Set in Hollywood, Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille, Peter Mayle’s newest and most delightful novel is filled with culinary delights, sumptuous wines, and colorful characters. It’s also a lot of fun. The story begins high above Los Angeles, at the extravagant home and equally impressive wine cellar of entertainment lawyer Danny Roth. Unfortunately, after inviting the Los Angeles Times to write an extensive profile extolling the liquid treasures of his collection, Roth finds himself the victim of a world-class wine heist. Enter Sam Levitt, former corporate lawyer, cultivated crime expert, and wine connoisseur. Called in by Roth’s insurance company, which is now saddled with a multimillion-dollar claim, Sam follows his leads—to Bordeaux and its magnificent vineyards, and to Provence to meet an eccentric billionaire collector who might possibly have an interest in the stolen wines. Along the way, bien sûr, he is joined by a beautiful and erudite French colleague, and together they navigate many a château, pausing frequently to enjoy the countryside’s abundant pleasures. The unraveling of the ingenious crime is threaded through with Mayle’s seductive rendering of France’s sensory delights—from a fine Lynch-Bages and Léoville Barton to the bouillabaisse of Marseille and the young lamb of Bordeaux. Even the most sophisticated of oenophiles will learn a thing or two from this vintage work by a beloved author.
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"I couldn't read this book without moaning in envy at the wonderful (and beautifully described) French food and drink. It is a romp of a book. It wraps up suddenly and then it is gone, like a bottle of fine wine that is emptied too fast. Along the way it is a wonderful vacation from mundanity."
— Carolyn (4 out of 5 stars)
" A simple tale of a wine heist that was lacking in suspense or intrigue and often boring at times. Somewhat redeemed by it's detailed accounts of Marseille and the exquisite wine and food the characters enjoy on their way to solving the mystery. "
— Shawn, 2/20/2014" I love Mayle's books but mystery writing is not his forte. Kept thinking--surely this isn't all, but as the pages went by, realized it was. The romantic aspects were lame as well. "
— Margot, 2/3/2014" A delightfully easy read about wine, CA and France. It's a simple mystery novel, but pleasant and just fun. No brain surgery here, but I would certainly recommend for pleasure reading. "
— Elizabeth, 1/24/2014" I wish this could do 1/2 stars, because I would give it three and 1/2 stars. It is classic Peter Mayle, easy to read and makes you want to visit France. "
— Shannon, 1/19/2014" Typical Mayle. Fast read. Beautiful food descriptions. Unlikely plot. Placed in LA Paris and Marseille. "
— Larry, 1/16/2014" Priceless wine is stolen in California, and the insurance company hires our hero Sam to find it. With the help of an attractive French woman he travels as far as Marseille to find it. There are descriptions of all the food and wine eaten and drunk along the way. The description of a restaurant in Santa Monica on page sixty three is hilarious. "
— Teresa, 1/15/2014" Another enjoyable read from Peter Mayle. A fun romp through LA, Paris and Provence as our main characters track down wine stolen from a wealthy and obnoxious American collector. The characters in Mayle's fiction all tend to be a bit similar but fun to follow on their adventures. "
— Rachel, 1/15/2014" I received this as a Christmas present and as with all Peter Mayle's books, I did not want to put it down once I started reading. I was a novice at wines when I began - and still am - but certainly added vintage names to look out for! "
— Gillian, 1/10/2014" A light mystery heavy on the food and wine. I enjoyed some of the quirky characters, the mostly French setting and the detailed descriptions of dining in Marseilles. A fun read to distract me from my current heavy reading list. "
— Patricia, 12/13/2013" Let's face it, Peter Mayle's writings are right up my alley for enjoyment, relaxation and getting totally engaged in a book. "
— Belinda, 12/7/2013" this was a fun little adventure "
— Clarissa, 11/19/2013" Loved Mayle's descriptions of Provence and especially Cassis. Took me back to some great vacations. "
— Larry, 11/19/2013" This is light reading but a fun read from the author of the "Provence" books. "
— Lpage1479, 11/5/2013" As a person who enjoys wine and visiting wine regions the book was a delight. The story and plot was a little light--I didn't find any of the characters particularly engaging--but I did like the descriptions of wine, food, and locations. It is definitely an escapist read. "
— Bill, 4/2/2013" Predictable characters and plot line with a horrible sense of timing and pace. If you can call just dragging along a pace. Even the romance was uninteresting, and I love romance! I loved "A Year in Provence", and I don't think Peter has had a good book since. "
