Behind The Book Murder Most Delicious With Danielle Postel-Vinay 

I’m honored to have returning guest Danielle Postel-Vinay for this Behind The Book discussing her new who done it mystery titled Murder Most Delicious. Danielle Postel-Vinay is the pen name for the brilliant storyteller & New York Times Bestselling Author Danielle Trussoni! I rewarded myself with reading an early copy back in February and of course was not disappointed! Murder Most Delicious is available today wherever you get your books and I promise you it is indeed… delicious!  

Q: Welcome back to Book Notions Danielle! Would you please give a brief description of Murder Most Delicious? 

A: Murder Most Delicious is about an American Sommelier named Olivia who has lost her sense of taste during Covid. She is invited to Paris to interview for a job at a bistro but just as they begin a wine tasting, the chef dies of poisoning, leaving Olivia as the primary suspect.

Q: You transition easily from writing fantasy like The Puzzle Master series & The Angelology novels and writing memoirs. How did it feel trying your hand at your very first who done it that takes place in Paris? 

A: I absolutely loved writing this book. I approached it as a fun experiment, and so it felt a bit like a vacation. Perhaps because I love French, and especially French food and wine, the novel feels hedonistic and pleasurable. I know now that writing who-done-its will be part of my future! 

Q: Which scenes and characters did you enjoy creating the most? For me it was so hard to choose one scene! I love the chemistry between Olivia & Romain & I love the dramatic reveal of who the killer was! The mystery had me turning the pages engrossed! 

A: I loved writing the scenes with the Neighborhood Watch, all the characters who live in the 7^th arrondissement who come together to help Olivia solve the murder. The chemistry between Olivia and Romain—a handsome gendarme—was fun to create and I also loved writing about Augusta Dupin, the main detective of the story. She lives in a grand home below the Eiffel Tower and, as she suffers from agoraphobia, she solves crime from home. The cast is definitely quirky!

Q: As a book blogger, I’ve developed a habit of taking pictures of quotes and passages that have stood out to me and are very profound. One of my favorite quotes said, Sometimes tragedy clears a new path, one we’d never expect to take. Other than an entertaining mystery, what lessons & reminders do you hope Murder Most Delicious teaches readers after they turn the final page? 

A: One of the reasons I wanted to write this novel is that I hoped to create a space where readers could slow down, put the world aside and read for pleasure. There is so much anxiety in the world right now that reading feels like a safe haven. I also love how the French insist on living at a certain pace. There is an emphasis in France on consciously enjoying small things—a quiet moment, good food, and time with friends. It’s easy to forget simple things. I hope this book reminds people that they have the power to create small moments of pleasure for themselves.

Q: If you were to write a sequel to Murder Most Delicious, would Olivia and her new friends and love interest in Paris be solving another murder?  The book had a good ending; I just enjoyed it so much I would read a sequel! 

A: Yes, definitely! If Olivia and the Neighborhood Watch get back together, it will be around food, friendship and murder.

Q: When Murder Most Delicious gets made into a miniseries or a movie, who would be your dream cast? For Chantal, I would love for Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu from Emily In Paris to portray her. 

A: While it is tempting to list a cast of A-lists actors, I think that the best cast for this series has not been discovered yet. I love the idea of young, untested actors playing these roles. One in particular would be my daughter, Nico Trussoni (www.nicotrussoni.com) . She was in the Murder Most Delicious book trailer, https://vimeo.com/1187397752/8719003a9f?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci and I think she would be an incredible Olivia! 

Q: In the Acknowledgments section I saw that you and your family spend part of the year in Paris! That sounds tres amazing! Where are your favorite places in Paris to see? What are your favorite French foods that you recommend to anyone wanting to see the City of Lights? 

A: I am in Paris every summer with my husband and his family. There are always new things to do and try. Of course, there are the museums, which I like to visit. But my favorite thing to do in Paris is to lounge around at cafes, walk the streets, and eat. Every year I discover cafes and restaurants I love. Here are a few that I always return to:

Bistros & Brasseries

Benoit (1st arrondissement)

A classic Parisian bistro with traditional decor and a menu focused on timeless French dishes. The prix fixe lunch menu offers a more affordable way to experience the restaurant.
https://www.benoit-paris.com/en

Aux Lyonnais (2nd arrondissement)

Serves Lyonnaise cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Located a bit off the main tourist paths.
https://www.auxlyonnais.com/en

Le Bon Georges (9th arrondissement)

Known for its focus on quality ingredients and well-prepared French classics. The interior is understated and inviting.
https://www.lebongeorges.paris

La Fontaine de Mars (7th arrondissement)

Close to the Eiffel Tower, this spot offers southwestern French cuisine in a traditional setting.
https://www.fontaine-de-mars.com