Ian Moore – Death And Croissants

‘Death and Croissants’ by Ian Moore is the first book in the Follet Valley Mystery series, set in France. A murder mystery with more than a dash of comedy included, most of which is courtesy of Richard Ainsworth, an amateur sleuth.

A British ex-pat who is in his fifties, he moved to France with his wife, Clare and they set up the rustic Loire Valley bed and breakfast. Now Clare is back in England and he is potentially facing divorce. A man who prefers a mundane life, watching films and looking after his chickens.

His quiet, boring life changes the day a guest goes on the missing list leaving a bloody handprint on the bedroom wall and a pair of smashed glasses. The major issue for Richard is the fact that the handprint may permanently ruin the wallpaper…not the missing guest. Valérie d’Orçay, another guest, is determined Richard will get to the bottom of this. He begins to investigate and finds himself in the middle of a few criminal elements of society. The situation becomes very serious when Richard finds one of his precious hens are killed. In Richard’s head, a guest going missing is fair game…but killing a chicken?!

Such a fun, lighthearted and slightly crazy story with a real mystery ensconced in the middle. We are told the story from Richards point of view and being a fifty-odd-year-old man with his hens being his pride and joy and an old fashioned view of the world. It is no stretch of the imagination that this is peppered with such cheeky wit and tons of laugh out loud moments throughout.
Ian Moore has created the most oddball, colourful and interesting characters, which makes this tale a little crazier (if that is at all possible!).

A really easy read that flies by while being set against a beautifully described French backdrop and peppered with characters that are not easily forgotten. I am looking forward to the next chapter for poor old Richard Ainsworth.

Thanks to Anne Cater and Ian Moore for the copy of the book to bring you my own thoughts of this crazy, cosy mystery.