Book Review: Homicide Herault (A Hardy Durkin Travel Mystery #6) by Bluette Matthey
Book Details
Homicide Herault by Bluette Matthey
Series: Hardy Durkin Travel Mystery #6
Published by Blue Shutter Publishing on 12/26/2022
Genres: Cozy Mystery, International Crime
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 265
Source: Received from the author or publisher for review.Veteran trekker Hardy Durkin leads his first bike tour group to Béziers in the South of France, during its annual grand Feria, for what is expected to be relaxing, uneventful bicycling in the Hérault region.
This notion is kicked to the curb when a double cold case with present-day repercussions is discovered on one of the group’s outings. Hardy becomes embroiled in another homicide when he is present at a murder that takes place during an innocent flamenco performance that is anything but.
The bottom line: murder and intrigue follow Hardy Durkin like a shadow, even in the sunny, laid-back South of France, but this time his wheel of fortune veers uncomfortably off the rails in Homicide Hérault.
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Purchase Links for Homicide Herault
Click here for –> Amazon – OneLink for all countries.
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My thoughts on Homicide Herault
Homicide Herault is the sixth novel in the Hardy Durkin Travel Mystery series, but the first I have read. I think it works well as a stand-alone story.
Bluette Matthey writes suspenseful mysteries immersed in the book’s setting. I learned so much about the Occitania region of Southern France, including its history and cuisine.
Hardy Durkin is a trekker, meaning someone who travels by bicycle. I believe this is the first mystery I have read with a protagonist utilizing this type of travel.
Naturally, while leading his latest tour group, a murder victim is discovered, and Durkin is compelled to solve the mystery.
The prose is descriptive enough to make this a travel guide to the area, with a delightful mystery thrown in for even more entertainment. I felt I was traveling with the group, enjoying the area and the cuisine. The food descriptions are divine.
I recommend this tale to lovers of the Occitania region, well-plotted mysteries, and armchair travelers.
My complete lack of understanding and pronunciation of French was difficult for me in this book. It did not take away from the general storyline and enjoyment of the book, but it did pull me out of the story several times while I stumbled over some of the words. To be honest, I am not a fan of the book’s cover. I know we should not judge a book by its cover, but I feel a brighter cover depicting more aspects of the story would encourage more readers to pick up a copy of the book.
I received a digital copy of the book from the author or publisher to review. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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About Bluette Matthey
Bluette Matthey is a product of the melting pot of America’s settlers, with her ancestry rooted in the Swiss, German, and English cultures.
She is a keen reader of mysteries who loves to travel and explore, especially in Europe. Bluette currently lives in Béziers, France, with her husband and band of loving cats.
Other books by Bluette Matthey included in the Hardy Durkin Travel Mystery series: Corsican Justice, Abruzzo Intrigue, Black Forest Reckoning, Dalmatian Traffick, and Engadine Aerie. Two Murders Too Many is Matthey’s first book in the Charlie Simmons series which takes place in Midwest America in the 1950’s.
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Purchase Homicide Herault online from a local Bookshop!
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Amazon Easy Info Links
Click here for –> Amazon – OneLink for all countries.
If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:
Amazon – Canada
Amazon – France
Amazon – Germany
Amazon – United Kingdom
Please send me a note if your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
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