
The French Paradox
A Wine Country Mystery, Book 11
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $17.16
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Christine Marshall
-
By:
-
Ellen Crosby
About this listen
Lucie Montgomery’s discovery of her grandfather’s Parisian romance unlocks a series of shocking secrets in the gripping new Wine Country mystery.
In 1949, during her junior year abroad in Paris, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis bought several inexpensive paintings of Marie-Antoinette by a little-known 18th-century female artist. She also had a romantic relationship with Virginia vineyard owner Lucie Montgomery’s French grandfather - until recently, a well-kept secret.
Seventy years later, Cricket Delacroix, Lucie’s neighbor and Jackie’s schoolfriend, is donating the now priceless paintings to a Washington, DC, museum. And Lucie’s grandfather is flying to Virginia for Cricket’s 90th birthday party, hosted by her daughter, Harriet. A washed-up journalist, Harriet is rewriting a manuscript Jackie left behind about Marie-Antoinette and her portraitist. She’s also adding tell-all details about Jackie, sure to make the book a best seller.
Then, on the eve of the party, a world-famous landscape designer who also knew Jackie is found dead in Lucie’s vineyard. Did someone make good on the death threats he’d received because of his controversial book on climate change? Or was his murder tied to Jackie, the paintings, and Lucie’s beloved grandfather?
©2021 Ellen Crosby (P)2021 Blackstone PublishingListeners also enjoyed...
-
The Merlot Murders
- A Wine Country Mystery
- By: Ellen Crosby
- Narrated by: P. J. Davis-Oran
- Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lucie Montgomery's semi-estranged brother, Eli, calls her in France to tell her that their father, Leland, has been killed in a hunting accident on the family's 500-acre Virginia vineyard. But the vineyard is now shabby and run-down and her siblings want to sell it. Then Lucie's godfather tells her Leland's death was no accident. With her greedy brother, hell-raising sister, and a seemingly cut-rate vintner hired by Leland just before he died, all the suspects are disturbingly close to home.
-
-
Wine & history w/ your mystery!
- By Cracker1951 on 03-27-08
By: Ellen Crosby
-
Multiple Exposure
- Sophie Medina, Book 1
- By: Ellen Crosby
- Narrated by: Caroline Shaffer
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the author of the "lively and spirited" ( Providence Journal) Wine Country Mysteries comes the first in a new series featuring a savvy female photographer whose husband's abduction embroils her in the world of international espionage and lost Romanov art treasures. Weaving together political intrigue, art history, and espionage, this fast-paced story marks the start of a promising new series.
-
-
Another Wonderful Story
- By Elaine (GAGA) Gibson on 06-08-23
By: Ellen Crosby
-
On What Grounds
- By: Cleo Coyle
- Narrated by: Rebecca Gibel
- Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Clare Cosi used to manage the historic Village Blend coffeehouse…until she opted for quieter pastures and a more suburban life. But after ten years and a little friendly cajoling from the owner (a fresh pot of Jamaican Blue Mountain was all it took), she's back to the grind. With a sprawling rent-free apartment directly above the Village Blend, her cat Java by her side, and plenty of coffeehouse redecorating ideas, Clare is thrilled to return to work. Until she discovers the assistant manager unconscious in the back of the store, coffee grounds strewn everywhere.
-
-
Stands out
- By Pam on 06-07-13
By: Cleo Coyle
-
Plantation Shudders
- A Cajun Country Mystery, Book 1
- By: Ellen Byron
- Narrated by: Meredith Mitchell
- Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's the end of the summer and prodigal daughter Maggie Crozat has returned home to her family's plantation-turned-bed-and-breakfast in Louisiana. The Crozats have an inn full of guests for the local food festival. But when the elderly couple keels over dead within minutes of each other - one from very unnatural causes - Maggie and her family suddenly become suspects in a murder.
-
-
Unimpressed.
- By shannon on 10-04-16
By: Ellen Byron
-
Murder by the Book
- Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery, Book 1
- By: Lauren Elliott
- Narrated by: Karen White
- Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Addie Greyborne loved working with rare books at the Boston Public Library - she even got to play detective, tracking down clues about mysterious old volumes. But she didn't expect her sleuthing skills to come in so handy in a little seaside town....
