Publication August 26, 2025
By sheet serendipity, I ran across a video clip of the light-show at the Eiffel Tower for Bastille Day as I was settling down to finish this book. Between the fireworks and twinkling, changing lights on the Tower, it set the perfect reading mood. In this mystery, set in 1937, Kitty and Matt are there to accompany her Gram on a nostalgia trip with a childhood friend, Eliza, and her grandson Julian. Those familiar with the series can surely predict what happens. Yep. You guessed it. A murder. Not only that, but the victim is the model girlfriend of Julian, Simone, and Simon's sister Natalie was found beside her body holding a bloody pair of scissors. So much for Kitty and Matt's hoped for relaxing trip to Paris.
Fortunately for us readers, as they follow the twisty trail of clues, we do get to tag along on several virtual moments as they venture through Paris. For instance, a scenic river cruise and ritzy meal in the Eiffel Tower's towering restaurant. To help place us in time, several references are made about the abdication of the King and Wallis Simpson, not to mention the rise of Coco Chanel as a designer. Very appropriate as the seemingly cut-throat fashion world is front and center throughout. I won't detail the plot but will say that the main characters are well defined, as is Violette, Eliza's pampered poodle. Through it all we get nicely described snippets of the Paris of the time, including during Matt's early morning stroll that showcases the working man ranks that make it all happen. I was glad to see Dixon give a nod to them, I might add. Matt's effort to ensure Kitty gets a very special view of the city was a nice touch and rather makes up for his unavoidable, whirlwind trip home at one point. Long time readers, that was connected to the long-running investigation of his old war buddy Redvers. Nope, not saying any more. I'm just glad that didn't set off more than an uncomfortable dream given his PTSD due to wartime experiences.
Bottom line, a lively read with interesting characters, a peek into the fashion/design world, and the often complicated human relationships between characters. And, in Kitty's case, a seemingly bottomless supply of croissants. I'm with Matt. How does she stay so slim? There's an emphasis on family and family needs/support, which is always a plus for me, as is the warm, respectful relationship between Kitty and Matt. Lots of secrets and surprises to keep you guessing and, if you're like me, changing your mind about whodunit. Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for making this early peek into the continuing adventures of Kitty and Matt available to me, not to mention the fun virtual trip to 1937 Paris.
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