About
How I came to France:
In November of 1996 my husband, daughter and I did one of those classic vacations: one week in Paris, one week in Provence. Just before leaving, we were having sandwiches in my husband’s office in downtown Santa Cruz, and I tapped three words onto his computer, doing what he told me was this new thing called An Internet Search. I typed: France-Computers-Jobs, and found a job vacancy for a Webmaster, bilingual French-English (my husband was). The company was French and we had never heard of it, and the town listed as Gémenos, which I imagined was a quaint French village with a mossy fountain in its central square and lots of colorful locals. My husband had lived in France and warned me: Gémenos is probably a suburb of Paris, sans caractère.
We ran across the street to Bookshop Santa Cruz and bought a yellow Michelin map of France. And after a long search we found Gémenos, not next to Charles de Gaulle airport as feared, but about ten minutes from the Mediterranean Sea, just east of Marseille. As we were planning on being in Provence in two weeks time, my husband phoned the company and was invited—by an accordion-playing Welshman who spoke flawless French—for an interview.
The central square in Gémenos did have a mossy fountain, Marcel Pagnol’s white craggy mountains encircled the village, and I ate lunch beside the fountain with our three-year-old daughter while she played with some local kids and the barman kept refilling my glass with rosé. Everyone in the village knew the company—it was their pride and joy—and my new friends were all rooting for the interview to go well. It did. Three days later we were in Toulouse and my husband received a telephone call with the job offer. The rest of our vacation photos depict our daughter scrambling around medieval French villages in her new French yellow boots, me eating cassoulet, and my husband with a panicked look on his face. Sure, we had dreamed of living in Europe, but were we really ready to move? From beautiful downtown Santa Cruz?
On February 13th 1997 we boarded an airplane at SFO for Marseille. It was hard to say goodbye to our friends and neighbors; not hard to say goodbye to my husband’s psychotic bosses (never work for a Silicon Valley start-up owned by a husband and wife team).
The first eighteen months in France passed quickly and were a dream. We rented the guardian’s house behind an 18th century château (not Château Bremont!) on the famed Route de Cézanne just outside of Aix-en-Provence. There was a breathtaking view of Mont Ste Victoire and hundreds of olive trees. That first November, almost a year after that lunch in Gémenos, we tried our hand at the olive harvest, which I turned into an essay—it’s still one of my favorites—for Bon Appétit Magazine.
The second year was more difficult. We were no longer tourists but living in France, and because of our location in the country, my French did not improve. It barely budged. I found myself needing the car for everything, including buying a baguette. Hey! Even in California I did my shopping on foot! As fate would have it, the elderly propriétaires of the château put it up for sale, a Parisian businessman bought it as a weekend residence, our little cottage to become a vacation house for his college-aged daughter. We left the countryside and the mountain and moved to downtown Aix.
The move saved us, and I often think that had we not moved downtown, we would have left France. We rented a top-floor apartment with a much-sought-after terrace, big enough for long dinners, and with a view of St Jean de Malte’s steeple. Yes, it is Marine’s apartment in the book. I had not been in the apartment long (there were still packing boxes in the entryway) before my first-floor neighbor knocked on the door, offering help and advice. I was thrilled to have a friendly neighbor, and invited her in. She stayed for two hours, and as she left she turned to me and asked, “Did I talk about food the whole time?” We laughed and I realized that not only did I have a kindred spirit living two floors down, but I had also understood her French. We are still friends—although we’ve moved from that great apartment—as are our daughters, no longer six but soon eighteen.
In France I didn’t have working papers and my daughter had started school (Ste Catherine de Sienne, where MFK Fisher’s girls went), so to pass the time I began writing essays about the region and its art and architecture. My first sale was to The Washington Post, as essay on Cézanne and his mountain. I still have a photograph of me, at the dinner table, holding up the check. I was slowly becoming a writer. I wrote and slowly, slowly, sold more essays, and began writing a book by longhand, a mystery set in Aix, which I kept in the bottom drawer of my desk. Bored and frustrated by waiting for magazine and newspaper editors to reply (or not reply), I taught history at a private bilingual high school in Aix, and three years ago began commuting to Paris, where I teach writing at NYU’s Paris campus. The mystery came out of the drawer, I changed most of it, then did many many rewrites, found a literary agent in New York, and she found us Penguin. And my husband still works in Gémenos!
The rest, very briefly:
I was born in Toronto in 1963. I went to university in Toronto in the early 80s (York, Fine Arts) and have fond memories of listening to Handsome Ned at the Cameron House, or seeing Jeff Healy play at Grossman’s Sunday evening jam. It’s still a great city and I love the fact that you can stroll up Ossington Avenue on a Sunday and see live jazz in a small bar.
