Chocolat Chaud Murder and Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!  I hope all of you are having a wonderful holiday!   I actually got everything done!  The presents were wrapped (in gift bags--that is as good as it is getting this year), stockings filled, cookies baked (and some even had icing on them), and trees finished.  I did not get lights outside the house, but I considered it a bonus (and was not likely to happen this year)!  It was a difficult day without my father (our first Christmas without him).  There were some goods moments though. I actually started my shopping early so my father had a hand in picking out some of the gifts.  It made them extra special!  

Chocolat Chaud Murder by Harper Lin is the ninth book in A Patisserie Mystery series.  Clemence Damour is looking for the perfect wedding dress in Paris, France for her wedding to Arthur Duboil.  Clemence is trying on dresses at La Belle which is co-owned by Adine (who designs the dresses) and Jennifer Moss.  Clemence may have found the perfect dress, but a scream rings out.  Perrie, Adine’s assistant, found the body of Adine in her apartment.  Inspector Cyril St. Clair is the head inspector and warns Clemence to stay out of the investigation.  Of course, Clemence has no intention of listening to him.  Clemence sets out to find the killer.  She is determined to solve the crime.  Will Clemence be able to figure out who killed Adine?

Chocolat Chaud Murder is the first book I have read in A Patisserie Mystery series.  It is a short book (really it is too short) and easy to read.  I found it lacking though.  It seemed a little superficial.  We are not given much information on any of the characters (last names seemed to be lacking).  There were also no clues.  I like to follow the clues to solve the mystery.  We are given a clue just before the killer is revealed.  I had already figured it out (it was very simple), but I like the investigation and the bread crumbs that lead us the murderer.  I felt that the crime happened to early in the book.  I wish authors would not have someone killed in the first chapter.  The book does have a good flow which makes it easy to read and enjoy.  I give Chocolat Chaud Murder 3 out of 5 stars.  I do recommend if you read you start at the beginning of the series.  I think it would be beneficial (and helpful to understand the main characters).

Chocolat Chaud Murder is currently available for (a limited time) $.99 on Amazon. I received a complimentary copy of Chocolat Chaud Murder from the author in exchange for an honest review.  

Have a lovely (and hopefully relaxing) Christmas evening! I hope you got everything you wished for this holiday! I am currently reading Calico Spy by Margaret Brownley (cute book).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader