The Devil's Kitchen

The Devil's Kitchen by Mark Thielman
4/1/25; 310 pages
Severn River
Johnson and Nance #1

The Devil's Kitchen by Mark Thielman is a recommended novel with a dual timeline which alternates between events from the French revolution and a current murder mystery in Yellowstone.

In Paris, France, 1794 during the French Revolution art student Aristede is protecting the Scepter of Dogobert, a relic of the French royalty. The goal is to smuggle it out of the country for safe keeping. In the present, a history professor is found dead at the base of Yellowstone Canyon. Seasonal park ranger and former homicide detective Clarence Johnson assists Special Agent Alison Nance with the investigation once it is determined they are dealing with a murderer.

Johnson and Nance worked well together and following the clues in the murder investigation is a compelling part of the narrative. There are keen insights into what may be the motive behind the murder as well as some humor along the way. Also included is a good dose of art history which neatly ties into the plot. I enjoyed this storyline. It would be entertaining to follow them, along with Johnson's dog, Tripod, in another investigation.

Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction but I have been known to appreciate it at times. In this case, the chapters set in the 1790's were less appealing than those set in the present. I just never cared that much, although I knew it would eventually tie into the present day investigation, so these chapters felt like they dragged on too long.

The Devil's Kitchen will appeal to readers who enjoy the French Revolution, art history, a treasure hunt, murder mysteries and police procedurals. Thanks to Severn River for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.