How did the international setting add to the intrigue of the pot? How did the culture feel similar to or different from that of the US? Would the story have been different if set somewhere else?

Pavone writes in wonderful detail about Paris. How did the international setting add to the intrigue of the interconnected terrorist plot and complex financial heist? How did the culture feel similar to or different from that of the US? How would the story have been different had it been set in a different capital?

Yes, I feel that the international setting adds to the intrigue of the plot. The Expats was set in Luxembourg and added greatly to the atmosphere of the story. Paris served the same function in this novel.

Honestly, I am not sure that it did for me. Kate and Dexter sent their children to an international school, not a French school- -so there were likely more American children attending. Hashtag Mom is from New Jersey. The plot involves an American businessman, who is being targeted by two former United States FBI officers. Kate takes her orders from the United States government. Dexter received an inside tip on an American business...

I think there was an international setting only because that is where Kate and Dexter lived. The story could have easily happened in New York or Washington D.C.

Given that Paris has reacted differently to the terrorist attacks it has suffered ("police state"), there may have been more risks for the perpetrators to get away with their plot there than in the U.S. And the idea of a bomb at Le Louvre creates a greater sense of panic and alarm, perhaps, because of what Le Louvre represents to so many.

Having Paris as the setting is terrific. Pavone captures the essence of the city, especially as Kate crisscrosses her way through the city.

The descriptions of Paris were great, but similar descriptions of any great city would have worked just as well. Would not have worked in a smaller or less interesting city.

I ask myself this same question with just about everything I read. I thought the international setting added some intrigue, and using Paris worked for me. I probably would have felt similarly if it had been set in another notable international city, but it definitely helped to be familiar with the locations referenced in the novel.

I enjoyed the Paris setting because I’ve been fortunate to spend some extended time in Paris, studied French years ago, explored lesser known areas of the city and am familiar with many of the locations referenced in the book. The international atmosphere does lend additional credence to the terrorist plot, particularly since Paris has been the scene for some tragic terrorist attacks in the past few years. However, many international cities ( including New York or Washington) would also provide interesting backdrops.

I love Paris! Of course the terrorist activity there added to the intrigue of the plot! I felt the same way about The Expats taking place in Luxembourg - another place I love! The international places of these novels have added greatly to my enjoyment in reading them because I can relate to and remember the places described. I personally don't think the same effect would be there if Dexter and Kate were in the U.S.A.

I enjoyed the Paris setting, and I think it added to my enjoyment. I love reading about how people live in different cities, how things are different from the U.S. And unfortunately, there have been several instances of terrorism in Paris, so the possible bombing at the Louvre seemed entirely realistic.

Having spent a bit of time in Paris, the setting added to my enjoyment of the book. More than once I found myself thinking "I've been there!" - the metro stop that has 200 steps to the top (ugh), the bank of the seine next to the Eiffel Tower where I picked up a river cruise, different neighborhoods, etc. The culture didn't really play into the plot very much I don't think, but it added some interest to the story.

I enjoyed the description of Paris and the way the author made you feel part of the culture. I think with so many unfortunate terrorist incidents in Europe it also added to the realistic aspect of the plot.