We try to get back to Canada once a year; sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t. One of my favorite places in Ontario is southern Bruce County, especially the rolling green hills and perfectly tended gardens of the (mostly) cattle farmers up there. It’s where most of my cousins still live. At the last O’Hagan family reunion we had 425 attendees. And then there’s a magical lake in the Kawartha’s, where my cousin Joe has a cottage. I can’t tell you the name of the lake, because I want it to stay idyllic, and Joe would kill me.
I married my husband in 1989, we bought an old orange van, and drove across the USA, settling in northern California three weeks before the Loma Prieta earthquake that fall. My husband found a job in IT, I went back to school, and we lived in a great old Spanish apartment building—the kind you often see in movies about 1930s Los Angeles—in downtown San Jose. After two years we moved ‘over the mountain’ to Santa Cruz, had a baby in 1993, and stayed there until that fateful day when I was playing around on that thing called the Internet and typed in ‘France-Computers-Jobs.’
Dear ML,
I spent a semester in Aix during college in the late 80s and I just returned from a week in Provence. During my visit, I went down to Aix (so many changes, not all bad) at popped into Book in Bar (love!), where I bought “The Mystery of the Lost Cezanne.” I am delighted to have found a great new series and I was hoping to get another installment in Paris, but sadly neither WH Smith nor Gaglinani had any. If I had been there any longer I might have tried Shakespeare and Co. but I was leaving the next day. Anyway, my local independent here in Minneapolis, Magers and Quinn provided two, including the “Chateau Bremont” so I am off and running. Thanks for the great characters and locale!
Kind Regards,
Anthony
Hello Anthony,
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the Cézanne book, and am doubly happy that you bought it at Book in Bar. Yes, it’s a great spot isn’t it? Many French go there just to soak up the atmosphere and have a tea; bookshops with cafés are still a novelty here. I hope you enjoy the other books!
It would be interesting to compare today’s Aix to the one you remember from the late 80s. We arrived in 1997 and have seen so many changes, of about 50% I like or approve of. Oh well! It’s still a beautiful bustling place.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mary Lou
I was so glad to find out you’ve published another book (The Secrets of the Bastide Blanche) and can’t wait to read it. Also, I was just reading your About section and you mention your first article about olive harvest for Bon Appetit. It sounds interesting. I know it was published long ago but is it still available ?
Hi Marianne
Thank you! I’m afraid that Bon Appétit arrive was written almost twenty years ago, so I don’t think you’d be able to find it on the internet.
Thanks for your email and let me know how you enjoy the Bastide Blanche!
Mary Lou
Hello from Australia,
I just had my Friday night ritual of going to the Adelaide markets to buy food for dinner. I perused a second hand book store and came across your book Murder on the Ile Sordou. I read the first two chapters while eating samba fish at a Malaysian food stall and am hooked. Such. a good find! I will eagerly search out your rest. Very best wishes.
Thank you so much Mark. I’m thrilled that someone in Australia is reading and enjoying that book! It’s one of my favorites. Bon appétit ! Mary Lou. 😊
Dear M. L. Thank you so much for such a wonderful series. I’m really looking forward to the next book in March. I have visited Aix, a while ago now, and it is such a pleasure to re-live those wonderful memories through your books. I am also a Co-convenor of Sisters in Crime, Australia, a group of crime writers and readers who exist to promote women crime writers. We formed in 1991 as Australian female crime writers were not getting published in their own country! I have introduced your books to many of our members and if you ever find yourself in Australia, we would love to have you as a guest at one of our events.
Dear Sandra,
Thank you so much! Sorry for the delayed reply but we were in Krakow Poland for a wedding.
I would LOVE to be a guest at one of your events! And I would love to visit Australia…one day perhaps. Maybe we could do a SKYPE talk with the group? But maybe with the time difference that would be too difficult.
Thank you so much for showing my books to your members. I assume that you too are a writer? I’ll look you up!
All my best from a windy Provence,
Mary Lou
I’ve just finished “The Mystery of the Lost Cezanne” and it was an absolute treat! I love that I get to know not only the characters, but also the culture of France. Mystery, food, disparate characters– they all meld together in one of the most scenic locations I’ve ever heard described. I’m looking forward to more Verlaque and Bonnet!
Thank you so much Ellin! I’m working on book seven right now. Book six will be published in March 2017.
I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the Cézanne book. Please feel free to review it on Amazon, or Goodreads.
All best form a windy Provence,
Mary Lou
Wow! I was sitting here thinking of how I could express the joy I experience when I read the Verlaque and Bonnet books, and then I saw what Ellin wrote last year. My sentiments exactly! It’s the characters as well as the entire ambiance of Provence that is so satisfying (especially the food descriptions!).
