The Paris Key

By: Juliet Blackwell

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

As a girl, Genevieve Martin spent the happiest summer of her life in Paris, learning the delicate art of locksmithing at her uncle's side. But since then, living back in the States, she has become more private, more subdued. She has been an observer of life rather than an active participant, holding herself back from those around her, including her soon-to-be ex-husband. Paris never really left Genevieve, and, as her marriage crumbles, she finds herself faced with an incredible opportunity: return to the magical city of her youth to take over her late uncle's shop. But as she absorbs all that Parisian culture has to offer, she realizes that the city also holds secrets about her family that could change her forever, and that locked doors can protect you or imprison you, depending on which side of them you stand.

©2015 Julie Goodson-Lawes (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A gorgeously plotted novel woven with luminescent charm, The Paris Key gleams as brightly as the city herself." (Rachael Herron, author of Splinters of Light)

Francophiles beware...

If you're a French speaker, the narrator's butchery of the language will grate on you, but it doesn't overwhelm like in some other narrated stories (because there aren't as many French words!). Enjoyable read without but nothing remarkable.

Sweet Read

What a sweet read. This book tells the story of a young woman who goes through a hard time in her life and decides to change things for the better. Looking back on her life as a youngster, she decides to return to Paris and become a locksmith, which is what her uncle taught her. The way Ms. Blackwell tells the story, Paris comes off the pages and you feel like you are there watching things unfold. The character development makes the characters seem real and is just enjoyable. Sweet, sweet read.

A little too close to previous book

I love Juliet Blackwell's books and I adore Xe Sands' narration - she's the best. This book was, as usual, extremely well written but oh so similar to Letters from Paris, I.e. American girl goes to Paris to solve old family mystery and gets wrapped up in the warmth of old family friends,etc. Not a bad story but I wish I knew what happened to Xavier!

Beautiful story

Captures the beauty of Paris and the loneliness and restlessness of people finding some self-understanding in the process of exploring the city and its culture. Quite a lovely read. Very affecting.

Paris As I Know Her

Finally a chance to gather my thoughts to review THE PARIS KEY, one of my absolute favorite recent releases by an excellent author I've only recently discovered. I enjoyed every aspect of this novel. The characters seem fresh, interesting and well developed. The setting is expertly and lovingly rendered. The storyline held my interest throughout. The reader, XE Sands, did a terrific job, but really needs to work on her Irish and Scottish accents 😉. Overall, I enjoyed this so much, I actually listened to it several times and then bought the kindle version. Congratulations, Ms. Blackwell, you have written another wonderful novel, which I think could easily become the first in a fabulous new series!!!

This book had me from the beginning!

I just finished the book two days ago and liked it so much, that I've started listening to it again. It's has all kinds of stuff from war history, family, love, and life in general. Give it a try.

Not a cozy murder mystery but a cozy slice of life

Juliet Blackwell usually writes cozy murder mysteries but she has taken a delightful turn in 'The Paris Key'. A wonderful slice of life story in the vein of 'Under the Tuscan Sun' as a Californian woman goes on a journey to find her footing as she prepares for her divorce and instead finds herself in ways she never expected.

Ms. Blackwell does her usual magnificent job painting characters, history, and cities with her easy going literary brush.

Xe Sands narration is so soothing and calming--perfect after a long day or for a lazy weekend.

It was in a great listen

The Paris Key

What a lovely story. Well read. Excellent plot and likable characters. I also enjoyed the French scattered throughout the narrative. This is our book club selection for September. Great choice.

entertaining but not the best I've read.

entertaining but not the best I've read. entertaining but not the best I've read.
entertaining but not the best I've read.

crossiant and chocolate

A love story and a bit of mystery. I love how authentic the story felt. I was transported to a place and saw it, felt it and smelled it with the words written by the author and brought to life by the narrator. I was sad it ended because I enjoyed every minute.