The Bloodthirsty Bee: a Provence Cozy Mystery

Julie Cavallo Investigates #6

by Ana T. Drew

It’s springtime in Provence!
Trees are in bloom and critters are abuzz—
including a murderer or two.

Pastry chef Julie Cavallo is gearing up for the Easter weekend.
Life is blissfully tranquil…
until she learns of a wrongful conviction.
Chiropractor Quentin Vernet was found guilty of fatal malpractice, stripped of his license and imprisoned for a year.
And now he has lost all hope of clearing his good name.
If only there was a way to help him!

Unfortunately, Julie has nothing to go on.
Her crew of amateur sleuths deems the case too cold and too sticky.
Her gendarme boyfriend warns her that an inquiry will lead nowhere.
But then Julie detects a cover-up for murder.
Suddenly, Quentin’s cut-and-dried case starts to look like a mother lode of shocking secrets and wicked shenanigans.
Julie cannot possibly stay away!

The question is, can she lure in the killer and serve up their just deserts?

Genres: Cozy Mystery

242 pages, ebook

Published July 6, 2022

About the author

Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem Book Awards First Place winner, Ana T. Drew is the evil mastermind behind the recent series of murders in the fictional French town of Beldoc.

When she is not writing cozy mysteries or doing mom-and-wife things, she can be found watching “The Rookie” to help her get over “Castle”. She lives in Paris but her heart is in Provence.

>>> Sign up for her monthly newsletter to be notified when her next mystery comes out and get a free novella and a cookbook!

Reviews

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Cavallo is a pastry chef but she has been known to solve a murder or two. Once again Julie has been called upon to help solve a crime or to help a man who was wrongfully imprisoned for something he did not do or so he says. Is he innocent or guilty?

Chiropractor Quentin Vernet was found guilty of fatal malpractice, stripped of his license and imprisoned for a year. Quentin has all but given up on getting his life back. That is until Julie Cavallo decides to take on his case.

Quentin’s case takes a turn that I don’t think anyone was quite expecting. Julie’s investigation into the case leads to some very shocking and disturbing secrets that someone is willing to pay a lot to keep covered and I am not speaking of money here either. How far will someone go to keep the secrets that Julie uncovers covered? What are they willing to pay?

I truly enjoy reading the Julie Cavallo Investigates mystery series and I couldn’t wait to dive into The Bloodthirsty Bee. Once I opened The Bloodthirsty Bee I was pulled deep into its depths as I watched Julie on her journey to finding out the real cover-up behind framing the good doctor.

I love all the characters in the Julie Cavallo Investigates mystery series I especially took a liking to Julie’s grandmother Rose this time around and her little dog, Lady.

The Bloodthirsty Bee is a sweet, cozy mystery that will keep you in suspense from beginning to end with plenty of twists and turns in between. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as I just had to know what was on the next page. I was racing to the end to see how it would all turn out. I can’t wait for the next book in the Julie Cavallo Investigates mystery series for more wonderful mystery adventures.

If you like a good cozy mystery that you can curl up by the fire with your favorite cozy blanket then you are going to love The Bloodthirsty Bee. Grab your copy of The Bloodthirsty Bee today for another grand mystery with Julie Cavallo!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

🐝Julie crusades for justice: never a dull moment👩‍🍳

3.5-4.0 🌟 stars

This cozy mystery, set in southern France, had plenty of confusion, action, twists and even danger. I did not see the solution coming and, even when the answer is revealed, I still felt something did not quite jive. But the MCs and their supporting crew provided an entertaining read: good, not great.

A friend of a friend imprisoned for manslaughter when the medical evidence was declared inconclusive. Quentin's plight stirs baker Julie/amateur detective to assemble her troops and work to right wrongs in the name of justice. And the task gets more complex with every move Julie and her friends take to discover the truth.

I liked the semi-rural setting, the villagers and Julie, who is frustratingly curious and impulsive: a good contrast to her cautious gendarme boyfriend Gabriel. The story frequently very specifically references events that happened in previous books in the series and characters that are absent here; I found this distracting. The background to the crime was a bit too convoluted for me but it did keep me wondering and reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Wannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Fun Cozy Mystery in Provence!!!

The Bloodthirsty Bee is the sixth book in Julie Cavallo cozy mystery series but it can be read as a standalone.

