An Interview with Elle Jauffret, Author of the Suddenly French Mysteries

Elle Jauffret is a former criminal attorney and the award-winning author of the Suddenly French Mysteries. Born in Provence, she holds law degrees from Université Côte d’Azur and George Washington University. Her work blends legal intrigue, identity, and culinary flair, making her a distinctive voice in mystery novels. We were thrilled when Elle accepted our invitation to share her journey from France to the US and her writing process. Keep reading to learn more about this talented author and her books.

Your Connections to Provence

Where were you born in Provence?

I was born in Toulon, in the Var Department, and spent my early childhood in La Seyne-sur-Mer, along the Mediterranean Sea, before moving to Nice for the second part of my childhood and my teenage years.

Was your first language French or English?

My first language was French. I learned to speak English in school.

What are some of your favourite memories from Provence that have stayed with you over the years?

The freedom of endless summers at the beach, days spent sailing on the Mediterranean Sea while socializing with friends. As a child, I loved to defy the power of the Mistral wind. I remember running barefoot through fields of wild poppies, the high of the grass reaching my waist, and plucking wild berries along the dusty chemin that led to my parents’ house; my father and I would go fishing at dawn and we would take nothing but a loaf of bread, an Opinel knife, and a saucisson, and sat on the rocks as the sun rose.

The Cours Saleya market in Nice, where my grandmother would buy sprigs of mimosa, and the Carnaval de Nice, when the streets came to life in colour.

And the food, oh the food! The taste of the Chanteclair cake from Toulon, socca from Nice, and chichi frégis from l’Estaque near Marseille. The grilled sardines that filled the air in the evening summer air; the ripe figs from our two massive trees, so sweet they’d split open in the sun (we’d share baskets of them with the mailman). The calissons d’Aix, their almond paste and candied fruit melting on the tongue, are saved for special occasions. And the warm baguettes from the boulangerie that we’d eat on our way home.

How did the culture and lifestyle in Provence shape your personality and interests?

Provence taught me to observe and read stories in the landscape, from Roman ruins and medieval villages to WWII scars, which is a necessary skill for a mystery writer. I’ve also embraced patience and pleasure. The meals lasting hours, conversations meandering, and l’apéritif being sacred, all shaped my storytelling. I love slow-burn mysteries where atmosphere matters as much as the plot. Provence also gave me a healthy skepticism. The Provençaux are witty and direct, with a dry humour that cuts through pretense. That’s useful in law and writing! I also learnt that you cannot write about people without understanding their connection to the land and the sea. Provence instilled a deep respect for nature’s rhythms, which can be as predictable as a good mystery or as surprising.

Are there any places in Provence that hold special significance to you, and do they feature in your writing?

While my current books are not set in Provence—the soul of its landscapes, the sea, the cliffs, the salt-kissed air— is present on every page. The water isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character. These are the bones of my settings, even if I’ve transplanted them to the Pacific coast of the US.

And then there’s the food. In Provence, food isn’t just sustenance, it’s love made edible, a ritual of sharing. In my books, meals are never just meals; they’re invitations, confessions, peace offerings. There’s always the understanding that feeding someone is caring for them, and that trying new food is learning from others.

So yes, Provence is there: in the way my characters gather around a table after a storm, in the sea humming in the background, in cliffs that hide secrets like old village gossip. It’s not the where but the how—the warmth, and the salt. Provence is also very present in some of my short stories and my not-yet-published work.

How does the art and cuisine of Provence influence your creative process?

Food influences my creative process and explains why the protagonist of my mysteries is a criminal attorney turned private chef. Food is memory. A whiff of herbes de Provence can transport me into a scene; a spoonful of a familiar dish can unlock an entire atmosphere. I’m fascinated by how people’s food choices reveal so much about who they are—their history, character, desires, and vulnerabilities.

Can you share any traditional stories or folklore from Provence that have inspired your mystery writing?

My stories, both novels and short pieces, aren’t based on any specific French folktales, but they draw heavily on the tone and spirit of the contes provencaux. I tried to give them a modern Marcel Pagnol-like atmosphere: rural childhood memories, humble families, village gossip, and a tight community. I also weave provençal themes of ingenuity over strength, the heavy presence of food, and the way news spreads “like a summer wildfire”. These elements appear throughout my upcoming manuscript as well: Provence as a setting, the presence of santons de Provence, etc.

Relocating to the United States

When did you move from France to California?

