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Mydworth Mysteries #8

Secrets on the Cote d'Azur

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When Harry and Kat head south to the French Riviera, they look forward to dazzling parties, a shimmering sea, and wonderful food. But once they step off the legendary Paris-Nice train, Le Train Bleu, things start to be anything but restful. Asked to assist in a dangerous case of blackmail - they soon find that the streets and alleyways of the Cote d'Azur hide not only cafes and bistros...but also secrets and danger of a most deadly sort.

123 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2021

170 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Neil Richards

160books131followers
Neil Richards has worked as a producer and writer in TV and film, creating scripts for BBC, Disney, and Channel 4, and earning numerous Bafta nominations along the way.

He's also written script and story for over 20 video games including The Da Vinci Code and Starship Titanic, co-written with Douglas Adams, and consults around the world on digital storytelling.

His writing partnership with NYC-based Matt Costello goes back to the late 90's and the two have written many hours of TV together. Cherringham the series is their first crime fiction as co-writers.

An American and an Englishman writing crime stories with an American and an English hero - what took us so long?

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5 stars
315 (40%)
4 stars
303 (38%)
3 stars
143 (18%)
2 stars
19 (2%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡  .
4,441 reviews585 followers
October 5, 2024
Der achte Band dieser gemütlichen Krimi-Reihe führt den Leser an die französische Riviera! Hier will Lord Harry Mortimer nur einen Auftrag erledigen, um dann mit seiner Frau Kat noch einen schönen Urlaub an der Côte d'Azur zu verbringen.
Natürlich kommt es anders, denn auch hier werden Harry und Kat um Hilfe gebeten. Diesmal geht es um Erpressung.
Ich mochte diesen Band wieder sehr! Gewohnt spannende Ermittlungsarbeit, sympathische Charaktere und überraschende Wendungen.
Nun freue ich mich auf Band 9!
Profile Image for Tiziana.
164 reviews19 followers
July 30, 2023
A nice cozy mystery for those looking for pure entertainment.
My real rating is 3.5 rounded to 4.

The authors are an American and an Englishman, both are used to writing for cinema and TV and we see it here, in fact, both the plot and the dialogues, and the scenes are typical of brilliant detective comedies, where action, humor and great feeling between 2 partners mix in a well balanced way.

Harry and Kat, spouses very much in love and with a past as spies during the First World War, are traveling on the Train Blue that will take them on a mission-holiday on the French Riviera, the renowned Côte d'Azur.
Once they arrive, Harry's aunt asks them to help an old friend of her who is involved in a nasty and indecorous case of blackmail.

We are in the 30s and of course, as in the best Hollywood couple films of those years, here too we have a husband and wife who are handsome, rich highly intelligent, and smarter than any other villain or operative agent. Of course they are madly in love and practically perfect as a couple.

The compliment of a partner in love and the funny joke (classics of the infallible protagonists) are served with regular cadence without being too many and too few.

So if you have ever seen The Thin Man movies ( starring William Powell and Myrna Loy ) and you were a fan ( and the movies were far better than the books ), you'll be not disappointed by this series ( Mydworth Mysteries).
If you are younger and have never seen the old black and white movies, perhaps you might have seen the '80s TV series " Hart to Hart " where the protagonists are equally 2 handsome, rich and very much in love spouses, naturally smart and intelligent ... this is to give you an idea of ​​the protagonists of this book.

The book is not as long as a novel, but not as short as novellas usually are, therefore it is readable in a short time, but it is more enjoyable than a short story.

The writing is smooth, the atmosphere light and fully describes the sparkling air that reigns in the luxurious vacation spots of the 1930s.

If everything is so perfect, then why have I only gave 3.5 ( necessarily rounded to 4 )?

1)__ Because it's "everything too perfect" and if I liked this as a young girl, now in adulthood this bothers me.
I've probably lost my ability to dream of perfection, which clearly doesn't exist.

