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Madame's Murder Mysteries #1
The Passing of Pascal
Running a high-class brothel in 1920s Paris would be challenging enough even if Madame weren't also a vampire. But to make matters far worse, a young man has the audacity to try to kill Melodie - one of the brothel's ladies - and then fall over dead.
At first the police rule the death an accident, but then they find poison in the body. And Madame also finds a note that implicates a jealous wife in the attack on Melodie - but then who poisoned the attacker? It's all very confusing... And worse yet, is Melodie still in danger?
Of course, Madame is determined to find out what has happened in her maison and set it straight - without revealing her powers or upsetting the very attractive Monsieur Inspector Thibauld Baudet who is appointed to the case.
This is the first story in Madame's Murder Mysteries, a historical cozy series with a sense of humor, a taste of the paranormal, and a touch of romance. Perfect for fans of Posie Parker, Ginger Gold, or Lady Katherine.
At first the police rule the death an accident, but then they find poison in the body. And Madame also finds a note that implicates a jealous wife in the attack on Melodie - but then who poisoned the attacker? It's all very confusing... And worse yet, is Melodie still in danger?
Of course, Madame is determined to find out what has happened in her maison and set it straight - without revealing her powers or upsetting the very attractive Monsieur Inspector Thibauld Baudet who is appointed to the case.
This is the first story in Madame's Murder Mysteries, a historical cozy series with a sense of humor, a taste of the paranormal, and a touch of romance. Perfect for fans of Posie Parker, Ginger Gold, or Lady Katherine.
75 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2018
139 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Annette Moncheri
8 books12 followersAnnette Moncheri is une americaine but a francophile! She adores books about French food, culture, parenting, and more. She reads, writes, and speaks French un peu - a little (a very little!). Part of the joy of writing books set in Paris is the excuse to read books and watch films set in Paris. She hasn't been there herself yet, but she feels the need to do some on-site research coming up!
Annette grew up in small towns but has resided in Houston, Texas for more than twenty years. She's married and has a young son and two cats. Art, beautiful things, and live performances of music and theatre are essential to her survival. And she loves to go to La Madeleine Cafe and try to comprehend the expats speaking in French!
Annette grew up in small towns but has resided in Houston, Texas for more than twenty years. She's married and has a young son and two cats. Art, beautiful things, and live performances of music and theatre are essential to her survival. And she loves to go to La Madeleine Cafe and try to comprehend the expats speaking in French!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 29, 2018
“The Passing of Pascal” earns 5/5 Glasses of Champagne…Magnifique!
Ah, Paris! A night that began like any other at Le Chat Rose, a very high-class brothel, with all the expected goings on and offs, ups and downs, jealousies and antics from a delightful menagerie of mesdames…then a full-throated scream and Pascal Lemare is dead. Witnesses have him attacking Mademoiselle Melodie, and his ranting and raving was so not his normal quiet manner. A note is found to indicate this event may have been planned. No accident…murder!
“Delicious” Annette’s well-written first-person narrative had an air of formality lending itself well to the 1920s era and its European setting. The manner was much like listening to the telling of the story with detailed descriptions, intriguing dialogue, and a marvelous sprinkling of French. A delightful tale with a vampire, whose identity and talents she keeps hidden from her girls and the visiting clients. I know my vampires, and along with shapeshifting, extraordinary strength, and challenges with sunlight, Annette’s twist has Madame unable to cross moving water stranding her for eternity on the Íle Saint-Louis—a unique hindrance. The first in the series is only 75 pages in length, easily read in an hour or two, but do not think that this story can't possibly be worth your time. This story has an engaging mystery, delightful writing style, fascinating characters, and totally entertaining! I highly recommend Madame’s Murder Mystery!
