Cozy Mystery: *French Ghost*

Posted on by hollynasello Posted in Book ReviewsTagged , , , , , ,

By Corinne LaBalme

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Melody Layne is a Ghost Writer. She publishes her writing under another name. And she just scored big time. One of the biggest names in French “Hollywood,” Charles-Henri Banville, hired HER to write his memoir. Even with an “as told to” byline, Melody can pocket a pretty good chunk of change from this book deal. Her first meeting with Banville tells her all she needs to know. He is a womanizing sleaze who is used to getting what he wants. But when Charles-Henri suddenly dies after falling overboard at a yacht party, Melody’s book deal and sweet payday dive overboard with him.

That is until Melody meets the mysterious and handsome but also snobby and judgmental Spaniard who, as it turns out, is the only heir to the Banville estate. Charles-Henri Carlos Ortega Banville would rather disown his father and the estate. Charles-Henri Sr. had made a reputation of scandals and womanizing.

Carlos revises Melody’s contract and re-hires her to write an in-depth look at the real Charles-Henry Banville Sr., but Carlos has an ulterior motive. Tensions rise between Melody and Carlos as they discover the truth about Charles-Henri’s life and death.

CHARLES HENRI, TES JOURS SONT COMPTES

Your days are numbered? I snapped a picture, tucked it back into the cover, and shivered. It was definitely, definitely time to go.

French Ghost

This ‘cozy’ mystery is an easy page-turner. The main character, Melody, is quirky, intelligent, and has a way of meeting all the right people. Through her research, she is able to uncover a mystery that no one knew needed solving. Her relationship with Carlos becomes the main plot though most of the book, with the mystery as a subplot. This makes the book an easy, light read.

I gave this book 4/5 stars because it was pretty engaging and fast. The ending probably isn’t what most readers would want, but I felt like it was a real-life result of a situation. Melody stood up for herself when insulted or knocked down throughout the book, so the ending should be no different. However, French Ghost is a series, and therefore the conclusion should lead into the next book.

While romances really aren’t my thing, I did enjoy everything *around* the romance. Melody’s research, whisking away with friends, and getting caught up in a world of celebrity catfights are entertaining to read. The author gave a great insight into French culture – and the description of the food and wine made me want to book a plane ticket right now.

I recommend this book to:

French Ghost is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats.

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