These short books can be enjoyed in about 45 minutes – perfect for a long commute or some bedtime reading!It’s just two days before Christmas in Paris, and one disaster after another is unfolding at Le Chat Rose. First Madame has to rescue Dorothee, one of her mesdames, from a diabolical trap… and then a jealous wife storms the maison and creates a scene. Moments later, the wife is murdered. … scene. Moments later, the wife is murdered. And suddenly, Madame finds herself a suspect, confronted by the gorgeous Inspector Baudet.
What does one attack have to do with the other? How is a Ouija board going to help them solve the crimes? And what role does the pickpocket play – or the knifemaker, Martin Martin?
This is the second 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.
These books can stand alone, but you may enjoy the series more if you read them in order.
No swear words, no graphic scenes, no gore, and no cliffhangers.
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“The Expiration of Elise” earns 5/5 Christmas Karma…Engaging Fun!!
Ah, Paris! It is Christmas and the Íle Saint-Louis is dressed with all that is festive. Even The Chat Rose, Madame’s premier brothel, is strewn with garlands, ornaments, Christmas tree, and a sign proclaiming “Joyeux Noël.” But the holiday cheer among the mesdames and their gentlemen visitors is interrupted by an attempted murder, an anxious pickpocket, and a jealous wife with a knife in her back. Everyone was aware of Monsieur Estaban’s obsession for Madame and witnessed his wife Elise’s angry threats to Madame. But l’Agent Carré was a witness, so Madame becomes a person of interest…but Elise was antagonistic to everyone, so the suspect list is fillingup…Karma, like père Noël is coming to town!
I am “obsessed” with Annette Moncheri’s Madame’s Murder Mystery series: the setting (J’aime Paris!), the era (Roarin’), the mystery (always a clever murder), and the cozy twist (a closet vampire?). The novella begins with Madame addressing, “Dear delicious Reader,” and imparting an engaging mystery through a first-person narrative. The “I” perspective gives a personal touch along with Madame’s inner thoughts, vivid descriptions, and entertaining banter. The vampire thing is purely peripheral. As a unique detective skill set, she uses her heightened senses and stealth to manage any problems and to uncover the killer. No attacks. No bloodletting. A few manipulations. It is extremely entertaining. I enjoy Madame who shares the dilemma of her attraction to the Inspector…a unique challenge for romance. It is a novella easily finished in an afternoon, but beware it is not short of entertainment, and easily addictive!
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.