to find the murderer. Can she free Lianna in time? Or must she choose between her friend's freedom and her own livelihood… if she’s still alive.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, France, Amazon, Fiction, Ebooks

181 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2022

About the author

Kate Darroch is a multi-award winning Clean author whose debut novel "Death in Paris" reached Amazon's Top Ten in Kindle Store (#7). Kate writes Cozies, Second Chance love stories, Heists, Comedies, Historical fiction, and Thrillers.

Try a basket of Gifted books from
https://books.KateDarroch.com

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Kate's Blog
https://katedarroch.substack.com/


I love reading fun cozy mysteries about quirky characters as well as more thoughtful books - and visiting a travelogue of exciting faraway places - every place mentioned in any of my stories is somewhere I've lived, or visited often and know well.

I write the kind of books I like to read. If you've seen the books I've reviewed here, then you'll know that's a pretty eclectic collection!!

Like Màiri I love eating pizza and ice-cream and drinking cappuccino with friends - or even drinking cappuccino alone at Barnes and Noble (my accompanying friends are between the pages of the books I'm reading there)

You can learn more about me and my books at: https://books.KateDarroch.com

The Màiri Maguire Murder Mysteries - Travel Cozies

Màiri's Home for the Holidays - Halloween, Christmas, Easter and Summer novellas and short stories set in Merrylea, Glasgow

Huntingdon Hart - Hunt's a cross between a spoof 007 and a tongue-in-cheek Mycroft Holmes.

Sweets By The Sea - Lily's cafe in exquisite Welcombe Bay where Love makes all things possible.

Reviews

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first to a new cozy mystery series and especially considering it’s the first it was good. I loved the main character (aka the amateur sleuth) and by the end felt invested enough to want to know about Mairi’s next adventure. I really liked that the end of the book led to the beginning of the next book. I will say that it was a little difficult for me to tell whose perspective I was reading at times as it sometimes switched quickly with no warning. Once I got used to the style I got pretty engrossed in the story. I would definitely be open to reading book two! Mairi feels stuck in an embarrassing situation so instead of staying and being the focus of town gossip she decides to take a job she’d previously been offered in Istanbul and they will let her bring her friend Lianna along as her assistant. She and Lianna go to book tickets and decide to take a small vacation along the way in Paris. Unfortunately while they are staying in Paris tragedy strikes and Lianna is held on suspicion of murder. Mairi has very little time to figure out what happened before they are supposed to leave for Istanbul.

[kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review

This was such a cosy read, it reminded me of a proper nostalgic cosy detective novel that you could always return too when you wanted a read that felt like home, and it is funny too.

I loved the writing it was so engaging and it reeled me in steadily so I didn't want to put it down. The story is compelling and the characters are well developed and relatable.
The pacing of the book starts of slow but increases in tension as the plot increases.

If you are looking for a cosy, funny and cute murder mystery then this is definitely a book for you.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me a while to really get into the storyline. I also had trouble to really connecting to the characters. Over half way through I finally got interested in the book and finally felt a connection to our protagonist. Overall it was interesting and I will give the 2nd book in the series a try.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

By escaping what Mairi considers an embarrassing situation she finds herself in an even worse position trying to get her best friend Lianna free of a murder rap. This could be difficult considering the victim, a corrupt tax inspector, probably has plenty of enemies and the police have ample reasons to hold Lianna for his murder..

This is a fast paced mystery full of intrigue with an ending that leaves you wanting more. Thanks to Ad Astra Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in Paris by Kate Darroch.
Mairi Maguire Cozy Mysteries Book 1.
8:10 a.m. on 15th August 1970. They’ve been in Paris only 12 hours. Lianna is locked up in jail, charged with murder. Màiri is being hunted by murderous criminals. She never dreamt that travelling outside Scotland would be so dangerous. Will Màiri ever again see her comfy home in Merrylea, her loving sisters Morag and Katriona, her schoolboy nephew Niall?
I really enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down. Had no clue who it was. 5*.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why I bought Death In Paris was because of the book cover, title and book excerpt.
I found the book intriguing interesting, kept me wanting more.
I sure would love to read the print format to see If I like it any better because usually I like print formats of books.
Great reading.
I do highly recommend the book.
Look forward to reading the book in print format.
Will read again.

