The unfortunate discovery of the Renault automaker’s president, Jean-Louis Delage, dead inside the walk-in freezer of Chef Jean-Basile Labrousse’s restaurant may be just the thing Capucine needs to jump start her career. Delage’s last meal was had at the restaurant, though many witnesses are certain the man left the restaurant after his meal. Capucine’s husband, Alexandre, 12 years her senior, is a well-respected food critic and the Commissaire recognizes that Alexandre may be able to offer some insight if Delage’s death is pronounced a homicide. 

Between Alexandre’s restaurant knowledge and Capucine’s financial investigation background, the two are in a unique position to learn if Delage’s death was related to Jean-Basile or if the freezer was just a rather convenient dumping ground.   

Taking Paris by storm, Capucine steps into the criminal squad with aplomb and is determined to win over her new, temporary co-workers and show the Commissaire that she is more than able to investigate serious crimes. Capucine is a thorough and very earnest investigator and is quickly able to get a good overview of the entire situation, offering her many suspects, none having to do with Jean Basile’s restaurant. 

The mystery is intricate enough that readers may be surprised when Capucine reveals the murderer. Alexandre provides a playful foil to Capucine who often takes herself too seriously and between the two they have many delicious sounding meals and Paris makes an unusually romantic backdrop to murder. A good start to another series featuring food; kudos to the author for refraining from including the now seemingly obligatory recipes in a mystery set in the food world.                                                    

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry