I have no idea how this book wound up in my library queue; it’s unlike everything I read, but I thought it was so much fun! It’s supposed to be a diamond heist mystery, and that definitely happens, but that is the least important part of the story.
What matters is a bunch of rich people drinking their way through house parties while describing incredible views and delicious food with a dry wit. I didn’t know I could be so entertained by 200 pages of privilege, but I totally was! I want to buy a house in Nice, make friends who send me cases of champagne, and solve diamond heists in my downtime.
I would be interested to read more of Mayle’s books, because…I cannot stress enough how inconsequential the mystery of this story was. I wonder if the rest of his mysteries are more socialites mingling than mysteries solved. If so….I want to read them!
Book Jacket
Bon vivant and expert sleuth Sam Levitt and his partner in love and intrigue, Elena Morales, return in the latest installment of the delightfully sun-splashed Provencal Caper series.
When a Riviera socialite’s diamonds are stolen-the latest in a string of seemingly unconnected but ever-more-audacious jewelry heists across France-Elena flies in to investigate the insurance claim. It’s a trip she’s more than happy to make, as it gives her a chance to meet up with old friends in Marseille-and, particularly, with Sam.
Once reunited, Sam isn’t particularly distracted by domestic matters. In the pattern of these “perfect crimes” he’s beginning to see a master at work, and he’s quickly determined to connect and solve the cases. But as he and Elena dig deeper, they begin to realize just how much is connected and how dangerous it may be to pursue the whole truth.
Meanwhile, there’s a house to renovate, a rose to share, and feasts of Provencal summer bounty to enjoy. Full of Peter Mayle’s inimitable wit and style, The Diamond Caper is sure to charm faithful fans and new readers alike.
Release Date: October 2015
It Is Trish 