The City of Light is surging back to life in the wake of war, and its citizens are seizing every opportunity to raise a glass or share a delicious meal. But as American ex-pat Tabitha Knight and chef-in-training Julia Child discover, celebrations can quickly go awry when someone has murder in mind . . .

Set in midcentury Paris and starring Julia Childs fictional best friend, thismagnifiquereimagining of the iconic chefs years at Le Cordon Bleu blends a delicious murder mystery with a unique culinary twist.

The graceful domes of Sacr Coeur, the imposing cathedral of Notre Dame, the breathtakingTour Eiffel. . . Paris is overflowing with stunning architecture. Yet for Tabitha Knight, the humble building that houses the Cordon Bleu cooking school, where her friend Julia studies, is just as notable. Tabitha is always happy to sample Julias latest creation and try to recreate dishes for her Grand-pre and Oncle Rafe.

The legendary school also holds open demonstrations, where the public can see its master chefs at work. Its a treat for any aspiring cookuntil one of the chefs pours himself a glass of wine from a rare vintage bottleand promptly drops dead in front of Julia, Tabitha, and other assembled guests. Its the first in a frightening string of poisonings that turns grimly personal when cyanide-laced wine is sent to someone very close to Tabitha.

What kind of killer chooses such a means of murder, and why? Tabitha and Julia hope to find answers in order to save innocent livesnot to mention a few exquisite vintageseven as their investigation takes them through some of the darkest corners of Frances wartime past . . .