Death And Croissants

"Laugh-out-loud caper." —Shelf Awareness, Starred Review "A fast-paced, witty story for those who enjoy dry British humor." —Library Journal Meet Richard Ainsworth: an almost divorced part time B&B owner, part time film historian, full time self-deprecator. Hoping to continue running his B&B in the quiet Val de Follet, he has no idea of its hidden intrigue, from the mafia to swingers, to the peddling of (il)legal grape seeds. His quiet has flown the coop on a fateful afternoon with a bloody handprint, a missing guest, and one dead Ava Gardner (beloved hen). Death and Croissants is an unputdownable, hilarious mystery perfect for fans of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club. What readers are saying: "Richard Osman meets Sherlock Holmes rampaging through the charming Loire Valley in this raucously funny book. I loved it." "A light, very funny mystery with appealing characters in a wonderful French countryside." "Oh wow, this was funny. This one just knocks it out of the park." "A story full of interesting and diverse characters told with lots of humor." "The author gives you everything you want in a humorous, witty mystery that chases you through all the twists and turns with murder, mafia, and mayhem."

‘A very funny page-turner. Fantastique!’ Adam Kay, Comedian and author of This is Going to Hurt 'A writer of immense wit and charm.' Paul Sinha, ITV's The Chase THE FIRST NOVEL IN THE ENTHRALLING FOLLET VALLEY SERIES, BY TV/RADIO REGULAR IAN MOORE Richard is a middle-aged Englishman who runs a B&B in the fictional Val de Follet in the Loire Valley. Nothing ever happens to Richard, and really that’s the way he likes it. One day, however, one of his older guests disappears, leaving behind a bloody handprint on the wallpaper. Another guest, the enigmatic Valérie, persuades a reluctant Richard to join her in investigating the disappearance. Richard remains a dazed passenger in the case until things become really serious and someone murders Ava Gardner, one of his beloved hens ... and you don’t mess with a fellow’s hens! Unputdownable mystery set in rural France, by TV/radio regular and bestselling author Ian Moore – perfect for fans of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club, Julia Chapman, or M.C. Beaton. Praise for Death and Croissants: 'Death and Croissants is a far funnier book than a story about a bloody murder has any right to be.' Josh Widdicombe, BBC's Mock the Week 'This is like two great books in one, a tricksy whodunnit, and a really, really funny story.' Jason Manford 'Ian is one of my favourite writers; this is hilarious and a great mystery too.' Janey Godley 'Good food and a laugh-out-loud mystery. What more could anyone want in these dark times?” Mark Billingham ‘Death and Croissants is such a relentless rollercoaster ride of laughs and twists, it should come with a height restriction and health warning.’ Matt Forde ‘Sharp, slick and surprising – like the author himself – Death and Croissants is the Loire Valley’s answer to Murder on the Orient Express. I’d marry him tomorrow (Richard, the protagonist; Ian too).' Cally Beaton ‘Though I disagree with the opinions on muesli and the hen naming system that are in this book, I will let those pass and say that it is funny, pacy and very entertaining! It also has short chapters – I find many modern novels take far too long to get to the next chapter, but there's no hanging about here.’ Robin Ince 'I’d never connected the words “death” and “croissants” before, but now they’re inextricably linked. It’s a rollicking qui-dunnit with as many twists as the Loire itself'. Stephen Clarke, author of 1000 Years of Annoying the French 'Moore's French whodunnit is an engaging caper through the Loire Valley with an expat reluctant hero mixed up with a Maigret-like rural cast, a glamorous heroine and a couple of Mafia killers. It is finely paced, truly funny and written with a wry detachment that conjures up a gentler age of murder mystery.' Charles Bremner ‘Just like the Loire’s other great export, Sancerre, Ian Moore’s prose is reassuringly dry, beautifully constructed, and deeply satisfying. The Follet Valley series is a pleasure you’ll return to again and again.’ Marty Wilson, former Australian Comic of the Year Everyone is wanting Moore! - what people are saying about Ian Moore: ‘Charming, witty, a brilliant read.’ Sarah Millican ‘There are a great many comedians who think that they can also write books, myself included, but very few who can rival Ian Moore’s immediate warmth and skill with language.’ Jon Richardson ‘Ian Moore is a brilliantly funny writer and that’s all there is to it.’ Annabel Giles ‘Everything its author is: immaculately turned out, sharp and consistently hilarious.’ Mark Billingham ‘What a strange and wonderful sight Ian Moore must present in the Loire Valley – an English Mod kicking around rural France with a young family, a few goats and big dreams of the good life. His brilliant book is warm, funny and big-hearted – easily the best Englishman-abroad memoir since Gerald Durrell was in short trousers and knocking around pre-war Corfu.’ Tony Parsons ‘So well written and funny you feel you’re there flailing with him in the chicken coop. Warm, tender and incredibly funny. Treads that perfect balance between thigh-slappingly hilarious and heartbreakingly human: a unique and wonderful book.’ Isy Suttie ‘Ian Moore is a brilliant comedian whose wit is as sharp as his dress sense and he has managed to take that on stage story telling brilliance and put it in his writing. A great read – even if you're French!’ John Bishop, Comedian and Broadcaster