2)__ Also the book picks up on the usual clichés and while the first 'obvious suspect' was found to be only half guilty, the second 'obvious suspect' was the real villain behind the blackmail.

---> Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries and for those seeking leisure, light reading with pure entertainment, without strong emotions or important historical references.

( Warning : English is not my mother tongue, I hope you have managed to understand the meaning of what I wanted to express, sorry for form or grammatical errors.)
Profile Image for Ivonne Rovira.
2,391 reviews240 followers
November 5, 2021
Reading Secrets on the Côte d’Azur on the heels of (which was a bit implausible) made me love this novella even more. While on the French Riviera on spy business, Sir Harry Mortimer and his American wife Kat Reilly become involved in a blackmail scheme targeting an English pickle baron who has taken up with a much younger French cabaret singer. This eighth in the series proved a suspenseful, fun read.
Profile Image for Barbara Rogers.
1,719 reviews201 followers
June 17, 2021
Series: Mydworth Mysteries #8
Publication Date: 4/30/21
Period: Interwar – French Riviera
Number of Pages: 133

Yet another delightful entry in the Mydworth Mysteries series and as always, it is well-written and well-plotted. The main characters Sir Harry Mortimer and his lovely wife, the former Kat Reilly of New York City, are on a work/pleasure trip to the French Riviera. Both Harry and Kat have been operatives for their governments and Harry still does occasional jobs for a small, discrete branch of the British government, so it is no surprise that Harry has been asked to travel to France to debrief an agent, Wyndham Groves, who has just returned from an undercover assignment in North Africa. The debriefing should take only a few hours and Harry and Kat intend to spend some time alone enjoying the Cote d’Azur. Ah! The best-laid plans …

Their trip on Le Train Bleu was fun with their meeting of American con artist Roscoe Burns. Kat and Harry had a witty encounter with the man and I hope we’ll see him pop up in future books.

As soon as Harry finished with his debriefing, things started to pop. Harry’s Aunt Lavinia was also spending the season on the French Riviera with some friends and she invited Harry and Kat to attend a huge party. There was, an ulterior motive for the invitation, it seems a friend of Lavinia’s, Percy Porter, is being blackmailed and Lavinia wants Harry and Kat to discover and stop the culprits. When the blackmailer demands more and more money and Harry and Kat discover a seasoned criminal is involved, the task becomes more dangerous. While they don’t think the criminal is the mastermind, they have no clue who is. When the culprit(s) are caught and all is revealed, Harry and Kat are shocked.

You’ll love all of the red-herrings, false trails, and chases nestled in such vivid descriptions of the time and place you’ll feel you are right there with Harry and Kat. I love these books because the mystery is always excellent, but they are also filled with wit, humor, and fun banter between Harry and Kat. You absolutely can’t go wrong with one of these lovely, quick-to-read, fun mysteries. I can hardly wait for the next book, , to release on 7/30/21 – and it would be really good fun if Roscoe and Wyndham showed up in it.
Profile Image for ゾヤ.
372 reviews7 followers
November 8, 2023
"𝗜 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽."
"𝗢𝗵, 𝗜 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁," 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗞𝗮𝘁.
"𝗪𝗮𝘀 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝘀."

★★★★/5

This case involves a case of blackmail. The writing and narration is like a movie, the ambience is very calm and beautiful, not only the characters feel reals but also the ambience, make me think how such a hideous things can happen in the middle of this beautiful world? 🥲
__________________________

My guess was a bit wrong this time, it is incredibly impressive, neat and clever.

Something doesn't add up but we have to gamble, don't take off your eyes and give it a chase.

Everything happened in a rush with a little bit of action (and this is where Harry's charisma is more evident).

They must be looking at the "muscle", not the "brains" of the operation, feeling thrill and excited anticipation. It's fun but not without risk.
__________________________

The most interesting thing is that they make a roleplay as Sherlock and Watson 😂.

