Murder in the Marais (Aimee Leduc Series #1)

Excellent debut

In November 1993 Paris, elderly Nazi Hunter Soli Hecht invokes his friendship with her dead father in appealing to computer forensic expert Aimee Leduc for her help. Reluctantly, she agrees to decipher the encrypted code that gives the appearance of the Cold War and to deliver the results into the hands of Lili Stein only. <P>After quite a difficult time, Aimee breaks the code revealing an old World War II black and white photograph without any accompanying text. She heads to the Jewish section of Paris, Marais, to deliver her results to Lili. However, placing the photo in Lili¿s hand makes no sense any longer, as Aimee finds the body of the murdered elderly Jewish woman. Aimee is found at the scene and quickly concludes she might have problems as honor in the name of her father refuses to allow her to reveal her alibi to Inspector Morbier. Outside of her expertise, Aimee begins investigating the homicide on her own to clear her name. <P> This reviewer actually read the superb MURDER IN BELLEVILLE book (second Leduc novel), which led to reading the debut Leduc tale, MURDER IN THE MARAIS. This novel is excellent, extremely complex, and filled with action and tension. The story line links historical hatred to 1993 prejudices in a frightfully realistic depiction that counterbalances the image of Gay Paree with that of the ethnic bleakness of the World War II era and of the early nineties through a great private sleuth. <P>Harriet Klausner

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

average

I thought this book was just so-so. Aimee Leduc is one those characters that is just to formulated to be believable. She's pretty, clever, tough, etc. - all the usual things they think you want a character to be. The plot was fairly interesting but I don't plan to read any others in this series.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Formidable!

This novel was positively gripping. It also made me feel I was walking with Aimee. As I've spent a lot of time exploring the 4th and the 1st, it brought it all back, down to the smell. I didn't even mind that computers were doing a lot of the work, and I generally dislike high tech mysteries. That the Occupation lives was brought into sharp focus. The Fascist movement in France linked to what went on during the War provides enormous tension and kept me reading. 'I couldn't put it down,' an overworked but appropriate statement. The narrative and descriptive elements in the book made me put aside my additional dislikes of 4th Reich plotters and the gratuitous use of politically correct characters, the handicapped, etc. There was enough of interest here without them. Real Paris in real France fascinates.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Aimee LeDuc Detective Series

The first and the best of the Aimee LeDuc series. Readers are introduced to Aimee, a French medical school dropout who owns a cyber detective agency. Aimee is the daughter of a former police officer in Paris and has many 'connections' to the interworkings of the Paris police. This is certainly not literature, but is a fun romp through Paris and the Marais.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Good

I like to rread about other countries so this was good. Alittle slow moving,but i enjoyed it. A lot of twists and turns and it kept me guessing.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Vintage Writing!

Cara Black's books are not just vintage mystery novels, but they are also about issues with other cultures that exist in France. I feel her books are destined to become classics, because they are, not only, great mystery novels, but they delve into France's history. You'll love her quirky characters & the predicaments they get themselves in to, while you also get to taste the under belly of France. As long as Cara Black is writing, I will be reading ALL OF HER BOOKS!!! They are funny, interesting & they bring all the flavors of France out to savor upon. Her characters will come alive to the readers, & you will never forget them. Happy reading everyone! ;)

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Mystery in Paris

Mystery in Paris; what could be better? Well, perhaps a well written story, excellent research, and fascinating characters. Guess what, this book has them all. Highly recommended, and her 2nd, Murder in Belleville is as good or better!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book would ony appeal to certain people!

There was an old woman murdered and a swastika
carcwd on her face.Marais is a Jewish community in Paris. Alot of memories of the war,politica feelings, asearch for the murderer.

smart and sharp

I greatly enjoyed my introduction to Aimee Leduc and her life as an investigator in Paris. Just as interesting as Aimee is the city of Paris. Just as New York is a character in the Sex and the City series, Paris lives and breathes as much as Aimee does. I didn't feel like the characters of the villains were as developed as they could have been, but then again, it could just be that they weren't very sympathetic to begin with. I will definitely read the next in her series as soon as it is Nook-available!

Recommended

Although a little over the top in stunt scenes, this book is a page turner well worth the read. Ms. Black's knowledge of the time period and of human weaknesses takes her reader from the stone streets of Paris to her gargoyled rooftops.

'Murder' is not heavy prose at any means, but book clubs will find much to discuss from history to food to independent women.

Amy Leduc takes a rightful place in the long list of foreign detectives who show the everyday life and customs of their cities. The reader finishes filled with the sounds, smells and tastes of a faraway place. I look forward to reading #2.

Recommended

A first time read from this author, and it was hard to put down. Nice turns & twists, and it brought back memories of previous visits to Paris.

Page-turning "Whodunit" in a unique location

Maybe it's because I've been to Paris (OK, once, 5 days!), but "Murder in the Marais" was a fun read that made me lose sleep.
I had trouble putting down the Nook. I was trying to follow along from memory the streets and boulevards the story took readers down, and also trying to keep up with the twists and turns of what was a well-written yarn.
I think I liked the sense of place, too, because it wasn't hackneyed - no bodies falling from the top of the Eiffel Tower, no corpses stumbled upon in the Louvre.
I'll be looking for others in the Aimee Leduc series.

Little slow.

A little slow at first, but sped up towards the end. Wouldn't spend a lot on it. Not sure I will read any more from this author.

I got this book when it was the deal of the day. The plot is rel

I got this book when it was the deal of the day. The plot is relatively good for a murder mystery, and I like how she ties together a 50 year old murder with 2 modern ones, but I felt like the book drags after a while. I was having trouble keeping interested. I like murder mysteries, but I think this will be the only Cara Black book I read.

one of my favs

edge of your seat reading, great story learned things i never knew about ww2 europe . wonderful book will be looking for more books by ms black.

Cool

Ok cool by the comments i rhinkbits cool

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great way to visit Paris without the flight.

The book was great. Having visited Paris before, you get the feel of the City from the very first words of the book. It was also great to see how this neighbourhood has changed since the times of some of the characters in the book. Some of the changes for the good, others not so good. I would highly recommend the book for anyone who has been there or to anyone with a desire to read about the City before venturing off for a trip. Gets you into the French way of life before landing.

A Tension filled Thriller!

One of the best mystery/thriller books i've ever read! The author carefully builds up the tension throughout Aimee's investigation, which eventually culminates in a exciting but believable climax. The characters and settings are detailed to add to the paris atmosphere. What I liked best was the dual stories that paralleled each other, one in the past and one in the present that eventually collide in an emotional and well-done way.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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