Synopses & Reviews
Review
In Longworth’s beguiling leisurely paced sixth mystery featuring magistrate Antoine Verlaque and law professor Marine Bonnet (after 2015’s The Mystery of the Lost Cezanne) Bear Valets the chef at a popular restaurant in the newlywed couple’s neighborhood in Aix en Provence France wants to expand into a historic courtyard—but finds himself running up against some powerful neighbors who are outraged at the idea of diners in their communal space. Valets barrels ahead with his plan but while digging near the courtyard’s ancient fountain he uncovers the skeleton of a murder victim and triggers what locals believe is a centuries old curse. Bonnet goes undercover into a royalist group to learn about their possible connection to the murder while Verlaque investigates the victim’s family—and the threats now being delivered to Valets. Longworth evokes the pleasures of France in delicious detail—great wine delicious meals and fine company. Agent: Katherine Fausset Curtis Brown. (Apr.)" Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved."
Synopsis
In the latest captivating installment of M. L. Longworth's acclaimed Verlaque & Bonnet Provencal Mystery series, the newlywed investigators contend with their most sinister challenge yet: a centuries-old curse
Chef Sigisbert "Bear" Valets has just opened his own restaurant, La Fontaine, in Aix-en-Provence. It's an immediate success--glowing reviews and a loyal clientele, including our favorite investigative duo, Verlaque and Bonnet. But when he decides to extend his restaurant's seating into a historic courtyard, some very powerful neighbors are against him. The local historical society wants the courtyard, which witnessed a seventeenth-century hanging of and two World War II-era murders, to remain untouched.
Valets charges on, even after a skeleton is found buried next to the courtyard's ancient fountain. But when Valets begins receiving threatening letters, he becomes convinced that his life is in danger. And then the fountain inexplicably stops running. By disturbing the garden, has Bear triggered an age-old curse? And can newlyweds Verlaque and Bonnet solve the mystery before someone else ends up dead? Set against the blossoming backdrop of the south of France, M. L. Longworth's latest is sure to thrill fans of Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri.
"Longworth's novels are mysteries for foodies, with the plot providing a table upon which the enchanting meals and accompanying wines are served." --Booklist