Everyone in Aix-en-Provence was shocked when Count Etienne de Bremont was found dead outside his chateau. Although no foul play was suspected, the police are asked to investigate. Antoine Verlaque, the local magistrate, is quick to suspect that the Count's death could not have been an accident. Etienne de Bremont was found dead below the attic's open window, but Verlaque questions how a seasoned mountain climber could have been clumsy enough to lose his footing opening a window in a home he lived in most of his life. The Count's reading glasses were also found near the body proving that the Count was reading near the window and fell unexpectedly.

When Antoine Verlaque begins looking into the Bremont family's affairs, he discovers that the noble family barely had enough money to afford the upkeep of their historic chateau. Verlaque is further convinced Etienne was murdered when he begins questioning the most obvious suspects. The chateau's groundskeeper, who found the body, is extremely uneasy during the investigation, and Antoine is convinced the man is hiding something. Etienne de Bremont's widow, Isabelle de Bremont, is much too calm for a woman who just lost her husband and is adamant that she does not want an investigation. Even Etienne's brother, Francois, is considered a suspect by Verlaque. However, all the suspects have an alibi.

In order to unravel how Count Bremont died, Verlaque turns to his ex-girlfriend and local law professor, Marine Bonnet. Marine, a childhood friend of Etienne and Francois knew the family intimately and Verlaque believes she holds the key to finding out whether Etienne de Bremont fell out of his attic window or was pushed. Verlaque's routine investigation quickly becomes a complex murder investigation with many suspects and astonishing discoveries. Marine and Antoine will leave no stone unturned in order to find out who wanted Count Etienne de Bremont dead and why.

DEATH AT THE CHATEAU BREMONT is my kind of mystery novel! Anyone who is a fan of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple will be captivated by this enthralling and exceptionally written novel. Set in Southern France, French culture shines through each page as readers are whisked through charming cafes and trendy restaurants, and Southern Frances' splendid beauty. M.L. Longworth keeps readers on their toes by introducing unexpected and shocking twists. The tension between ex-lovers, Marine and Antoine, provides humor and romance in the midst of a compelling mystery. M.L. Longworth's debut novel is a hit!

Book Summary

Introducing a seductive new mystery series set in Provence-featuring chief magistrate Antoine Verlaque. Set in charming and historic Aix-en-Provence, France, Death at the Château Bremont introduces readers to Antoine Verlaque, the handsome and seductive chief magistrate of Aix, and his on-again, off- again love interest, law professor Marine Bonnet. When local nobleman Etienne de Bremont falls to his death from the family château, the town is abuzz with rumors. Verlaque suspects foul play and must turn to Marine for help when he discovers that she had been a close friend of the Bremonts. This is a lively whodunit steeped in the rich, enticing, and romantic atmosphere of southern France.