"Disclosure: I was lucky to receive an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Ah, Paris! A night that began like any other at Le Chat Rose, a very high-class brothel, with all the expected goings on and offs, ups and downs, jealousies and antics from a delightful menagerie of mesdames…then a full-throated scream and Pascal Lemare is dead. Witnesses have him attacking Mademoiselle Melodie, and his ranting and raving was so not his normal quiet manner. A note is found to indicate this event may have been planned. No accident…murder!
“Delicious” Annette’s well-written first-person narrative had an air of formality lending itself well to the 1920s era and its European setting. The manner was much like listening to the telling of the story with detailed descriptions, intriguing dialogue, and a marvelous sprinkling of French. A delightful tale with a vampire, whose identity and talents she keeps hidden from her girls and the visiting clients. I know my vampires, and along with shapeshifting, extraordinary strength, and challenges with sunlight, Annette’s twist has Madame unable to cross moving water stranding her for eternity on the Íle Saint-Louis—a unique hindrance. The first in the series is only 75 pages in length, easily read in an hour or two, but do not think that this story can't possibly be worth your time. This story has an engaging mystery, delightful writing style, fascinating characters, and totally entertaining! I highly recommend Madame’s Murder Mystery!
"Disclosure: I was lucky to receive an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
December 23, 2018
Kindle Copy for Review
Nothing says trouble in a brothel as murder; especially, when the victim is one of the staff. Tis a quick paced read that could have more plot and character development but otherwise alright. A Madam who is also a vampire that wants to keep it a secret.
Nothing says trouble in a brothel as murder; especially, when the victim is one of the staff. Tis a quick paced read that could have more plot and character development but otherwise alright. A Madam who is also a vampire that wants to keep it a secret.
November 10, 2018
Quick read. Decent for as short as it was.
November 11, 2018
Pleasant little book.
December 6, 2018
kindle unlimited, although I got the prequel and #1 free {1 may be permafree}, claims is historical cozy series with a sense of humor, a taste of the paranormal, and a touch of romance. Perfect for fans of Posie Parker, Ginger Gold, or Lady Katherine. NOT -- I have read every episode of Ginger Gold & saw every episode of Phryne Fisher/Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries {at least twice, all of them} plus a host of other cozies, both female and male leads, and definitely NOT, along with the totally fake french which is worse than I remember after 2-3 years of it in high school {am in my 50's} but remember enough to be able to say C'est pas terrible, ces livres sont terribles, and yes had to look it up after all these years to make sure but I'm not using french phrases in writing books.
The so called plots are actually non-existent, and the almost constant 'oh I just stumbled across this major information without really trying' &/or her 'supernatural' powers take care of it all, make all cozies look bad & even more so even the ones written way back such as Christie & Doyle. Even the pen name shows total lack of imagination as if the 'plot' already didn't, since mon cheri means my darling, my dearest, my beloved, my honey, and the only reason I kept reading is because my personal view way is never review a book I have not read, all the way through, and kept thinking surely they would get better, which they never did. The 'paranormal' part is that she is a vampire, turned by she doesn't know who & doesn't know just when but unable to cross water so stuck on the tiny island area ACROSS from the Eiffel Tower NOT right up on it as in every cover could only be gotten to close up IF one CROSSES the SEINE/water/bridge. There is dislaimer in various places that claim 'No swear words, no graphic scenes, no gore, and no cliffhangers.' yet on every cover she has blood dripping down her face and DOES mention sucking victims dry of their blood, violently swooping down on them, terrorizing or doing them bodily harm or mentioning various happenings including drug usage, etcetera, so while not TECHNICALLY gore/graphic there IS enough description that these are so NOT average cozies/mysteries and there is constant mention of {legal then, don't know about now} 'brothel' & even sane gender & 'other acts' going on. BTW re 'no swear words', "zut alors" means “damn then", and there is way too much general violence all through the books.
