Death in Avignon is part of the Penelope Kite series by Serena Kent with a delightful setting of a French Provence village - St. Merlot.
From the cover:
After an eventful first few months in Provence, it seems Penelope is finally settling into her delightful new life complete with a gorgeous love interest in the mayor of St. Merlot.
When Penelope and the mayor attend a glamorous gallery opening, Penelope's biggest worry is embarrassing herself in front of her date. But the evening takes a horrifying turn when a controversial expat painter, Roland Doncaster chokes to death.