Leane's Reviews > Just Another Dead Author

A lot of Red Herrings, and great twists in the plot as both the French Police: Commissionaire Roche and her newly-promoted detective Philippe Delavigne, son of the Lyon mayor, thus nicknamed “The Mayor” by his fellow police both investigate a murder of an illustrious and famous author at a writing retreat in the French countryside run by Berit Gardner’s friend and mentor, Emma, and the owner of the chateau, Antoine. Of course, Berit is immediately involved much to the French police’s chagrin and as the multiple CHs are introduced we experience multiple writers trying to solve the murder as they all uncover layers of intrigue, motives, and old histories. Those of you who enjoyed the first (Murders in Greater Diddling 2025—See my review.) will be happy to hear that Berit’s young agent Sally, once again, has Berit’s back and there is also a late appearance from British Inspector Ian Ahmed. Again Bivald uses to great effect the chemistry between the compelling detectives, professional and amateur, as both are quite intrigued with the others’ thinking and strategies. Excellent French countryside descriptions from the warrens of rooms and grounds of the chateau, Lyon, Vienne, and references to the Rhone valley and river, along with cultural, archeological, and historic details and, again, an immersive look at the inner workings of writing, the meaning of reading and story to individuals and its collective pull for book lovers and writers alike. The curriculum for the writers’ retreat covers a great many dilemmas facing modern writers from technique to agent and publishing relationships as they have changed in the modern world of TicTok, etc. Bivald’s blending of CH and book details plus the Setting creates both an inviting welcome to readers and a slowly-building suspense. At times LOL funny, the mechanics of writing, the influence of True Crime and the media on publishing, the search for belonging, relationship and diversity issues, the publishing industry all play a part. No need to read the first unless CH development is your primary reason for reading. Pacing was aided by a variety of 3rd POVs including short chapters from the murderer. Satisfactory ending. Berit Gardner is quite unlike any other mystery CH I have read. I say another, please. Readalikes may be Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood, Jessa Maxwell, and Elly Griffiths’ The Postscript Murders,/i> or The Last Word. And if it is the writing retreat as frame you desire, also look to Julia Bartz, Ande Pliego, and Jincy Willett.