Running a high-class brothel in 1920s Paris would be challenging enough even if Madame weren't also a vampire. But to make matters far worse, a young man has the audacity to try to kill Melodie - one of the brothel's ladies - and then fall over dead. At first the police rule the death an accident, but then they find poison in the body. And Madame also finds a note that implicates a jealous wife in the attack on Melodie - but then who poisoned the attacker? It's all very confusing... And worse yet, is Melodie still in danger?
Of course, Madame is determined to find out what has happened in her maison and set it straight - without revealing her powers or upsetting the very attractive Monsieur Inspector Thibauld Baudet who is appointed to the case.
This is the first story in Madame's Murder Mysteries, a historical cozy series with a sense of humor, a taste of the paranormal, and a touch of romance. Perfect for fans of Posie Parker, Ginger Gold, or Lady Katherine.
Madame's Murder Mysteries
The Murder of Mariano 0
The Passing of Pascal 1
The Expiration of Elise 2
The End of Isabelle 3
The Parting of Pierre 4
The Death of Daisi 5
The Mortality of Mattias 6
The so called plots are actually non-existent, and the almost constant 'oh I just stumbled across this major information without really trying' &/or her 'supernatural' powers take care of it all, make all cozies look bad & even more so even the ones written way back such as Christie & Doyle. Even the pen name shows total lack of imagination as if the 'plot' already didn't, since mon cheri means my darling, my dearest, my beloved, my honey, and the only reason I kept reading is because my personal view way is never review a book I have not read, all the way through, and kept thinking surely they would get better, which they never did. The 'paranormal' part is that she is a vampire, turned by she doesn't know who & doesn't know just when but unable to cross water so stuck on the tiny island area ACROSS from the Eiffel Tower NOT right up on it as in every cover could only be gotten to close up IF one CROSSES the SEINE/water/bridge. There is dislaimer in various places that claim 'No swear words, no graphic scenes, no gore, and no cliffhangers.' yet on every cover she has blood dripping down her face and DOES mention sucking victims dry of their blood, violently swooping down on them, terrorizing or doing them bodily harm or mentioning various happenings including drug usage, etcetera, so while not TECHNICALLY gore/graphic there IS enough description that these are so NOT average cozies/mysteries and there is constant mention of {legal then, don't know about now} 'brothel' & even sane gender & 'other acts' going on. BTW re 'no swear words', "zut alors" means “damn then", and there is way too much general violence all through the books.
Running a high-class brothel in 1920s Paris would be challenging enough even if Madame weren't also a vampire. But to make matters far worse, a young man has the audacity to try to kill Melodie - one of the brothel's ladies - and then fall over dead. At first the police rule the death an accident, but then they find poison in the body. And Madame also finds a note that implicates a jealous wife in the attack on Melodie - but then who poisoned the attacker? It's all very confusing... And worse yet, is Melodie still in danger?
Of course, Madame is determined to find out what has happened in her maison and set it straight - without revealing her powers or upsetting the very attractive Monsieur Inspector Thibauld Baudet who is appointed to the case.
This is the first story in Madame's Murder Mysteries, a historical cozy series with a sense of humor, a taste of the paranormal, and a touch of romance. Perfect for fans of Posie Parker, Ginger Gold, or Lady Katherine.
Madame's Murder Mysteries
The Murder of Mariano 0
The Passing of Pascal 1
The Expiration of Elise 2
The End of Isabelle 3
The Parting of Pierre 4
The Death of Daisi 5
The Mortality of Mattias 6
November 30, 2018
Madame's Murder Mysteries:
These clean novellas take about 30 minutes to read, maybe 40 for a couple of the longer ones, but they're a good way to unwind when you're brain dead. There's enough to the story to keep the reader interested, enough intrigue to involve the reader but not in an overtaxing way and the storylines and characters are good. Old-style, conversation writing style that's easy and quick to read. Everyone knows many Madams have soft hearts, but a vampire Madam that's doesn't fit the normal formula is the key to these stories, plus Helene the best friend and she's awesome.
