Publisher's Weekly Review
In Longworth's beguiling, leisurely paced sixth mystery featuring magistrate Antoine Verlaque and law professor Marine Bonnet (after 2015's The Mystery of the Lost Cezanne), Bear Valets, the chef at a popular restaurant in the newlywed couple's neighborhood in Aix-en-Provence, France, wants to expand into a historic courtyard-but finds himself running up against some powerful neighbors who are outraged at the idea of diners in their communal space. Valets barrels ahead with his plan, but while digging near the courtyard's ancient fountain, he uncovers the skeleton of a murder victim and triggers what locals believe is a centuries-old curse. Bonnet goes undercover into a royalist group to learn about their possible connection to the murder, while Verlaque investigates the victim's family-and the threats now being delivered to Valets. Longworth evokes the pleasures of France in delicious detail-great wine, delicious meals, and fine company. Agent: Katherine Fausset, Curtis Brown. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
A chef's plan to expand his restaurant ignites a furor in a wealthy quarter of Aix-en-Provence.Married at last, examining magistrate Antoine Verlaque and law professor Marine Bonnet (The Mystery of the Lost Czanne, 2015, etc.) still maintain two apartments: Antoine's near the Palais de Justice and Marine's in the posh Mazarin. But Marine's tranquil flat has become the center of a storm ever since Bear Valets announced a plan to introduce outdoor seating in the courtyard of La Fontaine, his upscale eatery. Although Valets plans to seat only five parties outdoors and promises not to play music, the neighbors who share that courtyard envision noise and disruption. While the Association Historique Aixoise discusses how to thwart the chef's plan, Valets starts to dig a garden only to find a body buried at the foot of the courtyard's fountain in the same spot where a peasant was once executed for failing to salute the king. Verlaque, charged with investigating, learns that the body probably dates back about eight years to the time when the black-sheep son of a local count disappeared. Soon the furor over the restaurant expansion blows up on its own as Verlaque discovers monarchist plots, human trafficking, and drug sales all cascading from a fountain the locals view as cursed. Longworth confirms her long-standing lovebirds as Aix's Nick and Nora; their pursuit of miscreants never interferes with their enjoyment of the good life. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
The sixth in this series set in Aix-en-Provence, starring magistrate Antoine Verlaque and law professor Marine Bonnet (now newlyweds), has very little of the charm, based on Aix and food, of Longworth's earlier novels. The stories have always been light on mystery-solving, with much more emphasis on atmosphere. The latest, though, is tedious in the extreme. Most of the book is devoted to residents of Aix being upset when a restaurateur whom Verlaque and Bonnet favor decides to expand his space into a historic courtyard. A skeleton is found late in the book, prodding the plot belatedly into formulaic investigation. Longworth spends far too long giving points of view from various characters, indulging in overextended conversations, and describing clothing choices. She spends four pages on how the French judicial system works, using the unlikely prompt of a cell-phone call. This reads like a very thin idea surrounded by filler. Not up to Longworth's usual high standard; recommended only for fans of the series who couldn't bear to miss an episode, however substandard.--Fletcher, Connie Copyright 2017 Booklist
Library Journal Review
When a rising chef opens a restaurant in Aix-en-Provence, it proves to be very popular with the locals. That is, until he reveals his vision to turn the historic courtyard into an outdoor eating area. Despite the vocal protests, he proceeds with his plan, only to be derailed when a skeleton is unearthed next to the landmark fountain, the site of a 17th-century hanging and two murders committed during World War II. Everyone agrees the fountain is cursed, except for Judge Antoine Verlaque, who is all too familiar with human evil. With help from his new wife, Marine, Verlaque uncovers myriad suspects in the small community. Longworth's sixth series entry (after The Mystery of the Lost Cezanne) does a wonderful job of transporting readers to the south of France. The uniqueness of the French justice system is outlined without stopping the action with too many details. The sleuths are appealing, as are many of the supporting characters. Layers of clues require close attention, but the payoff is worth the effort. Verdict Fans of Georges Simenon and Joanne Harris will enjoy this work, which will definitely appeal to readers who like a little armchair travel with their whodunits. [See Prepub Alert, 10/17/16.]-Julie Ciccarelli, Tacoma P.L. © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
