*These short books can be enjoyed in about 45 minutes – perfect for a long commute or some bedtime reading!*Running a high-class brothel in 1920s Paris would be challenging enough even if Madame weren’t also a vampire. But to make matters far worse, a young man has the audacity to try to kill Melodie – one of the brothel’s ladies – and then fall over dead.At first the police rule the death an … dead.
At first the police rule the death an accident, but then they find poison in the body. And Madame also finds a note that implicates a jealous wife in the attack on Melodie – but then who poisoned the attacker? It’s all very confusing… And worse yet, is Melodie still in danger?
Of course, Madame is determined to find out what has happened in her maison and set it straight—without revealing her powers or upsetting the very attractive Monsieur Inspector Thibauld Baudet who is appointed to the case.
This is the first 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.*
more
“The Passing of Pascal” earns 5/5 Glasses of Champagne…Magnifique!
Ah, Paris! A night that began like any other at Le Chat Rose, a very high-class brothel, with all the expected goings on and offs, ups and downs, jealousies and antics from a delightful menagerie of mesdames…then a full-throated scream and Pascal Lemare is dead. Witnesses have him attacking Mademoiselle Melodie, and his ranting and raving was so not his normal quiet manner. A note is found to indicate this event may have been planned. No accident…murder!
“Delicious” Annette’s well-written first-person narrative had an air of formality lending itself well to the 1920s era and its European setting. The manner was much like listening to the telling of the story with detailed descriptions, intriguing dialogue, and a marvelous sprinkling of French. A delightful tale with a vampire, whose identity and talents she keeps hidden from her girls and the visiting clients. I know my vampires, and along with shapeshifting, extraordinary strength, and challenges with sunlight, Annette’s twist has Madame unable to cross moving water stranding her for eternity on the Íle Saint-Louis—a unique hindrance. The first in the series is only 75 pages in length, easily read in an hour or two, but do not think that this story can’t possibly be worth your time. This story has an engaging mystery, delightful writing style, fascinating characters, and totally entertaining! I highly recommend Madame’s Murder Mystery!
A very interesting book and a group of characters. Set in a brothel with a Madame who is a vampire. It turned out to be entertaining murder mystery with the Madame trying to figure out who the murderer is.
a stupendously fabulous read. spectacular characters. can’t wait to devour the whole series…….
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.