— Jennifer, 9/29/2012" I bought this book on a whim because I liked the look of the cover and the title seemed fun. More a trip for foodies to fawn over French food and wine instead of a caper. It's was enjoyable though. Make a great beach read. "
— Erin, 9/16/2012" Predictable, stereotypical characters -- the plot is somewhat interesting but the only passages I found interesting were the descriptions of food and wine. "
— Molly, 8/4/2012" Not my favorite. Perhaps reading it not listening to the audio book would have been better. "
— Judy, 5/31/2012" This book was fine. It was a fairly interesting story and I learned a little bit about wine. It was an easy read that doesn't require much concentration or thought. I was hoping there would be more suspense/mystery of solving the crime... "
— Ben, 2/2/2012" Held to the light, the pages are the color of an early autumn moon. Not quite robust, the reader knows that there is substance here and a taste that will linger. There's a hint of romance and love gone wrong with a finish that is clever and satisfying. Overall, a nicely constructed plot. "
— Jeanie, 11/10/2011" Light and fun read! Perfect sunny escape from a snowy Chicago winter. You must have a glass of wine or champage each time you sit down to enjoy this book!! "
— Kimberly, 11/6/2011" I liked the book ok but thought it was a weak mystery. Wine drinkers would probabaly enjoy this book. "
— Connie, 8/25/2011" This was a lot of fun! A great book for mystery lovers, foodies, and Francophiles. Also, at 223 pages, a nice short book for the busy holiday season. "
— Gretchen, 8/5/2011" This is light reading but a fun read from the author of the "Provence" books. "
— Lpage1479, 5/11/2011" I loved the course in wines... and the descriptive tour of chateau and restaurants through Marseilles and Paris. A good suspense, quick read and enjoyable, but not a keeper :) Great Travel book! "
— Monica, 4/29/2011" Not a super good book, but a decent read to get excited for a trip to France. Sort of like Oceans Eleven meets Wine Spectator. "
— Adrienne, 4/17/2011" A simple tale of a wine heist that was lacking in suspense or intrigue and often boring at times. Somewhat redeemed by it's detailed accounts of Marseille and the exquisite wine and food the characters enjoy on their way to solving the mystery. "
— Shawn, 4/12/2011" It's an okay, light read, especially for anyone interested in wine and food, but there is nothing special or exciting about it. A very light, fluff read "
— Carolyn, 3/31/2011" Not the greatest mystery I have ever read, but Peter Mayle who is known for his non-fiction books on France, notably Provence, has done a creditable job for those of us who love to read books about France and books set in France. "
— Rita, 3/19/2011" A fun book to read when you need something light. "
— Debbie, 3/18/2011" A sweet little mystery. Best for beach or airplane reading in my estimation. "
— Joann, 3/17/2011" A cute, quick, clever read by Peter Mayle. If you love France, cooking, eating, and fine wine you'll love this book. Entertaining and possibly--educational! Made me want to go out & spend several thousand on French burgundies. "
— Gay, 3/17/2011" I've consistently enjoyed Peter Mayle's books since my first encounter with A Year in Provence. This was a fun, light, wine mystery. "
— Liz, 3/11/2011" Perfect little weekend read. Vive la France! "
— Fuschia, 3/7/2011" A light fun read. The characters and story are easliy accessible but its a little "surface" to get to know them very well. A good ariplane/beach/vacation read. <br/>Same author who wrote "A Year In Provence" and "Toujours Provence". "
— Beth, 3/2/2011" I received this as a Christmas present and as with all Peter Mayle's books, I did not want to put it down once I started reading. I was a novice at wines when I began - and still am - but certainly added vintage names to look out for! "
— Gillian, 2/11/2011Peter Mayle (1939–2018), British-born author of several novels and books of nonfiction, spent fifteen years in the advertising business before escaping in 1975 to write books, including several New York Times bestsellers. The British Books Awards named him author of the year in 1992, and he was a recipient of the Légion d’Honneur award from the French government for his cultural contributions. His work has been translated into seventeen languages, and he has contributed to a variety of newspapers and magazines. His A Year in Provence was produced as a television series starring John Thaw and screened in 1993. The novel A Good Year was the basis for the 2006 film of the same name directed by Ridley Scott and starring actors Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard.
Erik Davies is an accomplished audiobook narrator and voice-over actor. His stage credits include G.R. Point, Unpublished Letters, and Flats Fixed. Some of his television and film appearances include ER, Third Watch, and a starring role in the hit indie comedy High Society: A Pot Boiler. His audiobook narration has won three AudioFile Earphones Awards.