Serena Kent

Set amidst the gorgeous backdrop of Provence, Serena Kent's second book in the deliciously entertaining Penelope Kite series finds the amateur sleuth romantically linked with the mayor of St. Merlot and dashing to solve the murder of an expat artist--perfect for fans of Peter Mayle and Agatha Christie.After an eventful first few months in Provence, it seems Penelope is finally settling into her delightful new life, complete with a gorgeous love interest in the mayor of St. Merlot.When Penelope and the mayor attend a glamorous gallery opening, Penelope's biggest worry is embarrassing herself in front of her date. But the evening takes a horrifying turn when a controversial expat painter, Roland Doncaster, chokes to death.A tragic accident? Or a malicious plot? Reluctantly drawn into the murder investigation, Penelope discovers that any number of jealous lovers and scheming rivals could be involved. And with dashing art dealers to charm, patisseries to resist, and her own friends under suspicion, Penelope will need to draw upon all her sleuthing talents to uncover the truth.Set against the stunning vistas of Provence, Serena Kent returns with the second installment of her charming mystery series featuring the unflappable Penelope Kite.

Set amidst the gorgeous backdrop of Provence, Serena Kent's second book in the deliciously entertaining Penelope Kite series finds the amateur sleuth romantically linked with the mayor of St. Merlot and dashing to solve the murder of an expat artist--perfect for fans of Peter Mayle and Agatha Christie.After an eventful first few months in Provence, it seems Penelope is finally settling into her delightful new life, complete with a gorgeous love interest in the mayor of St. Merlot.When Penelope and the mayor attend a glamorous gallery opening, Penelope's biggest worry is embarrassing herself in front of her date. But the evening takes a horrifying turn when a controversial expat painter, Roland Doncaster, chokes to death.A tragic accident? Or a malicious plot? Reluctantly drawn into the murder investigation, Penelope discovers that any number of jealous lovers and scheming rivals could be involved. And with dashing art dealers to charm, patisseries to resist, and her own friends under suspicion, Penelope will need to draw upon all her sleuthing talents to uncover the truth.Set against the stunning vistas of Provence, Serena Kent returns with the second installment of her charming mystery series featuring the unflappable Penelope Kite.

"After an eventful first few months in Provence, it seems Penelope is finally settling into her delightful new life, complete with a gorgeous love interest in the mayor of St. Merlot. When Penelope and the mayor Laurent Millais attend a glamorous gallery opening, a scandal-free evening is not in the cards. The evening comes to a horrifying halt when a controversial painter, Poland Doncaster, chokes to death. A tragic accident? Or a malicious plot? Embroiled once more in a murder investigation, Penelope discovers that any number of jealous lovers and scheming rivals could be involved. And with dashing art dealers to charm, patisseries to resist, and her own friends under suspicion, Penelope will need all her sleuthing talents to uncover the truth"--

It's love at first sight when Penelope Kite sees Le Chant d'Eau--The Song of Water--the stone farmhouse tucked high in the hills above the Luberon valley, complete with a garden, swimming pool, and sweeping mountain vistas. For years, Penelope put her unfaithful ex-husband and her ungrateful stepchildren first. Since taking early retirement from her job in forensics at the Home Office in England, she's been an unpaid babysitter and chauffeur for her grandchildren. Now, she's going to start living for herself. Though her dream house needs major renovations, Penelope impulsively buys the property and moves to St. Merlot. But Penelope's daydreams of an adventurous life in Provence didn't include finding a corpse floating face down in her swimming pool. The discovery of the dead man plunges her headlong into a Proven al stew of intrigue and lingering resentments simmering beneath the deceptively sunny village. Having worked in the forensics office, Penelope knows a thing or two about murder investigations. To find answers, she must carefully navigate between her seemingly ubiquitous, supercilious (and enviably chic) estate agent, the disdainful chief of police, and the devilishly handsome mayor--even as she finds herself tempted by all the delicacies the region has to offer. Thank goodness her old friend Frankie is just a flight away . . . and that Penelope is not quite as na ve as her new neighbors in St. Merlot believe.Set against the exquisite backdrop of Provence, steeped in history, atmosphere, and secrets, Death in Provence introduces an irresistible heroine and a delightful new mystery series.

