Kate Darroch

Irish school teacher Màiri Maguire is introduced in Death in Paris, the first of a new mystery series by Kate Darroch. The opening sees Màiri finishing out the current term at the school where she teaches and introduces the reader to various characters that will play a pivotal role in the story. Màiri meets up with her longtime boyfriend for dinner and is blindsided when, instead of talking about their future, he informs her that he has met someone that he is going to marry and take a job show more as a lecturer at a local university. He also tells her that he expects that she will become friends with his fiancee and help her settle in and meet people. Màiri subsequently informs him that will be impossible as she has been offered a job in Istanbul. Meanwhile, Màiri's friend Lianna has been dealing with her own problems in the form a tax issue of her ex-husband's. The two of them decide that the job in Istanbul is the answer to both of their problems and head first to Paris for a holiday then will go on to Istanbul. Unfortunately, the tax man shows up on the same holiday tour that they are on and winds up dead the first night in Paris with Lianna as the primary suspect.

This book was slow to start with a lot of disjointed scenes and dialogue. I was glad when it finally even out and became an integrated storyline. To be fair, this was a decent way to introduce the multiple unrelated characters who made up the tour group. I did find that some of the scenes and characters seemed a bit contrived and at times the story became a bit clumsy with the various transitions. Overall, I enjoyed this story as it had a decent number of different suspects, motives, and scenarios as to how the murder could have occurred with an interesting final reveal that kept me guessing. The scenes between Màiri and the Major were very well developed as they set down their theories of the crime and were able to work through the various timeline changers that occurred based on new information as it was discovered.

The author has done a good job of developing a core group of characters to continue into future installments of this series and it will be interesting to see what is in store for Màiri and Lianna as they travel to Istanbul and subsequently begin their new positions there.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily. show less

Review of Advance Reader’s Copy

Having pled guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol, Eric Wilcox stands before a judge waiting to hear his sentence. He receives a community service sentence and thanks his counselor [and Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor], Bob Leigh, for his support. Serious about changing his life, Eric commits himself to the AA program and works to support the community.

In Welcombe, Lily Baker’s café, Sweets By The Sea, offers customers a panoramic view of the bay show more along with delicious pies. Lily’s only problem is finalizing her divorce from her abusive ex-husband, Gary.

When Eric finds his way into Lily’s café, he finds himself quite taken with Lily. But Lily, hurt by Gary’s abuse, tries to ignore her attraction to Eric.

As Welcombe’s citizens prepare for the annual Harvest Festival, Eric comes to spend a few days in the quiet little town. He speaks with Father Tom Matthews about the festival and volunteers to help. And, although he’s never baked anything, he also signs up for the pie-baking contest.

What lies ahead for Eric and Lily? Will AA help Eric find the answers he needs? Can Lily move past the pain of her abusive marriage? Could they each find their own second chance?

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Well-defined, believable characters populate this charming Christian tale of redemption, recovery, and second chances. The people of Welcombe are a diverse group, all realistic as their lives intersect with Lily, Eric, and each other. As Eric struggles through the twelve steps in the AA program, Lily struggles to move past the pain caused by her ex-husband. Neither path is straight or easy, but with the help of those around them, they just might make it.

The narrative is accurate in its portrayal of Alcoholics Anonymous; so, too, in its portrayal of the fears felt by an abused spouse. With relatable characters and situations, readers will find themselves pulled into the telling of the tale. The issues in the unfolding story are, at times, heart-breaking; the reminder of God’s love and the strength of friendship fill the story with love.

Readers of Christian fiction and those who enjoy a delightful romance will find much to appreciate here.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily. show less

Màiri Maguire is a schoolteacher who is on holiday at home, having the term ended. She is hoping that her boyfriend of twelve years, Brian, who is returning from his work, will finally ask her to marry him. But instead, he drops a bombshell on her that makes her want to get away quickly. Fortunately, she has the perfect excuse: she's been asked to teach in Istanbul, and jumps at the chance, especially since she can choose her own assistant -- her best friend Lianna, who wants to leave for show more her own personal reasons.

But when they arrive on the first leg of their journey, they're in Paris, and just looking to have fun. But fun isn't what they get when Lianna is arrested for murder, all because she had an altercation with the deceased, on the train to their destination. Determined to prove Lianna innocent and get her out of jail, she's determined to find the killer.

But there just might be too many suspects -- all of the people on the train that were in the same place as the now deceased man. Fortunately, but also suspiciously, aiding her, is Major Ellis Peverel, who is everywhere Màiri is. Is he one of the bad guys, or is he truly helping her?...

This is the first book in a new series, and I really wanted to like it. Unfortunately, it felt like homework. You know, where you have a workbook and you have to figure out the answers? There are even workbook pages with all the names and information, and you have to deduct and insert new information. Admittedly, Màiri does this, but why are they there? The plot should not be so convoluted that you have to have this in a book. (Who was on the train, what time they arrived at the hotel, etc.). This just seems like overkill.

Plus, there are just too many people. Granted, it is easy early on to figure out who the 'bad guys' are, but so much intrigue that it just became tiresome. This, I could even have gotten past; mainly because the writing was good, so I have to give that to the author. However, what killed the book for me was the fact that I absolutely detest cliffhangers. I feel like the author is holding her reader captive (Aha! Now you need to read the next book!). Yes, I understand it's a series. But that doesn't make it right in my book. So I don't know whether I will read the next or not. Time will tell.

I was given a copy of this book from the author but this in no way influenced my review. show less

Màiri Maguire has been teaching at the Kelvin Academy for Girls in Glasgow, Scotland but the summer holiday break took an unexpected turn with an announcement from long-time boyfriend Brian. Best friend Lianna Stuart is also stressed as estranged husband Donal hasn’t been truthful to the tax man putting her in the "hot seat." Màiri never expected a job offer to teach in Istanbul when she took her students to a job fair before the end of term but it quickly became her new life plan. She show more even convinced Lianna to join her and secured her a position too. What could possibly go wrong?

Màiri, Lianna, and Major Ellis Peverel meet on the boat train to Paris. Introduction of the major is skillfully written with mystery. At first it is difficult to ascertain whether he’s an asset to know or a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Humor adds a light touch with Màiri’s independent streak in high gear except when the Major Peverel is offering her delicious tea that tastes like home. Addition of "Màiri’s Mental Note" that she uses as part of her sleuthing technique during the investigation is a natural fit as teachers make many mental notes during the course of their work day.

Màiri and Lianna had such an adventuresome beginning I can't wait to read what’s next when they arrive in Istanbul. The only thing for certain is that more lively adventures await these friends.

My sincere thanks to Kate Darroch, and Books Go Social for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

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