This is a delightful novel about a 70-year-old retired hotelier, Monsieur Rene, who is President of the International Brotherhood of Concierges and Hall Porters. Despite a sharp and active mind Monsieur Rene is suffering from late life depression so he decides to bring together a group of like-minded hoteliers to monitor suspicious-acting hotel guests. M. Rene then falls helplessly in love with Agnes, one of his fellow hoteliers and gradually he discovers a new purpose in life. This novel wonderfully combines a detective story with a moving evocation of falling in love when you no longer think it is possible.
Peter Ustinov has been involved in every aspect of the theatre and film for over fifty years, including acting, directing, producing and writing. He is now based in Switzerland. His novels include KRUMNAGEL and THE LOSER.