Stewart has an absolute gift for descriptive writing... whether set in her native Britain, or in farther flung, more exotic locations, her depictions of the towns and/ or countrysides contained in her books are always detailed, accurate, and evocative. As well, these descriptions are never just extraneous detail... they always fit naturally into the flow of the story and further the narrative. In "Madam, Will You Talk?" the location is France, and we get a very thorough and vivid picture not only of Avignon and it's surrounding area, but of less picturesque and tourist-y parts of the country as well, as Charity engages in a high speed car chase across much of France- to Marseilles and beyond.
Richard Byron is also an interesting individual, and certainly no one's idea of a knight in shining armour- especially at first when, made desperate by circumstances, he treats Charity in an extremely harsh and threatening manner. He is the first in a long line of Stewart heroes who are complex characters, flawed but essentially good men. Stewart doesn't neglect her supporting characters, either. From David and Louise to the police and villains, and even just random guests at the hotel... all have personalities and character. Among other things, this makes it harder to determine which persons are actually actively involved in the plot, and which are merely well-drawn window dressing.
I hadn't read "Madam, Will You Talk?" for quite a few years, so it was a genuine pleasure to pick it up again. It is a well written, satisfying romantic suspense novel which is an enjoyable read- or re-read, as the case may be. I'd recommend it anytime.