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Threads of Deception: A Suddenly French Mystery
Thirty-five-year-old Claire Fontaine had it all as a successful D.C. defense attorney until a criminal explosion shattered her career and left her with a debilitating French foreign accent syndrome. To make matters worse, her neurologist ordered her to take a break from the law and the FBI urged her to lay low. She’s also broke. Her only marketable skill is the culinary expertise she’s gained through countless cooking classes for singles. Forced to embrace a new path as a private chef, Claire accepts the invitation of a rising fashion designer friend to move back to her Southern California hometown to cater for a fashion TV show—only to find said friend dead.
Desperate to prove it wasn't a suicide but a murder, Claire teams up with her childhood best friend, Suggie Oh, the town's beloved accountant. She also forms a tension-filled alliance with charismatic Detective Ben Torres, who reluctantly accepts her cooperation and with whom she’s forced to share an apartment.
As she investigates, Claire glimpses into the world of competitive fashion, political campaigns, and ex-lovers’ vendettas. But getting closer to the truth may not be as safe as juggling knives in a dark kitchen.
This debut novel blends classic mystery, crime, and character-driven drama. It presents an intriguing, multifaceted murder case that keeps readers guessing, while offering insider glimpses into the fashion industry, political campaigns, and the legal world. Additionally, it explores the experience of navigating life with an accent, challenging conventional notions of Americanness.
Desperate to prove it wasn't a suicide but a murder, Claire teams up with her childhood best friend, Suggie Oh, the town's beloved accountant. She also forms a tension-filled alliance with charismatic Detective Ben Torres, who reluctantly accepts her cooperation and with whom she’s forced to share an apartment.
As she investigates, Claire glimpses into the world of competitive fashion, political campaigns, and ex-lovers’ vendettas. But getting closer to the truth may not be as safe as juggling knives in a dark kitchen.
This debut novel blends classic mystery, crime, and character-driven drama. It presents an intriguing, multifaceted murder case that keeps readers guessing, while offering insider glimpses into the fashion industry, political campaigns, and the legal world. Additionally, it explores the experience of navigating life with an accent, challenging conventional notions of Americanness.
- GenresMystery
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2024
17 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Elle Jauffret
8 books14 followersElle Jauffret is an Agatha Award nominee, PenCraft Award recipient, and Claymore Award finalist of novels and short stories. A graduate of Université Côte d'Azur Law School and The George Washington University Law School, she served as a criminal attorney for the California Attorney General's Office. New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry praises her debut novel as "a powerful, complex, and compelling mystery," while USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan calls her "a smart and fresh new voice." An active member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, Elle regularly appears at literary conferences across the country.
You can find her at https://ellejauffret.com or on social media @ellejauffret.
You can find her at https://ellejauffret.com or on social media @ellejauffret.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 16, 2024
The Threads of deception by Elle Jauffret had me hooked on page 1. The basic premise is Claire survives a horrific bombing of her law firm in DC, retreats home to California to continue recovering, and finds herself faced with the her best friend’s death. Oh, and the best friend was competing on a fashion reality show. This book has mystery, romantic tension and action, woven to create a gripping story.
Aspects of the characters are revealed throughout the book, showing how one’s character grow and shift in reaction to life and having one person believe in you.
Usually when I realize a great book is the start of a series, I feel a let down. Not in this case! I cannot wait to read book 2!
I received this as an advanced reader copy and volunteered to provide a review.
Aspects of the characters are revealed throughout the book, showing how one’s character grow and shift in reaction to life and having one person believe in you.
Usually when I realize a great book is the start of a series, I feel a let down. Not in this case! I cannot wait to read book 2!
I received this as an advanced reader copy and volunteered to provide a review.
