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Verity Bright
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The French for Murder: An absolutely addictive historical cozy mystery (A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery Book 10) Kindle Edition

by Verity Bright (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 3,630 ratings
A grand villa, croissants for breakfast and a dead body in the wine cellar… Lady Swift can’t seem to take a vacation from murder!

Summer 1922. Lady Eleanor Swift is finally persuaded by her butler, Clifford, to take a villa in the south of France for the season. She plans to do what a glamorous lady abroad should: long lunches on the balcony followed by lazy afternoons lounging by the pool. Even Gladstone the bulldog is looking forward to a daily paddle in the ocean.

But when Clifford examines the wine cellar, he discovers there are no decent reds but there is a very dead body. The victim is famous American movie star Rex Armstrong. Poor Rex seems to have been stabbed with a sword from the film set. So how did he end up in Eleanor’s villa?

Before Eleanor even has time to change out of her travelling suit, her beloved butler is arrested for the crime. At sea without her right-hand man, Eleanor must gather her wits if she’s to outsmart a murderer and save Clifford.

Attending a glitzy party at the luxurious Hotel Azure with the film’s cast and crew so she can question her main suspects, Eleanor overhears the director having a most unsettling telephone call that throws all her theories out of the water. Can Eleanor unmask the true killer before her time abroad is cut murderously short?

A gripping historical murder mystery full of charm and intrigue, set in the beautiful French Riviera. Fans of Agatha Christie, T E Kinsey and Lee Strauss will adore The French for Murder.

Readers are utterly addicted to Verity Bright!

‘What a great cozy mystery! I am hooked! This is the best book, bar none, that I have read this year… An extremely witty, fast-paced mystery… I love the heroine, intrepid adventuress… A most enjoyable read!’ Reviews by Carol in Tallahassee ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Can I give it six stars please?… Pretty much perfect… Bright has the amazing gift of bringing the reader into that world where the characters are alive.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘What a wild ride it is!… Gripping… This book is what would happen if Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie had a baby. Fun, fast-paced read with lots of charm!’ The Literary Wife

‘I was literally on the edge of my seat until the last page trying to figure out the mystery. It’s an adorable, captivating book.’ Washington Life Magazine

‘OMG! What an incredible read!… When I devour a book this quickly it only means one thing: I was so enraptured that I couldn’t put it down!’ Celebrating Authors ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Oooh I loved this book…I wanted a book which would be absolutely soothing to read with a murder in it and this was it. The book was everything I wanted in these troubling times. I loved it.’Book Reviews by Shalini

‘A sparkling heroine and perfect partner-in-crime… Every bit as compelling a couple as Bertie Wooster and Jeeves and the series is both entertaining and eminently readable… The perfect light reading for a summer day. An added bonus is the delightful dog Gladstone who is indolent, gluttonous and totally adorable.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘I am head over heels for Lady Swift and her investigative adventures. This book is perfect for Sunday afternoon reading to escape into a fabulously written English mystery story. Cannot wait for more Lady Swift.’ Sarah in Readerland ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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  1. Book 10 of 22
    A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery
  2. Print length
    302 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    May 30, 2022
  5. File size
    1.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09SZSXT2L
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 30, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 302 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1803143231
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 10 of 22 ‏ : ‎ A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 3,630 ratings

About the author

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Verity Bright

Verity Bright

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Verity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humour, before embarking on their first historical mystery. They are the authors of the fabulous Lady Swift Mystery series, set in the 1920s. You can buy the first book in the series, A Very English Murder, on Amazon now.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
3,630 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this historical cozy mystery series, particularly appreciating its setting and the blend of mystery with humor. They find the storyline engaging, with one customer noting how the scope of events led to many surprises. Customers praise the compelling characters, with one review highlighting the relationship between Clifford and Eleanor. The pacing receives positive feedback, with one customer describing the vivid scenes from the French Riviera throughout the book.

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24 customers mention "Enjoyment"20 positive4 negative

Customers find the book an exciting and pleasant read, particularly appreciating the engaging conversations and setting.