The Murder of Mariano, Prequel - Since I had already the first book The Passing of Pascal, I really didn't need to read this prequel. Short and quickly read, there wasn't much new, except for more about the madam's paintings, the naming of the brothel and justice for a murderer. Written with in conversational style but still reminiscent of Christie and company, which is suitable for the time period set in this series. 3.5*
The Passing of Pascal #1 - This is my first read by this author and I found the book OK. The writing style reminds me a lot of Christie, just with a vampire madam. Well written with a continuous pace and quickly read, the storylines are interesting, the characters were likable and the mystery was easy to solve. 4*
The Expiration of Elise #2 - Another well written, quickly read story set in 1920s Paris about a likable Madam. The writing style, continuous pace and interesting dialog keeps the reader immersed in the story. A good mystery, which I found easy to solve. I enjoy the personality of the Madam, her care for her "family"/staff and her way of settling the score. While set in a brothel, the story is clean with the emphasis of daily life and the camaraderie of the customers and the ladies, and the process of solving the murder. You'll be glad to know there's sex after 70. 4*
The End of Isabelle #3 - This read very quickly since the pace was fast and the story intriguing. There are more storylines to add a bit of drama, as well as another murder. Although a vampire and a Madam, she shows the depth of her caring for others; a good vampire if such a thing existed. I still enjoy her method of correcting things. Being a vampire doesn't always work out in certain situations and it's interesting to see more variety in the solutions. The conversational writing style works so well for this set of stories. 4*
The Parting of Pierre #4 - Besides a murder, there's more afoot for La Chat Rose and her vampire Madam. Her ability to change into a bat is humorous in her dealings with several of the dramas unfolded in this story. My favorite character has always be Helene and she's the perfect best friend with all she does in this story. Read quickly, this is a bit more simplistic than the other stories, but still interesting. 4*
The Death of Daisi #5 - I didn't care too much for this story, but I kept reading and think with some of the components, this is probably my second favorite story. I like the attraction between two main characters and the ending was good. Interesting to read, easy to figure the murderer and good storylines. Helene has a good role again. 4*
Madame's Murder Mysteries end.
These clean novellas take about 30 minutes to read, maybe 40 for a couple of the longer ones, but they're a good way to unwind when you're brain dead. There's enough to the story to keep the reader interested, enough intrigue to involve the reader but not in an overtaxing way and the storylines and characters are good. Old-style, conversation writing style that's easy and quick to read. Everyone knows many Madams have soft hearts, but a vampire Madam that's doesn't fit the normal formula is the key to these stories, plus Helene the best friend and she's awesome.
The Murder of Mariano, Prequel - Since I had already the first book The Passing of Pascal, I really didn't need to read this prequel. Short and quickly read, there wasn't much new, except for more about the madam's paintings, the naming of the brothel and justice for a murderer. Written with in conversational style but still reminiscent of Christie and company, which is suitable for the time period set in this series. 3.5*
The Passing of Pascal #1 - This is my first read by this author and I found the book OK. The writing style reminds me a lot of Christie, just with a vampire madam. Well written with a continuous pace and quickly read, the storylines are interesting, the characters were likable and the mystery was easy to solve. 4*
The Expiration of Elise #2 - Another well written, quickly read story set in 1920s Paris about a likable Madam. The writing style, continuous pace and interesting dialog keeps the reader immersed in the story. A good mystery, which I found easy to solve. I enjoy the personality of the Madam, her care for her "family"/staff and her way of settling the score. While set in a brothel, the story is clean with the emphasis of daily life and the camaraderie of the customers and the ladies, and the process of solving the murder. You'll be glad to know there's sex after 70. 4*
The End of Isabelle #3 - This read very quickly since the pace was fast and the story intriguing. There are more storylines to add a bit of drama, as well as another murder. Although a vampire and a Madam, she shows the depth of her caring for others; a good vampire if such a thing existed. I still enjoy her method of correcting things. Being a vampire doesn't always work out in certain situations and it's interesting to see more variety in the solutions. The conversational writing style works so well for this set of stories. 4*
The Parting of Pierre #4 - Besides a murder, there's more afoot for La Chat Rose and her vampire Madam. Her ability to change into a bat is humorous in her dealings with several of the dramas unfolded in this story. My favorite character has always be Helene and she's the perfect best friend with all she does in this story. Read quickly, this is a bit more simplistic than the other stories, but still interesting. 4*
The Death of Daisi #5 - I didn't care too much for this story, but I kept reading and think with some of the components, this is probably my second favorite story. I like the attraction between two main characters and the ending was good. Interesting to read, easy to figure the murderer and good storylines. Helene has a good role again. 4*
Madame's Murder Mysteries end.
