THE HOUSE ON THE LEFT BANK

Not a real mystery this time -- more like you-know-what -- taking place in Paris after the Civil War where Martha, plain as her name, is in somewhat destitute circumstances with her mother, equally so, after the death of her lover -- or so it's believed. All that's left are some jewels but first Martha is attacked, then her mother is killed. . .and fortunately there's a nice young journalist to offer his protection and then his love. Easily read in the category and sprinkled with beginning French from pot au leu to pot de chambre.