Richard is a middle-aged Englishman who runs a B&B somewhere in the Loire Valley.
Nothing ever happens to Richard, and really that’s the way he likes it.
One day, however, one of his older guests disappears, leaving behind a bloody
handprint. Another guest, the exotic Valérie, persuades a reluctant Richard to join her
in investigating the disappearance.
Richard remains a dazed passenger in the case alongside Valerie until someone also
murders Ava Gardner, one of his beloved hens.
My Thoughts
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Death and Croissants is the first instalment in a brand new mystery series set in the scenic French town. Inspired by Ian Moore’s own B&B that is situated in Loire Valley, the town is brought to life on the pages of this charming murder mystery.
When Richard first moved to Loire Valley and opened up a B&B alongside his wife Clare he had high hopes for a calm, drama free retirement as they embarked on this new venture. But then his wife leaves him and moves back to England, and it is only a matter of time before Richard’s usually calm existence is turned upside down when an older guest disappears and he is swept into the midst of an investigation.
Richard finds himself being dragged along throughout this investigation by Valerie, another guest staying at the hotel. Despite his initial reluctance to look into this himself, that soon changes when one of his beloved hens Ava Gardner is murdered, leaving Richard more determined than ever to find out who is behind these horrendous crimes.
This is one of those books that really captures your attention from the start. The storyline itself is so wonderfully unique and boasts the perfect combination of mystery and humour, both of which play pivotal roles in the story as it progresses. I loved the various characters we are introduced to throughout the book, all of which have their own role to play, and their own impact in the investigation that is underway.
Richard is one of those characters you find yourself rooting for from the start. Despite his rather withdrawn approach to life and the current events around him, he provides some truly laugh out loud moments that made this book so enjoyable. I am sure we are all in need of a light-hearted read right now, and this book certainly ticks all of the boxes for those of us that enjoy a cosy-mystery.
The storyline is perfectly plotted and flows effortlessly throughout, with every passing chapter adding more intrigue than the last, I really did find it difficult to part with this book. Alongside a cast of vibrant, well fleshed out characters that all bring something new to the story, this is definitely one of the books I will be recommending to others!
About the Author
Ian Moore is a leading stand-up comedian, known for his sharp, entertaining punditry. A TV/radio regular, he stars in Dave’s satirical TV show Unspun and Channel 5’s topical comedy Big Mouths.
He is also the author of two memoirs on life in France. À la Mod and C’est Modnifique. Ian lives in the Loire and commutes back to the UK every week. In his
spare time, he makes mean chutneys and jams.
*Thank you to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours, Farrago Books and Ian Moore for providing me with a gifted copy of this book in return for my honest review. All thoughts are entirely my own and not influenced in any way.*
Victoria Wilks 