Night Train to Paris by Fliss Chester
Series: Fen Churche Mystery #2
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Paris, 1945. Fen looked out over the rooftops as the sun was setting. The letter she was holding, written on blue paper, was the clue she’d been searching for. She wiped away a tear and pulled herself together. Who would want to murder her dearest friend?
Fen Churche arrives in Paris, determined to put the horrors of the war behind her. But the city of lights has lost its spark, except inside the beautiful apartment of Fen’s godmother, artist Rose Coillard. Fen can’t wait to hear about Rose’s war work – under the nose of prominent Nazis, Rose created a secret list of the precious paintings they stole. Now Rose will be able to return them to their rightful Jewish owners.
But after a blissful few days reuniting with old friends, Fen finds Rose dead: stabbed through the neck with one of her own paintbrushes. Bewildered and scared, Fen is determined to solve her beloved friend’s murder, just like she does with her favourite crossword puzzles. Then she discovers the cypher that unlocks Rose’s list is missing. Could Rose’s death be linked to the brave work she did during the war?
When Fen finds a blackmail letter in Rose’s mailbox, accusing her of selling Jewish-owned paintings to the Nazis, she can’t believe what she’s reading. Then another member of Rose’s Resistance network, who transported the artwork, dies in a volley of gunshots and Fen is sure the deaths are the work of the same villain. One who will stop at nothing to keep their treachery hidden.
Can Fen clear Rose’s name and catch this devious killer?
You won’t be able to put down this utterly addictive historical mystery! The absolutely perfect treat if you love Rhys Bowen, Charles Todd and Jacqueline Winspear.
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This is the second book in the Fen Churche Mystery series and although I haven’t read the first I wasn’t lost in this one. I will say that I am planning to go back and read the first because I enjoyed this one so much.
Fenella (Fen) has left Morey-Fontaine in Burgandy and is on the night train to Paris with her new friend James. Her plans are to stay with a family friend in Paris and to get back to feelings she had before the war. A way to reconnect as many people did during that time.
While staying with the friend, Rose, she begins to hear rumors about stolen art work that belong to the Jewish families displaced or killed during the war. Most of us know this history and many of the stories behind it but I must say I loved hearing it from Fen’s point of view. She made it all seem so much more real as she is hearing the stories herself.
One day she return’s to Rose’s apartment only to discover that Rose has been murdered. Together Fen and James decide that they will figure out who would want to kill Rose. The woman that so many people seemed to like with no conflicts.
As I said earlier I enjoyed this book so much. There was so much history there but also so much depth. Fen is a great character who loves crosswords and was very intelligent. The secondary characters were all so wonderful as well.
I so want to read this book it sounds amazing and I love the cover too.
intriguing premise
Sounds like it’s a series I’ll enjoy, thanks for sharing!
Wow. this sounds like a great mystery read. I love books that make it hard to put down and make me think about who “dun it.”
Sounds like a nice book i would love to go to Paris
Sounds like an amazing read love to read books about places haven’t been.
Sounds like a good mystery read.
This sounds like quite a journey! I would definitely be immersed in this book.
This one sounds juicy! I love a story that pulls me in and I cant stop reading until its over!! Thanks for recommending this one!
The book title and cover really grabbed my attention! Sounds like an intriguing read!
Your review is compelling. This book sounds like one I’d enjoy!
This sounds like a great mystery .
I am so intrigued! I can’t wait to read this. Thanks so much for the preview!
OOOHHHH I love a good mystery. Sounds so exciting!!!
This is right up my alley! A mystery in a historical period I fine fascinating
This book sounds like one that I would love, a war story and a great mystery. I will have to add it to my TBR list.
sounds mysterious
I love a good mystery! Thank you for sharing!
I love a good ‘whodunnit’. It sounds like a page turner.
This book sounds great! I like the cover.
Sounds like a great mystery to solve, thanks for sharing your review and have a sunshiny day!
I’m always fascinated when the setting is WW2
Thank you for sharing your review of Night Train to Paris, this sounds like an excellent cozy mystery book and series, a must read for me