-
-
Narrator Not Appropriate
- By Vivian on 09-23-19
By: Lauren Elliott
-
Tart of Darkness
- The Chef-to-Go Mysteries, Book 1
- By: Denise Swanson
- Narrated by: Melissa Moran
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dani unexpectedly inherits an enormous old house in a quaint college town and pursues her true passion - cooking! She opens Chef-to-Go, preparing delicious, ready-made meals for hungry students as well as providing personal chef services. To help support her new business, she opens her home to a few students, renting them rooms and becoming almost like a big sister figure in their lives. But just as Dani is relishing her sweet new life, the friend of one of her boarders is murdered, and Dani becomes one of the primary suspects!
-
-
NOT A Clean Cozy
- By hutchinre on 06-19-19
By: Denise Swanson
-
The Merlot Murders
- A Wine Country Mystery
- By: Ellen Crosby
- Narrated by: P. J. Davis-Oran
- Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lucie Montgomery's semi-estranged brother, Eli, calls her in France to tell her that their father, Leland, has been killed in a hunting accident on the family's 500-acre Virginia vineyard. But the vineyard is now shabby and run-down and her siblings want to sell it. Then Lucie's godfather tells her Leland's death was no accident. With her greedy brother, hell-raising sister, and a seemingly cut-rate vintner hired by Leland just before he died, all the suspects are disturbingly close to home.
-
-
Wine & history w/ your mystery!
- By Cracker1951 on 03-27-08
By: Ellen Crosby
-
Multiple Exposure
- Sophie Medina, Book 1
- By: Ellen Crosby
- Narrated by: Caroline Shaffer
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the author of the "lively and spirited" ( Providence Journal) Wine Country Mysteries comes the first in a new series featuring a savvy female photographer whose husband's abduction embroils her in the world of international espionage and lost Romanov art treasures. Weaving together political intrigue, art history, and espionage, this fast-paced story marks the start of a promising new series.
-
-
Another Wonderful Story
- By Elaine (GAGA) Gibson on 06-08-23
By: Ellen Crosby
-
On What Grounds
- By: Cleo Coyle
- Narrated by: Rebecca Gibel
- Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Clare Cosi used to manage the historic Village Blend coffeehouse…until she opted for quieter pastures and a more suburban life. But after ten years and a little friendly cajoling from the owner (a fresh pot of Jamaican Blue Mountain was all it took), she's back to the grind. With a sprawling rent-free apartment directly above the Village Blend, her cat Java by her side, and plenty of coffeehouse redecorating ideas, Clare is thrilled to return to work. Until she discovers the assistant manager unconscious in the back of the store, coffee grounds strewn everywhere.
-
-
Stands out
- By Pam on 06-07-13
By: Cleo Coyle
-
Plantation Shudders
- A Cajun Country Mystery, Book 1
- By: Ellen Byron
- Narrated by: Meredith Mitchell
- Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's the end of the summer and prodigal daughter Maggie Crozat has returned home to her family's plantation-turned-bed-and-breakfast in Louisiana. The Crozats have an inn full of guests for the local food festival. But when the elderly couple keels over dead within minutes of each other - one from very unnatural causes - Maggie and her family suddenly become suspects in a murder.
-
-
Unimpressed.
- By shannon on 10-04-16
By: Ellen Byron
-
Murder by the Book
- Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery, Book 1
- By: Lauren Elliott
- Narrated by: Karen White
- Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Addie Greyborne loved working with rare books at the Boston Public Library - she even got to play detective, tracking down clues about mysterious old volumes. But she didn't expect her sleuthing skills to come in so handy in a little seaside town....
-
-
Narrator Not Appropriate
- By Vivian on 09-23-19
By: Lauren Elliott
-
Tart of Darkness
- The Chef-to-Go Mysteries, Book 1
- By: Denise Swanson
- Narrated by: Melissa Moran
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dani unexpectedly inherits an enormous old house in a quaint college town and pursues her true passion - cooking! She opens Chef-to-Go, preparing delicious, ready-made meals for hungry students as well as providing personal chef services. To help support her new business, she opens her home to a few students, renting them rooms and becoming almost like a big sister figure in their lives. But just as Dani is relishing her sweet new life, the friend of one of her boarders is murdered, and Dani becomes one of the primary suspects!
