Murder Mystery May at RED: Paris, Pastries, and a Pinch of Suspense

May isn’t just for flowers and spring picnics—at RED (Read, Eat, Drink), it’s all about page-turning suspense, decadent bites, and cocktails with a twist. This week, we’re kicking off Murder Mystery May with a cozy whodunit set against the dreamy backdrop of Paris.

READ: Finding Julia by Ana Cruz

What’s better than a murder mystery? A murder mystery in Paris, of course. Finding Julia by Ana Cruz is the kind of book you’ll want to read with a croissant in one hand and a magnifying glass in the other. Julia’s quiet expat life is upended when a body turns up in her favorite Parisian park. The clues are as delicious as the scenery, and you’ll find yourself guessing (and second-guessing) the culprit until the very last page.

• Buy on Amazon

• Check it out on Goodreads

  
  

EAT: Croque Monsieur

A Parisian mystery deserves a Parisian snack. Enter the Croque Monsieur—a golden, melty, ham-and-cheese sandwich that’s basically comfort food with a French accent. It’s easy to make but feels like a treat, and it’ll leave your book club feeling très chic.

• Find the recipe here

  
  

DRINK: Kir Royale

No proper Parisian evening is complete without a little bubbly. The Kir Royale—champagne kissed with crème de cassis—looks as elegant as it tastes. Raise a glass to Julia, to Paris, and to the chance that you just might catch the killer before dessert.

• Find the recipe here

  
  

Book Club Topic Ideas

1. The Paris Effect: How does the city itself shape the mood and pace of the mystery? Could this story have unfolded anywhere else, or is Paris a character all on its own?

2. Unlikely Detectives: Julia isn’t your typical sleuth. What do you think her strengths and weaknesses are as an amateur detective? Did you find her relatable?

3. Red Herrings and Real Clues: Which twists took you by surprise? Did you spot the clues, or did the author keep you guessing?

4. Food and Atmosphere: How did the descriptions of food, cafés, and Parisian life enhance your reading experience? Did you find yourself craving a café au lait mid-chapter?

5. If You Were in Julia’s Shoes: Would you have gotten involved with the investigation, or kept your nose out of it?

6. Casting Call: If this book became a movie, who would you cast as Julia and the other main characters?

7. 
   

Whatever you do, don’t forget to keep your wits about you—someone always has a secret, and in May at RED, the next twist is just a page (or a bite) away.

Happy Reading, Eating and Drinking!