The French Widow

September 1, 2020
When an American expat is attacked while working at the aristocratic Lambourd family's annual Bastille Day gathering, Hugo Marston, security attach� to the American embassy, partners with Brigade Criminelle Lieutenant Camille Lerens to investigate. The ambassador undoubtedly believes the case will distract Hugo from the aftermath of Hugo's shoottng of a gunman targeting pedestrians on a Paris street. Publicity-averse Hugo isn't thrilled about being labeled a hero after the shooting or about the ambassador's orders that he give media interviews, and his worst expectations are confirmed when he becomes the unwilling face of France's gun-rights debate. Even worse, he learns that the shooter was somehow using guns that Hugo personally decommissioned from the embassy. But, after one Lambourd disappears and another is murdered, Hugo focuses squarely on unraveling the killer's theatrically plotted revenge. While the two plots battle awkwardly at times, Hugo and Lerens' interactions with the dysfunctional Lambourd family facilitate thoughtful social commentary on prejudices, from sexual orientation to class. A winning recommendation for readers who favor international flair and clever resolutions.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)