October 16, 2024
Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review. Author's Elle Jauffret Threads of Deception is a smart and sophisticated read as from the ashes of the loss of her career as an attorney Claire Fontaine is determined to start again in her hometown as a private chef and can't turn down a job offered by a friend, making her name appearing upon a prestigious fashion reality show. It's when Claire and fellow friend Suggie discover Vee dead, Claire cannot ignore the police believe her friend took her own; going against what she was suppose to leave her former career behind, Claire and Suggie balance the tangled world of criminal law to get justice for a friend and unravel a web of secrets and greed that lead to so many consequences.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
November 14, 2024
I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Elle Jauffret is an American writer and lawyer of French origin who studied law at the Université de Côte d’Azur and at George Washington University in Washington, DC and who has worked as a lawyer both for the French Embassy and the California Attorney General’s Office. Bringing her prior experience to THREADS OF DECEPTION gives both an interesting insight to how prestigious law firms work and a legal accuracy to the investigation. Jauffret also brings a serious interest in food to her novel; she used to write a monthly food column for CURIOSITIES MAGAZINE and has an online cookbook, THE FICTION FOODIE: UNOFFICIAL COOKBOOK TO SHADOW AND BONE, which consists of sixteen recipes that I have not tried, but they look delicious.
Add some high fashion to the haute cuisine and toss with murder, greed, and drug addiction and what do you have? THREADS OF DECEPTION, the first in the Suddenly French series starring Claire Fontaine, lawyer turned chef, who has to investigate the murder of a former client and good friend when the police do not have either the experience or the willingness to do so.
After a terrorist attack on her law firm, which left her alive, but with foreign accent syndrome (FAS), Claire Fontaine refuses to continue practicing law, turning instead to her passion, cooking. Retrained as a chef, Claire heads home to Caper Cover, California where her friend and former client Vee Brooks has hired her to cater the climax of a major fashion competition and where her best friend Suggie is getting married. It all comes to a crashing halt when Claire and Suggie go to Vee’s villa only to discover Vee dead. Almost as soon as the police show up at Vee’s, Claire loses her catering contract with the fashion competition, leaving her flat broke and grieving. When the police treat Vee’s death with something approaching disdain, Claire decides to investigate Vee’s death, in the certain belief Vee was murdered.
This is a traditional mystery with an unusual detective, a criminal defense attorney who ends up taking lead in a homicide investigation. Caper Cove generally does not have murders, so the police are rather inexperienced. Ben Torres, the homicide detective, resents Claire tagging along as his assistant, but her investigative experience is greater than his. Having a lawyer leading an investigation with the cops in a subordinate position harkens to European tradition—the juge d’instruction who heads a police investigation. In this position, Claire is a formidable investigator.
Jauffret wishes to explore American attitudes toward both disability and foreignness through Claire’s FAS. Some of the things she suffers as a result are stupid, rude, and harmful—like people speaking loudly to her as if she were deaf or saying “I don’t know how you do it in France but we don’t do that way here”. Americans can be appallingly dismissive to those whom they don’t perceive as ‘American’. Other things that Claire encounters, such as the hostility of immigration officials, go beyond insensitive to terrifying. Customs and Border Patrol almost aborts Claire’s trip to California because the agent believes she is an illegal French national who needs to be detained and deported. With this speech disorder, imagine trying to get back into the United States without your passport.
The University of Texas at Dallas defines FAS is a speech disorder wherein a native speaker of a language is perceived by hearers as having a foreign accent. It is seen all over the world and is generally connected to brain trauma of some sort, be it a stroke, injury, or disease, such as frontotemporal dementia. it is also exceedingly rare. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a French neurologist first documented FAS in 1907, but only approximately one hundred cases have been confirmed since then, making the usage of FAS feel like a gimmick.
This first novel lays the groundwork for other novels in the series. Several incidents are more than mentioned, but are not carried through to being subplots and fleshed out in this book. I want to know what happened to Aurora, Claire’s sister; I want to know more about the terrorist incident in Washington, DC; most of all, I want to see Detective Ben Torres become less of a “jarhead” and classic annoyed cop and more of a nuanced, sexy foil for Claire. While I am no big fan of romance in mystery, there is plenty of smoke here. These questions give a reader something to look forward to in this smart, fast-paced series. More fashion and good cooking, please.
Elle Jauffret is an American writer and lawyer of French origin who studied law at the Université de Côte d’Azur and at George Washington University in Washington, DC and who has worked as a lawyer both for the French Embassy and the California Attorney General’s Office. Bringing her prior experience to THREADS OF DECEPTION gives both an interesting insight to how prestigious law firms work and a legal accuracy to the investigation. Jauffret also brings a serious interest in food to her novel; she used to write a monthly food column for CURIOSITIES MAGAZINE and has an online cookbook, THE FICTION FOODIE: UNOFFICIAL COOKBOOK TO SHADOW AND BONE, which consists of sixteen recipes that I have not tried, but they look delicious.
