Unraveling Secrets: An Interview with Elle Jauffret, Author of 'Threads of Deception'
Every mystery begins with a secret, and Elle Jauffret, author of "Threads of Deception", is a master at keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Her book is the first installment in the "Suddenly French" mystery series. Scheduled for publication on Nov. 12, 2024, this captivating mystery promises readers an enthralling journey into the realms of crime, intrigue, and self-discovery. Even before its public release, it has already garnered attention from various publications, authors, and Hollywood.
In this gripping debut novel, readers follow the story of Claire Fontaine, a high-profile criminal attorney from Washington, D.C., who survives a criminal explosion that leaves her with French Foreign Accent Syndrome. Seeking solace and a fresh start, Claire returns to her hometown of Caper Cove, California, only to find herself entangled in a murder investigation when her fashion designer friend turns up dead. Jauffret brings her expertise as both an attorney and a mystery buff to craft a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends elements of classic mystery, crime, and character-driven drama.
We sat down with Elle Jauffret to discuss her new novel, her writing process, and her projects.
FQM: Congratulations on the upcoming release of "Threads Of Deception”! What inspired you to write a mystery series, particularly one involving a character like Claire Fontaine?
Elle Jauffret: Thank you! I wanted to challenge stereotypes about American identity and to counter the misconception that individuals with accents or speech disorders are less intelligent—in a lighthearted way. Claire, my protagonist, a born and raised American, suffers from a rare speech disorder called “foreign accent syndrome” which leads others to mistake her for a foreign tourist (the French origin of her first and last name doesn’t help). Through her experiences, I aim to highlight the struggles faced by individuals with accents or speech disorders and prompt readers to rethink assumptions about American identity and intelligence. Claire serves as a unique lens to explore societal expectations and resilience in the face of preconceptions.
FQM: French Foreign Accent Syndrome is quite a unique element in Claire's story. How did you come up with the idea to include this condition in the novel?
Elle Jauffret: I wanted to explore the concept of identity through language. Giving Claire an accent was a way to challenge the idea that accents only belong to “outsiders.’' By having her, a high-powered American attorney, suddenly speak with a foreign accent due to an unexpected condition, it invites readers to consider how differently people can be treated based on something as simple as the way they speak. I find that readers, especially Americans, can connect more deeply when they see themselves in a character's experience— this helps highlight how our national identity as Americans should not be diminished or questioned simply because of the way we speak or the accents we carry. My hope is that this allows for a more thoughtful exploration of what it means to belong and be understood.
FQM: Claire moves from being a high-profile attorney to immersing herself in culinary arts and then finds herself in a murder investigation. How did you balance these different aspects of her character?
Elle Jauffret: Claire’s transition from attorney to private chef is a necessity. After the explosion that destroyed her law firm and left her with French Foreign Accent Syndrome, Claire needed to step away from the stressful field of criminal law to allow her brain time to heal. She also needed a new job to provide for herself. Catering was her only skill—something she picked up after many 'cooking lessons for singles.' However, justice is in her blood. When she’s pulled into a murder investigation, all the skills she developed as a lawyer—her analytical thinking, her drive for truth—come back into play. Balancing these aspects of Claire’s character shows how her experiences as both a lawyer and a chef intertwine to make her a more complex, resilient person. Just like everyone, Claire is multidimensional. We all carry different aspects of ourselves, which can evolve or resurface as life changes.
FQM: Your background as an attorney clearly plays a role in crafting the novel's legal aspects. How has your legal career influenced your writing?
Elle Jauffret: My legal background has definitely influenced my writing, especially in terms of the procedural elements that ground the mystery. While Threads of Deception isn’t a courtroom drama, my experience as an attorney helps me weave in realistic legal aspects, from the laws mentioned to the investigative processes. I wanted to bring authenticity to the story without making it overly technical, so the legal details serve to bring awareness to readers about important issues, rather than being the main focus. The heart of the story is the mystery itself and Claire’s struggle to accept her new voice, but having that legal foundation adds another layer of depth and credibility.
FQM: As this is the first in the Suddenly French mystery series, what can readers expect in future installments?
Elle Jauffret: Readers can expect a fresh mystery in each book, set in a completely different world. While Claire will continue to navigate life with her accent and a passion for justice, the settings and themes will evolve. The second book takes place in the world of competitive surfing and explores the idea of territoriality—how people protect their space and identity. The third will delve into the world of cosplay, addressing how far we’re willing to go to keep or secure a job. Each mystery will have its own unique environment and set of challenges, but the core of Claire’s character will always be her curiosity, resilience, and pursuit of the truth.
FQM: Finally, what do you hope readers will take away from your novel?
Elle Jauffret: First and foremost, I want people to have fun. I also hope readers come away with a deeper understanding that accents and speech variations don’t reflect a person’s intelligence, competence, or potential; that names don’t always equate to a specific nationality, ethnicity, or religion; that everyone deserves to be seen for who they are and what they can do, not how they sound. Ultimately, I’d love for readers, especially those with accents or speech disorders, to feel empowered to embrace their unique voices with confidence and pride.
Stay connected with Elle Jauffret on her website (https://ellejauffret.com/) and social media (@ellejauffret) for more updates on this exciting new series.
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