Sunday, 21 July 2024

Murder at the Paris Fashion House (An Abigail Dixon Mystery Book 1) by Nancy Warren

 


A Chicago news reporter chasing her big break in jazz-age Paris, an exclusive with a renowned couture designer, and a stepmother lying dead among the silk and sequins...

Paris 1925: When news reporter Abigail Dixon trades the Chicago newsroom for the Paris fashion scene, she finds herself dazzled by the latest looks from Coco Chanel, sipping champagne at the Ritz, and interviewing a famous designer. Stepping into his luxurious atelier on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Abigail is ready to swoon over the exquisite gowns. The last thing she expects to find is her estranged stepmother lying dead on the fitting room floor – and Abigail framed as the prime suspect.

With only her high school French to defend herself to the debonair Inspector Henri Deschamps, Abigail must use her investigative skills to unravel a tangled web of family secrets and find the real murderer if she is to clear her name.

But over coffee and croissants one morning she reads a letter warning her that she is in grave danger and must leave Paris immediately. As Abigail swaps her très dowdy two-piece for a très chic silk chemise and a sharp bob to match, can she keep her wits about her, find the cunning couture killer, and prove her innocence so she can stay in the city that’s captured her heart?

Lose yourself in the gripping pages of this captivating and witty cozy historical mystery set in 1920s Paris. Fans of Agatha Christie, T E Kinsey and Lee Strauss will be utterly charmed by Murder at the Paris Fashion House.

This book was previously published as Death of a Flapper.


Murder at the Paris Fashion House is an addictive historical cozy mystery with an unflappable leading lady in 1920s France. Abigail has to navigate the sexism and patriarchal society to build her career in journalism. Things get off to a wobbly start when on her first day she finds her stepmother murdered and is immediately declared a suspect.
There are many elements here making it a very pleasing and fun read; the fast easy flow of the writing and dialogue, the mystery with the added help of Inspector Henri who becomes less of a threat and more of a friend, and the high fashion. Abigail gets the 'pretty woman' makeover thanks to the fashion designer she had been sent to interview and it was delightful to see her discard the dowdy look for sparkling glamour.
The mystery had me guessing and hooked until the end and I look forward to reading the second book as soon as I can. 

Buy Links
Murder at the Paris Fashion House Amazon

Death at Darrington Manor Amazon


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