The author is very descriptive in her writing and allows the reader to smell, taste and hear France as the story progresses. She captured my senses from the first description of a Paris street and the “dog poo” she was forced to walk around. I remember avoiding just such a mess when trying to navigate my way around a street in Paris a few years ago. While there were times that the descriptions became a bit too much, on the whole they brought the story to life for me.
I also enjoyed Whiting's use of French interspersed throughout, although I can see where it might be frustrating for a reader with no background in the language. Context clues should certainly alleviate any confusion though, and it was fun trying to revisit my high school French.
Whiting does a good job with her characterization too, and I found more depth to Havilah than most Cozy Mystery heroines. She is obviously intelligent and allows the book a refreshing lack of “ditziness” that many of these mysteries feature. Of course there is suspense and romance to keep the reader interested, and if you are looking for a better than average Cozy Mystery, this would be a good choice.
- Beverly
Publisher - booksBnimble African-American Mysteries
Date of Publication - May 20, 2015