Auguste Didier Series by Amy Myers

Accused of poisoning a man with the mushrooms he prepared the night of the murder, chef Auguste Didier is forced to investigate the crime himself in order to clear his name.

But back in London Inspector Egbert Rose of Scotland Yard is investigating a series of jewel burglaries. Only when he meets the sixth victim, ballerina Natalia Kallinkova, does he realise this is no ordinary case. For each missing jewel had been encased in an exquisite Fabergé egg, the gift of the Grand Duke Igor of Russia to his ex-mistresses. Worse, he discovers there is a seventh egg…and Inspector Rose sets off hot-foot to warn its owner – in Cannes... moreBut back in London Inspector Egbert Rose of Scotland Yard is investigating a series of jewel burglaries. Only when he meets the sixth victim, ballerina Natalia Kallinkova, does he realise this is no ordinary case. For each missing jewel had been encased in an exquisite Fabergé egg, the gift of the Grand Duke Igor of Russia to his ex-mistresses. Worse, he discovers there is a seventh egg…and Inspector Rose sets off hot-foot to warn its owner – in Cannes. There, the Gentlemen (the English, under the captaincy of the Prince of Wales) are about to engage the Players (the rest of the world) in a to-the-death cricket match. And where such passions are raised, murder is sure to follow... less

A sumptuous dinner turns deadly in this Edwardian mystery introducing master chef and amateur detective Auguste Didier - and featuring the charismatic Prince of Wales himself. Only a dinner of first-class excellence can tempt the Prince of Wales to endure the ordeal of being president of the Society of Literary Lionizers. And he ensures this by insisting that the year's highlight, the banquet at Broadstairs, will be cooked by master chef Auguste Didier... moreA sumptuous dinner turns deadly in this Edwardian mystery introducing master chef and amateur detective Auguste Didier - and featuring the charismatic Prince of Wales himself. Only a dinner of first-class excellence can tempt the Prince of Wales to endure the ordeal of being president of the Society of Literary Lionizers. And he ensures this by insisting that the year's highlight, the banquet at Broadstairs, will be cooked by master chef Auguste Didier. Broadstairs is famed not only as a seaside resort but also as the holiday haunt of Charles Dickens - the author the society has chosen to lionize for the year of the prince's presidency. The banquet, attended by six Peggotys, two Betsy Trotwoods, a couple of Little Dorrits, a Scrooge, and a Mr. Pickwick - not to mention a highly emotional Miss Havisham - goes well, but the readings that follow do not. In the middle of the murder scene from Oliver Twist, the reader, Sir Thomas Throgmorton, collapses and dies. Throgmorton has been poisoned, and Inspector Naseby of the local constabulary believes Didier's banquet is to blame. Luckily, the irrepressible Didier joins forces with inspector Egbert Rose of Scotland Yard to clear his name and uncover the real culprit. less

How could a baroness from the Continent, three pretty wards of a Foreign Office official, a soldier on leave from the South African War, a rich industrialist, a maiden lady from the provinces, a young married couple, a French diplomat and his beautiful wife with a roving eye, or a crusty retired army officer be embroiled in murder ??? not to mention a plot to assassinate the Prince of Wales? Auguste Didier, while anxiously ensuring the hotel cuisine reaches his own high standards, works his way... moreHow could a baroness from the Continent, three pretty wards of a Foreign Office official, a soldier on leave from the South African War, a rich industrialist, a maiden lady from the provinces, a young married couple, a French diplomat and his beautiful wife with a roving eye, or a crusty retired army officer be embroiled in murder ??? not to mention a plot to assassinate the Prince of Wales? Auguste Didier, while anxiously ensuring the hotel cuisine reaches his own high standards, works his way through the complex ingredients of murder to put an end to the mysterious and terrible deeds that have not only ruined his Christmas but also disrupted his kitchens. less