Great

Interesting fun little read. Seemed a bit dated in language and references, but it was an enjoyable, no power because of hurricane Sandy, read. ( )

Desde todos los confines del mundo, hasta desde los países ubicados tras la Cortina de Hierro, los gitanos peregrinan. Es una gigantesca Caravana que anualmente reúne al pueblo nómade en el sur de Francia, en la asoleada Provenza.

Esta vez asiste al acontecimiento el duque de Croytor, distinguido folklorista y, además, notable gastrónomo. También asiste el inglés Neil Bowman. Ambos están alojados en esa catedral de la gastronomía francesa, en el Hotel La Baumaniere. Pero este año ocurre algo extraño, algo distinto en el peregrinaje gitano...

¿Cuál es el secreto que los gitanos están tan empeñados en ocultar? Bowman casi logra descifrarlo, pero con grave peligro para su seguridad. Desde ese momento tendrá que luchar por salvar su vida.

El ritmo no desfallece. Desde las altas murallas de Les Baux a la profundidad de las cavernas, pasando por Arles y por la salada planicie de la Camargue. Siempre la acción a un paso que no da tregua al lector.

Alistair MacLean is one of my favourite authors and I picked this book up just because of his name. Though definitely not in the class of his great novels, it is a fast paced, entertaining read that is good for a lazy afternoon. It has lot of action, from chases on foot, on horses and on boats, to bull fights. The hero is James Bond-esque, with all the charm and cunning and flair to beat the villains’ murderous attacks while courting the beautiful girl who is forced to accompany him. The mystery of the story is well kept until the later parts. The description of the landscape where all the action takes place is appealing.
Caravan to Vaccares is a nice, fun read if the reader leaves aside logic and practicality, and is ready to indulge in some simple distraction from the routine. ( )

The Gypsies have arrived in France in time for festival, but a young man is missing, and his mother is hysterical beyond reason. Something's happening beneath the surface and people aren't who they appear to be...or in other words, this is yet another good read by Alistair MacLean! ( )