Lunch in Paris

You're probably wondering if Red Bell Reads has been reading lately! Yes, of course, Red Bell Reads lives to read. But nothing worthy of sharing has come along...that is until 'Lunch in Paris.' It's almost summer and this would be a delighful summer read. If you're vacationing/living somewhere with a great Farmer's Market and a kitchen to work in...all the better. Read the book; share in Elizabeth's journey to Paris, to love, to cooking in a tiny, tiny apartment with minimal utensils, but a wealth of imagination and appetite. The story is funny and romantic. There are several laugh out loud scenes. The recipes that the author includes will keep you paging through the book long after you've read the last page. I tried  'Poached Cod with Wilted Leeks and Homemade Mayonnaise.' Okay, it didn't turn out exactly right, but that was my fault. I substituted regular mustard for Dijon (which I didn't have), but it was still yummy. And just why have I never poached fish before?? Easy and delicious. I'm a convert. I'm anxious to try the 'Lamb Shanks with Orange and Star Anise' and the 'Summer Ratatouille.' If you buy the book, let me know which recipes you try!

More Cara Black

I've already shared Cara Black's "Murder on the Ile St. Louis" with you. I've read this one set in the Marais as well. It was Black's first mystery and introduces Amy Leduc, her strong woman character who gets involved in more murders than cats have lives! You can purchase your own copy of this fun mystery here, but you can also win one if you're lucky and a talented photographer. Click over to EyePreferParis; Richard's offering a free copy of Black's book to the winner of his 'photographs of the Marais' contest. While you're there, be sure to check out Richard's blog...he has some gorgeous photos of hidden Paris courtyards, some great interviews with interesting Parisians, and recommendations for yummy places to eat.

Murder on the Ile St. Louis

I always like to have a good mystery tucked away in my bottom drawer for those days when I feel a bit bored, a bit out-of-sorts, maybe a bit blue. They're usually an easy, fast read; they keep me engaged. And I always like the challenge of seeing if I can figure out 'whodunnit' before the author reveals the real culprit. When I can combine a mystery with my favorite city in the world, Paris, life gets even better. Cara Black's mysteries take me there. Her main character, Amy Leduc, keeps me on the edge of my seat as she investigates murder in some of Paris' most famous arrondissements. This mystery set on Ile St. Louis combines fast paced action, environmental concerns and remnents of a faded Polish monarchy. Learn more than you'd ever want to know about how the Seine treats its corpses and explore the sewers and underground tunnels of the City of Lights. Trust me, you'll like this one!'

PS...I know I'm weird, but I like to read Black's mysteries with my Michelin Paris Par Arrondissements Plan Atlas: Nouvelle Edition (Michelin Maps) map book in hand. I trace the action along the rues and boulevards and into each place she mentions.