Add some high fashion to the haute cuisine and toss with murder, greed, and drug addiction and what do you have? THREADS OF DECEPTION, the first in the Suddenly French series starring Claire Fontaine, lawyer turned chef, who has to investigate the murder of a former client and good friend when the police do not have either the experience or the willingness to do so.
After a terrorist attack on her law firm, which left her alive, but with foreign accent syndrome (FAS), Claire Fontaine refuses to continue practicing law, turning instead to her passion, cooking. Retrained as a chef, Claire heads home to Caper Cover, California where her friend and former client Vee Brooks has hired her to cater the climax of a major fashion competition and where her best friend Suggie is getting married. It all comes to a crashing halt when Claire and Suggie go to Vee’s villa only to discover Vee dead. Almost as soon as the police show up at Vee’s, Claire loses her catering contract with the fashion competition, leaving her flat broke and grieving. When the police treat Vee’s death with something approaching disdain, Claire decides to investigate Vee’s death, in the certain belief Vee was murdered.
This is a traditional mystery with an unusual detective, a criminal defense attorney who ends up taking lead in a homicide investigation. Caper Cove generally does not have murders, so the police are rather inexperienced. Ben Torres, the homicide detective, resents Claire tagging along as his assistant, but her investigative experience is greater than his. Having a lawyer leading an investigation with the cops in a subordinate position harkens to European tradition—the juge d’instruction who heads a police investigation. In this position, Claire is a formidable investigator.
Jauffret wishes to explore American attitudes toward both disability and foreignness through Claire’s FAS. Some of the things she suffers as a result are stupid, rude, and harmful—like people speaking loudly to her as if she were deaf or saying “I don’t know how you do it in France but we don’t do that way here”. Americans can be appallingly dismissive to those whom they don’t perceive as ‘American’. Other things that Claire encounters, such as the hostility of immigration officials, go beyond insensitive to terrifying. Customs and Border Patrol almost aborts Claire’s trip to California because the agent believes she is an illegal French national who needs to be detained and deported. With this speech disorder, imagine trying to get back into the United States without your passport.
The University of Texas at Dallas defines FAS is a speech disorder wherein a native speaker of a language is perceived by hearers as having a foreign accent. It is seen all over the world and is generally connected to brain trauma of some sort, be it a stroke, injury, or disease, such as frontotemporal dementia. it is also exceedingly rare. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a French neurologist first documented FAS in 1907, but only approximately one hundred cases have been confirmed since then, making the usage of FAS feel like a gimmick.
This first novel lays the groundwork for other novels in the series. Several incidents are more than mentioned, but are not carried through to being subplots and fleshed out in this book. I want to know what happened to Aurora, Claire’s sister; I want to know more about the terrorist incident in Washington, DC; most of all, I want to see Detective Ben Torres become less of a “jarhead” and classic annoyed cop and more of a nuanced, sexy foil for Claire. While I am no big fan of romance in mystery, there is plenty of smoke here. These questions give a reader something to look forward to in this smart, fast-paced series. More fashion and good cooking, please.
November 12, 2024
Things are not always as they appear...
I had the privilege of getting an advance copy of Claymore Award finalist Elle Jauffret’s upcoming debut novel Threads of Deception: A Suddenly French Mystery. Set in the fictional Southern California coastal town of Caper Cove, Threads of Deception is a fresh take on the traditional mystery with an especially unique twist: protagonist Claire Fontaine suffers from foreign accent syndrome.
A former Washington D.C. attorney, Claire has returned to her hometown following an explosive attack at her office which has left her with a speech disorder that sounds to the rest of the world like a French accent. Not only is she navigating a career change from attorney to chef, rebuilding her life in a familiar yet foreign place, as well as facing prejudice, disparagement, and condescension because of her accent, her first big catering gig is cancelled when the friend who hired her is found dead, and initially it’s looking like suicide.
