Every time I finish a Maggie Newberry mystery I think the series could not get any better. But this installment (#15) is just marvelous, a 5*+++ rating! I loved being back in the bosom of Maggie’s family, from Laurent, Grace, Danielle, and all the children (except for Taylor, a wretched young woman who truly delights in torturing her mother Claire). I dream of St. Buvard, the beautiful old home of Maggie and Laurent, and can “see” every room, the front drive, the back terrace and the vineyards. My only regret is finishing the books too quickly!

This mystery is set during the Christmas season when Maggie is visiting an acquaintance in the town of St.Remy du Provence, about 2 hours from St. Buvard. Fiona has agreed to introduce Maggie to her literary agent who agreed to review a draft of Maggie’s first mystery novel. Fiona’s niece Nuala, a pregnant 14 year old, is staying with Fiona until adoption arrangements can be finalized for the baby. Maggie observes the obvious antipathy between Fiona and Nuala. When Fiona is murdered, Nuala is arrested and charged with the crime but not before she gives birth in Maggie and Laurent’s shed and begs them to keep the baby. Maggie doesn’t believe Nuala is guilty and sets out to prove it, a familiar element in all the mysteries in this series.

I am thrilled to see there is a #16 in the series to be published in the not too distant future.