[Kara Rutledge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death in Paris (Màiri Maguire, #1) by Kate Darroch is a story of a teacher named Màiri Maguire who is vacationing in Paris when her accompanying friend, Lianne, is accused of murder. Working with Major Ellis Peverel, together they try to prove Lianne's innocence.

A big thank you goes out to NetGalley and Kate Darroch for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of  Death in Paris (Màiri Maguire, #1). It's an honor to be able to be selected to read this book.

This fast paced cozy mystery was a fun, entertaining read that would translate well into a film. I loved that there wasn't anything too gory in the story and that there wasn't any cursing for the sake of cursing. 

At first, the novel was a bit slow, and I had a bit of trouble of wrapping my head around the characters and their relationships to each other. However, the book picked up quickly, and I was able to sort out the relationships after a couple of chapters. There were some slang words I wasn't familiar with, but it didn't detract from the story too much.

I'll definitely give the second book in this series a go because I enjoyed Death in Paris (Màiri Maguire, #1) well enough to continue reading the next book. I also liked reading about so many of the places in Paris, France that I visited when I was there many years ago. Three out of five stars is what I give Death in Paris (Màiri Maguire, #1) by Kate Darroch.

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[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Màiri Maguire has been teaching at the Kelvin Academy for Girls in Glasgow, Scotland but the summer holiday break took an unexpected turn with an announcement from long-time boyfriend Brian. Best friend Lianna Stuart is also stressed as estranged husband Donal hasn’t been truthful to the tax man putting her in the "hot seat." Màiri never expected a job offer to teach in Istanbul when she took her students to a job fair before the end of term but it quickly became her new life plan. She even convinced Lianna to join her and secured her a position too. What could possibly go wrong?

Màiri, Lianna, and Major Ellis Peverel meet on the boat train to Paris. Introduction of the major is skillfully written with mystery. At first it is difficult to ascertain whether he’s an asset to know or a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Humor adds a light touch with Màiri’s independent streak in high gear except when Major Peverel is offering her delicious tea that tastes like home. Addition of "Màiri’s Mental Note" that she uses as part of her sleuthing technique during the investigation is a natural fit as teachers make many mental notes during the course of their work day.

Màiri and Lianna had such an adventuresome beginning I can't wait to read what’s next when they arrive in Istanbul. The only thing for certain is that more lively adventures await these friends.

My sincere thanks to Kate Darroch, and Books Go Social for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

#DeathinParisMàiriMaguireCozyMysteries #NetGalley

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Màiri Maguire and her friend have planned a fun week to be spent in the City of Light but when Lianna is accused of murder, their Parisian holiday comes to an abrupt end.

Set in the 1970s and written in the present tense, I initially had difficulty in settling into this story. After a few pages, the reading became natural and I began to enjoy this tale. As the first in a series, it works well as an introduction to the main character and her support team. Màiri is a great narrator and a good detective. And while Lianna is not present for much of the story (for obvious reasons), she still held up her end as a best mate.

Looking forward to more in this unique series.

Thanks to Kate Darroch for my ARC copy of Death in Paris. As always, my opinions are my own - uninfluenced, honest and true.

(Copy-pasted review to Death & Taxes. This book is also known as Death of a Taxman)

Merged review:

Màiri Maguire and her friend have planned a fun week to be spent in the City of Light but when Lianna is accused of murder, their Parisian holiday comes to an abrupt end.

Set in the 1970s and written in the present tense, I initially had difficulty in settling into this story. After a few pages, the reading became natural and I began to enjoy this tale. As the first in a series, it works well as an introduction to the main character and her support team. Màiri is a great narrator and a good detective. And while Lianna is not present for much of the story (for obvious reasons), she still held up her end as a best mate.