I moved from France to the United States in my late twenties. My husband was an active-duty Navy officer, so we relocated frequently, living in Maryland, Virginia, the Washington D.C. area, and Illinois, bouncing from one coast to the other, before finally settling in California several years ago.

That’s a big move from the South of France to the US West Coast. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from life in Provence to the United States?

My biggest challenge moving from France to the US wasn’t just being French; it was being foreign. That was the real culture shock. The moment people heard my accent, I became either exotic or… stupid. The way faces fell, or smiles faded as soon as I opened my mouth, it stung. And it gave me a raw, firsthand taste of the “immigrant experience.”

Then came the assumptions. “Did you marry for a green card?” (No, but thanks for reducing my life to a rom-com trope.) “Do French people really not use deodorant?” (I do. You’re welcome.) Some even doubted my intelligence and competence, assuming I must be lying about being an attorney, because how could this foreign-sounding woman possibly have earned that? (Spoiler: I did. And their skepticism always said more about them than it ever did about me.)

Experiences like these inspired me to write the Suddenly French Mystery series about an American struck by French foreign-accent syndrome. I turned the challenge of being “other” into something I could explore with humour, empathy, and a little intrigue.

Can you describe your experience working as a criminal attorney for the California Attorney General’s Office?

It was both challenging and rewarding. I primarily handled appeals, felony cases, and a few juvenile cases. One of the aspects I found fascinating was learning to interpret gang tattoos as if they were a foreign language and getting a glimpse into the world of drug dealers, which provided unique insights into communities and worlds I hadn’t known before. I also had the opportunity to witness autopsies and received hands-on experience with firearms, which helped me better understand cases from a practical perspective.

The work could be intense and heart-wrenching, especially in cases involving minors, murder, or sexual assault. Balancing that with returning home to my two young children (while single-parenting because my husband was deployed) was sometimes difficult. It taught me the importance of resilience and compartmentalizing. Overall, the experience gave me a deep appreciation for how the law works in practice and the complexity of pursuing justice, which doesn’t always align with legal outcomes.

Writing Influences

How did growing up in Provence influence your career choices and creative writing?

The region’s contrasts between beauty and brutality, tradition and rebellion, are perfect for mystery writing. A Provençal village might look like a postcard, but scratch the surface, and you’ll find feuds older than the Roman aqueducts.

How has your legal background impacted your mystery writing?

My legal background adds a layer of realism to my mysteries by giving me the same analytical mindset my protagonist uses to investigate. It taught me to think critically, follow evidence, and question motives. All these skills are essential to crafting mysteries with procedural elements. That training helps me build believable investigations and authentic details, even within the cozy atmosphere of the Suddenly French Mystery Series.

What inspired you to write mystery novels, and do you have a favourite among your works?

I’ve always loved mysteries of every kind, from historical legends (Louis XVII; The Knight Templar), scientific enigmas (Quantum Multiverse Theory), real-life cases, and, of course, fictional whodunits. I love puzzles, particularly escape rooms. Something is exciting and satisfying about unravelling a mystery piece by piece. As for my favourite among my works, it’s always the one I’m currently writing.

Could you share your thoughts on what makes a good mystery story?

A twisted plot with relatable, three-dimensional characters, clues that reward the attentive readers, and compelling emotional stakes.

How did it feel to be nominated for the Agatha Award, and how did it influence your career?

The nomination was surreal. It happened only seven months ago, so I’m still taking it all in. The Agatha Awards celebrate traditional mysteries, so it felt like validation, especially since I came into the mystery-writing community not really knowing anyone. The nomination gave me a boost of confidence and a sense of belonging within the mystery-writing world.

Do you draw from real-life cases in your legal career when crafting stories, or do you rely more on your imagination?

Both.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are looking to break into the mystery genre?

Read widely and pay attention to what moves you or makes you uncomfortable. The material that feels scary or emotionally challenging to write is usually where your most authentic voice lives. Don’t try to copy anyone else, trust your instincts, and the stories only you can tell.

Are there any future projects or books that you’re currently working on that you can share with us?

I’ve just finished the third and last installment of the Suddenly French Mystery series, which will be released in the fall of 2026, and I’m presently working on a dark psychological thriller.

Are you thinking about writing your next mystery while surfing?

I haven’t surfed in a while, so I’m not actually writing on a surfboard. But stepping away from writing and spending time outdoors helps me with story ideas and plots.

More on Elle Jauffret

Read more about Elle Jauffret on her website.

Follow @ellejauffret on Instagram.

Find Elle Jauffret on Facebook.

Buy the Suddenly French Mysteries Series

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).