Julie Cavallo, the Provence sweet shop owner, learns of a wrongful conviction for Chiropractor Quentin Vernet who was found guilty of fatal malpractice, stripped of his license and imprisoned for a year. Julie detects a cover-up for murder and needs to clear Quentin from the crime he didn't commit. Julie and her amateur sleuth friends need to catch the killer ASAP.

This book is fun, full of mystery, suspense, and humor with delightful characters, it's very entertaining, page turning cozy mystery that is hard to put down, the plot is unique filled with twists and turns that keeps you entertained until the end. I really enjoy this book and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is Quentin Vernet a Murderer -- Or a Victim ?

Pastry chef Julie Cavallo is asked to look into an old case where Chiropractor Quentin Vernet was found guilty of causing the death of a patient. Julie is advised to let this one go since it will probably lead nowhere and is too “cold” now to have fresh clues. Quentin himself is feeling he has no hope of clearing his name of this one.

Despite the lack of interest from everyone else, Julie thinks it is worth pursuing. Could this have been a cover-up of a murder someone else committed? Can she find the real killer after a year has already gone past? And is she putting herself in danger digging up this old case once more?

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bloodthirsty Bee is Book 6 in the Julie Cavaliers Investigates by Ana T Drew. I enjoy this series and book 6 was wonderful. Julie is smart, has a successful business, and solves a few crimes on the side. I thought that it was clever to help Quentin after he was released from prison for a murder he did not commit. How do you prove someone else is responsible after the body is buried for two years. Julie and her crime solving crew are getting some people very anxious. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting mystery, after I got used to the French words and setting! Julie Cavalier owns a patisserie in the small town of Beldoc, in Provence. A friend asks her to look into the case of a friend who’s a chiropractor convicted and sentenced to a year in prison for the death of a patient who had a stroke after a treatment. Julie’s boyfriend Gabriel, a Beldoc Gendarme, urges her to let it go. But Julie and her group of amateur sleuths (called by their initials FERJ) decide to investigate anyway. There are quite a few twists and surprises before the case is resolved! A fascinating read!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Julie Cavallo book and i enjoyed every minute of it! The Bloodthirsty Bee is the sixth book in the Julie Cavallo mystery series and it had me hooked by the end of the first chapter, it’s the absolute definition of cosy mystery. This book can definitely be read as a stand alone, i didn’t feel as though i was missing anything however i will be reading the previous books in the series simply because i liked the characters and story so much.


thank you to booksprout for the arc, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bloodthirsty Bee is the sixth book in the Julie Cavallo Investigates series. The Bloodthirsty Bee is a sweet, cozy mystery that will keep you in suspense from beginning to end with plenty of twists and turns in between. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as I just had to know what was on the next page. I was racing to the end to see how it would all turn out. I can’t wait for the next book in the Julie Cavallo Investigates mystery series for more wonderful mystery adventures.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Mickey Kay Troxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a treat with the sleuthing team, FERJ, around the protagonist Julie! This one was just as exciting, with wonderful new characters and even more romance potential. I look forward to the next book in series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana T. Drew
The Bloodthirsty Bee: a Provence Cozy Mystery (Julie Cavallo Investigates)
Always wonderful books from this author! This one was an awesome read! I really enjoyed reading it and I recommend it to everyone who loves cozies.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twisty cozy mystery with Julie and the gang trying to right the wrongs of injustice. This was an entertaining novel and can be read as a standalone although the entire series is really good. This was certainly a page turner and when I thought I had it figured out there were plot twists that led to a satisfying ending. I can't wait to read more in this series.

[Celest · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Awesome Mystery

My first Ana T. Drew book, happy that I found it. This was a very intriguing mystery with a lot of twists and incredibly convoluted turns on the part of the murderer. I never saw it coming. The characters were well written and some quite devious. A very entertaining adventure.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is entertaining, the storyline is filled with action, the characters are trying to solve an old mystery. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Horace and why??? The machinations of some people!!! I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.

