I finally read Mark Pryor’s debut Hugo Marston novel from 2012. I wish I had read The Bookseller earlier, but now I have eight more books in this series to read as well as the spinoff series. The Most Mysterious Bookshop in Paris, also featuring Hugo Marston, is scheduled for release March 31.
Hugo Marston is security chief at the American embassy in Paris. Forced to take a two-week vacation, he hopes to go home to Texas to talk with his ex-wife, but she’s moved on. He had planned to take a couple special books with him, so he headed for his favorite bouquiniste, Max. Hugo is disturbed by what he observes, another book stall owner physically assaulted by a man, but Max stops him from interfering. Hugo buys two rare books, but when he returns, he watches helplessly as Max himself is kidnapped, taken away by boat, while Hugo is held off by gunpoint. Although Hugo reports the kidnapping to the police, his story is brushed aside and ignored.
With two weeks on his hands, Hugo is determined to find Max, and uncover the truth behind the attack on bouquinistes. He doesn’t get far until his secretary provides him with assistance. As he continues to dig, he gets help from an attractive local journalist, and then his retired CIA friend, Tom, who flies over to back him up.
Although the ambassador warns Hugo not to get involved for political reasons, Hugo finds that the kidnapping and murder of booksellers leads to a mysterious man in charge of the booksellers’ union, then to a police case involving drugs, police corruption, and violence.
The Bookseller is a fascinating novel set in Paris where World War II history is still alive, not just a couple pages in a history book. The book is fast-paced and atmospheric with unexpected twists. But, it’s the characters who bring the story to life, Hugo Marston and his friends. Thanks to my own friend, Kaye Wilkinson Barley, who has praised this series for years, I finally picked up the first book. It’s only the first of the ones I’ll be reading in this appealing series.
Mark Pryor’s website is http://www.markpryorbooks.com/
The Bookseller by Mark Pryor. Seventh Street Books, 2012. 304p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
Thank you for another series to start on. My request for books through the library is getting long. LOL Thank goodness for libraries and being able to request books.
Oh, I know, Bonnie. As you can see, this one was a library book for me, too. My library branch is closed at the moment. The new building to replace it opens next Saturday. Can’t wait to see the new library!
One of my very favorite series! i’m so happy you finally met Hugo Marston. ❤
I can see why it’s one of your favorite series, Kaye. I loved Hugo! And, of course, Paris!
It sounds so great, but it will not be in our local library, sigh!
I’m so sorry it won’t be in your local library, Carol. What state is your library in?
I’m definitely going to try this series. Thanks for encouraging me!
Kim, I’d try The Bookseller before even Peter James’ books if I were you.
In a way I’m almost sorry to read this, as now I have another series I need to read. It does sound good.
Jeff, I’m surprised you haven’t read it, but glad to know I’m in the same boat. I feel late coming to the party on this one.
OK, got it from the Cloud Library, which has become almost indispensable to me.
I absolutely love this series. Keep writing Mark Pryor!!
Karen, He has a new one coming out in March, The Most Mysterious Bookshop in Paris.
I have loved this series for a long time! So excited for the new one to come out. Just received a netgalley of it!
I’m sure you’re going to love it, Katherine!