An entertaining French-set cosy mystery
Death at the Chateau is another enjoyable read in Ian Moore's cosy mystery series featuring British ex-pat Richard Ainsworth, the proprietor of a chambre d'hôte (B&B) in the (fictional) Follet Valley - a "quiet corner" of the popular Loire Valley region in France.
In this instalment, Richard and his associate, glamorous Valérie d'Orçay - "a professional bounty hunter and possible assassin of international repute" - are engaged as security consultants for the shooting of an historical film at nearby Chateau de Valençay. But nothing is ever plain-sailing for our detecting duo, and it's not long before an extra on the film, an elderly local hero of the Resistance expires dramatically on set. But did Régis Corbeau die of natural causes at an inopportune moment, or was he murdered?
Egos collide and suspects abound as Richard and Valérie, aided by Richard's redoubtable and resourceful femme de ménage (domestic help) Madame Tablier, set about investigating the crime. Further dramatic deaths amongst the film's cast and crew muddy the waters as Richard and Valérie hurtle towards a deadly nightime confrontation with the killer. Along the way, Richard tries to conceal his growing attraction to Valérie, is reluctantly co-opted to act as the film company's media liaison and discovers that his affinity with chickens does not extend to all poultry, as he's relentlessly bullied by a resident peacock named Clovis.
Death at the Chateau is a rip-roaring read, with a great balance of British-style humour, character hi-jinks and intriguing plot twists. Richard and Valérie lead an engaging cast of characters and the setting of a Renaissance chateau with real-life Napoleonic connections is well integrated with the mystery plot.
I'd recommend Death at the Chateau to any reader who enjoys humorous, action-packed "cosy" mysteries, especially those who enjoy European settings and plenty of cinematic references.
My thanks to the author, Ian Moore, publisher Farrago Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this entertaining title.
Sarah, 20/06/2023
