The Vintage Caper

By: Peter Mayle

Narrated by: Erik Davies

Set in Hollywood, Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille, Peter Mayle’s newest and most delightful novel is filled with culinary delights, sumptuous wines, and colorful characters. It’s also a lot of fun.

The story begins high above Los Angeles, at the extravagant home and equally impressive wine cellar of entertainment lawyer Danny Roth. Unfortunately, after inviting the Los Angeles Times to write an extensive profile extolling the liquid treasures of his collection, Roth finds himself the victim of a world-class wine heist.

Enter Sam Levitt, former corporate lawyer, cultivated crime expert, and wine connoisseur. Called in by Roth’s insurance company, which is now saddled with a multimillion-dollar claim, Sam follows his leads—to Bordeaux and its magnificent vineyards, and to Provence to meet an eccentric billionaire collector who might possibly have an interest in the stolen wines. Along the way, bien sûr, he is joined by a beautiful and erudite French colleague, and together they navigate many a château, pausing frequently to enjoy the countryside’s abundant pleasures.

The unraveling of the ingenious crime is threaded through with Mayle’s seductive rendering of France’s sensory delights—from a fine Lynch-Bages and Léoville Barton to the bouillabaisse of Marseille and the young lamb of Bordeaux. Even the most sophisticated of oenophiles will learn a thing or two from this vintage work by a beloved author.©2009 Peter Mayle; (P)2009 Random House

One of Mayle's Better Fictions

This plot is interesting, believable and fun. I enjoyed that there was not a real focus on the love connection in this book, rather that it was focused on what makes Peter Mayle's fiction good; mouth-watering food encounters, rich and enviable lifestyles all involved in a good-humoured mystery. I really enjoyed this listen.

Pretty good

This is a leisurely story. good for times when you are doing something else and not interested in a gripping mystery. The characters are pleasant. The mystery is not terribly intriguing or action-packed. The narrator does a great job with accents and changing voices for different speakers. However, his tone is very relaxing, so don't listen if you are feeling sleepy.

Great book

A story that takes you to France and describes the French very well and with humor. Very well narrated. Very enjoyable

So fun!

Another fun romp in southern France. It isn't life changing. It isn't deep. But it sure is fun to read and vicariously enjoy all the good food and wine while Sam is on his adventure

Another charmer from Peter Mayle

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Vintage Caper?

I particularly liked the descriptions of Marseille...and the descriptions of the cellar...the planning of the caper was quite good.

Which character – as performed by Erik Davies – was your favorite?

Sam's a cool character, but Phillippe and Sophie were a great addition.