She is the confident, brilliant uncontrollable Sherlock and Harry is the endearing ever loveable and cuddly Watson, I love this roleplay game ♥️

This couple always excited for each other and their cases, need to remind you : Their romance is not a hindrance to the cases ♥️ it's an accompaniment and flavour of it.
Profile Image for Carol Evans.
1,386 reviews39 followers
February 24, 2022
Secrets on the Côte d’Azur might be my favorite Mydworth Mystery so far. Harry and Kat are on a work/pleasure trip to the French Riviera. Harry has to do a bit of government work and then they can enjoy themselves. Until Aunt Lavinia introduces them to a friend in need of help. Percy Porter, an English pickle baron, is being blackmailed over his relationship with a younger French cabaret singer.

The mystery is good. Harry and Kat do a lot asking questions and tailing people. I appreciated the twist in the whodunnit. The characters in this one were great. Harry and Kat are their usual charming selves, but we meet some new people who are entertaining and add a lot to the story.
Profile Image for Shelley.
1,189 reviews
January 28, 2025
Eighth in the Mydworth Mystery series, Secrets on the Cote D'Azur is another winner! I can't get enough of this series. Unfortunately, I only have one book left of the 17 in the series, and I can't seem to find anymore paperbacks anywhere including on Amazon.


Such fun stories and I adore Sir Harry and Lady Kat relationship. Why haven't this series became a Masterpiece/PBS series?!

This time around Harry and Kat take their first trip together and it's to the French Riviera for dazzling parties, the seaside and food and it's not long before they are asked to assist in a case. This time entailing blackmail!

Profile Image for Susan.
2,106 reviews17 followers
September 8, 2022
Sir Harry Mortimer and his American wife Kat are off for a vacation on the French Riviera. It isn’t long before they are asked to help out Percy Porter, who has fallen for a sultry singer, Simone. The problem is that neither Porter’s wife nor his board of directors would approve, so he is being blackmailed for lots of money. As usual, it is fun spending time with these characters and the author tries to infuse the well-worn plot with a few twists.
Profile Image for Malin.
762 reviews5 followers
November 3, 2023
Sir Harry har ett uppdrag på Rivieran, men när det är avklarat har han all tid i världen för lite semester så hans fru Kat är med.

En av de första kvällarna blir de bjudna på mingel hos vänner till hans faster Lavinia, som spenderar sommaren vid Medelhavet, och ganska snart tar hon med dem in i ett av rummen för att de ska få lyssna på de problem hennes vän, affärsmannen Percy Porter, har drabbats av. Någon har förföljt honom och tagit bilder på honom och den vackra sångerskan Simone - en kvinna han förälskat sig i, trots att han har en fru sedan många år hemma i England. Denne någon har nu skickat honom bilderna och ett brev där han krävs på en stor summa pengar för att de inte ska publiceras.

Sir Harry och Kat tar, så klart, genast tag i att få fatt i utpressaren och få stopp på det hela.

***

Som vanligt är det humor, klurigheter och spänning inblandat när paret Mortimer tar sig an buset. Uppläst av underbare Nathaniel Parker… 😍
Profile Image for Kimberly Thorpe.
78 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2021
I love all the books in this series. This time Harry & Kat travel to the French Riviera for a short holiday that is anything but relaxing. Harry's Aunt Lavina asked them to help a friend who is being blackmailed. The story is short and fast-paced and can be read in 1 sitting. Each adventure is stand alone, but I recommend the enitre series and am looking forward to the next espisode!
706 reviews5 followers
September 5, 2021
Lukijana Nathaniel Parker.
Taas huippuluentaa. Ihanan eloisa, tapahtumarikas ja jopa hiukan jännittävä tarina. Monenlaisia juonenkäänteitä ja mukavasti huumoriakin. Syyllistä en ihan ensimmäisenä arvannut. Mukavasti meni niin vaatekaapin syyssiivous kuin pari lyhyttä kävely- ja pyörälenkkiäkin tätä kuunnellessa.
Profile Image for Arliss.
609 reviews
September 28, 2021
The Mydworth Mysteries are lovely, lively, little novellas. I always have fun with Harry and Kat. They are not geniuses of detection but it is a pleasure to take the trip with them. All the Mydworth, Cherringham and Bunworth novella series are perfect palate cleansers. For what they are intended to be, they are just great.
670 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2021
Enjoyable