"They did it again! I find the dynamic descriptions so enthralling, whether about gastronomy, history, culture, couture, or topography...." Read more

"...and could see no motive and yet when revealed it was so simple, so believable and yes, I did, for a moment, feel the murderer’s pain and..." Read more

"I've been enjoying the series so far, very much. But not so this book...." Read more

"...Don’t miss this one. It’s great!" Read more

17 customers mention "Storyline"13 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, finding it a good mystery with an undertone of humor, and one customer notes that it keeps readers guessing throughout.

"...And there are so many suspects, from the large who are part of the of the filming of a film about Napoleon to the hordes who attend the parties..." Read more

"...All the original suspects' motives were a lot of red "fish"! Great surprise ending, but not enough boyfriend!" Read more

"...The plot was easily followed and the story is quite good, even though I have come to expect it from this author...." Read more

"A very good mystery filled with an interesting locale in a small Mediterranean town filled with lots of fascinating people from film stars and..." Read more

16 customers mention "Character development"14 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, finding them very compelling, with one customer particularly appreciating the relationship between Clifford and Eleanor.

"...However, I shall continue reading this series and loving the antics of Eleanor, Clifford, and the staff." Read more

"...I really enjoyed the setting and the strange characters. Recently saw a documentary about the Murphys, so the book was even more interesting...." Read more

"I truly enjoyed this book. The main characters are as loyal a friends as anyone could hope for, despite being servant and Lady...." Read more

"This series is great fun and not at all serious. The returning characters are very appealing, I love the slipper eating bull dog...." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one mentioning its vivid scenes from the French Riviera.

"...Throw in a castle, vignettes of French provincial life, jaw dropping scenery and lunch en famille with a sympathetic policeman and, of course, the..." Read more

"...The setting in this was so enjoyable and so vivid throughout by the magical writing of Verify Bright!!!!" Read more

"Vivid scenes from the French Riviera..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kara Lynn Stolee-Kiefer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another masterpiece
    Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    They did it again! I find the dynamic descriptions so enthralling, whether about gastronomy, history, culture, couture, or topography. I have enjoyed the thoroughly researched historical fiction and the captivating conversations included in all ten books I have read.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • C. Trussell
    4.0 out of 5 stars Lady Swift’s French vacation
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Unwittingly renting a vacation home owned by a French mobster results in Lady Swift’s butler, Clifford, finding a corpse in the wine cellar. Unfortunately, the victim is a famous American actor, filming a movie with an American film company and part of the mayor’s plan to bring more tourists to the small seaside town in France. Because he found the body, Clifford is immediately arrested. And because the house is being watched and occupants scrutinized, both the mayor and the police chief inspector are aware of Eleanor’s past sleuthing success. They use Clifford’s arrest to extort Eleanor’s help in finding the murderer without the actor’s death being declared a murder. Just to get Clifford released to help her she must find a substantial clue. And there are so many suspects, from the large who are part of the of the filming of a film about Napoleon to the hordes who attend the parties held by an extravagant American couple who’ve rented a hotel for the off-season to the mobster who owns the rental home. For those who’ve enjoyed the series, know that the servants from home have also made the trip, so there is humor, too.
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  • Anna May
    5.0 out of 5 stars Champagne and sabres anyone!!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    You would think a cellar would be lese-majeste as the latest place where lady Eleanor would find a body?
    Ah! But not when it’s the cellar of a to-die-for ( ha, ha ) French Riviera mansion and involves a sabre and a champagne bottle.
    In true Verity Bright style Lady Eleanor is soon back in her milieu as she tries to track down a murderer amongst a motley assortment of Artists, Musicians, Millionaires and an American film company complete with beautiful leading lady and a not so debonair vanishing leading man. Throw in a castle, vignettes of French provincial life, jaw dropping scenery and lunch en famille with a sympathetic policeman and, of course, the little matter of Lady Eleanor trying to keep Clifford out of jail.
    I, once again in this series, did not guess the murderer and could see no motive and yet when revealed it was so simple, so believable and yes, I did, for a moment, feel the murderer’s pain and desperation
    But then they never stop at one, do they?
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sale items
    Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Love variety and ease of use.
    Helpful
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  • Allyson M. W. Dyar
    4.0 out of 5 stars Murder in France.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Deciding that she had had enough of dead bodies and solving mysteries, Lady Eleanor packs up her house and rents a villa in France. Unfortunately for her, while taking inventory of the wine, her intrepid butler Clifford finds a dead body. When the local constabulary decides that since Clifford found the body, he must have done the deed. Not wanting her butler to spend the rest of his life in a French jail, Lady Eleanor reluctantly takes on the mission to find out whodunit.