Fabulous! What a wonderful series! Keep writing! Ha ha! I adore your style, your perceptions and your subtle wisdom about the human condition and soul.
Congratulations! We, your readers, are so happy!
Thank you so much, Marcie! Wow. What kind words to read with my morning coffee! Writing is hard and lonely, so letters like yours are truly a gift. Thank you.
All my best,
Mary Lou
Morning Mary Lou,
My pleasure – every word true. And I too understand the power of well-earned compliments as I’m an actress, which is also hard :o)
I’m a redhead, so have frequently fantasized about playing Marine… I’m older than she is, but in my mind I’ve re-written the part so that she and Antoine are more like ‘The Thin Man’ couple…ha ha!
Continue on! I couldn’t support you and your work more. Wonderful.
If you’d like to see my work during a break – I’m starring in a web series that was in contention for an Emmy, and I was in for Best Actress. It’s a comedy about 2 Baby Boomer best friends, both single and ‘awkwardly aging in a youth oriented society.’ :0) Each episode is only 5-6 minutes long. It’s called ‘Carbon Dating.’
It would be wonderful if the show made you smile, as I would feel like I’ve given at least a little bit back for all the pleasure you’ve given me.
http://www.carbondatingseries.com
Hope you smile!
Best,
Marcie
Dear Marcie,
I will watch it, that is if I’m able to find it on the Web over here in France. That’s so cool! I looked it up, and your reviews are great!
Readers, we all have to watch Marcie’s Web series, Carbon Dating!
Cheers,
Mary Lou
Dear Ms. Longworth: I have read all of your novels about Aix, Antoine and Marine. They are wonderful and describe Aix in wonderful detail. My wife and I visited Provence in 2008, and stayed outside of Flayosc, for two plus weeks. Heaven is the only way I can describe Provence. We traveled north and south from the home we rented, with friends. Unfortunately we had only one day in Aix. Just magnificent. We hope to return soon for an extended stay. Again, thank you for such wonderful works. The description of the food, wine and architecture is truly amazing. Please hurry with your next book in the series. Robert
Hello Robert!
Sorry for the late reply but school has been very busy, and I’m editing the next book, due out in March 2017.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you get back to Aix someday, for a few days next time! 🙂 I just braved the market (it’s pouring rain here) but was rewarded with fresh local asparagus (I prefer them thin and green; the French still go for the big fat white ones!), strawberries just in, and bunches of peonies. A good morning!
Cheers from a gray Provence,
Mary Lou
I’ve read all 4 of your novels and loved each one. Particularly the cast of characters on the Ile Sordou. I’ve always been fascinated by France & feel like I’m there when reading your wonderful books. So glad to know there’s another one coming. Congratulations on your success and please keep writing these mysteries! Aloha from Hawaii.
Hi Luana,
Thank you!!! Such nice words to read on Easter morning!
Mary Lou
Took my honeymoon in the Provence and fell in love with it. Your novels keep taking me back. Can’t wait to get my hands on the newest. Thanks for writing these books! If you ever come through Boston on a book signing please let me know.
Thank you for your great message! I’d love to come to Boston! I’ll let you know. Have a great holiday.
Cheers,
Mary Lou
I feel I have kindred souls here. I discovered the first of your novels in early Summer but did not get to it until last month. I was two chapters in and ordered the next three. They are ‘keepers’ and though I give most of my books away, these will stay on my shelves for a reread when I need an old friend. Verlaque and Bonnet are so real, so sympatico, and every one of your characters so well drawn that I’m sure they’re smoking cigars, drinking wine and laughing, just over there, beyond that grape vine covered hill.
I can’t wait for the next one and the next one and…
Thank you for much joy.
Thank you, Tinga! Sorry for the delayed reply! Emails like yours really keep me going, especially when under a deadline!
The next book, partly about Cézanne, will be released in Sept 2015.
Happy holidays!
Mary Lou
Dear M.L.,
This summer I sublet an apartment in Cambridge, MA and discovered the tenant’s had your first two novels on the shelf. It was the best discovery of the year, and your books have kept me grounded in a time of serious transition. Merci!
I lived in Toulouse for one year and in Lyon for one year, and decided to again move back to Europe for at least another few years. In the meantime, I am moving back to Santa Cruz – a nice connection with your past life.
I just finished Death in the Vines, and yesterday purchases Murder on the île Sordou. Amidst work and moving and a hectic life after graduate school, your books transport me into the Aix community. I have a new role model – Marine, and a new crush (although I have never used that word) – Antoine.
Thank you for creating this world for us to escape into! I hope to meet you someday when I return to France.
