Murder Most Delicious, Danielle Postel-Vinay (Review by Josie Evans)

This was a decadent “who done it” murder mystery. Olivia Beech begins her journey to a new start as a Sommelier in the charming area of Paris after losing her sense of taste due to Covid. But, her dreams are derailed by an unthinkable murder. I love how this book jumps off with a mysterious murder. The beginning hooks you right in with the question of who the killer is and the growing list of suspects, with Olivia Beech being the first. The neighborhood watch decides they cannot step aside and let the authorities take over this case of the murder of their beloved neighbor. They on-board Olivia to the Parisian way of life and bring her into the watch to help piece this murder together. Author Danielle Postel-Vinay writes up a Parisian trail of breadcrumb clues along the way. The story switches POV throughout to give a look into the characters. The reader experiences what it would feel like to be a part of a group of friends that always has your back.

With Olivia’s loss of taste, she has heightened her already great sense of smell to make it more of a sixth sense. Descriptions of the elite wines from Jacques de Bizet collection and the pastries like caramel eclairs from the neighborhood’s patisserie made my mouth water. I would love to taste one of Gaston’s chocolate tartlets. I can really imagine a tres bien life in Paris especially when the author describes the close-knit shop owners and beautiful essence of life they have.

The pace of the book is even and easy to follow. It is a quick sweet treat to devour. The book’s conclusion was great and resolved the murder. Not only did I enjoy the mystery, I enjoyed the romance, friendship, food appreciation, and general love of Paris in this book. This was a great read, and I would recommend it to anyone.