Vee may have struggled throughout her life, but Claire has no doubt that she wouldn’t have jumped to her death on purpose because Vee was an overcomer of all the challenges she’d faced. Claire believes that being both a famous clothing designer and a politician’s wife put Vee in the crosshairs of a murderer. When it’s discovered Vee’s husband is missing as well, it’s unclear if he’s the perpetrator or another victim.
In the cutthroat worlds of politics and fashion everyone has motive, whether it be protecting fraudulent careers, revenge for political extortion, even paternity secrets (keeping them and revealing them), but the motive they all share is greed.
Claire is determined to find out who is responsible for Vee’s death. Not only did she lose the catering job, but her cell phone has been disconnected for lack of payment, she’s sharing temporary living space with the investigating officer who isn’t thrilled about her interference, and her next job—catering a friend’s wedding at the very venue where the murder occurred—is also in jeopardy.
This is a multi-layered story about rash judgements and assumptions, the facades we create, the things some people will do to protect their secrets, and the lengths one woman will go to get justice for her friend.
Elle Jauffret has woven together her astute knowledge of the law, her experiences as a French-born American, and her love of the classic mystery to create an engaging series readers will enjoy.
I had the privilege of getting an advance copy of Claymore Award finalist Elle Jauffret’s upcoming debut novel Threads of Deception: A Suddenly French Mystery. Set in the fictional Southern California coastal town of Caper Cove, Threads of Deception is a fresh take on the traditional mystery with an especially unique twist: protagonist Claire Fontaine suffers from foreign accent syndrome.
A former Washington D.C. attorney, Claire has returned to her hometown following an explosive attack at her office which has left her with a speech disorder that sounds to the rest of the world like a French accent. Not only is she navigating a career change from attorney to chef, rebuilding her life in a familiar yet foreign place, as well as facing prejudice, disparagement, and condescension because of her accent, her first big catering gig is cancelled when the friend who hired her is found dead, and initially it’s looking like suicide.
Vee may have struggled throughout her life, but Claire has no doubt that she wouldn’t have jumped to her death on purpose because Vee was an overcomer of all the challenges she’d faced. Claire believes that being both a famous clothing designer and a politician’s wife put Vee in the crosshairs of a murderer. When it’s discovered Vee’s husband is missing as well, it’s unclear if he’s the perpetrator or another victim.
In the cutthroat worlds of politics and fashion everyone has motive, whether it be protecting fraudulent careers, revenge for political extortion, even paternity secrets (keeping them and revealing them), but the motive they all share is greed.
Claire is determined to find out who is responsible for Vee’s death. Not only did she lose the catering job, but her cell phone has been disconnected for lack of payment, she’s sharing temporary living space with the investigating officer who isn’t thrilled about her interference, and her next job—catering a friend’s wedding at the very venue where the murder occurred—is also in jeopardy.
This is a multi-layered story about rash judgements and assumptions, the facades we create, the things some people will do to protect their secrets, and the lengths one woman will go to get justice for her friend.
Elle Jauffret has woven together her astute knowledge of the law, her experiences as a French-born American, and her love of the classic mystery to create an engaging series readers will enjoy.
November 13, 2024
This is the very first mystery book for, Elle Jauffret and I do not think this will be her last book. She has found her genre and writes mystery books very well. In this one alone we had a bombing, a few murder's, blackmail, politics, we got to glimpse the very competitive world of fashion, gossip mongers and fake friends and that is just to list some of the things going on. So if you like action you are going to love this book.
We get to meet Claire Fontaine, she is a very successful 35 year old defense attorney in D.C.. That is she was until her office was bombed and her career is shattered , she now talks with a debilitating French accent which is a result from the bombing. And now her neurologist has ordered for her to take a break from the law and she is broke so she has to find some kind of work. Also to keep her safe the FBI has advised her to lay low. The only thing she can think of to do is a private chef, She might as well make all of those cooking classes for singles that she took pay off. Her dear friend Vee, has invited her to move back home to her in hometown in Southern California. Vee is an upcoming fashion designer and she wants Claire to cater for the fashion TV show she is competing in right now. When she gets to Vee's house she has her best friend since childhood Suggie, with her. Vee has generously offered to let Suggie have her upcoming wedding at the estate, But when they arrive the door is unlocked and they an can not find Vee anywhere. She could not have gone too far with the house unlocked and she had put the kettle on for tea and cookies. Finally after searching everywhere they find her body at the bottom of the cliffs. The police ask us all kinds of questions and they think this is a suicide. I think they are wrong I know Vee and she would never commit suicide and I am going to prove it.
