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Sam Levitt #4
The Diamond Caper
Bon vivant and expert sleuth, Sam Levitt, and his partner in love and intrigue, Elena Morales, return in the latest installment of the delightful, sun-splashed, Provençal 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 Marseilles--and, particularly, with Sam. Once reunited, she and Sam buy the local cottage they've had their eyes on, but Sam isn't entirely distracted by domestic matters. In the pattern of these "perfect crime" heists 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.
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 Marseilles--and, particularly, with Sam. Once reunited, she and Sam buy the local cottage they've had their eyes on, but Sam isn't entirely distracted by domestic matters. In the pattern of these "perfect crime" heists 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.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2015
199 people are currently reading
1233 people want to read
About the author
Peter Mayle
135 books1,285 followersPeter Mayle was a British author famous for his series of books detailing life in Provence, France. He spent fifteen years in advertising before leaving the business in 1975 to write educational books, including a series on sex education for children and young people. In 1989, A Year in Provence was published and became an international bestseller. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages, and he was a contributing writer to magazines and newspapers. Indeed, his seventh book, A Year in Provence, chronicles a year in the life of a British expatriate who settled in the village of Ménerbes. His book A Good Year was the basis for the eponymous 2006 film directed by Ridley Scott and starring actor Russell Crowe. Peter Mayle died in Provence, France.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
September 25, 2015
I won a copy of The Diamond Caper on Goodreads. In return I would like to submit my honest review.
I am terrible at reviews but here goes noting.
This is my first time reading a Peter Mayle book. While most reviews rated it rather low, I found The Diamond Caper to be interesting enough to hold my attention. I was delighted this little book strayed from the stereotype crime/mystery/whodunit genre by not primarily focusing on the crime itself. A little bit of levity never hurt anyone.
I am terrible at reviews but here goes noting.
This is my first time reading a Peter Mayle book. While most reviews rated it rather low, I found The Diamond Caper to be interesting enough to hold my attention. I was delighted this little book strayed from the stereotype crime/mystery/whodunit genre by not primarily focusing on the crime itself. A little bit of levity never hurt anyone.
October 19, 2015
I have read how Mayle’s books sparkle not because of any heavy duty crime solving — I figured it out with about two words in one chapter, but because of the characters and his descriptions of the food and location of Southern France. I am perhaps less enchanted by Southern France than many people, but since I cannot eat bread I did not find it an easy place to be. But, I have to hand it to the guy for figuring out a way to live his dream and make a great living writing about it!
It is impossible to discuss the theme of this book without it being a little too revealing so I have marked out a bit for being a spoiler:
Earlier books by Mayle, and I haven’t read one since the Year in Provence, book came out years ago, are supposed to wax poetic about the the Provencal countryside, the food, and the idiosyncrasies of the people. Except for a few, exchanges between well-off friends and their decorators, I didn’t really find that here. They go to a couple of markets and talk about asparagus, but though I love it but it is just asparagus.
This is the perfect light read or listen if you are on your way to a vacation: it’s pretty, pleasant, clean and doesn’t require a lot of thought. I enjoyed it but might not buy it for myself.
It is impossible to discuss the theme of this book without it being a little too revealing so I have marked out a bit for being a spoiler:
Earlier books by Mayle, and I haven’t read one since the Year in Provence, book came out years ago, are supposed to wax poetic about the the Provencal countryside, the food, and the idiosyncrasies of the people. Except for a few, exchanges between well-off friends and their decorators, I didn’t really find that here. They go to a couple of markets and talk about asparagus, but though I love it but it is just asparagus.
This is the perfect light read or listen if you are on your way to a vacation: it’s pretty, pleasant, clean and doesn’t require a lot of thought. I enjoyed it but might not buy it for myself.
November 15, 2015
The mysteries in Peter Mayle's Sam Levitt series are about as shallow and transparent as they get. But you don't read Peter Mayle for complex plots. You read Peter Mayle for atmosphere, light caper-y fun, and likable (if unrealistic) characters. As usual, Mayle delivers those things in spades, along with a healthy dose of food and real estate porn sure to delight any Francophile.
January 10, 2021
I had to check the publication date on this book repeatedly. It felt like something from the 1950s with its undercurrent of misogyny; a current that surfaced high enough and often enough to nauseate me, especially toward the end.
It began well enough. A woman working for a high-end insurance company is sent to Provence to look into a diamond theft from a client. The stakes are high. Her boss, the company owner will be hard-hit from having to pay his clients for the jewels' loss. It's also the straw that breaks the camel's back: she decides to quit the insurance business and move to Provence with her shady boyfriend. Great, I thought. The scene is set for this woman to be unable to so completely desert the boss she liked without investigating what turns out to be multiple unsolved diamond thefts on her own.