-
-
NOT A Clean Cozy
- By hutchinre on 06-19-19
By: Denise Swanson
-
The Ghost and Mrs. McClure
- The Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series, Book 1
- By: Cleo Coyle
- Narrated by: Caroline Shaffer, Traber Burns
- Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Young widow Penelope Thornton-McClure and her old Aunt Sadie are making ends meet by managing a mystery book shop - a quaint Rhode Island landmark rumored to be haunted. Pen may not believe in ghosts, but she does believe in good publicity - like nabbing Timothy Brennan for a book signing. But soon after the bestselling thriller writer reveals a secret about the store's link to a 1940s murder, he keels over dead - and right in the middle of the store's new community events space. Who gives Mrs. McClure the first clue that it was murder?
-
-
Creative take of a ghost detective
- By Victoria J. Mejia-Gewe on 12-05-18
By: Cleo Coyle
-
Death Overdue
- A Haunted Library Mystery
- By: Allison Brook
- Narrated by: Mia Gaskin
- Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Carrie Singleton is just about done with Clover Ridge, Connecticut until she is offered a job as the head of programs and events at the spooky local library, complete with its own librarian ghost. Her first major event is a program presented by a retired homicide detective, Al Buckley, who claims he knows who murdered Laura Foster, a much-loved part-time library aide who was bludgeoned to death 15 years earlier. As he invites members of the audience to share stories about Laura, he suddenly keels over and dies.
-
-
Worst "mystery" ever
- By RBShap on 09-23-20
By: Allison Brook
-
Masked Ball at Broxley Manor
- A Royal Spyness Novella
- By: Rhys Bowen
- Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren
- Length: 1 hr and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At the end of her first unsuccessful season out in society, Lady Georgiana has all but given up on attracting a suitable man - until she receives an invitation to a masked Halloween ball at Broxley Manor. Georgie is uncertain why she was invited, until she learns that the royal family intends to marry her off to a foreign prince, one reputed to be mad.
-
-
Fun, light prequel
- By CMMV on 01-01-15
By: Rhys Bowen
-
Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake
- By: Sarah Graves
- Narrated by: Susan Boyce
- Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jake and Ellie have been through a lot together, from home repair to homicide investigation. So when they decide to open a chocolate-themed bakery, they figure it'll be a piece of cake. With Ellie's old family recipes luring in customers, they expect to make plenty of dough this Fourth of July weekend. Having family home for the holiday only sweetens the deal for Jake - that is, until the ill wind of an early-season hurricane blows up her family's plans. But as bitter as the storm is, something even more sinister is brewing in the kitchen of The Chocolate Moose - where health inspector Matt Muldoon is found murdered.
-
-
Poor attention to details
- By tim mcgrath on 10-09-20
By: Sarah Graves
-
Artifacts
- A Faye Longchamp Mystery, Book 1
- By: Mary Anna Evans
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Faye Longchamp has lost nearly everything, except for her quick mind and a grim determination to keep her ancestral home, Joyeuse, a moldering plantation. When the property taxes rise beyond her means, Faye sets out to save Joyeuse by digging for artifacts on her property and the surrounding national wildlife refuge and selling them on the black market. A tiny bit of that dead glory would pay a year’s taxes, and a big, valuable chunk of the past would save her home forever. But instead of potsherds and arrowheads, she uncovers a woman’s shattered skull, a Jackie Kennedy-style earring nestled against its cheek bone.
-
-
Too much mush
- By Vivian on 08-27-13
By: Mary Anna Evans
-
Murder on Cape Cod
- Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery, Book 1
- By: Maddie Day
- Narrated by: Rachel Dulude
- Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Summer is busy season for Mackenzie "Mac" Almeida's bicycle shop, nestled in the quaint, seaside hamlet of Westham, Massachusetts. She's expecting an influx of tourists at Mac's Bikes; instead she discovers the body of Jake Lacey. Mac can't imagine anyone stabbing the down-on-his-luck handyman. However, the authorities seem to think Mac is a strong suspect after she was spotted arguing with Jake just hours before his death. Mac knows she didn't do it, but she does recognize the weapon - her brother Derrick's fishing knife.
-
-
Save Your Credit
- By DKP on 06-24-22
By: Maddie Day
-
Dead in the Water
- Welcome Back to Scumble River, Book 1
- By: Denise Swanson
- Narrated by: Tanya Eby
- Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A twister, a kidnapping, and a murder - oh my! Scumble River may never be the same. For school psychologist Skye Denison, there's certainly no place like home. When a violent tornado devastates her small hometown of Scumble River, she can't see how the community will ever recover - especially since town councilman Zeke Lyons appears to have perished in the twister. But things get even worse for Skye when her police chief husband, Wally, disappears in the midst of investigating Zeke's death, and evidence arises pointing to foul play.
