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Americans in France: Mastering the Art of French Murder and (not quite) Mastering the Art of French Living

26 Apr

Mastering the Art of French Murder
by Colleen Cambridge
Mastering the Art of French Murder is the first book in a new series by Colleen Cambridge. I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher and Netgalley so I could give you an honest review. The novel is set in post WWII Paris, where Julia Child’s fictional best friend, Tabitha, is living with her Grandfather and “Oncle” Rafe. Fans of Julia and France will be happy to see that details about both were well researched and Cambridge depicts them in loving detail. Tabitha worked in a factory during war time in Michigan and feels at odds with returning to a world where women are expected to wear dresses and simply get married, so takes the opportunity to temporarily relocate to Paris and works as an English tutor, while trying to decide what her next chapter in life will be. She also struggles in the kitchen and looks to her friend for cooking tips, which allows for some fun, light hearted moments amongst a mystery committed with Julia’s own chef knife. I enjoyed Tabitha and her interactions with her family and friends, but they mystery itself is also a clever one that draws from historic details. I’m hoping there will be many more in the charming American in Paris Mystery Series. Cambridge is the pen name of Colleen Gleason who has published a variety of books including the Phyllida Bright Mysteries, another cozy series published under Colleen Cambridge.

If you are left hungering for French food after reading the story, you can check out how to make everything from Boeuf Bourguignon to Chocolate Soufflé from Julia Child in The French Chef Volumes 1-4.

For those looking for books about or including Julia for kids check out my previous post where I helped my son do research about the culinary icon.

(not quite) Mastering the Art of French Living
by Mark Greenside
(not quite) Mastering the Art of French Living is the sequel to Mark Greenside’s memoir I’ll Never be French (no matter what I do). Greenside though now splitting his time between America and France is still learning to fit in. This memoir discusses everything from his struggles with driving, money exchange, healthcare and learning to be more adventurous with food. I was particularly interested in this work since I had spent a summer in Brittany and Paris with my grandparents as a teenager and was eager to see how his experiences were similar or different from my own in comparison to his time in Brittany. Greenside definitely is a bit of a curmudgeon, but in putting forth this version of himself the annoyance or frustrations he feels struggling with another culture play off as humorous and more self-deprecating than offensive towards those he interacts with, which can always be a possibility with travel fiction. I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Richard Poe, who brings Greenside’s humorous and at times touching tales to life.

Looking for more Americans in Paris; check out my review of the adorable TV series, Emily in Paris.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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Outstanding Outer Space Adventures: Promises Stronger than Darkness and The Spare Man

12 Apr

Promises Stronger than Darkness
by Charlie Jane Anders
Promises Stronger than Darkness is the third and final novel in the Unstoppable Trilogy. I had previously blogged about Victories Greater than Death, the first in the series. Although the series is marketed as YA, it also has appeal for adult readers who are looking for Science Fiction with a bit of humor and a lot of heart. There are many plot points from the previous novels to be wrapped up and they are best read in order. The book focuses both on a diverse group of humans who are helping to fight for the survival of the universe including Rachel, a neurodivergent artist from America, and Elza, a transwoman from Brazil, as well as a variety of aliens such as the bug like Wyndgonk, who can produce fire, and Tina, a purple hued, jewel adorned clone of the famed Captain Argentian. Themes about the importance of friendship, taking the time to work through the difficulties of cross cultural communication and not making assumptions about others, and finding ones own identity outside of family and your community’s expectations are all explored. Although sometimes I wished the book lingered a bit more over world building since the brief descriptions of planets and alien cultures were so intriguing, the action packed pace of the novel kept me reading to the satisfying end. We read Anders’s novel, All the Birds in the Sky as part of the Hoboken Public Library’s Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Discussion Group, which the group and I also enjoyed. I received an advance copy of Promises Stronger than Darkness from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for providing an honest review.

The Spare Man
by Mary Robinette Kowal
I’m a fan of both Science Fiction, Mysteries, and Cruise Ships so when I learned about Mary Robinette’s Kowal’s newest novel, a mystery set on space cruise ship between Earth and Mars, I couldn’t wait to check it out. The Spare Man, of the title, refers to a body found on board which can not be identified, but if the title sounds familiar that is because the novel was partially inspired by the classic Dashiell Hammett novel and film adaptation, The Thin Man, featuring Nick, Nora, and their adorable dog Skippy. Tesla Crane, a famous inventor and heiress, is on her honeymoon in disguise with her husband, a retired detective and her adorable service dog, Gimlet. When her husband is accused of murder they must solve the case before they become the next victims. I appreciated that Tesla’s chronic pain and PTSD from a serious accident in her past are handled in a realistic way which both adds to plot elements, but also should resonate with those who have similar conditions, who might not often see people like them depicted in genre fiction. Each chapter begins with either a classic or original cocktail recipe, including some that are alcohol free. I had previously blogged about Kowal’s novels, Without a Summer, part of her Glamourist Histories series and The Calculating Stars part of her Lady Astronaut’s Society series, which we read as part of the Hoboken Public Library’s Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Discussion Group.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager


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