Review: Death and Croissants by Ian Moore

Happy publication day to Death and Croissants by Ian Moore, a very British caper comedy set in the French Loire Valley. Thanks to Farrago Books for the review copy!

Richard is a middle-aged Englishman who runs a B&B in the fictional Val de Follet in the Loire Valley. Nothing ever happens to Richard, and really that’s the way he likes it.

One day, however, one of his older guests disappears, leaving behind a bloody handprint on the wallpaper. Another guest, the enigmatic Valérie, persuades a reluctant Richard to join her in investigating the disappearance.

Richard remains a dazed passenger in the case until things become really serious and someone murders Ava Gardner, one of his beloved hens … and you don’t mess with a fellow’s hens!

Richard Ainsworth is an ordinary guy. A stereotypically English middle aged bloke, in both appearance and personality. Currently estranged from his wife and disapproving daughter, he’s living in France running a bed and breakfast, with only his beloved hens for company. Until one day when a mysterious bloody hand print appears on the wall of one of the guest rooms. And said guest has disappeared... Enter stage the glamorous, enigmatic Valerie D’Orçay, another guest at the B&B, who is intent on solving the mystery. As Richard inevitably gets dragged into proceedings he realises that maybe, for once, it’s time for him to live a little. 

I really enjoyed this book. It’s is full of memorable characters, from the quirky locals to eccentric English ex-pats, and I’m glad that it’s the start of a series! Richard is a lovable character, a very British fish out of water in the French countryside. I could easily see this as an Agatha Raisin style TV show!