Peter Mayle's novels never fail to transport me to a different world. He paints the loveliest pictures of France and not just France in general, but very specific places and towns. This book centers on Marseille and I dare you not to start planning a trip after reading this (when/if we ever can travel again, that is).

The climax of the story is fabulously adventurous and improbable, very much like a Mitchum/Russell film of the 40s. Great fun all around.