Thanks to NetGalley and to Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of Murder in the Med by the late Peter Mayle.

I really enjoyed this story and think it's a great, quick read to accompany anyone on their summer holiday.

For a murder mystery, it was very relaxed and morphed into a bit of a caper at times. But the writing is glorious and colourful, and it brought Marseilles to life for me.

I've never read Mayle before, so not sure if this is his style, but I was confused at the start by his use of one version of a character's name at first, and then subsequently referring to them as something completely different from there on in. He did the same with the boat - one minute it was just a yacht, the next it had a name. But this really was my only niggle, and I soon got over it.

I'll certainly be looking out for more of this author's fiction in future.

4 stars
If you enjoy Peter Mayle’s Provence books and mysteries, you will enjoy this little romp on the Mediterranean coast. Its an engaging story filled with characters that are just a little bit over the top and fabulous depiction of the area including the glitz and glamour.
I will say the title is a little deceptive in that a murder never does take place. Still a lot of fun and quick read. Would recommend taking it with you on vacation or for a cozy read by the fire when dreaming of warmer weather.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher Bloudhound Books, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I have never read a book by Peter Mayle that I didn't enjoy, and this was no exception. It's lighthearted and fun and full of the descriptions that make Mayle's stories so charming.

A lighthearted lifestyle thriller, if your dining table encompasses the local police chief and up and comers in the Union Corse

It should be a good month for billionaire Francis Pierre. Of course, most months are good when you're a billionaire and have a gorgeous villa in Marseilles, France. But Pierre's good friends, Sam Levitt and his fiance, Elena, are coming to visit for a few weeks and he is excited to see his friends. Pierre plans outings and lots of sumptuous meals to share with them. But there is a fly in the ointment.

A Russian tycoon, Oleg Nikita, lives on his yacht, sailing around the world and partaking of life's pleasures. He is used to getting what he wants and unfortunately, he sees Pierre's villa and decides that is what he wants. Nikita makes an offer for Pierre's home but Pierre isn't interested in selling, His interest now piqued even more, Nikita increases his offer but Pierre stands firm.

Nikita isn't used to the word no. His past relationships are characterized by him emerging with what he wants and often the other person is left with nothing, sometimes not even his life. Nikita has no problem with doing whatever it takes to win in every situation. He decides he will have the villa no matter what and starts to plan Pierre's demise. Sam, who is a veteran of tricky situations like this, takes matters into hand and starts to plan an intricate intrigue that will stop Nikita. Will his plan work out to save Pierre and his villa?

Peter Mayle is known for his writing about his life in France and the lifestyles of the rich and famous. His book, My Year In Provence, was a huge bestseller, staying on the bestseller lists for over three years. His other novels also highlight the food and culture of his adopted homeland. He wrote four Sam Levitt novels and readers will delight in a novel that is entertaining and informative. This book is recommended for readers of thrillers and those interested in the area.

This is a fairly light hearted mystery, despite the title. I enjoyed it and read it in a day. The characters were engaging and the atmosphere was great ... I really felt like I'd been transported to the Mediterranean! It took me a while to get into but that is the only real downside.

A suspenseful but light hearted romp around the Med from Peter Mayle. I do enjoy this author's work and this was no exception. Set around the South of France and Corsica, locations and descriptions are exactly what I'd hoped for. There is, of course, much skulduggery afoot and the aim here is prevention rather than cure. This can comfortably be read in one sitting and is a perfect holiday or holiday from an armchair read. Recommended.
( 'Murder In The Med' was previously published as 'The Corsican Caper ')

I really enjoyed this book, it plodded along at a steady pace, had a well thought out and planned storyline and some great characters!

It is a great cosy mystery, easy to read and it isn’t too long in length either, you can literally put your feet up outside in the sun and enjoy it. Every now and again I like to move away from the hard hitting crime stories and police procedures I read almost daily and just enjoy a story that intrigues me and this was definitely one of them!

Four stars from me – would be a great holiday companion!

Peter Mayle, this romp through Marseille and Corsica was a delight!

Only the French can handle an impending murder with the proper je ne c’est quoi. American friends, Sam Levitt and Elena Morales can help with the troublesome details, but as billionaire Francis Reboul knows, a fine champagne helps even more. And only author Peter Mayle can tell us their story with his master blend of signature characters, exotic locals, wry dialogue, and cuisine!

“Activity is the next best thing to progress” and the mystery and thrills are just for entertainment as Reboul and the Americans bait the trap to catch the would-be killers with the assistance of the Corsican underworld. Who is the evil killer? None other than a mysterious Russian billionaire, whose hobbies include bear hunting, chess, and ballroom dancing.

