Peter Mayle left a successful career in advertising to move with his wife, Jennie, to the South of France. His goal was to write a novel. He ended up penning an international bestseller in 1991 titled “A Year in Provence,” in which he chronicled their new life – with its ups and downs – in Provence. If you haven’t read it, it’s a wonderful book.

He followed it up in 1992 with “Toujours Provence” and in 2000, “Encore Provence: New Adventures in the South of France.”

In the midst of his Provence books, he also found time to pen some novels … “Hotel Pastis,” 1994; “Anything Considered,” 1997; “Chasing Cezanne,” 1998; “A Good Year,” 2004; “The Vintage Caper,” 2009; and “The Marseille Caper,” 2012.

His novels are fun reads. Mayle is a great writer and he has a way of bringing a scene to life — especially anything in the South of France, where many of his books take place. Mayle’s books aren’t deep and challenging reads. They’re light-hearted and fun.

“The Marseille Caper” is a sequel to “The Vintage Caper.”

In “The Village Caper,” Mayle introduces the reader to Sam Levitt, a gourmand and lawyer-of-all-trades. He’s called in by an insurance company when a Hollywood lawyer’s treasured wine collection is stolen. Levitt traces the stolen vintages to a wealthy Frenchman named Francis Reboul, who lives in Marseille. Levitt with the help of a few other talented misfits manages to spirit his way in, with plenty of complications, of course.

In the next book “The Marseille Caper,” Mayle brings back his lovable rogue Levitt. This time rather than working against Reboul, he’s hired by the Frenchman to represent him in a building project on a valuable piece of waterfront property. Reboul figures who better to take on the job that someone who has proven his mettle when things get dicey. Things are never as easy as they first appear. Levitt takes on the job and with his new love interest, Elena Morales, heads to the South of France to work for Reboul. Things get complicated, of course, and that’s the fun of a Mayle book.

All of Mayle’s books are worth reading. If you’re looking to spend a pleasant afternoon with a book, these qualify.

Mayle’s books are available from the Hutchinson Public Library by calling 320-587-2368.