Step into the delectable world of Auguste Didier, where Victorian London’s finest cuisine meets gripping historical mysteries! Penned by British author Amy Myers, the Auguste Didier series follows a charismatic master chef who trades his ladle for a magnifying glass, solving crimes with flair alongside Scotland Yard’s Inspector Egbert Rose. With its blend of culinary artistry, intricate whodunits, and rich historical detail, this series is a feast for mystery lovers craving something unique.
Imagine savoring a perfectly crafted soufflé while unraveling a murder plot—Auguste Didier’s adventures are just that irresistible. Set against the backdrop of gaslit streets and grand estates, the series captures the charm and intrigue of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it a must-read for fans of Agatha Christie or historical fiction with a twist.
How Auguste Didier Began
Amy Myers, born in Kent in 1938, dreamed up Auguste Didier while living in Paris, surrounded by culinary inspiration. A former publishing director, Myers turned to writing full-time in 1988, debuting the series with Murder in Pug’s Parlour in 1986. Her love for Victorian history and food shaped Auguste, a half-French, half-English chef whose sleuthing skills rival his kitchen mastery. Myers’ knack for blending humor, history, and suspense set the stage for a series that would captivate readers across 11 novels.
The Heart of Auguste Didier
The series kicks off with Murder in Pug’s Parlour, where Auguste, accused of poisoning a steward at Stockbery Towers, turns detective to clear his name, uncovering a web of motives among the estate’s staff. In Murder Makes an Entree (1992), Auguste caters a banquet for the Literary Lionizers Society, only to face a poisoned guest and a race to catch the killer. Murder in the Smokehouse (1994) sees Auguste and his Russian bride Tatiana stumble upon a body in a Yorkshire folly, while Murder with Majesty (1999) delivers a royal twist at a wedding attended by King Edward VII.
Myers weaves themes of class tension, culinary passion, and Victorian propriety into each tale. Auguste’s dual identity as a chef and detective lets him navigate both high society and the servant quarters, exposing secrets with wit and charm. The vivid settings—opulent dining halls, smoky music halls, and foggy streets—immerse readers in a world where every dish and clue matters. Critics, including Library Journal, praise the series as a “feast of entertainment,” blending Hercule Poirot’s deduction with Mrs. Beeton’s culinary flair.
Why Auguste Didier Resonates
The Auguste Didier series carved a niche in historical mysteries by pairing gastronomy with crime-solving, a fresh angle that predates many modern culinary cozies. Its enduring appeal lies in Myers’ meticulous research and Auguste’s relatability—a chef who’d rather perfect a sauce than chase villains but rises to the challenge. Fans cherish the series’ humor and heart, with reviews on Goodreads noting its “charming, quirky” vibe. Myers’ success with Auguste paved the way for her later works, like the Marsh and Daughter series, cementing her as a staple in mystery fiction.
- Publication Years: 1986–2000
- Number of Books: 11
- Setting: Victorian and Edwardian London
- Notable Praise: Favorable reviews in Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Library Journal
Ready to savor a mystery as rich as a Victorian feast? Grab Murder in Pug’s Parlour and dive into Auguste Didier’s deliciously thrilling world!