Looking forward to more in this unique series.

Thanks to Kate Darroch for my ARC copy of Death in Paris (The alternate title to Death & Taxes). As always, my opinions are my own - uninfluenced, honest and true.

(Copy-pasted review to Death in Paris. This book is also known as Death of a Taxman)

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in Paris was such a fun, cozy read. It does start out a little on the slow side, but as the story continues, the pace picks up and you won't want to put it down. This book is the perfect cozy mystery for when you want to just curl up and get lost in a book. It also keeps you guessing. I'm excited to read the next book.

[Amanda Corman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you netgallary for this ARC.
What initially drew me in was the title. I have a love for all things Paris and it being a cozy mystery was a bonus. It's written in present tense but set in the 1970s. The friend pair is on vacation and over the course of a few days Mairi now is set with the task of clearing her friends name of murder. This is the first In a series and I look forward to the next book.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine going to Paris for the first time, and the next thing you know your traveling partner is thrown in jail for a murder she didn’t commit, her passport missing! Well that’s exactly what happens to Mairi and Lianna, two school teachers on holiday before starting their new positions in Istanbul. This is a complex and exciting book from beginning to the finish! Who could imaging them getting involved in such intrigue? I received an ARC of this book and was quite impressed! I write this review voluntarily and hope to read more of the adventures of Mairi and Lianna.

[Rosemary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Māiri Maguire is expecting her long time boyfriend to propose, she's shocked when he tells her that he's marrying someone else. The final insult is he wants her to befriend his fiancé. I was glad to see Mairi walk away from him. She is going to take a great job in Istanbul and bring her friend Lianna with her. They are so both so excited. Unfortunately they have no time to enjoy Paris. Charlie Stout, the tax man who made Lianna's life miserable, is traveling in their tour group upon their arrival he goes to the Eiffel Tower and is murdered. The Police believe Lianna killed him and arrest her. Mairi needs to find the murderer ASAP. Can she do it? I'm glad that Major Ellis Peverel is helping. I know he's keeping secrets and that he has ulterior motives, but Mairi needs him. Will she be able to save her friend? This is a great cozy mystery. The story kept my interest. I liked Mairi. She has spunk and her instincts are spot on. Major Ellis is always there with English tea and advise. They make a great team. I liked the Seventies setting and references. They are spot on. Kate Darroch entertained me with Death in Paris. I know that Mairi is a murder magnet. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the 1970s, Mairi Maguire thinks that life is great. Well, that is until her boyfriend comes back home with a less than pleasant surprise. So, while she was looking forward to taking back up her teaching of young minds with the new school year starting, her plans are going to have to make a drastic change. To save face.
So, a brief holiday before taking up a new post is just the thing. Too bad it would seem that her friend and companion Lianna is being accused of murder in beautiful Paris. The tax man she went to help for has turned up dead, and without an alibi, she's suspect #1. Can her friend Mairi get her out of trouble? Mairi has quite the task on her hands, but with a little help, she should be able to discover some answers.
Death in Paris is an interesting novel with a nice variety of characters. Not everyone is whom they seem to be. It's good to see that Mairi picks up on this, while we may not be as keen on discovering that particular truth at first. The players in this game keep you guessing though so stay on your toes!
I enjoyed the story overall, and found several enjoyable moments. Mairi, I had mixed feelings about, but I did like the Major because he kept you guessing as to his motives. But he's kind-hearted nonetheless. I look forward to more of Mairi's story as she journeys.
4.25 out of 5 stars.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Màiri Maguire, a teacher has secured a position in
Istubul for herself and her best friend, Lianna Stuart.
The two will vacation for a week in Paris before
heading off to Istanbul.
On the train to Paris, they became acquainted with
Major Ellis Peverel. He will become a big help to Màiri.
Within hours of being in Paris, Lianna is arrested for
murder. Màiri and the Major must prove her innocence
and hopefully discover the guilty culprit while doing so.
Interesting & intriguing read!! I found the in depth
backstories captivating along with their present
situations.
The whole cast of characters possessed motives.
While several had the opportunity.
Well created characters which were all well fleshed out,
colorful, crafty, some sinister and some undercover.
With a flair for descriptive scenery, the reader is
brought into the story through the vivid, detailed of
descriptions of Paris throughout the book.
A Highly Recommended first series read.
I volunteered to read Death in Paris. Thanks to
the cozy Mystery Review Crew for the opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.

