And now for something completely different...

After reading the lengthy and invovled Game of Thrones, I decided to read something short and light hearted. Peter Mayle writes delightful, funny books and his latest was ready for me at the library. Mayle has been writing books that take place in the south of France for quite a while now. They are always light, funny, and full of descriptions of food and wine. The Marseille Caper, the latest book, is no exception.

Sam and Elena, who we met in The Vintage Caper, are back. Sam is hired by Francis Raboul, the man Sam tricked in the last book, to be a front for him in a development venture. Apparently Francis has a great idea for a housing development in Marseille, but the chairman of the committee that will choose the winning design hates him. Sam will got to Marseille and present the idea. Francis will step in after construction has started.

Sam and Elena are charmed by the south of France, but have some obstacles to maneuver around in order to even be able to make the presentation. They have to outwit thugs who will stop just short of murder to get their own way. Meanwhile, Sam and Elena enjoy the sun and food of the Marseille area.