We get to meet Claire Fontaine, she is a very successful 35 year old defense attorney in D.C.. That is she was until her office was bombed and her career is shattered , she now talks with a debilitating French accent which is a result from the bombing. And now her neurologist has ordered for her to take a break from the law and she is broke so she has to find some kind of work. Also to keep her safe the FBI has advised her to lay low. The only thing she can think of to do is a private chef, She might as well make all of those cooking classes for singles that she took pay off. Her dear friend Vee, has invited her to move back home to her in hometown in Southern California. Vee is an upcoming fashion designer and she wants Claire to cater for the fashion TV show she is competing in right now. When she gets to Vee's house she has her best friend since childhood Suggie, with her. Vee has generously offered to let Suggie have her upcoming wedding at the estate, But when they arrive the door is unlocked and they an can not find Vee anywhere. She could not have gone too far with the house unlocked and she had put the kettle on for tea and cookies. Finally after searching everywhere they find her body at the bottom of the cliffs. The police ask us all kinds of questions and they think this is a suicide. I think they are wrong I know Vee and she would never commit suicide and I am going to prove it.
October 29, 2024
If you like cozy mysteries with authentic, fun, fleshed-out characters and lots of culinary asides, then you will appreciate this novel. It was a slick read, and while occasionally clues seem to appear a little too easily, that didn’t deter from the story, as they were always plausible, and added interesting twists to the narrative. Clearly the author had personal knowledge or had done plenty of research in many areas touched on in the novel: criminal law, fashion industry, cuisine etc.
The protagonist, Claire Fontaine, is a very appealing character, which helps one become quickly invested in the plot. Claire’s previous career as a DC attorney allows here the wherewithal to impose herself into the investigation of her fashion friend’s murder. Best-friend, Suggie, is a great side-kick, as is the love-interest detective on the case. Having lived in California, I could picture the well-developed southern coastal setting easily, as well as the foray into nearby Mexico. Claire’s foreign accent syndrome, as the result of a TBI, was hilarious, and new to me, but a fun addition. The story is fast paced with lots of plot, location and character detail too, which made it a fast and gripping read.
I really enjoyed this first mystery from author, Elle Jauffret, and hope she writes more.
The protagonist, Claire Fontaine, is a very appealing character, which helps one become quickly invested in the plot. Claire’s previous career as a DC attorney allows here the wherewithal to impose herself into the investigation of her fashion friend’s murder. Best-friend, Suggie, is a great side-kick, as is the love-interest detective on the case. Having lived in California, I could picture the well-developed southern coastal setting easily, as well as the foray into nearby Mexico. Claire’s foreign accent syndrome, as the result of a TBI, was hilarious, and new to me, but a fun addition. The story is fast paced with lots of plot, location and character detail too, which made it a fast and gripping read.
I really enjoyed this first mystery from author, Elle Jauffret, and hope she writes more.
October 8, 2024
For me, this book had a bit of a slow start. I didn’t really feel invested in the story until Chapter Four when you get a bit more back-story on the main character. But man oh man… once my intrigue was sparked… I couldn’t put it down.
What kept me reading until Chapter Four was a very likeable main character and the detective character who I could tell had promise as an antagonistic character with potential to turn into a romantic sub plot. Honestly up until that point I wasn’t feeling too engaged in the story, but once it cracked up I was hooked.
Elle Jauffret has crafted a fun and engaging story that I enjoyed thoroughly by the end. I thought there were a few missed opportunities (maybe a few times when it would have been good to see Claire stumble over her words a bit in order to drive home her medical condition, and I think the initial murder scene could have been a bit more gripping) however once the story got going there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me really enjoying the very solid writing and narrative.
