Named a best book of the week by the New York Post

“A fizzy, fast-paced caper full of glitz, glamour and intrigue. . . . Manning highlights the opulence and decadence of interwar Paris in this engaging and delightful mystery. The City of Light comes alive through her descriptions of haute couture fashion and Parisian cuisine. Charlie is an engaging sleuth, too: She’s intelligent, empathetic and a skilled reporter. She’s keenly aware that the 1930s news industry is a male-dominated profession, but she refuses to let that mindset hold her back. Her relationship with Inspecteur Bernard, the French detective heading up the murder investigation, is also a highlight. Journalists and police officers often find themselves at odds in mysteries, especially cozy mysteries, but Charlie and Bernard quickly strike up a cordial working relationship that benefits them both.
—Bookpage

“Australian author Kirsty Manning (The Lost Jewels) launches a new cozy mystery series with this stellar entry, set in the stunning summertime beauty of 1938 Paris. . . . Readers join Charlie in the glamorous, decadent world of the novel and its Chanel gowns, Hermѐs handbags, Brut champagne, buttery croissants, and the fabulous sights and sounds of beautiful Paris. The story—with intriguing characters, a fast plot that twists and turns, a growing list of dead bodies, and a very surprising final reveal—is certain to leave readers wonderfully satisfied and eagerly awaiting the next installment in this charming series.”
—Shelf Awareness

“Enjoyable. . . . [Manning’s] talents for scene-setting and unpredictable plotting freshen up tired mystery tropes. Colorful characters and a brisk pace make this a pleasure.”
—Publishers Weekly

“This atmospheric historical mystery by the author of The Jade Lily reveals a Paris on the verge of war, in all its captivating beauty and excess. Suggest for fans of Cara Black or Betty Webb’s Lost in Paris.”
—Library Journal