Leafing through a book behind a pillar in the American Library in Paris, mystery writer Cara Black seemed herself a bit of a private investigator uncovering clues far from the prying eyes of the crowd. Moments later she would give a presentation on her inspiration, her research, and the development of her much-abused yet still youthful protagonist Aimée Leduc, the hero of her thirteen mystery novels all set in Paris. And from talking with Black about her craft, it becomes clear that she puts together books the way Aimee Leduc uncovers mysteries. Continue reading “Cara Black’s Paris Murders”
Lauren B. Davis’ “Radiant City”
In her beautiful new novel, “The Radiant City,” Canadian writer Lauren B. Davis evokes a Paris that is decidedly on the edge, a city in which everyone has come from somewhere else and is trying desperately to lose themselves. Continue reading “Lauren B. Davis’ “Radiant City””
The Seductive Saga of Cognac
It is fitting that Kyle Jarrard’s new book, “Cognac,” starts by summarizing millions of years of tectonic shifts and geological systems. After all, when you are as passionate about the subject as he is, cognac is an entire world of its own with a story as old as the earth istelf. Continue reading “The Seductive Saga of Cognac”
We’ll always have Paris
John Baxter talks about sex and love in the City of Light
Renowned film critic, biographer, and Paris resident John Baxter’s new book, “We’ll Always Have Paris: Sex and Love in the City of Light,” is a gushing love letter to his adoptive city. Continue reading “We’ll always have Paris”