Overall I thought it was a fun novel to read and would recommend it to those who enjoy a good Cozy Mystery - just don’t worry if you feel it’s a bit slow to start, it definitely makes up for it as the story moves along.
What kept me reading until Chapter Four was a very likeable main character and the detective character who I could tell had promise as an antagonistic character with potential to turn into a romantic sub plot. Honestly up until that point I wasn’t feeling too engaged in the story, but once it cracked up I was hooked.
Elle Jauffret has crafted a fun and engaging story that I enjoyed thoroughly by the end. I thought there were a few missed opportunities (maybe a few times when it would have been good to see Claire stumble over her words a bit in order to drive home her medical condition, and I think the initial murder scene could have been a bit more gripping) however once the story got going there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me really enjoying the very solid writing and narrative.
Overall I thought it was a fun novel to read and would recommend it to those who enjoy a good Cozy Mystery - just don’t worry if you feel it’s a bit slow to start, it definitely makes up for it as the story moves along.
December 13, 2024
The overall plot was interesting, so I found myself wanting to continue the book. There were just a few too many things that didn't fully work for me. First, there were a few scenes where I felt like we skipped from one part of the scene to another part of the scene without a transition. I'd go back, thinking I'd missed something, only to realize that I hadn't missed anything. For example, at one point, Claire is texting someone, and then suddenly they're talking on the phone. I'm not sure when they switched.
I am also really bothered by how unprofessionally Claire and Torres handle the murder investigation. I've never been involved in a murder investigation, but I've read enough murder mysteries to know how horribly they both handle things. I think the worst happened at a restaurant. Let's just say that subtle doesn't seem to be in their vocabulary.
This book does have some swearing. It's not common, but it's there. There's no sexual content or graphic violence.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. It does have an interesting plot. It just has too many inconsistencies and odd parts that drew my focus away from the plot.
I got a free ARC from BookSirens, and I wrote a voluntary review.
I am also really bothered by how unprofessionally Claire and Torres handle the murder investigation. I've never been involved in a murder investigation, but I've read enough murder mysteries to know how horribly they both handle things. I think the worst happened at a restaurant. Let's just say that subtle doesn't seem to be in their vocabulary.
This book does have some swearing. It's not common, but it's there. There's no sexual content or graphic violence.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. It does have an interesting plot. It just has too many inconsistencies and odd parts that drew my focus away from the plot.
I got a free ARC from BookSirens, and I wrote a voluntary review.
November 17, 2024
A Sizzling Mystery with Flair and Heart
In this cozy blend of mystery and culinary charm, Claire Fontaine’s life takes a turn from practicing law to solving her best friend’s murder, all while she struggles with French foreign accent syndrome — adding a unique twist.
The mystery unravels with nail-biting suspense as Claire takes on the dangerous task of proving her friend’s death was no accident. Detective Ben Torres, with his charm and complicated rapport with Claire, adds a spark of romantic tension that keeps readers hooked.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as the novel shines in its portrayal of Southern California’s vibrant setting, with its beautiful coastline contrasting beautifully against Claire’s more grounded culinary escapades. For anyone who enjoys a cozy yet high-stakes mystery with a dash of humor, a pinch of romance, and a healthy serving of heart, this book is a must-read. Claire Fontaine is a heroine you’ll root for from page one, and her story will leave you hungry for more.
In this cozy blend of mystery and culinary charm, Claire Fontaine’s life takes a turn from practicing law to solving her best friend’s murder, all while she struggles with French foreign accent syndrome — adding a unique twist.
The mystery unravels with nail-biting suspense as Claire takes on the dangerous task of proving her friend’s death was no accident. Detective Ben Torres, with his charm and complicated rapport with Claire, adds a spark of romantic tension that keeps readers hooked.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as the novel shines in its portrayal of Southern California’s vibrant setting, with its beautiful coastline contrasting beautifully against Claire’s more grounded culinary escapades. For anyone who enjoys a cozy yet high-stakes mystery with a dash of humor, a pinch of romance, and a healthy serving of heart, this book is a must-read. Claire Fontaine is a heroine you’ll root for from page one, and her story will leave you hungry for more.
September 29, 2024
Threads of deception was written by an author who is well-schooled in the art of catching a reader's attention and taking them on a ride.