But no.
She spends her time shopping, pouting and idling in the kitchen while boyfriend, who has no credentials or experience, takes over. The POV changed from her to him in a most unsatisfactory way. She became an irritating, spoiled, little princess who hates apologizing to boyfriend when he solves the crimes which the police were unable to.
Add to this the heavy-handed, repetitious writing (rose wine is everywhere for some reason as are terraces with views) and the total lack of mystery (you know who the culprit is from the start), and all I can say is I'm glad to be done with this travesty.
No more Mayle for me.
It began well enough. A woman working for a high-end insurance company is sent to Provence to look into a diamond theft from a client. The stakes are high. Her boss, the company owner will be hard-hit from having to pay his clients for the jewels' loss. It's also the straw that breaks the camel's back: she decides to quit the insurance business and move to Provence with her shady boyfriend. Great, I thought. The scene is set for this woman to be unable to so completely desert the boss she liked without investigating what turns out to be multiple unsolved diamond thefts on her own.
But no.
She spends her time shopping, pouting and idling in the kitchen while boyfriend, who has no credentials or experience, takes over. The POV changed from her to him in a most unsatisfactory way. She became an irritating, spoiled, little princess who hates apologizing to boyfriend when he solves the crimes which the police were unable to.
Add to this the heavy-handed, repetitious writing (rose wine is everywhere for some reason as are terraces with views) and the total lack of mystery (you know who the culprit is from the start), and all I can say is I'm glad to be done with this travesty.
No more Mayle for me.
November 20, 2015
I love these little mysteries by Peter Mayle. This would have been 5 stars, except the ending kind of fell apart. Pretty much everyone reading this will know the ending before it happens, and when it did, the story fell flat. I think a few more twists and turns to give it a little more air of intrigue would have been appropriate. But other than that, the story is wonderful--you can just imagine being there and enjoying all that the south of France has to offer--beautiful weather, great food and wine, fantastic views, and crazy people.
November 28, 2015
I'm trying to think why I don't find Mayle's caper books as good a read as I would wish them to be. Too shallow and stereotypical maybe - dialogue, characters, storyline; not a lot of depth. The author does introduce the reader to some of the interesting aspects of life in Provence - the game of boules, some sidelights about food and wines, a brief mention of the history of Nice's Le Negresco, la valse des notaires in buying property. Maybe just take the book for what it is worth - a quick, lighthearted read - and it'll be okay.
September 28, 2017
Once again, our gourmets find themselves in a mystery.
Sam Levitt and Elena Morales, despite having jobs where one almost never works, buy a beach house in The South Of France. There's thefts and murders going on, they have to get to the bottom of things. More important, however, is renovating the house, eating good food, drinking good wine, and going to fetes.
Not bad, but as usual in this series, there isn't a whole lot of actual "caper."
Sam Levitt and Elena Morales, despite having jobs where one almost never works, buy a beach house in The South Of France. There's thefts and murders going on, they have to get to the bottom of things. More important, however, is renovating the house, eating good food, drinking good wine, and going to fetes.
Not bad, but as usual in this series, there isn't a whole lot of actual "caper."
July 7, 2019
The flimsy, if not inconsistent, plot did not stop me from enjoying the company of the group of friends, living the good life by the endless Mediterranean. Plenty of rose (burp ;) and reds with good food make up for lack of thrills and action ;p
December 6, 2015
I am not sure that this book deserves the word "Caper" in the title. If you are looking for a mystery and crime-solving read, this one may put you to sleep. However, if you would like to read about French food and Provence, then this may be the book for you. Be warned! After reading about all of the food and beautiful views, then you will need a nap.
November 30, 2017
This is #4 in a fun little mystery 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 Marseilles--and, particularly, with Sam. Once reunited, she and Sam buy the local cottage they've had their eyes on, but Sam isn't entirely distracted by domestic matters. In the pattern of these "perfect crime" heists 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."
"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 Marseilles--and, particularly, with Sam. Once reunited, she and Sam buy the local cottage they've had their eyes on, but Sam isn't entirely distracted by domestic matters. In the pattern of these "perfect crime" heists 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."
March 23, 2020
My favorite one yet! Peter Mayles has such a good eye for details and character descriptives. The plot is appealing, even though you begin to know who the culprit is halfway through. But proving it is another matter. Open and travel to the South of France for a really delicious escape and an education in french wine and cuisine!
August 29, 2019
Tried this author due to setting in France. It is one of a series, but I shall not check out any of the others. Dialogue very artificial, characters simply caricatures - A flyover of the wealthy on the French Riviera.
