In a city that flouts all the rules, journalist Charlie James has come to Paris to break news and, even more importantly, to break with her past.
Paris, 1938. As Australian journalist Charlotte ‘Charlie’ James alights at the Gare du Nord, ready to start her role as correspondent for The Times, Paris is in turmoil as talk of war becomes increasingly strident.
Charlie is chasing her first big scoop, needing to prove to her boss that she can do this job as well as, if not better than, her male counterparts. And the best way to forge the necessary contacts quickly is to make the well-connected expats, Lord and Lady Ashworth, her business. Lady Eleanor knows everyone who counts and at her annual sumptuously extravagant party, Charlie will meet them all.
On the summer solstice eve, the party is in full swing with the cream of Parisian society entranced by burlesque dancers, tightrope walkers, a jazz band and fireworks lighting the night skies. But as Charlie is drawn into the magical world of parties, couture houses and bohemian wine bars, secrets start to unravel, including her own. Putting a foot wrong could spell death.
Kirsty Manning is an Australian novelist, best known by BR readers for writing sweeping dual-timeline historical novels The Jade Lily, The Lost Jewels and The French Gift. The Paris Mystery is a slight departure from these earlier works. Written in the vein of Agatha Christie and Kerry Greenwood, this beguiling historical mystery is the first instalment in a new series featuring journalist turned sleuth Charlie James.
The novel is set against the glamour and intrigue of pre-war Paris which is brought to life in vivid detail by Manning. Filled with aristocrats, couture and sophisticated soirees, Manning’s evocation of Paris is a sumptuous feast for the senses. Yet beneath this dazzling façade, Manning weaves in a compelling mystery, packed with twists and turns, that will leave readers guessing until they reach that satisfying and unexpected end.
Glamorous, sexy and lots of fun, The Paris Mystery is escapism at its very best! In Charlie James, Manning has created a fearless and worthy heroine who is more than capable of carrying what is sure to be a hit new series.
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