Picture a Canadian storyteller who swapped snowy Toronto for the sun-drenched streets of Aix-en-Provence, weaving mysteries that taste like fine wine and smell like lavender—meet M.L. Longworth! This acclaimed author has captivated readers with her Verlaque and Bonnet mystery series, blending intricate puzzles with the vibrant culture of Provence. Her journey from art history student to celebrated novelist proves that a love for a place can spark a literary legacy.
Born in Toronto in 1963, M.L. Longworth, or Mary Lou, found her calling in the south of France, where she’s lived since 1997. Her novels don’t just solve crimes—they invite readers to savor the slow-paced charm of Provençal life, from bustling cafés to vineyard-draped hills. With a style that’s both cozy and sophisticated, she’s become a must-read for mystery lovers and Francophiles alike.
The Making of M.L. Longworth
Mary Lou Longworth’s path to authorship was as winding as a Provençal country road. Growing up in Ontario, she studied art history at York University in the 1980s, a nod to her lifelong passion for culture and aesthetics. After marrying, she and her husband embarked on an adventure, crisscrossing the U.S. before settling in California. But it was a serendipitous internet search in the early ’90s—typing “France-Computers-Jobs”—that changed everything. Her husband landed a job near Aix-en-Provence, and the couple, along with their young daughter, embraced a new life in France. This bold move immersed Longworth in the rhythms of Provence, planting the seeds for her literary career.
Initially, Longworth wrote articles about the region, but her imagination soon turned to fiction. Inspired by the legal history of Aix, a town steeped in law since the Middle Ages, she crafted her protagonists—chief magistrate Antoine Verlaque and law professor Marine Bonnet. Her transition from nonfiction to fiction wasn’t seamless; she grappled with writing natural dialogue but honed her craft through persistence, drawing on influences like Barbara Pym for her sharp, character-driven storytelling.
M.L. Longworth’s Unforgettable Stories
Longworth’s Verlaque and Bonnet series, also known as the Provençal Mystery series, is a love letter to Aix-en-Provence. Each novel stands alone but builds on the evolving lives of Antoine Verlaque, a charming yet complex magistrate, and Marine Bonnet, his intellectual and spirited partner. The series, which began with Death at the Chateau Bremont in 2011, follows the duo as they unravel murders against the backdrop of Provence’s lush landscapes and cultural richness.
Standout titles include Murder in the Rue Dumas (2012), where a theology professor’s death exposes academic rivalries, and Death in the Vines (2013), a tangled case involving stolen wine and a missing woman. The Mystery of the Lost Cézanne (2015) weaves art history into the plot, exploring a possible undiscovered painting by Aix’s own Paul Cézanne. Her tenth novel, Disaster at the Vendôme Theatre (2022), dives into the chaos of a local theater production gone awry. Longworth’s style—described as a blend of Dorothy Sayers’ wit and Donna Leon’s grounded elegance—pairs intricate mysteries with vivid descriptions of food, wine, and Provençal life.
What sets Longworth apart is her ability to make Aix a character in itself. Readers stroll the Cours Mirabeau, linger in cafés like Les Deux Garçons, and feel the mistral’s breeze. Her stories are immersive, blending cozy mystery with cultural depth, appealing to those who crave both a whodunit and a sensory escape to France.
Why M.L. Longworth Matters
M.L. Longworth has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, offering a refreshing antidote to gritty crime dramas. Her novels celebrate the art of slow living, reflecting French values like long meals and cultural appreciation. The 2022 BritBox adaptation, Murder in Provence, starring Roger Allam and Nancy Carroll, brought her stories to a wider audience, cementing her influence. By teaching writing at NYU Paris and sharing her love for Provence, Longworth inspires aspiring authors and travelers alike.
Her work resonates because it’s more than mystery—it’s an invitation to fall in love with a place and its people. Longworth’s ability to capture Provence’s soul ensures her stories linger, like the aftertaste of a fine Bordeaux.
- Born: 1963, Toronto, Canada
- Key Works: Death at the Chateau Bremont, Murder in the Rue Dumas, Death in the Vines, Disaster at the Vendôme Theatre
- Notable: Her series inspired the BritBox show Murder in Provence.
Snag Death at the Chateau Bremont and dive into M.L. Longworth’s deliciously cozy mysteries—your ticket to Provence awaits!