Title:	A Deadly Éclair: A French Bistro Mystery
	Author:	Daryl Wood Gerber
	Published:	November 7, 2017, Crooked Lane Books
	No. of Pages:	320
	Cover Price:	$26.99 Hardcover, $16.00 Paperback, $9.99 Kindle

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A Deadly Éclair is the first installment in the French Bistro Mystery series by Agatha Award-winning author Daryl Wood Gerber. Protagonist Mimi Rousseau has just returned to her hometown in Napa Valley to open her dream bistro and inn, financed by Bryan Baker, who believes in her and has served as her mentor. Bryan’s niece, who is a famous celebrity chef, is getting married, and the wedding is to be held at Mimi’s bistro. Things are looking good, until Bryan is found murdered and Mimi’s loan is forgiven in his will, making her a suspect. Mimi must find the murderer before she is arrested and locked up.

Gerber, who is a veteran writer of cozies and other thrillers, does an excellent job introducing her characters in this newest series. The characters are well-developed and likeable, making readers excited for the next installments. The bonus in this novel is that it contains recipes – good recipes – that readers will actually want to prepare. It is nice to read the novel while slurping authentic French Onion Soup, or scooping up an easy, but good version of Eggs Benedict. Of course there is a recipe for real French Éclairs (not deadly ones), and who can resist that!

Even though this is a cozy, there is suspense, and plenty of twists and turns. The book is a fun, fast read, but has plenty of good scenarios to keep the interest of readers. Thriller aficionados and foodies who want to read something a bit lighter than usual will definitely want to begin reading this delightful series.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.