The Curse of La Fontaine (A Provençal Mystery) Paperback – April 4, 2017

I have really enjoyed all of the books in this series - and what is better than finding a new (to you) series and starting at the beginning with more ready to hand? This is the sixth and they are all equally good. There is the atmosphere of smallish French towns, the contrast with the grit and elegance of Paris, the food and wine, and the social niceties of the culture - gossip included. The author manages to develop the relationship between the primary protagonists in such a way that their growing closeness is believable. Auxiliary characters bring another layer of complexity and interest. While the crimes that Verlaque and his team must endeavor to solve (with Bonnet's help) are the hook to interest us in the story, they are also well described and interesting in their own right as a way to see aspects of France the tourist brochures omit. The legal system in itself (explained in this volume) is interesting, especially in contrast to the US or British systems.As in the other volumes, La Fontaine is grounded in history, which adds depth and context that makes the stories in it more than just another detectival adventure.

The sixth book in this series set in Aix en Provence begins right after the wedding of Examining magistrate Antoine Verlaque and Professor Marine Bonnet. If you are thinking, who the heck are they, this is not the book for you. Begin the series at the beginning, so that you will know the continuing characters and the setting. The setting in Provence is a major part of the charm of this series. Aix was not our favorite part of Provence, but it provides a good background for a murder mystery. This story begins with a cold case when a skeleton is discovered in a shallow grave near a fountain in a small private garden. Murder has a way of uncovering secrets and Verlaque and his investigators, including Paulik, his friend and Police Commissioner, are diligent. It is a complex plot with subplots, intrigue and lots of characters, but our author manages to tell the story in a way that lets the reader stay interested and keep everything straight. All of the books in the series have a definite focus on food and wine and this one is no exception. Food and wine may be even more prominent in this book since a restaurant, the chef, and his staff are a big part of the story. Current issues are a big part of this cold case which adds to the interest. This series is a police procedural but on the cozy side. There is no graphic violence, no detailed sex, and the swearing is predominantly in French. If you know the French, it is unlikely to offend you. It is a reasonably entertaining mystery that lets you vicariously return to Provence and that has its charms. We do not pre-order these mysteries or eagerly anticipate them, but do enjoy them and we have read them all.

Yager is a masterful storyteller. As the reader follows the quest of three unlikely companions navigating their way through the treacherous environs of the Mekong River, the characters become more real and multi-faceted with each page. It's riveting, and without being macabre (no easy task) it reveals the horrors of the Pol Pot regime and the mass genocide that was ignored by the rest of the world. I'm encouraging all my friends and family to read this book.

Used book in condition advertised, or better.

The Curse of La Fontaine by M. L. Longworth is a Verlaque & Bonnet Provencal Mystery, Book #6.Newlyweds, Antoine and Marine delve into a centuries-old curse.Once again, I have enjoyed this title and continuing series very much.The book is filled with scenic locations both in southern France and Italy. The (very accurate) descriptions of Aix-en-Provence are especially stimulating. One wants to be there in person! Along with the locations, the restaurants and wines, the historical ‘tidbits’, the very detailed characters and plots - all make for a wonderful read.I did like the characters in this title very much. I had to reread several chapters to make sure I understood the mystery and the many different characters. The cigar smoking doesn’t interest me and puts me off a bit (truthfully) but it is part of Antoine’s character and is a bit of a subplot, all on its own. So I will adjust my thinking.A great title and a Great series. ****

ML Longworth weaves a tale of mystery, history, art, and culture around the enigma of a cursed fountain. Exploring the love story of Verlaque and Bonnet, which seems to be softening le Juge. On to the next book. Don’t miss out and do yourself a favor by reading this book.

I had really looked forward to this latest Verlaque mystery, as I'd loved the others. I was sad to find I was disappointed this time. The writing felt more formulaic, not as original and strong as usual. There are some interesting characters, and of course both Marine Bonnet and Antoine Verlaque are charming as ever. But I have liked the others in this series quite a lot more than this one. Still worth a read, but not earning my usual enthusiasm for this series.

I loved reading about the legal system in France in a story that takes place in the famed Provence region. The author incorporates wonderful historical tidbits and descriptions of the people (e.g. artists), landmarks and the food/wine of the region into a murder investigation that has no obvious culprit.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story was engaging and kept me guessing until the end, teasing the audience with one potential suspect after the next. Would highly recommend this series!

Great mystery, great food, transport yourself to the south of France for a semi-cozy read.