I can't help but continue to find this series delightful. These mysteries set in France's Follet Valley have become the perfect laugh-out-loud popcorn reads for me. Even though I found the mystery more sophisticated in Death and Croissants, this series remains a solid 4 stars all around. The relationship dynamic between Richard and Valérie reminds me of Death in Paradise's Richard Poole and Camille Bordeaux, and not simply because we have a British man and French woman working alongside each other. Valérie is good for Richard, and she encourages him to get outside his comfort zone while appreciating him for who he is.

In this second installment, the two return to stick their noses where they likely shouldn't be. When a famous restaurant is downgraded from three Michelin stars to two, the incident reeks with scandal and family drama. Coincidentally, or possibly linked, the leading goat cheese supplier is discovered drowned in one of his own pasteurization tanks. Valérie is convinced that the initial declaration of suicide is wrong, and she recruits Richard to help her uncover the truth. Full of humorous mishaps and witty dialogue, a return of many enjoyable characters from book 1, and the introduction to Richard's estranged wife...this book is just good fun.

Actual Rating: 4.0 stars
Original Pub Date: 5 March 2023
Reading Format: audio

PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
Death and Croissants—4 stars

Thank you NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Sourcebooks for an E-ARC copy in exchange for this honest review!