A SOUFFLÉ OF SUSPICION

By Daryl Wood Gerber

This is the second serving of the newest series by Gerber called, the French Bistro Mysteries, and it is just as delicious as the first.

Readers go back to this fun place of frivolity and incredible food. Unfortunately, the fun and happiness is tested by something extremely sinister this time around.

In Nouvelle Vie, “Crush Week” is upon everyone. Tourists are filling the town, the shops and Mimi’s Bistro and Maison Rousseau, partaking in the events that come along with the pressing of the world-renowned grapes that thrive in the Napa Valley. Mimi and the gang are busy beyond belief and she’s even putting together a “Sweet Treats Festival” for the visitors so they can enjoy everything from cakes to croissants to the ultimate soufflés created by the masters who live in the area.

Mimi does have help, of course. In fact, it is Renee, the sister of Chef Camille, who is shouting out orders and turning into somewhat of a tyrant while taking the reins and ruling over the festival. Not only is her attitude a problem, but all may fall to ruin when Renee is found murdered in the chef’s kitchen.

Mimi is a woman still making a name for herself in the industry and building her clientele so that her business will thrive. Murder is the last thing she needs on her plate, so she immediately begins to investigate to try and solve things before they get too far out of hand to manage. Trouble is, because of the way Renee acted towards everyone, the list of suspects who had something against her is quite long.

When it comes to the word “appetizing” you automatically think of food. But when it comes to the literary scene, this series is well beyond appetizing. Not only are the foods incredible (make sure to check out the awesome recipes provided), but the characters and plot are equally superb.