August 29, 2019
The brothel owner with a bit extra
A good read. Light, easy and a bit tongue in cheek about vampires, a French brothel and a murder. The main character is restrained from travelling further than the area of the small island she is on. Her business of running a brothel let's her sleep all day and be up all night - perfect for her lifestyle. However as with anything that has an abundance of females, jealousy and spite run deep. Now someone has tried to murder one of her girls and a note from the wife of one of the girls most frequent visitors. The would be killer is dead. Was the note real? If it was then the wife was guilty but if it wasn't then who had plotted the whole scheme? Can she use her vampire senses to find out?
A good read. Light, easy and a bit tongue in cheek about vampires, a French brothel and a murder. The main character is restrained from travelling further than the area of the small island she is on. Her business of running a brothel let's her sleep all day and be up all night - perfect for her lifestyle. However as with anything that has an abundance of females, jealousy and spite run deep. Now someone has tried to murder one of her girls and a note from the wife of one of the girls most frequent visitors. The would be killer is dead. Was the note real? If it was then the wife was guilty but if it wasn't then who had plotted the whole scheme? Can she use her vampire senses to find out?
January 20, 2019
This is the first novel in Madame’s Murder Mysteries. The novel is set in a high-class French brothel and the Madame is a vampire. It’s an unusual setting to say the least. A complicated night follows with an attempted murder and a death by poisoning. Can this be solved during the night hour?
This is a novella and has interesting characters. It doesn’t have overt sex. I enjoyed this and will move along to the next novel.
This is a novella and has interesting characters. It doesn’t have overt sex. I enjoyed this and will move along to the next novel.
May 3, 2019
A very interesting book and a group of characters. Set in a brothel with a Madame who is a vampire. It turned out to be entertaining murder mystery with the Madame trying to figure out who the murderer is.
October 13, 2022
A French brothel, a murder by poison, a madame that can turn into a bat, and a lot of fun to read.
January 4, 2024
I read both the prequel as well as Book1 and I have to say I enjoyed them both very much. Yes, the French may not be spot on, yes, it may seem silly that Madam cannot cross into Paris and is stuck on that small island, but hey, this is fiction and don't tell me that you believe in vampires too. I found it all a bit of fun, a nice relaxing read, after all, I read fiction and cozy mysteries so that I can let my brain chill out and enjoy the puzzles.
I like Madam and her friends and I find them rather delightful. I like the way the story unravels and how the culprit is caught (no mega OMG I never saw that coming, but still unexpected) I also like that each on is a standalone but has the continuity of the previous books to add insight. All in all, I am very grateful to Annette for the ARCs and I will be looking out for more of her work. Keep 'em coming, I say!
I like Madam and her friends and I find them rather delightful. I like the way the story unravels and how the culprit is caught (no mega OMG I never saw that coming, but still unexpected) I also like that each on is a standalone but has the continuity of the previous books to add insight. All in all, I am very grateful to Annette for the ARCs and I will be looking out for more of her work. Keep 'em coming, I say!
November 18, 2018
This was an absolutely delightful novella. I don't usually read stories featuring vampires and such, but The Passing of Pascal hooked me from the very first sentence. Looking forward to the entire series.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews