Unusual Death; Wrong Wine - Death in Paris by Emilia Bernhard

Death in Paris

The start of a delightful new cozy mystery series in which two American women are drawn into solving a series of crimes set in each Parisian arrondissement.

Edgar Bowen is dead, drowned in a bowl of soup. His former girlfriend, Rachel Levis, is surprised: how many people drown in a nice vichyssoise? Then she overhears a mourner at the funeral describe the circumstances of Edgar's death: when he was found, an open bottle of rosé wine was on the table next to him. But Rachel knows Edgar loathed rosé. If he wasn't drinking it, who was?

The police won't listen to the suspicions of a woman who has nothing more than an inappropriate bottle of wine on her side, so Rachel knows she, and her best friend Magda, will have to solve the mystery on their own. As the two women investigate, the list of suspects grows. Could it have been Edgar's son, who stands to inherit his money and lavish apartment? His icy ex-wife? His spendthrift new girlfriend? It seems like everyone close to Edgar had a reason to want him dead.

But then the suspects start dying, and Rachel and Magda realize the murderer is one step ahead of them, with no intention of slowing down. It's up to the two amateur sleuths to solve their first case, before someone gets away with murder…

Death in Paris

By Emilia Bernhard

"Edgar Bowen died in his soup." Rachel Levis said to her husband, looking up from her newspaper. They were just finishing breakfast, and the table was crowded with jams and mugs and the bag that had held the morning's croissants, now flattened in the center with some buttery crumbs still resting on it..."

Of course, telling her husband about the oddity of somebody dying in their soup, literally,  was common breakfast discussion over reading the newspaper. That it was unusual, was, needless to say, true. After all, drowning in a bowl of soup, sitting in front of you on your dining table, was just not the way to go!

But that wasn't what bothered Rachel Levis so much... She did not share that Edgar Bowen had once been her lover many years ago, when she had first come to Paris. No, for that discussion, she needed her best friend Magda... Having been friends for about 20 years, Magda knew just about everything, including the time she had lived with Edgar... For Rachel, it had been her first adult love affair. Now, with Magda, Rachel could mourn and look back on her lost love, with love, regret and nostalgia of her youth.

And when Rachel wanted to attend the funeral, of course, Magda went with her. It was her only time to say a last goodbye...

So, Rachel was not totally surprised to be called to the reading of his will, realizing that, as they had greeted each other over the years when they met, that he had, like her, considered the other a good friend... Rachel shared to Magda that "he was a good man." And then wondered what his son was like, now, as an adult, knowing that she had once tied his shoelaces and helped him through the day...

We have to go," Rachel hissed. "We have to go now." She smiled apologetically...

"God, what are you doing? What are you doing? Magda struggled to free her arm, Ow! What's the hurry?"

"I heard something."

"What do you mean, you heard something?"

"Wait." Rachel handed their tokens to the coat-check girl. She didn't speak again until they were out on the sidewalk...I'm sorry. But I didn't want to say anything until we were a safe distance away."

"Away from what? What is it?

"It's just...well, I was listening to some people on the other side of the room from you, and a woman said Edgar had been drinking rose' with the vichyssoise he drowned in."

"Rose' with vichyssoise?" Magda's tone made it plain that she had no idea what was going on. "Well, it wouldn't be my choice, but I don't see what it's alarming."

"No!" Rachel spoke through gritted teeth. "You don't understand. Edgar never drank rose'."

"Oh come on, Never?"

Rachel shook her head. 

"He wouldn't even have settled for it if there was nothing better in the house?"

"He always had something better in the house," Rachel's tone was explanatory. "He hated rose', He said it was a good white spoiled."

..."The point is, something is wrong here."

"Where?" Magda was lost.

"Here. With Edgar's death."

"Okay," Magda held up a hand. "Calm down. What is wrong?"

Rachel thought for a long minute. "I don't know," She thought again. "I don't know." Then her voice firmed. "But something is. Something feels strange..."

~~~

Thinking through all that had occurred, it was soon reasoned by Rachel that Edward had been murdered. And she was going to find out what happened. Of course, Magda was totally ready to participate. 

It turned out to be quite easy because, in his will, Edgar had asked Rachel to inventory and deal with his library and, in return, she could pick out the one book that she wanted in payment. Of course, many would think that wasn't much of a remembrance, but Rachel and Edgar had spent many hours enjoying books in their lives and she would be quite happy to have one last memory of that precious time...

But, working in the library would also help! She would be right there where she could try to find out more information about Edgar's heirs, especially since they had ruled it as an accidental death--drowning...

Readers are right in the midst of discovering and discussing every single clue as their investigation began. There were four other heirs, including the majority going to Edgar's son. The other three were women--his former wife, a present lover, and a young woman who was going to school and helping Edgar with his work... And all of them became suspects, since they were each given a sum of money that confused everybody as to the amounts... Why did this person get that amount, and so on.

The heirs were all suspects, especially the women... They all enjoyed drinking rose'. And, the wine had obviously been there for their pleasure...

The plot thickens, as it is said, quickly and effectively, as one by one each individual's lives was explored, only to have something else occur that pointed to another...I admit it, I was totally caught off-guard! Cool, right? I love it when I don't even think of whodunit! Bernhard writes with complex twists and turns, leading us through a labyrinth of possibilities. And the various, intriguing characters all lead the story forward without one single clue...

Until we are moving into the climax. Rachel realizes...And she is in danger...

A great, solid mystery--more complex than the normal cozy and an excellent debut to this new series. Highly recommended. By the way, a French glossary is included for reader assistance.

GABixlerReviews

Emilia Bernhard was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1968. She got a B.A. from the University of Iowa, an M.A. from Boston University, and a Ph.D. from Brandeis University. A keen mover, she has lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Iowa City, Iowa; London, England; Boston, Massachusetts; Fayetteville, Arkansas, Cambridge, England, and Exeter, England. She is a passionate lover of baked goods and cats.

Although she has been writing all her life, _Death in Paris_ is Bernhard's first published novel, and the first in the continuing Death in Paris series. The series' two detectives, Rachel Levis and Magda Stevens, are based in part on her and her best friend.

In her other capacity, she works at the University of Exeter in Exeter, England, teaching Nineteenth-Century British Literature and Academic Writing.

Julie Bettendorf Entices BRH Back to France This Month Along With Anthony Ant! Whoopee!

One day Lulu LadyBug was out enjoying the glorious sun, thinking of moving on to the French Reveria, but had stopped to read a little and rest... In fact, she was right under the Eiffel Tower and once in a while would look up to see all the movement surrounding her in this beautiful city... But remember Lulu and Anthony have a different perspective of the city than we do...LOL

Anthony Ant Goes to France

By Julie Bettendorf

At the same time, a visitor had arrived and was thrilled to find himself in France! Let's see why he is a little puzzled right at first.

Hi, my name is Anthony Ant, and I love to go places. When I travel, I can fit into some pretty small spaces. Once I curled up in a suitcase, as snug as could be. When I came out, I was in Beautiful France. Whoopee!

Now if you didn't pick it up right away, you'll find that Antony normally speaks in rhyme! And his words are even created with a beautiful script that enhances the overall impact of the book... And, I loved meeting him! It really didn't take long for him to realize that he loved to visit France and had certainly picked the right suitcase to crawl into this time! He had traveled to Paris!

I traveled to Paris, the capital of France:

The home of fashion, poetry and ballet dance.

Paris is also France's largest city.

At night, it glitters and is bright and pretty.

~~~

Let me mention that the art work for this book is simply beautiful and illustrated by Egle Bartolini. The full-color pages are a wonderful contribution to the book and even includes a small corner design on the corner of the pages with written narrative that includes a sampling of all things "French" that adds a touch of continuity and delight so that all pages are bound to attract the attention of children of all ages! ...and adults like me, LOL...                                                               The author's background certainly excitingly supports her books--she travels the world, and has a background in history and archaeology...                                                     Too bad we don't live closer, I've loved to have traveled to that location, below, where she rode on the back of a camel! This, truly adorable storybook is just meant to attract children's attention when the humor is added by having the characters be in cute little any and a lovely and friendly ladybug... Their names are easy to learn and remember and are sure to be special characters, especially for the very young who will be able to find the characters while having the book read...

Lulu was happy to see a visitor to Paris and felt it was her duty to introduce herself and make him feel welcome. He was certain enjoying the view of the city and must have been brave to crawl clear up there to see all the lights of the city?

After my long trip, I wanted some warm bread to eat. 

So I sat down at a cafe, and who should I meet 

But a cute little red thing named Lulu Ladybug;

 So kind and so sweet, I gave her a great big hug. 

They soon began touring with Lulu in the lead and she took him to see many sights that you'll enjoy as you read... I enjoyed especially what Anthony said upon seeing Leonardo da Vinci, Mona Lisa...at The Louvre, of course, when I learned that the picture was over 500 years old!

The Louvre has a painting that is over 500 years old

Called the Mona Lisa; it is very famous, I am told.

Painted by a man named Da Vinci, it took years to complete.

The smile of Mona Lisa is so shy and petite.

~~~

Lulu took Anthony to a place I'd not even heard of--but it would be a wonderful natural habitat for them to visit but guess what? The Jardin des Tuileries is one of the most fun places for kids and adults alike! It was so much enjoyment traveling with Anthony and, especially Lulu, who was able to show Anthony around Paris. Because, of course, we learned so very much more and saw such beautiful places and things when we had a friend to know what to go see!

There was a huge garden full of flowers and birds. 

So colorful, it is hard to describe with words.
Roses grew here and there in red, yellow and pink.
Lulu and I stayed there for a while, I think.

~~~

I don't know about you, but I think it is wonderful to travel to places and learn all about them. And Anthony Ant and Lulu Ladybug were such nice and great friends to travel with. Your children will love them, even while they learn about customs, traditions, and the cultures of the country. I believe this may be the debut of a series.  The back cover says:

These are the tales of Anthony Ant, a child's travel companion and all-around great adventurer. Anthony travels in style, comfortably lodged in a suitcase, and he never knows what strange, new country he will find himself in.

Keep the bag packed...so we can do it again! I'm ready, are you?!

In case you kids are checking this out right now, I invited a few friends to visit and share some vids of their activities and learning...Cool, right? 

 

Well, Anthony Ant and I certainly enjoyed the trip to France and children will also! Do check this book out and with the quality of the artwork, poetry and overall look, you might want to consider it for your children's library--you do have one, right? Nothing is more important than helping your children learn to read!

Highly Recommended! And...Enjoy!


GABixlerReviews

Julie Bettendorf is a world traveler, with a background in history and a degree in archaeology. Through her books, she shares the wonderful world of travel with children and their parents as Anthony Ant teaches kids about other cultures, customs, and traditions. When Julie is not traveling with her children, she lives in Central Oregon.

Let's Visit France Via Carole Roman's Cultural Tour!

