These short books can be enjoyed in about 45 minutes – perfect for a long commute or some bedtime reading!Madame has allowed Mireille to commence gambling at bouillotte at Le Chat Rose, and she fears she will soon regret it. And indeed squabbling and recriminations break out at once. But that’s all overshadowed when a customer is found dead. His bereaved wife thinks it’s due to his epilepsy. But … thinks it’s due to his epilepsy. But then why was he being followed?
Soon the Parisian Moral Society shows up to shake a flyer in Madame’s face… As it turns out, the bereaved wife is intimately connected to them. Could the Moral Society have something to do with the death?
This is the fourth 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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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.