[Clarisse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Édition française 276 pages

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

plot twists abound

I really enjoy the Julie Cavallo mysteries and how well developed her relationships with her friends and family are. The mystery is well thought out with realistic rational behind the crimes and a thorough examination of motive and means I look forward to reading more in the series and to learning more about the primary characters

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

Voici une nouvelle aventure avec Julie Cavallo, Rose, Lady, Flo....! Julie cherche à innocenter Quentin Vernet. Celui ci a fait de la prison pour la mort d'une de ses patientes, due à une faute professionnelle. Mais finalement, il se pourrait bien qu'il s'agisse d'un meurtre tout compte fait...?La pâtissière enquête avec l'aide de ses amis

C'est un bon tome. Une partie se passe en période de Pâques, et j'ai lu ce livre en période de Pâques, ça tombe bien ^^
L'histoire était intéressante, les crimes, le danger, tout ça... mais moi ce que je préfère c'est Lady et sa petite vie, ses mésaventures ! C'est un personnage canin bien amusant ^^ je n'ai pu m'empêcher de compatir quand Julie, si cruelle, l'a amenée chez le toiletteur....Lady a dû faire face à une terrible épreuve, le bain...On voit également ses potes, par exemple Baxter
Bref, j'avoue que l'enquête était quand même prenante, on rencontre de nouveaux personnages
Toutefois, j'ai trouvé que c'était un peu prévisible (au niveau de l'identité du/de la tueur.se ...)
Il y a de petits changements, tout au moins pour un des personnages : Magda
Il y a toujours le passé de Julie qui revient la tourmenter (la mort de sa mère due à l'incompétence professionnelle d'un homme)
Sinon, j'ai eu un peu de mal à bien comprendre les éléments de l'enquête de la Frej, avec le récapitulatif du dernier chapitre...

Voilà, je vais partir, maintenant, sur le septième tome, c'est une série qui se lit assez vite...

[Helene Caruso Auteure Hélène et les bouquins · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[SERVICE PRESSE]
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L’abeille assassine de Ana T Drew
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Je remercie chaleureusement l’auteure pour l’envoi de ce second service presse
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Mon résumé :
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Julie Cavallo et son ami Salman, tombent par hasard sur Quentin, un ami de ce dernier. Le jeune homme a été emprisonné après le décès d’une patiente, en pleine séance de chiropractie. Devant l’air abattu du jeune homme, Julie se laisse dévorer par l’envie de réhabiliter le médecin.
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Mon ressenti final :
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Revoici la pâtissière-détective la plus célèbre de Beldoc.
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Il s’agit ici du deuxième roman que je lis de l’auteure, sans avoir lu les précédents et sans que cela ne me dérange dans ma lecture.
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Julie Cavallo tient toujours sa pâtisserie dans le centre de Beldoc, en compagnie de sa sœur Flo et de son employé, Éric. Après avoir croisé l’ami d’un ami, elle soumet son envie de rouvrir le dossier du jeune homme, à ses collègues. Après avoir longuement hésité en pesant le pour et le contre, l’équipe décide de prendre l’affaire. Julie se lance donc sur les traces de la victime, Coralie et de ses neveux, Léon et Horace. Elle fait la connaissance de la belle Yoona, puis part de filatures en investigations sous couverture, et tout cela va lui attirer bien des ennuis. Gabriel, le compagnon de Julie, lui somme de stopper son enquête à plusieurs reprises, mais l’appel de la vérité est trop fort.
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J’ai trouvé ce tome plus élaboré et plus humoristique que le précédent. J’ai apprécié que Julie soit beaucoup plus hésitante à prendre cette affaire, et j’ai trouvé cela assez légitime. Elle pèse le pour et le contre, se dit qu’elle ne connaît finalement pas Quentin mais la bonhommie du jeune homme fait pencher la balance. Le sujet de l’enquête m’a aussi beaucoup intéressé. On sent qu’un travail de recherche a été effectué par l’auteure pour rendre le récit crédible. Nous nous laissons embarquer dans les méandres des géants de la pharmaceutique et cela donne une certaine puissance au récit.
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Le côté cosy mystery est très présent, notamment grâce à l’interaction des personnages entre eux. Le côté fraternel, amical, amoureux ou familial est assez prononcé et le lecteur profite de ces accalmies avec les personnages pour se détendre un peu.
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Seul Gabriel m’a un peu agacé avec son côté rabat-joie, à toujours freiner Julie dans ses enquêtes. Il nous expliquera le pourquoi, légitime, mais tout de même, je l’ai trouvé un peu assommant par moment.
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J’ai également su apprécier qu’on commence à en découvrir un peu plus sur le drame personnel qui a frappé Julie et ses sœurs lorsqu’elles étaient ados. Une échappée, trop courte à mon goût, est venue titiller ma curiosité. J’espère que nous aurons un peu plus d’informations sur le sujet dans les prochains tomes.
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Encore une belle enquête menée par la FREJ, addictive et agréable.
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Si tu veux faire du doga (yoga avec ton chien) dans le salon de Rose, c’est ici : https://amzn.to/3D4O9KP