Where to Start with Auguste Didier
The best place to begin your culinary mystery journey is with the very first novel, Murder in Pug's Parlour (1986). This book introduces Auguste Didier, a half-French, half-English master chef, and establishes his relationship with Scotland Yard's Inspector Egbert Rose. Reading the series in order is highly recommended, as it allows you to follow Auguste's personal evolution, including his romance and marriage to his Russian bride, Tatiana, alongside the changing historical backdrop of late Victorian and Edwardian England.
Auguste Didier Books in Publication and Chronological Order
The publication order for the series aligns perfectly with the in-universe chronology, starting in the gaslit late-Victorian era and moving into the Edwardian period. The complete reading order is:
- Murder in Pug's Parlour (1986) – Auguste is accused of poisoning a steward at Stockbery Towers and must turn detective to clear his name.
- Murder in the Limelight (1987) – Sleuthing turns to the theater world as Auguste investigates a death in the music hall scene.
- Murder at Plum's (1989) – Auguste takes a job at a prestigious London club, only for murder to join the menu.
- Murder at the Masque (1991) – A high-society masquerade ball turns deadly.
- Murder Makes an Entree (1992) – Auguste caters a banquet for the Literary Lionizers Society, where a guest is fatally poisoned.
- Murder Under the Kissing Bough (1992) – A festive Christmas-themed mystery.
- Murder in the Smokehouse (1994) – Auguste and his new wife, Tatiana, discover a body in a Yorkshire folly.
- Murder at the Music Hall (1995) – A return to theatrical crime-solving.
- Murder in the Motor Stable (1996) – The series moves toward the turn of the century as early motor cars take center stage.
- Murder with Majesty (1999) – A royal mystery featuring an appearance by King Edward VII.
- Murder in the Queen's Boudoir (2000) – Set in 1906 at Le Petit Trianon, bringing Auguste's career to a grand historical finale.
Chronological and Historical Context
The series is notable for its progression through time. Early entries are set deep in the Victorian era, characterized by grand country houses, strict class divides, and gaslit London streets. As the series progresses into the later novels, readers experience the technological shift into the Edwardian era, marked by the arrival of automobiles in Murder in the Motor Stable and the reign of King Edward VII in Murder with Majesty.
Spin-offs and Crossovers
There are no direct spin-offs or crossovers featuring Auguste Didier. However, fans of Amy Myers' meticulous historical research and cozy mystery style will find much to love in her other works, such as the contemporary Marsh and Daughter series, the classic-car-themed Jack Colby mysteries, and her ghostly Nell West novels.