Death and Fromage: The hilarious new murder mystery from The Times bestselling author

Richard, a middle-aged Englishman who runs a B&B in the Val de Follet, is drawn into a scandal when a restaurant's Michelin stars are downgraded and the town's leading goat's cheese supplier drowns himself.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2023
Publisher: Duckworth Books

Richard, a middle-aged Englishman, operates a charming bed and breakfast in the picturesque Val de Follet. Life unfolds calmly and serenely for him, as he prefers it that way. However, the tranquility of the village is shattered when the prestigious restaurant in the neighboring town of Saint-Sauver loses its coveted three Michelin stars, dropping down to two. The restaurant faces public disgrace, the town reels in shock, and the leading supplier of goat's cheese drowns himself in one of his pasteurization tanks, leading to speculation of foul play.

Valérie d Orçay, a guest at the B&B while she searches for a new home in the area, is not convinced that it was a suicide. Despite his reservations, Richard becomes entangled in Valérie's investigation, and his involvement escalates. As he delves deeper into the case, Richard discovers that there are more secrets and lies lurking beneath the surface, and he finds himself becoming a pivotal player in unraveling the mystery.

The townspeople of Saint-Sauver are tight-knit, and the loss of the restaurant's Michelin stars has caused a deep divide among them. Some believe that the scandal is a mere consequence of jealousy and competition, while others suspect that there is more to the story. Valérie, with her keen intuition and investigative skills, is determined to uncover the truth, even as she faces resistance from those who want to keep the scandal hidden.

As Richard and Valérie delve deeper into the investigation, they encounter a cast of characters that include the restaurant's chef, the owner's wife, and a local handyman. Each character has their own motivations and secrets, and as the plot unfolds, Richard and Valérie must navigate through a web of lies and deceit to uncover the truth.

The investigation takes Richard and Valérie to various locations in the village, including the restaurant, the goat's cheese farm, and the nearby forest. They must use their wits and resources to gather evidence, and as they do so, they begin to piece together the events that led to the scandal and the potential motives behind it.

In the end, Richard and Valérie discover that the scandal is not just about the loss of Michelin stars but about a much deeper conspiracy that involves the town's elite and powerful individuals. They must confront their own prejudices and biases as they work to bring the culprits to justice and restore the reputation of the town.

Through their journey, Richard and Valérie learn the importance of perseverance, honesty, and the power of community. They also discover that sometimes the most unexpected events can lead to the greatest discoveries and that sometimes the truth is hidden in plain sight.

In conclusion, "The Scandal in Saint-Sauver" is a captivating mystery that delves into the depths of human nature, power, and corruption. Richard and Valérie's journey is filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists, and it ultimately leaves the reader with a sense of hope and renewal. The story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for justice and redemption, and that the truth can be revealed with perseverance and determination.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788424271