Murder in the Marais (An Aimee Leduc Investigation Book 1)

First book in a great series. Just saw the author in a panel and she was great. The background for the plot was a little complicated to get into but once there the book just flowed. For anyone who likes to read a series and watch a character grow these books are a pleasure.

I read the blog Parlez Paris from Adrianne Leeds who lives in Paris. She has mentioned these books the past few years and I finally order the first four in the series. It was a good read, with a good story and plotline that could only have happened in France. I loved trying to picture this young woman private detective roaming the city doing her thing some of it very action oriented. I've just started the second book, it will be entering to see how her writing progresses.

I liked Aimee , a strong character, and her partner Rene is an interesting addition. The book moved quickly . I also thought it was more than just a mystery.Thierry's coming to grips with his true identity added another layer to the novel and the mystery. As a retired French teacher who has visited Paris several times, I loved the French slang and places in the novel. One scene is set in Victor Hugo's home, a place I have visited. Form me the novel came to life. I can't wait to read more.

An outstanding crime fiction book. The protagonist is fully drawn and memorable after the book was finished. Attention to detail puts the reader into the setting. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.

The basic story was good and obviously used the real tragedy of murder and anti-semitism that abounded in WW II Paris. The shadow of that era cast its shadow of prejudice and hate once again over current day France, as Aime, the heroine detective discovers, following the murder of a Jewish man and woman.

The writing appears a bit choppy in places and lacks the smooth finish more well-known authors have mastered. Still, the story itself provides a peek into the past and uses that to keep the reader involved uncovering clues. Interesting read!

I've read a lot of Parisian historical mysteries, and this didn't cut the mustard for some reason; I didn't finish it.
Those who like simple whodunits might be satisfied, but I missed character development and finesse.

This might have been an average mystery but it is like someone thought up a gimick. Let's sprinkle references to Paris throughout. It is just plain silly. Every other sentence has the author making some irrelevant reference to one Paris landmark or another. Definitely a niche market book -- people who really do not care for good mystery writing and are in Paris for the first time. Shame on website Bonjour Paris for pushing it.

Murder in the Marais by Cara Black introduces a computer savy private investigator, Aimee Leduc. The setting is Paris and the crime brings to light the current neonazis and the World War II horrors suffered by Paris' Jewish community. Tight writing with tense situations and thrilling escapes. I'll read more of Aimee Leduc.

I reject some books based solely on the stupid names writers tend to give female police/detectives. I mean Star Raven is not the kind of character I'm even mildly interested in reading about. Really enjoy this female lead and grateful that Ms Black didn't choose a cheesy name for her or I would never have tried the books. Great historical references and a real sense of the sounds, sights and smells of Paris. Have already read three in the series and glad there are more!

In addition to being a thrilling mystery, the novel also gives you familiarity with the Marais, a very nice area of Paris (map of Marais district is enclosed). Also, there are two clever clues about who the killer is, before Detective LeDuc comes face to face with him.

Purchased this out of love of Paris, but not really thrilled with it. There were a lot of mistakes that any proofreader or editor should have caught. Maybe it's a little nitpicky, but I found that distracting. Hoped that it was because this was a first novel.

As history buff I can appreciate that aspect of Ms Blacks story telling. I got a deeper perspective of the Jewish experience during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Very informative. One must never forget. Also Paris is a favorite place for me and I enjoyed it as the background to the action.
This is a very unique and suspenseful story. But at times it got bogged down in the details. Too much repetition of the facts, some inconsistencies and incongruities. But I always enjoy a mystery and this book had enough twists to keep my attention.

If you wish to read a disecting, "academic" type of review, you may not wish to read mine. A mystery fan, I found this book to be fun and suprisingly, a bit of fresh air. Suprising because though I'm somewhat used to cultural differences, the Parisian cultural point of view and local brought enough difference as to make me feel I was visiting and made it unlike what I'm used to. Yes, a large "cast" (I shrug at this) and a "superwoman" leading character ...(like Spenser isn't?, ... and I love Spenser!) Her attention to fashion, ... well, it IS after all, PARIS. It is a book that I can recommend to my friends and a series I will continue.

Before I write this review: I grew up during WWII and have small tolerance for its reborn issues. WWII removed my need for the kind of impulse shown by the hero. That said, my notes say, "By the end of the book, all the garbage has a purpose so I plan to at least read a second story in the series to judge the growth of Black's character."

This author might grow on me. The characters seem somewhat awkwardly contrived, as had a few of the details of the resolution, but all-in-all, it had a decent plot and the writing was above average. I'll be reading more of this author's books, since this one had seemed to suggest a promising start.

Couldn't finish reading this. What private investigator just so happens to have a "skinhead" outfit in her closet? Really? The author clearly is not familiar with neo-nazi groups. They would not just accept her. They'd be worried she was an infiltrator. Too many books out there that are much better. Don't waste your time.

Murder in the Marais was a really good mystery. Cara Black takes you right into Paris and the Marais district. I visited Paris this summer and stayed in the area so it was fun to step back into the neighborhood. The audiobook made it all the better.