[Carys · Rating 1 out of 5]

*I received this arc in return for an honest review*

Let me start this review by stating the issues I had with this story was due to personal preference and my own pickiness with cozies. Also what is important - this a arc review so formatting will be different for the published.

I went into this expecting a lot more. As someone who is a fan of cozies I realised fast this was not one which met my personal tastes but would be for others. I personally enjoy more small town cozies with a focus like baking or working as journalist but this was the first time I read one following a teacher.

The story itself was all over the place and with a changing timeline I couldn’t keep up, let alone the amount of random characters. Cozy series for me follow the same two or three characters who I adore but I’ve found no connection to the main character here. With two ex husbands immediately it was boring and predictable while also making me very confused somehow.

I have to admit I did completely skim bits as this was just not for me at all

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful read. Death In Paris is a perfect mix of mystery and humour making it a light hearted cosy read.

Màiri and Lianna both want to leave Glasgow behind for different reasons so delight at the opportunity to work in Istanbul. Màiri as a teacher and Lianna as her assistant. The ladies decide to leave early and spend a few days in Paris first. However their holiday gets off to a terrible start when Lianna is locked up in jail for murder. The victim, Charlie Stout, was pushed from the Eiffel Tower. As the man Lianna was fleeing Glasgow from, she certainly has a motive. But Màiri knows her friend is innocent but she has just six days to solve the case before they must leave for Istanbul.

But there's a lot more going on than Màiri first realised. A plot is afoot and there are many suspects looking guilty.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were witty, the mystery was intriguing and I absolutely loved the ending. But it's left me wanting more! I look forward to reading further adventures.

[Vicki May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mairi is looking forward to the school break and return of her longtime boyfriend who is on a break from a long distance job. When he returns with a fiancee, Mairi decides to take a teaching job in Istanbul. Her friend Lianna finds herself in tax trouble thanks to her ex-husband and decides to accompany Mairi as her assistant. They decide on a vacation break to Paris on the way to Turkey. Unfortunately, the tax man who is after Lianna is also on the tour and ends up dead. Now to save her friend, Mairi must discover who else on the tour wanted him dead.
I loved the fast-paced writing of this book. The plot is full of twists and turns from criminal activity to political intrigue. The characters are wonderfully written and the descriptive writing puts the reader on the streets of Paris. I look forward to more adventures with Mairi.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in Paris is the the first book in Kate Darroch's Màiri Maguire Mystery series, and I was soon hooked! It didn't take long for me to become acquainted with Màiri, a school teacher in Glasgow, who takes a job in Istanbul. On the way there she stops in Paris with her best friend Lianna, but Lianna ends up in prison. Great characters - Màiri is strong, loyal, intelligent and adventurous - and an engrossing plot resulted in a terrific read. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to Mairi McGuire Cozy Mysteries with a wonderful cast of characters and an action-packed story set in Paris in 1970 that kept me glued to the book from start to finish. I felt a connection to Mairi and enjoyed her dynamic with everyone else and she tries to find out who killed the tax man when Lianna her friend and traveling companion is arrested for his murder. If you like easy to read, engaging cozies, get a cup of tea and enjoy this entertaining read. I received an advanced reader copy of Death in Paris and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Màiri Maguire is a schoolteacher who is on holiday at home, having the term ended. She is hoping that her boyfriend of twelve years, Brian, who is returning from his work, will finally ask her to marry him. But instead, he drops a bombshell on her that makes her want to get away quickly. Fortunately, she has the perfect excuse: she's been asked to teach in Istanbul, and jumps at the chance, especially since she can choose her own assistant -- her best friend Lianna, who wants to leave for her own personal reasons.