Library Loan
Library Loan
February 3, 2020
This was the first Sam Levitt book I actually found boring. Perhaps that’s because I myself am not remodeling a house in the south of France, which is what 85% of this book is about. I miss the sparkling characters and wit of the first book in the series. This was a waste.
August 2, 2024
The last in the Sam Levitt series, tales of skullduggery among the rich and famous in the south of France. The mysteries are not particularly complicated, but the stories are fun. The descriptions of the places, food, and wine of the region are my favorite parts.
January 27, 2018
Peter Mayle is my very favorite vacation read.
February 19, 2024
This book, even for Peter Mayle, feels unusually light, resembling more a guide to the culinary and scenic pleasures of southern France than a traditional novel.
July 14, 2022
Io sono una fan di Peter Mayle, ho letto taaaaaaaanti libri suoi e quasi sempre li ho amati. Questa volta però ha fatto cilecca. Storia inesistente, conclusione prevedibilissima, davvero troppe descrizioni di ristoranti. Peccato.
May 9, 2018
A nice easy flowing mystery, like a fine relaxing meal in Provence.
January 25, 2016
#4 Sam Elliott series - Cozy Mystery
Expert sleuth Sam Elliott and his partner in love and investigations, Elena, return to the sunny French Riviera. Elena's employer, a Los Angeles-based Knox Insurance Agency, has received a claim for $2-3 million dollars from a Madame Castellaci. Diamonds were stolen from her home in Nice.
The French police investigation turned up no leads, clues, fingerprints, or evidence of forced entry. Frank Knox, who is Elena's boss and friend, had been looking forward to retiring in a few months. A payout of millions of dollars would be a blow to his retirement, after 35 years of hard work. In a last-ditch effort, he sends Elena to France to interview Madame Castellaci, the police, and the many friends she and Sam have living in France, where they are contemplating buying a home.
It turns out there have been many high value jewel thefts among the wealthiest residents and visitors to the glamorous French Riviera. As Elena and Sam dig for information among their friends (journalists, police investigators, wealthy friends), the notoriously long French bureaucracy arrives at a decision on whether the house Sam and Elena wish to buy can indeed be sold.
Peter Mayle's entertaining, pleasing, engaging books are like a warm breeze on a bright sunny day. The plots are always intriguing, surprising, and the characters encountered are varied and charming.
I'm so hoping he continues the series with a book 5.
Expert sleuth Sam Elliott and his partner in love and investigations, Elena, return to the sunny French Riviera. Elena's employer, a Los Angeles-based Knox Insurance Agency, has received a claim for $2-3 million dollars from a Madame Castellaci. Diamonds were stolen from her home in Nice.
The French police investigation turned up no leads, clues, fingerprints, or evidence of forced entry. Frank Knox, who is Elena's boss and friend, had been looking forward to retiring in a few months. A payout of millions of dollars would be a blow to his retirement, after 35 years of hard work. In a last-ditch effort, he sends Elena to France to interview Madame Castellaci, the police, and the many friends she and Sam have living in France, where they are contemplating buying a home.
It turns out there have been many high value jewel thefts among the wealthiest residents and visitors to the glamorous French Riviera. As Elena and Sam dig for information among their friends (journalists, police investigators, wealthy friends), the notoriously long French bureaucracy arrives at a decision on whether the house Sam and Elena wish to buy can indeed be sold.
Peter Mayle's entertaining, pleasing, engaging books are like a warm breeze on a bright sunny day. The plots are always intriguing, surprising, and the characters encountered are varied and charming.
I'm so hoping he continues the series with a book 5.
January 16, 2016
I was disappointed in this book. Let me put it this way: the title leads one to believe that this is a caper; that is, a certain type of crime book where the focus is on the thieves (usually very sympathetic thieves) planning and carrying out a burglary.
This book is really about the renovation of a French country house. It's about lovely food, and living the good life in the south of France. "A Year in Provence' - Take Two, if you get my drift. Lovely, but not a crime book.
The crime in this book takes up very little room. And thus, the author does not satisfy his promise to the reader. At least, this reader.
This book is really about the renovation of a French country house. It's about lovely food, and living the good life in the south of France. "A Year in Provence' - Take Two, if you get my drift. Lovely, but not a crime book.
The crime in this book takes up very little room. And thus, the author does not satisfy his promise to the reader. At least, this reader.
February 6, 2017
I found the title catchy and the cover quite eye-catching. I expected that a book with the title "The Diamond Caper" would be about an intriguing crime. Instead, I came across a quite simple crime story with detailed menus of protagonists... If somebody is looking for a short and lighthearted book about the French food and the lifestyle in Provence, it might be interesting. But it's definitely not my case.
September 20, 2015
A cliched waste of time. All the French people are constantly saying Voila! and the British are "jolly good" etc. Endless yapping about food and wine until you'd think that French people weren't serious people at all. I didn't much care for the reading either - cliche-ridden as well but maybe not really the narrator's fault.
October 19, 2020
This isn’t a mystery book but rather is a travelogue and culinary guide of southern France disguised as a mystery novel. The only real mystery is that the characters keep drinking rose’ which is an insult to French wine making.
August 6, 2016
Breezy and fun describe this French mystery.
Read
August 29, 2016This is a fun beach read. I loved Peter Mayle's early novels -- Hotel Pastis, Anything Considered, Chasing Cezanne. This latest series is fun but not as good as the early ones.
August 6, 2017
Hardly any 'caper' to this. The whodunit was telegraphed very early, and there wasn't any real adventure to it at all. Hopefully this retires Mayle's Caper series for good.
August 7, 2022
No suspense and flat boring characters. It lacked the humor and plot of his other stories. I was disappointed.
Read
November 2, 2020I've really enjoyed Mayle's tales of Sam and Elena as they solve little mysteries in France. In this one, a jewel thief has been pulling off a series of perfect crimes, making off with millions of dollars worth of diamonds from wealthy homes, without leaving a trace of any damage or evidence for the police to follow. Elena's employer insures the latest victims, and he asks Sam to poke around and see what he can find out.
Sam and Elena are in the happy position of finally signing the paperwork to take possession of their own vacation home in Marseille. It does need a bit of renovation to make it their true dream home, so they hire the services of a local expert, Coco Dumas. one of Reboulle's former lovers. She rapidly demonstrates that her projects do not proceed at the usual leisurely pace of many construction projects in the south of France (as Mayle has related in his Provence books previously), and they are quite pleased with the rapid progress.
The most enjoyable thing about this series has always been, for me, the descriptive information about the countryside, customs and cuisine. But this particular installment is missing some of that local flavor, without the usual mouth-watering accounts of repasts enjoyed. The mystery of the diamond heists is actually quite easily solved as some small clues come to light. I had guessed the identity of the thief very early in the story, but it was still entertaining to watch it play out.
I hope Mayle shares more delicious details with us in the next book.
Sam and Elena are in the happy position of finally signing the paperwork to take possession of their own vacation home in Marseille. It does need a bit of renovation to make it their true dream home, so they hire the services of a local expert, Coco Dumas. one of Reboulle's former lovers. She rapidly demonstrates that her projects do not proceed at the usual leisurely pace of many construction projects in the south of France (as Mayle has related in his Provence books previously), and they are quite pleased with the rapid progress.
The most enjoyable thing about this series has always been, for me, the descriptive information about the countryside, customs and cuisine. But this particular installment is missing some of that local flavor, without the usual mouth-watering accounts of repasts enjoyed. The mystery of the diamond heists is actually quite easily solved as some small clues come to light. I had guessed the identity of the thief very early in the story, but it was still entertaining to watch it play out.
I hope Mayle shares more delicious details with us in the next book.
July 6, 2017
I have read many of Peter Mayle’s works. He has been living in Provence, France for twenty five years and naturally knows the wonderful places in France such as Nice, Marseille. If you want a relaxing and light-hearted book to read, The Diamond Caper is one such book. Even though it is to be a crime-related story line, the author spends much time to describe the places, the appetising food, and the high society life styles of very rich people. It is as if the robberies of jewelries are secondary to the book. The crimes are cleverly weaved in and after reading the book, you have the satisfactions of both - who did it? and a introduction of French culture.
The Diamond Caper was published in 2015 and Peter Mayle’s latest novel. It is 211 pages long for the Hardback print. This is not a long-winded book and can be read fairly quickly. It is deliciously written with many references to good food and wines.
The Diamond Caper was published in 2015 and Peter Mayle’s latest novel. It is 211 pages long for the Hardback print. This is not a long-winded book and can be read fairly quickly. It is deliciously written with many references to good food and wines.
January 24, 2019
Hmmmm... I absolutely adore Peter Mayle! I loved the caper series because it was completely different from what I usually read. However, this book in particular seemed to be all over the place for me. Halfway through the first couple of chapters, I solved the mystery but the mysterious aspect wasn’t like his Corsican caper book or even the vintage caper book. I also didn’t like how one of the main characters was super spoiled.. it was her way or no way even if crime was involved ... Everything was lunch, a drink(WINE) and dinner.. it kind of got old after a few chapters of the same restaurant and rendezvous. This idea was completely fluffed because I’m sure the book would have been over after the first 6 or so chapters. There’s a mosh posh of different voices and characters, but I mean it did the job for me which was to complete another book on my list. Other than that, this wasn’t the same thrill as the other books. This is just my opinion. Check it out for yourself!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews