The Verdict: A readable mystery that makes for a good holiday escape, even if a slower pace and surface-level characters keep it from matching the heights of Foley’s previous hits.
Review Breakdown:
Pacing: A bit slow overall, taking some time to build momentum
Character Depth: Surface-level and not particularly engaging, lacking real depth
Atmosphere: Good claustrophobic setting, but missing local Paris description
Overall Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars — A good holiday read
The Setup
Lucy Foley returns with her signature multi-perspective style, this time trading her usual remote landscapes for a beautiful, creepy old apartment building in the heart of Paris.
We follow Jess, a young woman looking for a fresh start, who shows up to crash with her half-brother, Ben. The only problem? Ben is missing, his keys are left behind, and the building’s wealthy, eccentric neighbors are all hiding secrets.
The Critique: Pacing and Characters
While the book is well-structured on paper, the execution feels a bit slow overall. The plot takes a while to get moving, and it lacks the gripping momentum you might expect from a typical thriller.
A big part of this slow drag comes down to the characters. While they are clearly defined in their suspicious roles—from the watchful concierge to the defensive socialite—they are all a bit surface-level. Without much depth or genuine emotional stakes, they aren’t particularly engaging. Instead of rooting for them or being deeply intrigued by their secrets, you might find yourself watching them from a distance.
The Setting: Where is Paris?
The book also leaves you wanting a bit more from its actual setting. For a novel with “Paris” right there in the title, it feels surprisingly isolated from the city itself.
If you dive in hoping to be transported to the romantic, bustling streets or historic cafes of Paris, you will likely wish for much more descriptive detail and local flavor. The apartment building functions more like a generic, dark backdrop than a living, breathing character.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve read a few of Lucy Foley’s books before, you will likely find this one readable, but not nearly as enjoyable or gripping as some of her others. Because of the slower pace and flat characters, it doesn’t quite have that unputdownable magic. However, if you are just looking for a straightforward, easy-to-read mystery for a holiday weekend, it still works as a good, enjoyable time-killer.
You can buy the book on Amazon
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