But when they arrive on the first leg of their journey, they're in Paris, and just looking to have fun. But fun isn't what they get when Lianna is arrested for murder, all because she had an altercation with the deceased, on the train to their destination. Determined to prove Lianna innocent and get her out of jail, she's determined to find the killer.

But there just might be too many suspects -- all of the people on the train that were in the same place as the now deceased man. Fortunately, but also suspiciously, aiding her, is Major Ellis Peverel, who is everywhere Màiri is. Is he one of the bad guys, or is he truly helping her?...

This is the first book in a new series, and I really wanted to like it. Unfortunately, it felt like homework. You know, where you have a workbook and you have to figure out the answers? There are even workbook pages with all the names and information, and you have to deduct and insert new information. Admittedly, Màiri does this, but why are they there? The plot should not be so convoluted that you have to have this in a book. (Who was on the train, what time they arrived at the hotel, etc.). This just seems like overkill.

Plus, there are just too many people. Granted, it is easy early on to figure out who the 'bad guys' are, but so much intrigue that it just became tiresome. This, I could even have gotten past; mainly because the writing was good, so I have to give that to the author. However, what killed the book for me was the fact that I absolutely detest cliffhangers. I feel like the author is holding her reader captive (Aha! Now you need to read the next book!). Yes, I understand it's a series. But that doesn't make it right in my book. So I don't know whether I will read the next or not. Time will tell.

I was given a copy of this book from the author but this in no way influenced my review.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in Paris by Kate Darroch, (Màiri Maguire Cozy Murder Mysteries Book One) follows a school teacher, Màiri Maguire. She starts the summer holiday with her boyfriend of twelve years, breaking up with her when he returns to Glasgow with a new girlfriend he met while working overseas. Màiri takes a job as the Head of English Studies at the Nautical High School in Istanbul to escape the embarrassment and convinces her friend Lianna to travel with her to work as her assistant. During the train trip across Europe, they book a City Break (a package holiday tour) in Paris. When Lianna becomes the chief suspect in a murder, the school teacher turned amateur detective begins her own investigation to clear her friend’s name.

This book starts slowly, methodically introducing the characters and the background to why Màiri is traveling to Istanbul. However, the story picks up the pace once Màiri and Lianna set off on their journey. I especially enjoyed it once the intrigue element was introduced after they arrived in Paris.

With so many characters making an appearance on the train to Paris, it might have been difficult for readers to keep them all straight. However, the author included portions of Màiri’s notebook as she worked on figuring out the clues; which helps readers remember all the details and keep track of who is who. It also makes readers feel like part of the story, working to solve the mystery alongside Màiri.

There were a lot of threads connecting various characters, and I enjoyed trying to figure out how everything fits together. I had an idea of who I thought was the killer, but the story gives so many red herrings that I was not certain, and it kept me guessing until the end of the story. There were a few unexpected surprises revealed when the mystery was finally solved. I liked that the story ended with a new mystery to solve, leading to the next book of the Màiri Maguire Cozy Murder Mysteries series, Death on the Istanbul Express.

Death in Paris is the first in a new cozy murder series that will put mystery readers on the hunt for a killer. This international crime story is reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s novels and is filled with details about Paris that will allow readers to fully immerse themselves in the mystery.

[Lee Rush · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new series with a quaint, old-fashioned feel.

Entering the world of Māiri and her friend Lianna felt like watching an old movie or television series from childhood. Sweet, quaint, a bit clunky, but satisfying at the finish.

Darroch’s narrative jumps between a journal style and straight prose, and from first to third person, which is a bit dizzying at first, but one becomes accustomed to the abrupt switches.

