The Paris mystery A Charlie James mystery

This enjoyable debut cozy from Manning (The French Gift) follows Australian journalist Charlotte "Charlie" James as she begins a job with the Paris bureau of the London Times in the summer of 1938. Charlie's first assignment is a masquerade party hosted by Lady Eleanor Ashworth on the grounds of her Versailles villa. Performers from the famous Cirque d'Hiver entertain the high-society attendees, until banker Maxime Marchand is stabbed to death. Eager to prove she's as tough as any man--especially after being belittled by her boss, who assumed she was a man when he hired her--Charlie seizes her chance to report on the crime. The many guests with potential motives include Marchand's onetime lover Amelia Goldsmith, who found his body; Amelia's jealous current beau, American photographer Conrad Mackenzie; and British attaché Edward Rose-Thomas, who is angry that Marchand bankrupted his wife's family. Charlie develops feelings for both Rose-Thomas and the inspector in charge of the case as she embarks on an investigation that takes her to various high-society settings, and ultimately threatens to reveal secrets she'd rather keep hidden. Though Manning's fans may miss the depth and nuance of her historical fiction, her talents for scene-setting and unpredictable plotting freshen up tired mystery tropes. Colorful characters and a brisk pace make this a pleasure. Agent: Stacy Testa, Writers House. (Aug.)

In 1938, journalist Charlotte "Charlie" James flees her failed marriage in Sydney, Australia, heading for a new job with The Times, a British newspaper in Paris. Surprised to learn that his new reporter is a woman, Charlie's boss tells her to ingratiate herself with Lady Eleanor Ashworth, wife of a British diplomat. Lady Ashworth knows everyone who counts in Paris, and Charlie is expected to cover her annual Circus Ball. With the help of The Times' administrative assistant, Charlie finds her way into the world of high couture and money. The Circus Ball is as decadent as everyone predicted, with tightrope walkers, bare-bosomed burlesque dancers riding ponies, and murder in the garden. When another journalist shows up with the knife that killed a powerful man, Charlie works her way into the case, consulting with inspector Benoît Bernard who is running the investigation. VERDICT This atmospheric historical mystery by the author of The Jade Lily reveals a Paris on the verge of war, in all its captivating beauty and excess. Suggest for fans of Cara Black or Betty Webb's Lost in Paris.--Lesa Holstine