A review by justjacq
Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Me? Pass up a murder mystery with Julia Child in it? I think not. I wanted this one to be amazing simply because of my obsession with Julia, but it ended up being just okay. The writing felt a little simplistic, and sometimes just a little bland. The story seemed to be told as it was happening, but then at times there would be lines like "if I had know what was to come..." - which made me feel like this was a retelling, but then it shifted back to "real time," and I felt like some of the little hints and clues were never validated or explained. The main character (not Julia) was endearing at times and frustrating at others. It took place in post-war France, so the world was a little different, but I also felt like some of the comments about "masculine" war jobs and "lady-like" behavior were off-putting. The ending felt slightly anti-climactic, but all the loose ends were tied up, so I appreciate that. All in all, enjoyable, but not a top-tier mystery. 
3.75/5⭐️s