The characters were well-written, yet I feel like they were missing dimensionality- a chance to envelop ourselves in three dimensional people, rather than the somewhat stock characters as presented.

The plot was well developed, and yet the lists that the main character created and shared repeatedly were entirely lost on me in the eBook version. Maybe it was layout, or maybe they just were unnecessary.

The thing that was an opportunity not taken was to use the glorious backdrop of Paris as another character in the novel- one yearned for rich descriptions of the hotel, the police station, even the club that Ellis kept sweeping Mairi away to for respite and food. A missed opportunity, for sure.

One thing that was indeed used frequently was the author’s apparent love for French cuisine. There was no shortage of descriptives of the delicacies our cast of characters enjoyed, and I found it to be delightful.

Overall I found this to be an enjoyable first read at a new series, and look forward to the polishing that will inevitably come from the next adventure in this series.

[Amanda • thebookinmytote · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to start off by saying, what a cute read! It definitely lived up to it's title of being a cozy mystery.

This book follows Mairi Maguire, a school teacher in Glasgow, who decides to take a spontaneous job offer as Head of English Studies at a top school in Istanbul after her boyfriend of twelve years comes home from a work trip engaged to a woman he met in Singapore, Mairi is naturally devastated so she calls up her best friend Lianna, who is having problems of her own. Over ice cream they decide that Mairi will accept the job offer in Istanbul and Lianna will join her as her personal secretary. But first, they will go to Paris and have a short vacation before boarding the train to Istanbul. It doesn't end up going as planned and what was meant as a fun girls trip turns into Mairi needing to clear her best friends name of murder in only six days!

This book gave me all of the cozy feels. It reminded me of reading a Nancy Drew book for adults. It was witty, entertaining, cute, and mysterious all in one. One thing that I especially enjoyed in this book was the addition of the "Mairi's Mental Note" when she was going through the case.

This book has a release date of April 6, 2022! So if this book sounds up your alley, I highly suggest picking it up!

[Frank Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming historical mystery, but a bit slow to start.

I like cozies and historical mysteries, so when I saw this new ebook at 99p I picked it up straight away. Intriguingly, it’s not set in one of the usual historical periods, such as the Victoriana of Sherlock Holmes or the 1920s and 1930s of Agatha Christie and her contemporaries, but instead in 1970. This is far enough away to be slightly exotic, yet recent enough that some readers will still have memories of that time.

Màiri Maguire is a Glasgow schoolteacher with an Irish heritage. When the love of her life announces that he is engaged to someone else, Màiri is desolated, and when her best friend Lianna is hit with an outrageous tax bill, the two of them throw caution to the wind and head for Istanbul to take up a job Màiri has been offered. Their journey begins with a combination of trains and boats to Paris, where they hope to stay for a few days, but the two women quickly become caught up in complex criminal goings-on when Lianna is accused of throwing a tax man off the Eiffel Tower.

The mystery is fun, with enough complexity to keep you guessing alongside a whirlwind tour of the sights of Paris, but I found the book slow to get started. The book starts with what seems to be a chunk of a later chapter, then skips back to the start of the story. I found this a bit confusing, particularly as the relocated chapter mentions a lot of people we haven’t met yet. I pushed on, and I am glad I did, but that first section nearly put me off. From then on the story built slowly to the scene we had already seen, then the real story starts, as Màiri tries to solve the murder mystery and save her friend. Along the way, we get to meet the mysterious Major Ellis, who helps Màiri out in many ways and a cast of thugs and suspects. We also get a glimpse of the French justice system.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I hope that the author will consider tightening up the start of the next book in the series.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mairi is just beginning summer vacation from her teaching position in a school in Glasgow. Then her boyfriend who she has dated for years, but is out of the country most of the time, returns with a new wife. (Māiri had no idea). Humiliated and sad, Mairi wants to get out of town. Her best friend is also having a problems. A slimy tax collector has hit her with a huge bill and fines that she can’t afford. Mairi has a job offer of a position in Instanbul, which sounds like a wonderful idea and her friend can work as her assistant! Off they head for a week in Paris with a tour group before they head to their new jobs.
Their group unfortunately includes the tax collector, and several people who are behaving oddly. Mairi’s friend is suspected of murder, but when she tries to clear her friend, she finds her own life in danger.
I found the book a little slow in the beginning, but once the girls get to Paris, the pace picks right up and the story became very engaging. I liked the characters and the 1970’s setting.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

