Pardon My French and Those Who Walk Away

 Pardon My French - How a Grumpy American Fell in Love with France by Allen Johnson

It was ok, but I didn't love it. I was hoping for more about France and less about the author, but to be fair, I had no reason to expect that. He genuinely is a very talented person, excelling at many things, just maybe dwelling a little too much on that. And there's this - I read A Year In Provence a few years ago and now everything else in this genre seems pale in comparison. I can't resist them though, and since this is how I do my traveling now, I'll keep reading them.

Those Who Walk Away by Patricia Highsmith

Ray Garrett is grieving the loss of his wife, Peggy, who recently committed suicide. Her father, Edward Coleman, blames Ray and will not be satisfied until Ray pays with his own life. Edward shoots Ray at close range and walks away, assuming Ray is dead. He is not. Only slightly injured, Ray remains determined to convince Edward that Peggy's death is not his fault. Both of them become hunter and hunted as Edward looks for vengeance and Ray insists Edward just listen to him. 

Set in and around Venice with its unique canals, upscale hotels, and elegant restaurants, the story has a charm that reminded me of the 2015 film Man From U.N.C.L.E. with its slick characters and much drinking of cocktails. There is lots of skulking around in the dark of night and a few twists to keep it interesting, but there's not a great deal of action. It's more of a psychological mystery.

The conclusion was not quite what I expected or even thought was fair, but the author doesn't owe the reader that and overall it was satisfactory enough. A good story, well written.