'Humorous and light-hearted, with a plotline that you can't put down, Death in Avignon is the perfect escapist read for dreaming of sun-washed Provence and intrigue à la Française' Belle Provence Travels Glamour, intrigue, and a mystery to die for... After a tumultuous summer, Penelope Kite has settled into the rhythm of her new life in Provence. Lavender-scented evenings, long lunches with new friends - and an exclusive gallery opening to attend, on the arm of the gorgeous mayor of St Merlot... But beneath the veneer of glamour, scandal is brewing. Shockwaves ripple through the Avignon art world when a controversial painter, Roland Doncaster, chokes on an almond-stuffed olive. A tragic accident? Or a ruthless poisoning? Embroiled once more in a murder investigation, Penelope discovers that any number of jealous lovers and scheming rivals could be in the frame. And with dashing art dealers to charm, patisseries to resist, and her own friends under suspicion, Penelope will need all her sleuthing talents to unveil the truth... Return to the charm of Provence for another delightful Penelope Kite mystery! The perfect holiday read for fans of MC Beaton, Peter Mayle and Betty Rowlands'Serena Kent is a dazzling story-teller...sparkling' On My Bookshelf Blog'Not only is Death in Provence a great mystery novel, it's also laugh-out-loud funny' Belle Provence'Fresh, entertaining and very funny' Joanna Park, blogger'Perfect reading material for literary wanderlust to Provence' Tripfiction blog***Readers are enchanted by the Serena Kent series:'This book is as good as a holiday''This story immerses the reader in Provence . . . an excellent read''If your idea of heaven after a hard day is winding down with a glass of chilled rosé, or even a plum brandy, then this is for you''Entirely captivating and evocative . . . A truly diverting adventure in the Luberon hills''The perfect summer tale, transporting the reader to atmospheric Provence. . . I look forward to find out what mysteries the intriguing Penelope will unravel next''Such an entertaining and refreshing read . . . a cast of colourful characters who made me laugh out loud with their quirks

The first entry in a clever, lighthearted mystery series set in modern Provence--a delightful blend of Agatha Christie and Peter Mayle--featuring the irrepressible Penelope Kite, a young-at-heart divorcee with a knack for stumbling across dead bodies.It's love at first sight when Penelope Kite sees Le Chant d'Eau--The Song of Water--the stone farmhouse tucked high in the hills above the Luberon valley, complete with a garden, swimming pool, and sweeping mountain vistas. For years, Penelope put her unfaithful ex-husband and her ungrateful stepchildren first. Since taking early retirement from her job in forensics at the Home Office in England, she's been an unpaid babysitter and chauffeur for her grandchildren. Now, she's going to start living for herself. Though her dream house needs major renovations, Penelope impulsively buys the property and moves to St. Merlot. But Penelope's daydreams of an adventurous life in Provence didn't include finding a corpse floating face down in her swimming pool. The discovery of the dead man plunges her headlong into a Proven al stew of intrigue and lingering resentments simmering beneath the deceptively sunny village. Having worked in the forensics office, Penelope knows a thing or two about murder investigations. To find answers, she must carefully navigate between her seemingly ubiquitous, supercilious (and enviably chic) estate agent, the disdainful chief of police, and the devilishly handsome mayor--even as she finds herself tempted by all the delicacies the region has to offer. Thank goodness her old friend Frankie is just a flight away . . . and that Penelope is not quite as na ve as her new neighbors in St. Merlot believe.Set against the exquisite backdrop of Provence, steeped in history, atmosphere, and secrets, Death in Provence introduces an irresistible heroine and a delightful new mystery series.

The first entry in a clever, lighthearted mystery series set in modern Provence--a delightful blend of Agatha Christie and Peter Mayle--featuring the irrepressible Penelope Kite, a young-at-heart divorcee with a knack for stumbling across dead bodies.It's love at first sight when Penelope Kite sees Le Chant d'Eau--The Song of Water--the stone farmhouse tucked high in the hills above the Luberon valley, complete with a garden, swimming pool, and sweeping mountain vistas. For years, Penelope put her unfaithful ex-husband and her ungrateful stepchildren first. Since taking early retirement from her job in forensics at the Home Office in England, she's been an unpaid babysitter and chauffeur for her grandchildren. Now, she's going to start living for herself. Though her dream house needs major renovations, Penelope impulsively buys the property and moves to St. Merlot. But Penelope's daydreams of an adventurous life in Provence didn't include finding a corpse floating face down in her swimming pool. The discovery of the dead man plunges her headlong into a Proven al stew of intrigue and lingering resentments simmering beneath the deceptively sunny village. Having worked in the forensics office, Penelope knows a thing or two about murder investigations. To find answers, she must carefully navigate between her seemingly ubiquitous, supercilious (and enviably chic) estate agent, the disdainful chief of police, and the devilishly handsome mayor--even as she finds herself tempted by all the delicacies the region has to offer. Thank goodness her old friend Frankie is just a flight away . . . and that Penelope is not quite as na ve as her new neighbors in St. Merlot believe.Set against the exquisite backdrop of Provence, steeped in history, atmosphere, and secrets, Death in Provence introduces an irresistible heroine and a delightful new mystery series.

The first in a delightful cosy crime series set in aspirational European locations