Saint-Sauver, home to Richard Ainsworth and Valérie d’Orçay’s detective agency, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its town twinning with Anglethorp Spa in Lincolnshire.

Events are planned, a huge brocante, street parties and the centrepiece, an exhibition boules tournament between the two towns and a team of international boules all-stars. Everything is going well, the sun shines, the wine flows and the entente is very cordiale.

Until the mayor turns up dead in an antique dresser having apparently been killed twice. Inevitably Richard and Valérie have very different views on the subject and engage in their own battle: who will solve the crime first?

'I love this series, and goodness knows we need the laughs right now. It’s as if Agatha Raisin had moved to France instead of the Cotswolds. Ian's comic touch is as deft as ever' S. J. Bennett, author of The Windsor Knot

'A cracking good read' Jack Dee

‘It was an utter joy to be back with Richard and Valérie in the beauty of France. This is a brilliantly fun addition to a wonderful series and I can’t wait for the next one’ C. L. Miller, author of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder

Ian Moore is a leading stand-up comedian, known for his sharp, entertaining punditry. A BBC TV and radio regular, he was a Champion on Richard Osman's House of Games and stars in Radio 4’s The Now Show. Ian lives in rural France with his family, where he seeks solace in the production of fine chutney.