Cute little afternoon reader. In this story Kat and Harry journey to Nice for a business holiday and find themselves helping a victim of blackmail. The storyline is interesting, a little predictable but nevertheless entertaining. The characters are well drawn out with Rosco a standout. He should become a semi regular. All in all a delightful book.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,188 reviews91 followers
March 26, 2022
This time it's a con game afoot. Starts out sounding all too classic, slips into a bit farcical, then moves on to something new and even fun. A bit Nick (except that he's British service) and Nora (except that her past is as an American agent) in 1929. It's a romp, fun, and a great story. Loved it!
Nathaniel Parker brings the characters alive and adds to the suspense!
Profile Image for Ella.
294 reviews
February 19, 2024
Another easy and light read.
Perfect for a rainy day under the covers with a cup of steaming hot tea.

My first thought was a bit too obvious and got cleared nearly right away but in the end I figured it out faster than I hoped. I wasn't even halfway nor was there any talk of an accomplice or accomplices.

I enjoyed it nonetheless.
171 reviews
March 22, 2025
Number 8 of the series - short but ok - excellent narrator. Harry and wife Kat are on a work/vacation to the French Riveria. The vacation takes a back seat as they find themselves investigating a blackmail scheme and have some fun busting a gambling fraud. Lots of high living adventure and parties. And a bump into Pablo Picasso.
Profile Image for PRK Oregon.
125 reviews9 followers
October 9, 2021
Delightful!

Another delightful story by Costello and Richards. This time, Kat and Harry are on the famous Train Bleu on their way to the Cote d'Azur, when they run into Roscoe, and you'll never guess what comes next.
172 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2022
Easy read

Interesting story. Liked the introduction of the new character. Hope he shows up in other books. As always, Harry and Kat save the day. The villain and motive were easy to figure out. It’s the investigation that makes it fun.
Profile Image for Neely Powell.
Author9 books38 followers
May 15, 2023
Blackjack, blackmail, and black hearts in the French Riviera. Kat and Harry should be vacationing after Harry’s work in Nice is finished. Instead, they get drawn into a web of blackmail thanks to Aunt Lavenia.
Profile Image for Dark Chocolate.
224 reviews15 followers
September 14, 2024
Unexpected missions seem to follow Sir Harry Mortimer and his American wife Kat Reilly everywhere they go. This time while travelling for the French Riviera the mystery solving couple finds themselves involved with a pro thief and some mysterious blackmailers, possessing incriminating photographs of an aristocrat and his new beau. I "read" this book in the form of yet another audiobook with the voice of Nathaniel Parker, who has a brilliant way of presenting the different characters and their stories among all the books of the series I have had the pleasure of listening to so far.
Profile Image for Jessica Mather.
106 reviews4 followers
March 11, 2025
Disclaimer - I read this for a readathon purely because it fit a prompt.
It was fine. A cosy mystery that didn't really wow me. To be honest, I don't really remember much of it. And this isn't really a series that I plan on revisiting
1 review
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May 4, 2021
So far, the best of Mydworth Mysteries.
Profile Image for Stephanie Curran.
378 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2021
A show stopper!

Amazing characters, a lavish setting, and just enough drama to keep the reader devouring the whole story in one sitting!
884 reviews5 followers
May 19, 2021
Away from Mydworth

A Mydworth mystery that takes place on the Cote d'Azur! I suppose you can take a couple out of Mydworth, but you can't really take Mydworth out of the story!
Profile Image for Mita Srinivasan.
65 reviews21 followers
September 10, 2021
A bit of fun

Was quite a fun read. As I get deeper into the series I am enjoying the characters in the spirit they were created
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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