Murder on the Ile Saint-Louis

I am a blatant francophile and I frequently visit Paris. When I need a Paris fix I turn to Cara Black. Murder on the Ile Saint Louis was my first introduction to Aimee Leduc Investigations. Cara Black transported me to Paris beginning with the street map. The character of Aimee Luduc is real and believable to me. She isn't 'cutsie' or 'blase'. I also like the way all the characters are untroduced as plausible pieces in the story line. Cara Black provides a geographical background and complex story line that is enjoyable. What could be a better read? The fascinating life of a computer detective involuntarily involved in a predicament and that draws you in to it and compells you to keep turning pages until the final solution to the puzzle is reached. I have admiration and respect for an author who researches her subject to such a great extent. On my next trip to Paris I will visit Ile St Louis with more interest. Thank you Cara Black

Cara Black takes her detective heroine, Amy LeDuc, to another Parisian neighborhood, the toney and historic Ile St. Louis, to resolve a series of murders that appear connected to criminal behavior by a major corporation. As in most of the books in this series, more than half of the enjoyment is in the author's detailed descriptions of the city's landmarks, architecture, cuisine and social behaviors. The story line in "St. Louis" is above average for this series and the characters still appeal, though the heroine's continuing bad judgment in men is aggravating--when is the author going to allow for a less steep learning curve? Overall, a good read, particularly for those folks seriously in love with Paris.

Mystery novels historically have had as much to do with the place as the characters and the plots. Cara Black's latest Aimee Leduc novel proves this with its evocative descriptions and historical references about the Ile St-Louis, certainly one of my favorite areas of Paris. The plot here has a few too many contemporary (2007) references for a novel set 10 years earlier, but otherwise Aimee's life remains involving and evolving. I loved it.

They don't get any better than this in this genre - her plotting, the details about Paris, the need to know what happens next, and fairly good dialogue all make this a really great read.

Cara Black makes you see and feel Paris as if you went their daily. Aimee is a very 'real' person, and this book shows her deep concern for others, no matter their age or station in life. I hope there will be many more books in this series