    I didn't find this story as compelling as previous adventures and I'm thinking that the lack of Lady E swooning over her beau may have had something to do with it.

    Not a bad book, just not one of the best in the series.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Talk about twists and turns! All the original suspects' motives were a lot of red "fish"! Great surprise ending, but not enough boyfriend!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Mel
    3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointingly boring
    Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I've been enjoying the series so far, very much. But not so this book. For me this installment dragged on and on, to the point that I started skipping ahead, 8–10 pages at a time, just to move the story ahead faster. A lot of rehashing the same conversations repeatedly, a lot of Eleanor standing around at parties. Snooze. You can skip this book; I don't think anything from this book will appear in future books.
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  • Patti
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another fun, fascinating mystery!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Lady Eleanor Swift no sooner arrived at her holiday villa when Clifford informed her he found a body. No surprise there. The surprise is that Clifford was arrested for it. Their search for the real killer has them attending numerous parties at exotic locations and put into many dangerous situations. Don’t miss this one. It’s great!
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • JK
    5.0 out of 5 stars another fun Lady Swift adventure
    Reviewed in Australia on June 5, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    With Clifford by her side another fun packed adventure as Lady Swift gets one’s self in the thick of it crime caper in Nice. Film stars, parties, lots of drink and murder. A fun read and continues the mayhem in the series and Gladstone finding more slippers to bury. Have enjoyed everyone of the books in the series!
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  • jasmin d'été
    2.0 out of 5 stars le plus confus de la série
    Reviewed in France on November 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    J'ai lu cette série depuis le 1er livre . J'ai suivi avec enthousiasme cette série cozy à la Agatha Christie. Mais au dela du fait que les livres sont de qualité inégale , celui ci est impossible à lire : trop vague , aucune ambiance, les personnages sont inexistants et faux , tout est mauvais . Je ne pourrais pas finir
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  • Lorraine
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent series
    Reviewed in Canada on August 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I just finished the last book in this series and loved them all.. They are all well written and I enjoyed every one.. As soon as I finished one I started the next one. They are about an English lady and her butler solving mysteries. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
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  • V. O'Regan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lady Eleanor heads to the Riviera for an unexpected busman’s holiday
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 2, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    “I apologise for delivering news of an inconvenient nature, my lady, but there appears to be a dead body in the wine cellar.’ Clifford, the butler.

    Well that was quite a first line! Lady Eleanor Swift at first assumes that her faithful butler is teasing as they have only just arrived at the holiday villa on the Côte d’Azur and haven’t even unpacked. Yet he is quite serious and so begins a new case.

    ‘The French for Murder’ is Book 10 in Verity Bright’s Lady Eleanor Swift series of historical cosy mysteries set in the early 1920s.

    Lady Eleanor is on holiday in order to recuperate following her recent adventures. Aside from Clifford she is accompanied by her bulldog, Gladstone, and various members of her staff. With the discovery of the body, the revelation of his identity (no spoilers), and the local police bumbling about, Lady Eleanor has no choice but to use her wit, charm and sleuthing skills to solve the case.

    I so love this series and combined my reading with its unabridged audiobook, narrated by Karen Cass.

    Verity Bright closes with some fascinating historical notes about the Riviera and how from 1922 it became a popular summer holiday destination for wealthy Americans after an influential American couple rented out an entire hotel for the summer and invited a number of guests including painters, writers, and musicians. They swam, sunbathed, and partied through the nights.

    ‘The French for Murder’ featured a fictional American couple who are doing similar. They also are attracting film industry folk to them. During her investigation Lady Eleanor attends a number of glamorous events. As always the authors include rich period detail into the narrative including food and fashion as well as cultural history.

    This was a delight from start to finish and I certainly look forward to the next mystery for Lady Eleanor due for publication in August.
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  • Tired Mummy
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I liked this book and loved finding out more about Clifford's past. However it wasn't quite as good as the previous ones in the series - it seemed a bit convoluted with so many various characters. The historical background was especially interesting though, with the fiction based on real places and events in France at the time.
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