\In 1828, Paris was the first city in Europe to use gas
lamps to light the streets, and that's how it got the
nickname "La Ville-Lumiere" the "City of Light."
~~~

 

If You Were Me and Lived in France:
A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World

By Carole P. Roman

Most who think of France will also think immediately of the Eiffel Tower! It must be a beautiful sight to be able to look over the city from the top! Wish we could!

As always, Ms. Roman wants us to meet some of the children who live in France... If you were a boy, your name could be

Hugo

Mathis

or...Theo!

If you are a girl, your name could be Clara

Jacqueline, or

Collette!

The other thing many of us hear about and sometimes get to try here in the U.S., are french pastries. These would be bought in a boulangerie where you might pick out some owl's bread along with so many options you'd not be able to decide!

or maybe you'd get to go to lunch for crepes! Crepes are delicate pancakes that can be filled with vegetables, meat,or cheese. Dessert crepes are made with fruit and dusted with sugar.

Some lucky girls get to start a collection of beautiful dolls!

but there are many dolls that she might play with that look like the children there...

Boys, here, also enjoy soccer, but make believe is always a good time... for girls and boys!

Just like July 4th is important to the U.S., July 14th is the celebration of Bastille Day!

Find out what this commemorates in the book as well!

The Catacombs

Palace of Versailles 

And while the children are playing or learning, I picked out a few places I'd like to visit! LOL

The Louvre

Arch de Triumph

Mont Saint Michel

And, of course, the French Riviera!

And I found this song I'd never heard before but loved it by, of course, one of the best-known French singers...

Isn't it wonderful to learn about a country in this way?!


GABixlerReviews

Paris At The End of the World by John Baxter - War Was Never So Fashionably Correct...

We sit in calm, airy, silent rooms opening upon
sunlit and embowered laws, not a sound except
of summer and of husbandry disturbs the peace;
but seven million men...are in ceaseless battle
from the Alps to the Ocean.
--Winston Churchill

The first blow fell on Paris at 7:18 a.m. on March 21, 1918, interrupting the calm of a Spring morning.

As its concussion echoed over the roofs, residents came to their front doors and stared at the sky. Was it another accident, like that of the previous January, when an ammunition dump in Courneuve blew up, shattering windows across the city?

People living close to the Canal St- Martin knew better. A crater had appeared in the wide stone towpath where

 horses usually dragged barges into the city. They assumed a German bomber had made an audacious solo raid,  the pilot fleeing to the safety of his army's trenches that zigzagged across France from Belgium to the Swiss border.

Paris at the End of the
  World
The City of Light During
the Great War, 1914-1918

 By John Baxter

So much family and world-wide history is lost, isn't it? We all spend our time living the present and working for the future, that we rarely take time to look to and learn about the past. If John Baxter had not had an interest in history and the opportunity to obtain letters and other information about his paternal grandfather, William Archie Baxter, we would never have had the chance to read such an intimate account of what was happening during the first world war.

: Tour Eiffel, view from the Trocaderoki

Before the Germans retired the weapon, it had fired 367 shells,
killing 256 people and wounding 620--by trench standards
a small loss, but of far greater damage psychologically.
Parisians had believed intelligence, wit, and style could protect
them from the worst effects of the war. Now they saw that these
had the evanescence of a soap bubble...
~~~

Most of us when thinking about Paris would routinely think of fashion, the pleasures of life, and the arts... Going to Paris was always seen as the ultimate location for trips, especially honeymoons. Those in the arts would consider the city itself as the best location they could find in which to work.

Gazing at or traveling to see the Eiffel Tower  is a dream come true. None of us, I would imagine would consider and recognize that the Tower was a main communication point to and from the front during the war. 

I was amazed that because of the high vulnerability for aerial attacks, the French worked to construct a fake Paris, including plywood replicas of the Arc de Triomphe and the Opera and other major sights! At the same time they wanted the outside news agencies to ensure an image of a tranquil Paris going about its business! Still, people were killed...

But then going about like usual resulted in having the story of "Two Men in Silk Pajamas..."

 In fact, I should mention that the format of the book contains 39 individual stories as diverse as the one about the pajamas to the "Master of War"... One that I especially enjoyed was "Dressed to Kill" which, of course, brought the fashion issue to the fore: There were two fronts--the war front, then in Paris, the Montparnasse front... As patriotism grew, it started to transform fashion. The book contains many pictures, including ones that definitely showed a military flair! So I decided my addition would be some of the music from that time, including the first anti-war song! Cool!!

Another thing that amazed me was that, even during the war, when people of other nations

wanted the best in art and music, food and drink, fashion and culture, and even sex and sensation, they went to Paris. The period became known as la belle epoque--the beautiful age. Here's one of the pieces by Alphonse Mucha that  I was able to find online. It certainly exhibits the beauty that was created during that period..

And then another fascinating, but understandable issue, was that the works of Bach, Beethoven and Schubert were no longer permitted in recital, while designers immediately saw the opportunities with news media following the trends in all of the countries...

There were as expected changes into what "creature comforts" were normally provided to Parisians. Absinthe was outlawed--Why? Because the government felt it sapped the will of young soldiers! Alcohol for military use replaced the quality and quantity of wine and spirits. Coffee was unobtainable as were cigars...

