Review: Mystery in Provence

“Mystery in Provence” introduces us to Atalanta Ashford, former schoolteacher and new heiress. Part of her inheritance includes a command to assume her grandfather’s business of ultra-discreet investigations. Atalanta has no time to settle into any of her new homes because as she arrives at her Paris house, she discovers that her first client is already waiting for her. Atalanta becomes part of a wedding party in her efforts to find out what really happened to a previous bride. Was that death a tragic accident or something more sinister?

Atalanta Ashford is a delightful character. She dreams of traveling the world and seizes the opportunity to add additional purpose to her life by assuming her grandfather’s business. In this first story, Atalanta makes numerous mistakes, but that is part of her charm. She is not perfect and is trying to figure out how to efficiently solve mysteries. Her supporting cast is somewhat mysterious and largely appear via letters or phone calls, but they have potential to develop nicely over the series.

This book is great for those who like cozy mysteries and fun, escapist reads. I enjoyed the story and Atalanta and look forward to reading the other books in the series.