I’ve been a big fan of Simon Michael’ s Charles Holborne legal thrillers since I read the very first one back in 2019 and I really can’t get enough of them. This is number 11 and it is very different from the earlier ones in that it is set in France and it is told with two time lines - one in 1970 when Charles and Sally go on their honeymoon and one during the dark days of the French occupation in World War 2.
Would the book be as compelling as usual, how would Charles use his barrister skills in France where a completely different legal system is in place? I needn’t have worried on either count.
All I can say that the author manages to create as much tension and an even more compelling plot than I would have imagined. I raced through the pages, barely giving myself time to eat or sleep.
The descriptions of the South of France and the hatred stemming from the war years were entirely believable- this is an extremely well researched book. I have spent a lot of time in the South of France-I’m definitely a Francophile so this book was even more up my street than usual . The descriptions of the scenery and the “commune” were very authentic.
I liked all the characters, particularly Nico Cohen who posed as a Count after “inheriting “ the title from a fellow gambler and friend. His bravery during the war years surely echoed that of many who were put in his position in an occupied country.
Simon Michael has a way with words and certainly knows how to plot an exciting novel- this was an enjoyable and compelling read and I recommend “The French Vendetta”and all the other earlier books.
I’m now looking forward to Charles’s next adventure- hopefully I won’t have too long to wait!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

It has been fascinating to see how Simon Michael has managed to navigate his wonder Charles Holborne series of legal thrillers into safe water given the demise of the Kray twins who were his ongoing nemeses throughout the first 8 books of the series.

He has succeeded triumphantly and this, the eleventh book in the series takes Charles and Sally into the French countryside where the issues regarding resistance and collaboration during the German occupation remain unresolved with many still ready to take the law into their own hands.

Charles is inveigled into this situation thinking he and his family are about to have a peaceful holiday but all hell is unleashed and he finds himself at the forefront of a kangaroo court where the only penalty if found guilty is death.

The trial scenes are brilliantly handled as is always the case given the author's own legal background and the book is a fascinating read and a total triumph and breath of fresh air.

The French Vendetta is the latest Charles Holborne book from Simon Michael and it is another winner.

Whilst the latest instalment in this excellent series sees Holborne in France rather than his more usual London it is still a page turner with a number of twists and turns.

Definitely recommended.