This is one of those series best read for the atmosphere, the setting, and the characters, rather than for the mystery. The mysteries are good and well plotted, but slow paced; not quite back-burnered, but not front and center either. As the latest entry, this one may be the most leisurely one yet, with plotting that, to me, relies on a far-fetched hunch on the part of the police commissionaire. It works, for reasons that are logical in the end, but that first assumption - the bit that causes the cascade towards denouement, felt like too big a stretch. Verlaque, the titular MC, is a bit of a damp twit in this book, which feels contrary to all previous books, and is an obvious sop to the conceit that (impending) parenthood softens even the most hardened heart.

Otherwise, the book was as enjoyable to read as all the rest - a nice mini-break to France from the comfort of my couch. Now that Verlaque and Marine have reproduced, my anticipation of future books is somewhat dampened, as I don't think parenting and solving crimes a sensible mix, but I will happily read the next one and hope to be proved wrong.

Apparently the BBC has made a TV show of this series, called Murder in Provence, available on BritBox. I watched the trailer the other day and ... everyone is British. I mean, I realise the BBC is a British production company, but the setting is in France, and all the characters are French, at least they are in the books. Listening to Verlaque and Marine speak in very British accents was unnerving. But the show did appear to be humorous, and I admit to being intrigued - possibly enough to sign up for the free month trial. ( )

Disaster at the Vendome Theater is a wonderful addition to M.L. Longworth’s Provencal Mystery series. This title is Book #10 (of 10).
It is quite chaotic at the small Vendome Theater in Aix. Murder - Mayhem - Secrets - Theater Egos - Jealousies
This series is a mystery, a police (French police) procedural, a travelogue with food, wine, cafes, history, and culture thrown in.
The book, indeed the entire series, is so atmospheric; the characters so interesting, smart and pleasant, that I feel very comfortable passing the time with them!
We are with Bruno Paulik a bit more this time as Verlaque is an emotional roller coaster, what with the impending birth of his and Marine’s first child.
I enjoyed reading this title and this series very much. I can’t wait for more! ***** ( )

read 2023; gave away