Death at the Chateau Bremont by M. L. Longworth is a murder mystery novel set in the charming town of Aix-en-Provence in southern France. The story revolves around the death of a wealthy and influential family patriarch, Etienne de Bremont, and the subsequent investigation by local magistrate Antoine Verlaque and his girlfriend, law professor Marine Bonnet.

The novel begins with the discovery of Etienne’s body in the library of his family’s chateau. The police are initially inclined to believe that his death was due to natural causes, but Antoine suspects foul play and begins to investigate. As he delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding Etienne’s death, Antoine uncovers a tangled web of family secrets, old grudges, and hidden motives that lead him to suspect that the killer may be closer to home than he initially thought.

The plot of “Death at the Chateau Bremont” is well-crafted and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Longworth does an excellent job of weaving together multiple storylines, including the investigation into Etienne’s death, the complicated relationships between the various members of the de Bremont family, and the romantic tension between Antoine and Marine.

One of the novel’s strengths is its vivid and atmospheric setting. Longworth’s descriptions of the Provencal countryside and the town of Aix-en-Provence are evocative and immersive, and add depth and richness to the story. The author also does an excellent job of capturing the nuances of French culture and society, from the aristocratic traditions of the de Bremont family to the quirky habits of the town’s eccentric residents.

Another standout feature of Death at the Chateau Bremont is its well-drawn characters. Antoine Verlaque is a sympathetic and likable protagonist, with a dry wit and a deep sense of justice. His girlfriend, Marine Bonnet, is equally compelling, with her sharp intellect and independent spirit. The members of the de Bremont family are a fascinating and complex bunch, with their own agendas, rivalries, and secrets. Even the minor characters in the novel are well-drawn and memorable, adding depth and texture to the story.

One potential weakness of the novel is its slow pace. Longworth takes her time setting up the various storylines and characters, and some readers may find the first few chapters slow going. However, the author’s attention to detail pays off in the long run, as the various plot threads are deftly woven together in the later chapters of the book.

Another potential weakness is the novel’s focus on the upper echelons of French society. The de Bremont family is wealthy, privileged, and well-connected, and some readers may find it difficult to relate to their problems and concerns. However, Longworth does a good job of humanizing the characters and making their struggles seem real and relatable.

Death at the Chateau Bremont is a well-written and engaging murder mystery novel. Longworth’s attention to detail, vivid setting, and well-drawn characters make for a compelling and enjoyable read. Fans of Agatha Christie and other classic mystery writers are sure to enjoy this book, as are readers who appreciate atmospheric settings and well-crafted plots. You can pick up a copy here.