’Death in Paris’ had three of my favourite things - a Glasgow lass, Paris and murder so I was bound to love it and I did! I don’t read as many cozy mysteries as I used to and I loved this one, as it was a light-hearted romp but serious enough that you didn't question the events! It has a great cast of characters with Mairi and the Major being the standout ones - who couldn't love a girl from Merrylee as we are practically neighbours.

Mairi decides on a whim to take a new job in Istanbul but on the way there stops in Paris with her best friend Liana. Within 12 hours Liana has been accused of murder and it's up to Mairi to work out what has gone on! She has six days to save her friend…

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The author's love of Paris shined bright and I loved this as it really meant the location and atmosphere was on point. Mairi was a character that I fell for from the first page - strong, loyal, intelligent, loving, adventurous!

The only niggle I had was actually an editing one and that was when Mairi was compiling the times and actions of the main players I didn't know to press the arrow button to scroll across the table. I didn't even know you could do that on kindle! It made me kind of bypass those sections and it was a shame as I wanted to engage with the timings a la ‘Murder at the Vicarage’ style.

As I am a sucker for a murder mystery on a train I honestly can't wait for the next one! Also, Liana is right - I need a steam trunk in my life, preferably a vintage Louis Vuitton.

[Erica B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is my first 'Cozy Mystery'. And it definitely was that.

A murder mystery in Paris is pretty much always a good idea. This one was pretty straight forward. The protagonist is a school teacher, and that's kind of how the mystery goes. She is very methodical- has to prove her friend innocent in 6 days, and it unfolds just by her investigation and statement of facts. It is all laid out in front of you easy peasy- though no obvious bad guy.

I can definitely understand the genre, and if that's what you're looking for, it does well. It doesn't bog you down in random super spy pretense of some other mysteries. It doesn't get too scary or horrific. So like a Hallmark movie, but with mystery. Though after it being pretty formulaic, I was intrigued by the ending.

Thanks to Net Galley for an eARC.

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mairi and Lianna are on their way to Istanbul from Ireland by way of train and boat where they arrive in Paris and everything seems to go wrong. Lianna is accused of killing a man Charlie Stout and being put in jail because she could not come up with an alibi for the time of the murder she tells Mairi that she was sleeping in the powder room in the Casino but no one can verify her presence there. Actually, everyone who was not right there waiting to be registered for their room is under suspicion, and as Mairi and Major Peverel are over trying to help solve the mystery of who killed Stout and why. There are plenty of people who could have done it but eliminating people seems to be like pulling teeth because no one wants to admit to knowing stout other than his wife at the beginning. So much more is going on behind the scenes. A very entertaining storyline and all the characters are just as intriguing. Suspense, drama, danger, violence, lies, and betrayal. I purchased the book. I volunteered an honest review.

[MaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to preface by saying this was my first experience with a cozy mystery and, well, I enjoyed it!

Being from the U.S. it took me a moment to "get into" the U.K. dialogue, but then it was off to the races and I read the book to the end in one sitting - I was that engrossed in the tale!

The storyline is interesting - a schoolteacher going on a possibly life changing journey to another country encounters murder and mayhem. Mairi is an interesting character and I liked the Major - very secretive - you weren't sure what he was up to at first, knowledgeable, caring. I have mixed feelings about her best friend Lianna, but that just adds to the story and your cheering for the heroine's success. Well done, I think!

I received and ARC, am voluntarily leaving a review and would definietely recommend this cozy and this author