Volunteers from Australia and then later when America became involved are as well as the English who were not all wanting to be involved and a cute little ditty conveyed that message:

Take me back to dear old Blighty!
Put me on the train for London town!
Take me over there,
Drop me anywhere,
Liverpool, Leeds, or Birmingham, well, I don't care!

By 1917, however, the main concern for the average Briton was...bread! In France food shortages was even worse because Germany had captured so much of the country... Desertion to go home to take care of crops surprised even the President when a farmer who had asked for leave, went home to take care of potatoes--war or no war! That seemed appropriate to me, don't you think?

When America finally entered the war, everybody thought that they then would be moving toward the end... but it continued for more than a year... Indeed, there is much about the war itself and Archie's life during that period that is covered. I've pulled some of the minor points just to show the diversity of the book and, of course, to include those items that interested me personally...LOL I feel confident that, readers who select this historical non-fiction book will find substantive points of interest for all! History buffs should consider this a must-read in my opinion... The book includes an Index to quickly find various items. 

But I must admit that the ending as provided for Archie totally caught me off-guard! AWOL from the Great War! I loved it!


GABixlerReviews

John Baxter was born in Sydney, Australia, but raised in a small country town called Junee. With little else to do, he went to the movies three times a week for most of his adolescence, which provided an instant education in Hollywood movies with which he was often able to embarrass film celebrities ("You SAW that thing?")
His second interest, however, was science fiction, which he began writing in his late teens. He sold stories to the same British and American magazines as J.G. Ballard and Thomas M. Disch, and in 1966 his first sf novel, THE GOD KILLERS, was published in both the US and Britain. He also edited the first-ever anthologies of Australian science fiction, and wrote the first history of the Australian cinema.
In 1969, he came to Europe, settled in London, and began writing books on the cinema, including a biography of the director Ken Russell, and studies of John Ford, Josef von Sternberg and the gangster and science fiction film genres, and working as an arts journalist for various magazines, and for BBC radio. He also served on the juries of European film festivals.
In 1974 he was invited to become visiting professor at Hollins College in Virginia, USA, where he remained for two years. While in America, he collaborated with Thomas Atkins on THE FIRE CAME BY; THE GREAT SIBERIAN EXPLOSION OF 1908,and wrote a study of director King Vidor, as well as completing two novels, THE HERMES FALL and BIDDING.
Returning to London, he published the technological thriller THE BLACK YACHT. In 1979 he moved to Ireland, and the following year returned to Australia, where he co-scripted the 1988 science fiction film THE TIME GUARDIAN, starring Carrie Fisher and Dean Stockwell. He also wrote and presented three TV series on the cinema, and produced and presented the ABC radio programme BOOKS AND WRITING.
In 1989 he moved to Los Angeles, where he worked as a screenwriter and film journalist. The following year, he met his present wife, Marie-Dominique Montel, and re-located in Paris.
After moving to France, John published biographies of Federico Fellini, Luis Bunuel, Steven Spielberg, Woody Allen, Stanley Kubrick, George Lucas and Robert De Niro, as well as five books of autobiography, A POUND OF PAPER: CONFESSIONS OF A BOOK ADDICT, dealing with his fascination for collecting books, WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS: SEX AND LOVE IN THE CITY OF LIGHT, of which the SUNDAY TIMES of London wrote "it towers above most recent memoirs of life abroad," IMMOVEABLE FEAST: A PARIS CHRISTMAS, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WALK IN THE WORLD: A PEDESTRIAN IN PARIS, and THE PERFECT MEAL. IN SEARCH OF THE LOST TASTES OF FRANCE.
John has co-directed the annual Paris Writers Workshop and is a frequent lecturer and public speaker. His hobbies are cooking and book collecting. He has a major collection of modern first editions. When not writing, he can be found prowling the bouquinistes along the Seine or cruising the Internet in search of new acquisitions.

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
•  Paris at the End of the World by John Baxter Book Review
• 
  

Related articles