Eau De Death by Langley Gray
Published: April 4, 2022
Bisico Press
Genre: Cozy Mystery
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Langley Gray traveled around the world and was lucky enough to marry her own leading man. Three kids and a house in the suburbs later, she decided to add some adventure back into #thatminivanlife by pursuing her dream of writing fiction. She draws on her degree in psychology to shape (read: torture) her characters and is a ghostwriter for cozy mysteries and children’s books on the side.
But things take a turn at her birthday party. She’s celebrating her fortieth on a river cruise down the Seine when one of the guests, who also happens to be a big name in perfumery, drowns. If that wasn’t bad enough Nati’s ex-husband of all people is the top suspect.
Will Nati find the real killer so she can properly enjoy her time in the spotlight, or worse yet, will she discover that her ex-husband is not only a cheater, but also a murderer?
“I wondered how this delicate dance would end.”
Nati, Owen, and Sal are in Paris for the biggest perfume convention in the world. Nati is excited to reconnect with her friends from perfumery school and see Fleur and baby Corbin. Nati is also celebrating a milestone birthday in the most romantic city. Everything is going better than expected- until it isn’t. Now Nati and her unlikely band of friends have to figure out what happened before it’s too late.
This was such a sweet installation in this series! I am loving the development of Owen and Nati’s relationship, especially after this book!
It was great getting to revisit some precious characters while meeting some new ones. There’s a major plot twist early in the book that made my jaw drop! But I loved where that led the storyline.
I appreciated how this book focused less on Nati as a perfume genius and more on Nati, the woman. She has some beautiful moments with herself, where she truly realizes what she wants for herself and her future.
I loved Owen’s enthusiasm for Utopian Park. He turns into such a fangirl, and it is adorable. I love how Owen isn’t afraid to be who he is in every situation. He had some fantastic scenes in this book; Paris worked its magic on him.
The pace was quick, but there was the perfect mix of humor, drama, sass, and of course, romance. The balance never swayed one direction too long, and the plot carried the same heartwarming charm we have grown to love with this series.
Sal is his usual self in Paris until he meets Boo. Possibly this cutest side story ever. Pup romance, queue my heart exploding!
I love the growth Nati has gone through. She is such a different character from the first book. I love that she has found herself and has reclaimed her life. She is living her dream and loving every moment. She is such a brilliant character, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.