Step into the enchanting world of the Maggie Newberry Mysteries, where murder meets macarons in the sun-drenched vineyards of France! This delightful series by Susan Kiernan-Lewis follows Maggie Newberry, a sharp-witted American advertising copywriter turned amateur sleuth, as she navigates love, danger, and delectable French cuisine. With its blend of cozy mystery, vivid French settings, and a dash of romance, this series invites readers to savor a thrilling escape to Provence and Paris.
Unlike typical whodunits, Maggie Newberry Mysteries stands out for its immersive portrayal of French culture, from bustling Parisian fashion weeks to quaint Provençal villages. Whether you’re a mystery lover or a Francophile craving a literary getaway, Maggie’s adventures promise a page-turning journey filled with charm and suspense.
How Maggie Newberry Mysteries Began
Susan Kiernan-Lewis, a USA TODAY bestselling author, crafted the Maggie Newberry Mysteries inspired by her love for France, where she lived as a child. Her background as an advertising copywriter mirrors Maggie’s, infusing the character with authenticity. Launched in 2010 with Murder in the South of France, the series was born from Kiernan-Lewis’s desire to blend cozy mysteries with the rich sensory tapestry of French life. Her indie publishing journey allowed her to rapidly produce stories that resonate with readers craving escapist yet grounded tales.
Kiernan-Lewis’s experiences in French villages and her passion for travel shaped the series’ vivid settings. She aimed to create a heroine who was both relatable and bold, solving crimes while embracing the challenges of expat life. The result is a series that feels like a love letter to France, wrapped in a thrilling mystery.
The Heart of Maggie Newberry Mysteries
The series kicks off with Murder in the South of France, where Maggie travels to Cannes to find her niece after her sister’s death, only to stumble into a web of murder and deceit. She meets Laurent Dernier, a charming Frenchman with a shady past, sparking a romance that anchors the series. Murder à la Carte sees the couple in the Provençal village of St-Buvard, unraveling WWII-era secrets amid four murders. Murder in Provence deepens their adventures with more crimes in St-Buvard, blending local wine and food with suspense. Murder in Paris takes Maggie to the fashion capital, where a family murder tests her sleuthing skills during Paris Fashion Week.
Themes of cultural immersion, personal growth, and resilience shine throughout. Maggie evolves from a sheltered copywriter to a confident detective, her American perspective clashing and harmonizing with French traditions. The series’ cozy yet thrilling style balances light-hearted moments—like Laurent’s mouthwatering cooking—with dark, unpredictable plots. Settings, from lavender fields to Parisian cobblestones, are characters in their own right, immersing readers in France’s sights, smells, and tastes.
Kiernan-Lewis’s writing is praised for its descriptive flair and clever plot twists. Fans love how each book stands alone but builds a richer narrative when read in order, with Maggie and Laurent’s marriage and growing family adding emotional depth. The series’ culinary focus—think foie gras and pissaladières—often leaves readers hungry for more than just the next clue.
Why Maggie Newberry Mysteries Resonates
The Maggie Newberry Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, captivating readers with their blend of escapism and authenticity. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise the series for its vivid French settings and Maggie’s relatable grit, with ratings averaging around 3.9–4.0. Its appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to France without a plane ticket, offering a sensory-rich experience that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine.
The series’ lasting charm stems from its celebration of second chances—whether in love, adventure, or self-discovery. Maggie’s journey as an expat resonates with readers dreaming of new horizons, while the mysteries keep them guessing until the final page. With over 25 books and counting, the series continues to thrive, with a new release, Murder in Metz, slated for 2025.
- First published: 2010
- Number of books: 27 (as of 2025)
- Genre: Cozy mystery, culinary mystery
- Setting: France (Provence, Paris, and beyond)
Grab Murder in the South of France and dive into the Maggie Newberry Mysteries’ world of intrigue, romance, and French flair! Whether you’re solving crimes with Maggie or dreaming of Provençal sunsets, this series is your ticket to a deliciously thrilling adventure.