The book ends with a rapturous luncheon celebration. Take a peek at the menu- coquilles saint-Jacques, accompanied by chives and a ragout of new peas and broad beans. Next, a filet de Saint-Pierre, a raised rumpf of Corsican veal and a fricassee new potatoes, followed by the cheese course. Chocolate cake with splendid toppings completed the dessert.

As Sam Levitt concludes, “Guys just like to have fun.” And so do readers. This is a delightful frolic of story. Bon appetit!

Customer Review
4.0 out of 5 stars
Read with a glass of rose at your side
ByMaggieon July 25, 2018
Format: Paperback
A nice, light, mystery for your summer time reading! Or, for a trip to Provence in your imagination! Newly reissued as Murder in the Med. Have fun!

NOTE, I couldn't find this under the Murder in the Med title, so reviewed under the previous name, Corsican Caper

Murder in the Med was previously published as The Corsican Caper. This is a short story that can easily be read in one sitting at just 131 pages. A bite sized brilliant story. Perfect for those readers with busy lives.

Oh how the other richer half live eh? and a beautiful location for the story too. I did find it took me a couple of chapters to get into the story as it isn’t an everyday thriller we all read and love. Its different, unique and well written but I still enjoyed it nevertheless. Murder in the Med is packed with suspense and will keep those pages turning. A cosy mystery…

I felt that the main characters were very strong, determined and at times stupid and fearless characters! I awarded a well deserved four stars and would highly recommend this story to you all.

Murder in the Med is, quite simply, a fun book. A light-hearted mystery, it will transport you to France, where you will meet delightful characters, a bad guy or two, fine wine and delicious food.

The mystery itself really isn’t a mystery but rather a dilemma that is solved by a couple of Americans who are on holiday in Marseilles. Their host is threatened by a Russian billionaire who is unable to take no for an answer and they rush to his rescue. Several twists make this book a most satisfying story.

Murder in the Med was originally published under the title The Corsican Caper and is one of several books featuring the redoubtable Sam Levitt. It is a romp through the south of France that will make you want to pack your bags and catch the first plane to the continent. What a perfect book for a lazy summer read.

Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

It isn't often that I read a book where my opinion changes multiple times throughout, but 'Murder in the Med' was one of those reads! I was very intrigued by the characters and the lifestyles they lead. Who wouldn't be?! The author has clearly paid close attention to the detail when writing about the setting, as it really jumped out at me and made me long for a holiday.

There were times where I was rather hooked by the events within the book, especially when the time came for the characters to play detective themselves, yet there were also times where I couldn't help but feel a little deflated as I wanted more. That isn't a bad thing by the way! It's pretty clear that I don't read many cozy mysteries as I am used to reading stories which are a little more fast paced than this one, but I certainly cannot fault Peter Mayle for the way he has brought his story to life.

In all honesty, 'Murder in the Med' was a nice change from my usual reads, one which was rather entertaining.

The best thing about this book is that it's set in Corsica and Marseilles. The rich description of scenery was worth the read. The plot was a bit shallow, not really leaving much to the imagination. The characters of Sam and Elena seem a bit underdeveloped, particularly Elena, who seems to just be along for her looks and not much else. I really didn't care for them.

A very nice and entertaining cozy. I like the plot that had me hooked since the beginning and the cast of characters.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books and Netgalley for this ARC

This book was previously published as "The Cosican Caper". I found this to be a very enjoyable cosy mystery story set in Marseille and Corsica with a cast of likeable, if somewhat larger than life, characters by the author of "A Year In Provence". Rather than solving a murder, the race is on to actually prevent one! A nice easy holiday read set in beautiful surroundings.

A captivating and easy read, with a little Mediterranean glitz and glamour and lots of delicious food and wine.

Told in the third person, this story allows an insight into several of the character's perspectives and adds to the narrative.

What made this book particularly interesting, was that it wasn't a murder mystery being solved by the amateur sleuth. Instead this was about a character being under threat due to the villain of the story wanting to procure his house by any means necessary. And the story of how they work to prevent this plot.

This book was très bon.

Murder In The Med is the perfect holiday companion. In fact, you don't even have to be on holiday as the author transports us to a fabulous location that gives you everything you would want out of a holiday. Well maybe apart from murder of course.

This isn't a dark and chilling crime book by any means. If anything it is a more light hearted and entertaining story of suspense. It reminded me very much of some of the Agatha Christie's books, with eager characters trying to solve crimes themselves.

Through Francis Pierre the reader is given a glimpse of what it is like to live a very rich lifestyle. I have to say it was a very nice one. It is a totally different way of life for many of us and I could really envision everything the author was describing to me. 

Murder In The Med is a vivid read that truly comes to life by the authors wonderful writing style. The characters are likeable, apart from the one's you arn't supposed to like of course, and with plenty going on to keep you turning those pages, it really was an easy read.

A wonderfully entertaining book from an extremely talented author. If you're a fan of cosy mysteries, you're going to love this.