-
-
BRING BACK THE VOICE OF SCUMBLE RIVER!
- By Sandy on 02-15-18
By: Denise Swanson
-
Murder at the Mansion
- Victorian Village Mystery Series, Book 1
- By: Sheila Connolly
- Narrated by: Emily Durante
- Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Katherine Hamilton's goal in high school was to escape from her dead-end hometown of Asheboro, Maryland. Fifteen years later she's got a degree in hospitality management and a great job at a high-end boutique hotel in Baltimore. Until, that is, the hotel is acquired by a chain, and she's laid off. When Kate's high school best friend calls with a mysterious invitation to come talk with the town leaders of Asheboro, she agrees to make the trip, curious about where this new opportunity might lead.
-
-
Meh
- By Beatrice on 06-27-18
By: Sheila Connolly
-
The Diva Runs Out of Thyme
- A Domestic Diva Mystery, Book 1
- By: Krista Davis
- Narrated by: Hillary Huber
- Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Few can compete with the Natasha Smith when it comes to entertaining, but her childhood rival, Sophie Winston, certainly tries. While Natasha is known for her intricate centerpieces and painstakingly prepared gourmet meals, Sophie likes to keep things simple...real simple.
-
-
The type of cozy I don't enjoy
- By Meep on 09-11-15
By: Krista Davis
-
Louisiana Longshot
- A Miss Fortune Mystery, Book 1
- By: Jana DeLeon
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It was a hell of a long shot.... CIA assassin Fortune Redding is about to undertake her most difficult mission ever - in Sinful, Louisiana. With a leak at the CIA and a price placed on her head by one of the world's largest arms dealers, Fortune has to go off-grid, but she never expected to be this far out of her element.
-
-
Clever, funny and fun
- By Pamela on 06-08-16
By: Jana DeLeon
-
A Killer Collection
- Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries Series #1
- By: Ellery Adams
- Narrated by: Andi Arndt
- Length: 5 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Molly Appleby is a young writer for Collector's Weekly, and when the attractive reporter isn't covering auctions and antique shows all over the South, she's trying to get her new relationship with a coworker off the ground. When her latest assignment takes her to North Carolina pottery country to cover an exclusive kiln opening, she's certain that the show promises surprising offerings and rare finds. What she doesn't expect to find is a dead body.
-
-
New pot? No, sorry, just a dead body!
- By Eddie Lynn on 08-08-17
By: Ellery Adams
-
A Cupcake Bakery Mystery Bundle, Books 1-3
- By: Jenn McKinlay
- Narrated by: Susan Boyce
- Length: 20 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the first book of the series, Sprinkle with Murder, Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaurae are finally the proud owners of the Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery, but their first big client is a nightmare. She's a bridezilla who wants 500 custom cupcakes for her wedding.
-
-
I enjoyed this
- By GSKittens on 06-26-23
By: Jenn McKinlay
What listeners say about The French Paradox
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Rhonda Donaldson
- 08-24-21
Arkady62
I love this series. Ellen Crosby is such a fantastic writer. I do hope she keeps writing.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Beatrice
- 09-05-21
5 Stars
The French Paradox is an entertaining cozy mystery with engaging characters and an interesting plot. I look forward to the next book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 06-17-22
Not a fan of the narrator
The story is good, but the narrator Often sounds like what I imagine an intoxicated 1-900 worker would sound like.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Brenda
- 07-26-23
A Political Opinion Essay
I have listened to every book in the series except the last one. Even though I already own the last one , I am finished. I do know that authors have a point of view, but this one almost beat you over the head with Ellen Crosby's opinions. I always taught my student's about author's purpose pie - Persuade, Inform, or Entertain. I read cozy mysteries to be entertained, not to be persuaded on the author's opinions.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- T.L.
- 08-28-21
A Thinly Veiled Attempt
I have always loved this author and have read all of her books. This book however is the last book by this author I will ever read. Instead of a pleasant murder mystery that I wanted it is a thinly veiled attempt to push her social adjenda of fear mongering climate change, illegal immigrants and gay marriage. No thanks I can get that everyday on television.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful