OBSERVER: Murder In Paris
Fans of the late Kerry Greenwood Phryne Fisher series are going to love Kirsty Manning’s (pictured) new novel, Murder in Paris.
Whereas Greenwood focused on an elegant, rich single woman detective in the 1920s, Manning’s era is the 1930s, with her dynamic young Australian lead character, Charlotte ‘Charlie’ James.
Manning has written historical mystery of murder, fashion, food, secrets and danger set in 1930s Paris. It begins with a glitzy gala, and a young woman going missing – a perfect opportunity for investigative reporter Charlie.
Maisy Bell, a young American tourist meets a handsome stranger in Paris’s Hotel Ritz. She disappears after accepting his invitation for a day out. A ransom note is sent to her family, and then Charlie arrives on the scene, determined to find Maisy.
Maisy’s world is one of theatres and wine bars, luxury fashion, and elite society, Charlie must get to the bottom of the young woman’s disappearance. But it’s not going to be a straightforward investigation, as Charlie is faced with a charming French detective, interfering male colleagues, and the murky secrets at the heart of Maisy’s disappearance.
If the era of 1930s Paris intrigues you, Murder in Paris will reveal a sordid underworld behind a glittering façade in the second historical mystery in Manning’s Charlie James series.
Kirsty Manning’s novels are also published in the United States and Europe, and back home in Melbourne she leads an eclectic life. Away from her writing desk, she is a partner in the award-winning Melbourne wine bar Bellota, and the Prince Wine Store in Sydney and Melbourne.
Murder in Paris by Kirsty Manning is published by Allen and Unwin and is out now in bookstores and online.
Julie Houghton