Murder in the Marais

Worst mystery book ever written. I did not know that a book could be this bad.

The characters in this “novel” are one-dimensional and razor-thin. The depictions of Paris are so full of silly stereotypes that it's hard to believe that Cara Black has actually been there. This book reads like a very badly-written postcard from a tourist.

Her characters are straight out of a comic book. Leduc is a caricature of a Frenchwoman; we see her constantly eating croissants, while smoking, drinking espresso, etc. The only thing she lacks is a beret and a poodle. What can I say about her assistant, who is an actual dwarf? In the hands of another writer, that detail could be turned into an interesting quirk. Here, it's just another WTF that the author seems to have thrown in for no good reason.

Black obviously didn't take the time to develop any of the background of the story. Leduc's computer skills have no basis in reality. Black throws in lots of made-up technical mumbo-jumbo that indicates she has absolutely no idea what she's talking about.

As far as the plot, it features Nazis. Really, Nazis, in contemporary Paris. Let's see.. Marais, traditional Jewish neighborhood... I know, we'll make it about Nazis! That must have taken about 2 minutes of thought.

This book should be used in writing classes as an example of what bad writing looks like. I would recommend that you read the first third of the book (you don't need to read any more), just for a laugh. But look for it at the library, don't pay for it!

I've been intending to read one of these Aimee Leduc mysteries ever since I first served as an author escort for Cara Black at the Texas Book Festival years and years ago. What better time to read the first book in the series, Murder in the Marais, than just before heading out on a trip to France where I will be staying in the Marais?

I enjoyed reading this mystery. I liked the characters. I especially liked the way Aimee Leduc uses disguises to change her appearance during her investigations.

And I learned a lot about the Marais, especially during the occupation.

I may read more of these.