Murder in Montparnasse: A Mystery of Literary Paris

Geoffrey Howard’s narration is the star here, his velvety baritone effortlessly shifting between the clipped tones of a Parisian detective and the sinister whispers of a killer. He doesn’t just read the lines—he inhabits them, making even the driest historical asides feel alive. Engel’s mystery is clever, with enough red herrings to keep you guessing, though the pacing occasionally stumbles in Act Two, where the investigation drags slightly. Still, the payoff is worth it, especially when the story pivots to Paris’s darker corners, where artists and anarchists rub shoulders with predators. My only critique? The audiobook’s production could’ve used a touch more warmth in the lower registers—some of Howard’s deeper tones get a bit muffled during intense scenes. But these are minor quibbles. Engel’s Paris feels visceral, and Howard’s performance makes it impossible to resist getting lost in its streets. If you love mysteries steeped in period detail and narrated with flair, this one’s a standout.