The English is polished and professional, making the book an easy read, which is quite the feat given that each chapter is information dense and packed with complications and twists.
The characters are sometimes hard-edged and sometimes endaring, but never cardboard or flat. The author is skilled at making all of them pop to life.
Since this is a mystery, I want to be careful to not reveal any spoilers, but I think the two things that impressed me most were the Agatha Christie level of detail, and Claire, the main character. Claire comes to the story with medical concerns caused by a substantial trauma. Despite her wounds, she is dedicated to the people she cares about and tenacious at piecing together a crime.
This is a gripping, fast-paced book that I highly recommend.
The English is polished and professional, making the book an easy read, which is quite the feat given that each chapter is information dense and packed with complications and twists.
The characters are sometimes hard-edged and sometimes endaring, but never cardboard or flat. The author is skilled at making all of them pop to life.
Since this is a mystery, I want to be careful to not reveal any spoilers, but I think the two things that impressed me most were the Agatha Christie level of detail, and Claire, the main character. Claire comes to the story with medical concerns caused by a substantial trauma. Despite her wounds, she is dedicated to the people she cares about and tenacious at piecing together a crime.
This is a gripping, fast-paced book that I highly recommend.
December 6, 2024
Threads of Deception is a clever mystery with twists and turns that kept me devouring this story to the very end. Main character Claire Fontaine is a loyal friend, a savvy sleuth, and, with her newly acquired French accent (thank you, Foreign Accent Syndrome) is adorably hilarious. As she strives to unravel clues and details surrounding her best friend’s death, she finds herself in some pulse-quickening (and sometimes hilarious) situations, but, with incredible resolve, she pushes through. From the first scene, Claire emerges as a strong, yet flawed woman who I instantly wanted to root for. The rest of the cast is fantastic, diverse, and multi-dimensional, and Claire’s culinary skills… chef’s kiss. Caper Cove is a fictional town, but I felt like I was there. Jauffret does an excellent job at grounding her readers and making the cozy beach town feel like another character. Highly recommend this suspenseful and surprising novel and I can’t wait for book two!
November 3, 2024
In her debut cozy mystery, THREADS OF DECEPTION, author Elle Jauffret presents Claire Fontaine, a recovering D.C. lawyer and aspiring chef, newly relocated to her hometown in San Diego, California after a traumatic event ended her legal career and left her with a French accent. Soon after she arrives home, Claire finds herself embroiled in a mystery surrounding the sudden death of her client and friend, an up-and-coming clothing designer and reality star. With the help of her childhood best friend and an attractive detective, Claire sets her sights on figuring out what really happened to her designer friend. Fans of cozy mysteries will be drawn to Jauffret’s authentic characters and setting, as well as her culinary descriptions that tickle the senses. This book is a page-turner!
I received an advanced reader copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2025
Several cuts above the average cozy mystery, this novel has plot twists in unexpected spots and multi levels to the story. On top of that it is beautifully written, and the story line is delightfully original.
Claire, the protaganist, is charming (no other word for her) and we can't help but cheer for her. There is enough romantic tension to keep us wondering if something will click in the next book. The addition of a TV show gives it a modern flavor that young readers will probably like. High Fashion, Gourmet Food, Pop TV and interesting women with French accents- I loved this book. And I was not given a free copy.
Claire, the protaganist, is charming (no other word for her) and we can't help but cheer for her. There is enough romantic tension to keep us wondering if something will click in the next book. The addition of a TV show gives it a modern flavor that young readers will probably like. High Fashion, Gourmet Food, Pop TV and interesting women with French accents- I loved this book. And I was not given a free copy.
December 24, 2024
A tantalizing tale of mystery, a lawyer-turned-chef protagonist who is not opposed to speaking up for justice, and a sprinkling of French food and fashion... Threads of Deception leaves the perfect servings of "amuse-bouche" to leave you guessing the who, how, and why of the murder, right until the thrilling conclusion. Best paired with a long flight (because you will not want to put this down once you're in) or a book club (to discuss your many theories along the way).
I volunteered to receive this as an advanced reader copy.
I volunteered to receive this as an advanced reader copy.
