The Paris Mystery

This enjoyable debut cozy from Manning (The French Gift) follows Australian journalist Charlotte “Charlie” James as she begins a job with the Paris bureau of the London Times in the summer of 1938. Charlie’s first assignment is a masquerade party hosted by Lady Eleanor Ashworth on the grounds of her Versailles villa. Performers from the famous Cirque d’Hiver entertain the high-society attendees, until banker Maxime Marchand is stabbed to death. Eager to prove she’s as tough as any man—especially after being belittled by her boss, who assumed she was a man when he hired her—Charlie seizes her chance to report on the crime. The many guests with potential motives include Marchand’s onetime lover Amelia Goldsmith, who found his body; Amelia’s jealous current beau, American photographer Conrad Mackenzie; and British attaché Edward Rose-Thomas, who is angry that Marchand bankrupted his wife’s family. Charlie develops feelings for both Rose-Thomas and the inspector in charge of the case as she embarks on an investigation that takes her to various high-society settings, and ultimately threatens to reveal secrets she’d rather keep hidden. Though Manning’s fans may miss the depth and nuance of her historical fiction, her talents for scene-setting and unpredictable plotting freshen up tired mystery tropes. Colorful characters and a brisk pace make this a pleasure. Agent: Stacy Testa, Writers House. (Aug.)