A Most Parisian Murder by Millicent Binks - Book Review

Series: An Opal Laplume Mystery #1 

Publication Date: 13th May 2025 

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: A decent debut 

1930, Paris 

Opal Luplume is sent to Paris by her mother to spread their milliner business and supply fashionable hats for the most glamorous cabaret in the city. However, the mysterious death of Valentine Beaumanoir, one of the main leads, creates some trouble. While the police conclude it is an accident, Opal thinks otherwise. Wasn’t there a witness who heard the victim cry out her beau’s name and call for help? Where did he vanish from a locked room? 

When another murder occurs on the stage, Opal is even more determined to find the elusive killer. Maybe Valentine’s death had less to do with her personal life. Can she find the murderer without risking her neck? 

The story comes in Opal's third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

Yep, that’s me again, trying a new cozy mystery series. Luckily, this wasn’t too bad. 

The book starts with murder (the best way to begin a mystery), and then we meet the MC. Though the pacing is on the slower side, it doesn’t feel boring. 

The cast is large, but it is to be expected when you have a theatre group of dancers, technicians, and a few others. 

The MC has a black miniature poodle, Napoleon (look at the cutie on the cover). I thought it would be mostly a prop given the size. To an extent, it is, but the teeny doggy can growl! It has a snoopy nose too, so little poodle does sort of help with the sleuthing. Also, who can resist such a squishy dog? 

We get a glimpse into the Parisian life before the Great Depression, as well as touch upon the changing situations in London. Dresses, hats, feathers, dancing, extravagance, etc., are all touched up seamlessly since they are various elements of the plot.  

The mystery is actually good. Just right for the cozy vibe, without being too silly or too dark. The MC is good enough, though I can’t say I like her. Nothing wrong with her, but she has yet to make her mark. Needs time, I guess! 

There’s a potential love interest (it is not the detective, thank you so much for this). I’m curious to see where it would lead. 

To summarize, A Most Parisian Murder is a nice start to a new series. While nothing actually stands out, it is not a boring read either (hence rounding up to 4 stars). I’ll be sure to read the next book or two and hope the MC grows into the character created for her. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #AMostParisianMurder