February 16, 2025
The novel is a well-written genre bending mystery, procedural in many ways as the lawyer-turned-chef conducts her rounds around Caper Cove. The main character having French language syndrome is fun, and I wish it could have played up this angle more, especially as multiple people accuse Claire of actually being French. How she obtained the accent syndrome was not fully explained - I'm aware it was an explosion, but why the explosion happened in the first place was missed by me. The world of fashion was an interesting angle. I look forward to the next book.
February 20, 2025
This was a lovely, charming and smart read. Mysteries are not usually my genre but the unusual premise drew me in. In addition to a fascinating main character, intriguing mystery, and fast-paced plot, I especially enjoyed the loving descriptions of the SoCal setting, the delightful food the characters encountered, and the legal explanations peppered throughout at just the right length and time. Highly recommend.
March 31, 2025
After a tragedy leaves lawyer Claire Fontaine with an inexplicable French accent, she returns to her beachside hometown to start over in a new career as a chef. However, when her friend and client is found dead, all of Claire’s skills will be required to solve the case and avenge her friend. This fun and fast-paced thriller has everything—murder, fashion, politics—and delicious culinary adventures. An entertaining read from beginning to end!
October 11, 2024
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It's a solid mystery with believable characters.
The main character's predicament is original and a smart reflection on the way those with accents can be mistreated, but the author does it in the way that is not in your face.
I could see it as a series on TV.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book.
The main character's predicament is original and a smart reflection on the way those with accents can be mistreated, but the author does it in the way that is not in your face.
I could see it as a series on TV.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book.
October 21, 2024
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. I enjoyed this story very much, even if the romance subplot was a bit too cheesy for my tastes. The attitudes people had towards someone with a French accent shocked me - I am curious if this is indicative of its setting, or something the author played up for effect. I would definitely keep reading this series if there are more coming.
November 2, 2024
Claire returns to Caper Cove only to find her best friend Vee’s dead body. She's convinced it's murder and starts an investigation. This is a good story with a nice writing style, interesting characters and suspense. I absolutely loved this book. I hope there will be a sequel soon.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
May 13, 2025
great debut mystery
This is a story of a woman returning to her hometown. Unfortunately she has a French accent after being involved in a bombing. The accent causes unexpected problems. She is returning with hopes of becoming a chef. Her first client if found murdered. It is up to her to solve the case.
This is a story of a woman returning to her hometown. Unfortunately she has a French accent after being involved in a bombing. The accent causes unexpected problems. She is returning with hopes of becoming a chef. Her first client if found murdered. It is up to her to solve the case.
June 27, 2025
Loved the premise, and read this quickly. The characters were wonderful, and believable. The mystery and solution, along with the speculation and red-herrings were nicely developed.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series, and hope in addition to a new mystery, Claire might be able to figure out more about her sister's disappearance (that took place years ago).
I am looking forward to the next book in the series, and hope in addition to a new mystery, Claire might be able to figure out more about her sister's disappearance (that took place years ago).
August 20, 2025
When a bankrupt lawyer arrives at her next career as an on-site chef of a reality TV show, she finds her new boss dead. She must navigate the Caper Cove police, the other contestants and competing motives to figure out who killed Vee. This is an intriguing book with a well written plot. The characters were completely engaging and well thought out. I can't wait for the sequel.
October 11, 2024
This cozy mystery was a quick read. The underlying mystery was okay, but some of the story was a bit far-fetched and the ending wrapped up quickly.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 15, 2024
I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
Excellent.
Well written mystery.
Well developed characters.
A quick read.
Gripping and suspenseful.
Excellent.
Well written mystery.
Well developed characters.
A quick read.
Gripping and suspenseful.
December 6, 2024
The premise of this character lends to a lot of funny situations and insights. The mystery was engaging and twisty. Very fun!
February 10, 2025
A clever mystery! If there’s a second one, I’ll probably read it. I want to see what happens in Claire’s life.
April 14, 2025
Absolutely adored this book! Such clever writing and fun to read. So looking forward to reading her next books!!
April 28, 2025
A fun mystery with engaging characters that capture your imagination and make you want to read on.
May 4, 2025
Just finished, Bad guy wasn't one of my top 3. Loved the surprise.
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