Bonne journée,
Natalie
Bonjour Natalie!
I’m so sorry for taking over a week to reply! I’m working on a deadline (book 5). I hope you’ll like it, and approve of some of the things that will be happening in that book!
Thank you so much for your email. You are lucky to have lived in Toulouse AND Lyon! Two of my favorite French cities; Toulouse for the color, and Lyon for the food! Have you moved back to santa Cruz? How is it these days?
Have a great weekend,
Mary Lou
Dear ML,
I can’t wait to read your fifth book! My parents have both (following my guidance) embarked on the series, as well. Looking forward to reconnecting with Marine and Antoine.
Santa Cruz is foggy and healthy and brisk, and I’m enjoying walks on the beach. But missing food culture of Lyon.
Take care and again, I can’t wait to see what Marine and Antoine get themselves into (and then cunningly out of) next!
Natalie
Hi Natalie! Hope you’re staying dry!
Dear M.L.
I will be in Lyon (for the second time) in August and was wondering if you had any restaurant recommendations? I will then be in various parts of Provence, ending up in Aix for 6 days and doing day trips to Cassis, Marseilles, etc. Thx.
Jim
Dear Jim,
It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Lyon but I can assure you that most of the restaurants there are fantastic, otherwise they wouldn’t be open…that’s how strict the Lyonnais are about their food. You can just use your favorite restaurant guide and you’ll be fine (Zagat’s or whatever)
I’ve been getting lots of requests for restaurant recommendations, and I’m working against a deadline right now, so I’m going to put them all up on my website…soon!
Briefly:
in Aix: L’Epicurien
near Aix (Ventabren): La Table de Ventabren
Marseille: Le Grain de Sel
La Cantinetta
Le ventre de l’architecte: http://www.gerardin-corbusier.com/ventre/
L’Epuisette
Reservations are a must for all of the above. Have a great time!
Mary Lou
I heard your interview on NPR this morning and now will purchase and read all your books- as will my husband. I admire your courage in moving to France years ago. Yours is an inspiring story for those of us who are faint of heart.
Thank you, Mary. I’m not sure if we were brave or just naive. 🙂 We were younger back then…
Congratulations! Just read the NPR article/interview. SO glad to hear that Book No. 4 is soon to be available:) I have missed the Judge and Bonnet.
Thanks, Trishia! I’m hard at work on book no. 5, which will have Cézanne somewhere in it!
Best wishes from a windy Provence,
Mary Lou
I think you meant “descent” not “decent” in response to John. Spell check doesn’t do context as I told my students many times.
Thanks, Peg! I just fixed it! Trying to return emails on my cell phone, while jet-lagged! Not always a good idea…
Obvious question coming.How did you come up with the character Antoine Verlaque’s name?
Hello John Verlaque!
The name Verlaque came from a sign I saw just outside of Aix…I loved the sound of it.
Are you of French descent?
Cheers,
Mary Lou
I read your first mystery novel and really enjoyed it. So when I found the second and third in the library I read them back to back. I am so glad that Marine and Verlaque (or should I say Verlaque) have finally had a breakthrough. I am a librarian, have been to France many times and my name is O’Hagan from NYC not Canada but perhaps we are related somewhere along the line. Please keep writing!
Deirdre
Hello Deirdre,
Thank you for your email! Perhaps we are related, down the line…A nice thought.
I don’t know if you’re going to the American Library Association’s annual conference in March, but I’ll be there, on a panel discussion. Let me know if you are going!
Happy holidays in NYC.
Best regards,
Mary Lou
Love your books! Read all 3 in the space of a week since I was so hooked! Can’t wait for your next novel. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Thank you, Marina! I just finished the fourth book…release date fall 2014.
Happy holidays!
Mary Lou
just found your books & I LOVE the first 2…waiting to get #3….the cover art is what caught my attention….charming. thank you for them.
Love your mysteries. Stayed up all night reading Death in the Vines. I’m a librarian at the Saratoga, CA library and recommend you to all.
Pls write another quickly!
Thank you so much, Betsy! Please say hello to California for me!
Dear M.L.,
Second e-mail of the day containing an apology and a suggestion. When I saw your photo of St. Victoir I mistakenly called it Mt Ventoux, Sorry about that.
My suggestion is that you include your blog address in your web site, as that Feb blog holds the contents that I wish to forward to my family. At the time I didn’t realize that your photo and cheese dinner was in your blog and not you web site. Anyhow Your blog will now go to Family which is all of us. Thank you,
Paul Thomasset
Thanks, Paul! I knew you meant St Victoire 😉 I’m sure you’re familiar with Cézanne’s paintings of it?
I’ll tell my husband about your blog address suggestion; he’s my web guy.
ML