I've been a Peter Mayle fan for years. He's given us an insight and appreciation of France and the French, especially life in Provence, like no one else. Wether it's a case of trying to stretch his writing legs a little too much or perhaps the pressure of an eager publisher, Mayle's foray into fiction, specifically mysteries, is a farce. His earlier entry into this genre, The Vintage Caper, was acceptable, although guilty of overacting and a plot that would make an emmental blush. In this Corsican version, the premise is completely ridiculous, as is every single character - all culled from central casting: the overbearing and wealthy Americans, the naïve yet wealthy Frenchman, a billionaire bully from Russia and a handful of forgettable thugs and thieves. All of the nuances that make Mayle's writing so appealing - rich descriptions of the local landscape and sumptuous meals that make us all want to move to the South of France - are sidelined in favour of a pretentious slice life among the ultra-rich. The Corsican connection is fleeting and irrelevant - an opportunity lost. The only upside to this woeful tale is it's astounding brevity. Thankfully it ended quickly well before the pain became just too much to take. This is the latest escapade of Sam Levitt, Elena Morales and their friend Francis Reboul set in the South of France. Francis is plagued by a wealthy Russian who wants to buy his villa and won't take no for an answer. The situation takes a sinister turn and Sam has to devise a plan to save Reboul yet again. Mercenaries, the Corsican mafia and various friends and relatives aid Sam in out foxing Vronsky. Delightful galas, mouth-watering food and wine and lovely sights are interspersed with the unsavory aspects of the plot to make this caper just the thing to read while lounging on the beach or a shady patio.
What do You think about Corsican Caper (2014)?
A little light on story and substance but, I still enjoyed it and I will still read...:)
—infitelove
Like the other capers - loads of fun and great for summer!
—thirdman
