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" This latest little story is not up to Mayle's usual charming dialogue. Mayle's best work is still writing travel books (A Year in Provence is in my top 10 books of all time). But if you're looking for a little escape from the winter and want to read about life in Marseile when the sun is shining and the people are beautiful, this might be your kind of book. "
- Kathy, 2/20/2014
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" pure escapism. the plot is silly and unlikely. it is mayle's descriptions of the food and france that I really enjoy. he writes abut food that I would never eat and makes it sound mouth watering delicious. I want to go to the south of france to feel the sun, to smell the flowers and food, to just experience a little of what mayle writes. "
- Heidi, 2/19/2014
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" I haven't read Peter Mayle for many years -- since he first wrote "A Year in Provence" and "Toujours Provence." This was a sample of his French mysteries - light, fun, filled with food, romance, and travel. I loved it -- it was straight forward, predictable, funny, filled with colorful characters, and a swift, imaginative, travel to France. A lovely afternoon read. "
- Marilyn, 2/18/2014
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" I was prepared for this foray into "suspense" writing by Peter Mayle to be fairly light-weight. I enjoyed his Provence cycle of books, and knew intuitively that this break in form was risky. The story lived up to my expectations. The book came off as if Jan Karon of "the Mitford tales" series fame tried to write a book of intrigue, without the dramatic or criminal suspense. The present book came off as a lame attempt to couch a cook's tour of Marseille culture and cuisine in mystery guise. Mayle should probably stick to the genre he does so much better, or at least to the region of France to which he has devoted himself. The characters were typical, if totally fictional, personas with whom we have become familiar in his previous work. Even his thugs come off as affable, as though they had day jobs in the cast of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," without the cunning of 'toons. The book progressed like French cinema, with just enough interest to keep the pages turning, but with the assured happy ending always in sight. Fantastic meals, extravagant architecture and accommodations and cutesy, out-of-the-way bistros litter the story, sadly without the attention to why these should be of interest that made the Provence books entertaining. "
- Mike, 2/12/2014
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" Take a delightful romp with a charming ex-thief turned sleuth through the crowded, sun-blanched streets of Marseille and enjoy the feel of the Mediterranean breeze as you gaze out on its blue splendor and savor the tastes and sights that make this one of France's most popular sights. Sam Levitt, hired by a man he conned several months ago, is on a mission to secure a valuable seaside property for commercial development. The assignment sounds easy, but the underworld in this beautiful region is dark and intent on sabotaging his plans. Will he and the lovely Elena be able to enjoy their luxurious surroundings and time away from their busy lives in California or will they be pulled into a web of danger that threatens not only their employer's plans but also their lives? The adventure is on as they come face-to-face with crooked politicians, shady British aristocrats and some big heavies intent on hurting them and their friends. Charming as ever, though, Sam is determined to succeed and uses all his cunning to outwit his foes.
Certainly more entertaining than the first book in the Sam Levitt series, but full of all the rich, mouth-watering descriptions of Provence that make Mayle's books so enjoyable, The Marseille Caper is a delectable and light read that's sure to please anyone dreaming of escaping to the French coast. "
- Mandolin, 1/29/2014
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" Peter can't help it, he just isn't a good writer. But oh how I love his subject: France!! "
- Candy, 1/22/2014
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" It was entertaining, the very end was very unimaginative. "
- Clare, 1/14/2014
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" If you like to read about 4 star French dining, shopping and designer clothes, you will probably enjoy this more than I did. Sam Levitt, an American, is contracted by a billionaire to be front man in presenting a plan for real estate development on prime coastal property in Marseilles. He is one of three competing for this very lucrative project. "
- Monica, 1/9/2014
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" A fun but average read. "
- Stana, 1/7/2014
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" Total brain candy. Just what I needed for spring break. "
- Stephanie, 1/1/2014
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" Sweet confection gone in one bite. "
- Tim, 12/24/2013
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" As usual, Peter Mayle tells the story with ease, constantly making the reader want to visit France and eat everything offered. "
- Barbara, 12/12/2013
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" Every time you turned a page, someone was eating, eating, and more eating! Since this was not a gastronomic escapade, but one dealing with high end real estate chicanery, it was a disappointment. Loved "A Year in Provence" But this? Meh, I was skimming near the end... "
- Steph, 11/23/2013
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" I really enjoyed this one, especially the wine and food parts, and the slow-moving way of life in southern France. "
- Cyn, 11/15/2013
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" A fun quick read with the wonderful flavor of France. "
- Sandra, 10/26/2013
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" Clunky. Anyone who enjoyed "AYear in Provence" has to be disappointed in Mayle's later work. Guide book passages pasted into the narrative; shifts in point-of-view on every page; poor dialogue. Too bad. "
- Boyd, 7/30/2013
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" As usual, the descriptions of both the towns and the food have resulted in adding a new to-go place -- Marseilles. Check the NYT's recent 2013 travel recommendations for validation!!! "
- Leigh, 7/22/2013
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" Purchased at SFO for a flight back to Seattle. Malye books are always a pleasant mix of travel in the French countryside, food and wine and pleasant characters. If you have enjoyed previous Mayle books then this one will not disappoint you. "
- Bob, 6/12/2013
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" Excellent light read. A land use caper of special interest to those who enjoy French cooking and traveling in France. "
- Elaine, 4/17/2013
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" Did not care for the story, and the food and travelogue portions were to brief to overcome the shortcomings for me. "
- Amy, 3/25/2013
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" a betise of a book, or maybe an amuse-gueule? the best parts for me were the descriptions of Provence. "
- Anne, 3/9/2013
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" Provence again, how can I resist? I simply have always liked Peter Mayle, in all forms. A light, quick mystery. "
- Beth, 2/23/2013
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" Light, entertaining, humorous. Typical Mayle---which I very much like. "
- Jeff, 2/21/2013
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" Enjoyable bit of fluff! Love the descriptions of Marsalis and food. "
- Pam, 2/13/2013
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