"Richard is a middle-aged Englishman who runs a B&B in the fictional Val de Follet in the Loire Valley. Nothing ever happens to Richard, and really that's the way he likes it. One day, however, one of his older guests disappears, leaving behind a bloody handprint on the wallpaper. Another guest, the exotic Vaľrie, persuades a reluctant Richard to join her in investigating the disappearance. Richard remains a dazed passenger in the case until things become really serious and someone murders Ava Gardner, one of his beloved hens ... and you don't mess with a fellow's hens! Bestselling author Ian Moore brings his laugh-out-loud, tea-soaked British humor to Death and Croissants, an unputdownable, quirky mystery that gives readers a fascinating puzzle to unravel as they romp through the French countryside alongside an unforgettable cast of characters." -- Back cover.

Croissant: /krwusson/ - noun - a crescent-shaped French roll made of sweet flaky pastry. ORIGIN French, 'crescent'. Filled with almonds or served with butter and jam, the indulgence and finesse of the croissant seems inextricably linked with France and its refined luxuries. But the history of the croissant is a tale of battle, blood and death. Its intertwining saga begins over five thousand years ago in ancient Sumeria before sweeping off to Mesopotamia, Babylon, Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece, Byzantium and Vienna. Follow its fascinating journey through battles, siege and heroism to its modern, well loved incarnation. This is a history you will not easily forget and it is sure to make you look at the flaky crescent-shaped pastry in a completely new light.

Retired schoolteachers and amateur sleuths Liz, Pat and Thelma have a brand-new mystery to solve in this witty tale – perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, by Richard Osman

"An absolute joy to read. Funny, entertaining, and beautifully written." —B. A. Paris, New York Times bestselling author A delightfully clever new mystery from creator of BBC One's hilarious murder mystery series Death in Paradise Meet Judith: a seventy-seven-year-old whiskey drinking, crossword puzzle author living her best life in a dilapidated mansion on the outskirts of Marlow. Nothing ever happens in Marlow. That is, until Judith hears her neighbor shot while skinny-dipping in the Thames. The local police don't believe her story. It's an open and shut case, of course. Ha! Stefan can't be left for dead like that. Judith investigates and picks up a crew of sidekicks: Suzie the dogwalker and Becks the vicar's wife. Together, they are the Marlow Murder Club. When another body turns up, they realize they have a real-life serial killer on their hands. And the puzzle they set out to solve has become a trap from which they might never escape... Robert Thorogood, has turned the Christie-mystery on its head with this ever-so-sly cozy perfect for readers who love Richard Osmond's Thursday Murder Club and An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good. "Lightweight but no-nonsense and genuinely brainy"—Kirkus Reviews "Damn right funny and heartwarming...great fun"—Crime Time "I love Robert Thorogood's writing."—Peter James, international bestselling author

Updated with a brand-new selection of desserts and treats, the fully illustrated Sally's Baking Addiction cookbook offers more than 80 scrumptious recipes for indulging your sweet tooth—featuring a chapter of healthier dessert options, including some vegan and gluten-free recipes. It's no secret that Sally McKenney loves to bake. Her popular blog, Sally's Baking Addiction, has become a trusted source for fellow dessert lovers who are also eager to bake from scratch. Sally's famous recipes include award-winning Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies, No-Bake Peanut Butter Banana Pie, delectable Dark Chocolate Butterscotch Cupcakes, and yummy Marshmallow Swirl S'mores Fudge. Find tried-and-true sweet recipes for all kinds of delicious: Breads & Muffins Breakfasts Brownies & Bars Cakes, Pies & Crisps Candy & Sweet Snacks Cookies Cupcakes Healthier Choices With tons of simple, easy-to-follow recipes, you get all of the sweet with none of the fuss! Hungry for more? Learn to create even more irresistible sweets with Sally’s Candy Addiction and Sally’s Cookie Addiction.

A charming series debut featuring two American sleuths in Paris, Death in Paris is a perfect traditional mystery for fans of M. L. Longworth and Juliet Blackwell. The only thing chillier than a Parisian winter is cold-blooded murder. When French financier Edgar Bowen drowns in a bowl of soup, his former girlfriend, American Rachel Levis, is alarmed by the unnatural death. Who dies eating a nice vichyssoise? But when she overhears a mourner at his funeral describing the circumstances of his death, something sounds even stranger: a bottle of rosé was on the dining table when he died. The only problem: Edgar loathed rosé. If he wasn’t drinking it, who was? After the police rule the death accidental, Rachel knows it’s up to her and her best friend Magda to investigate. As the two Americans immerse themselves in Edgar’s upper-class world, the list of suspects grows: Could it have been his son, who inherited his money and lavish apartment? His icy ex-wife? His greedy new girlfriend? His impoverished personal assistant? But when the suspects start dropping like flies, Rachel and Magda realize the murderer is tying up loose ends. It’ll be up to two amateur sleuths to solve their first case before the murderer decides they’re next...