The Barman of the Ritz: A Novel

From the #1 bestselling author Philippe Collin comes a gripping, masterfully told historical novel based on the true story of Frank Meier—a Jewish bartender navigating the perilous heart of occupied Paris.

About the Book: Paris, 1940. The Ritz Hotel stands as a bastion of French refinement, but with the Nazis in power, it has become their favorite playground. Behind the bar stands Frank Meier, a man celebrated for his skill and discretion. But Frank harbors a secret that would lead to his certain death if discovered: he is Jewish.

Trapped in a suffocating atmosphere where every smile and poured drink is a test of survival, Frank refuses to flee. Instead, he turns his position into a deadly game of espionage. As he caters to the hotel's new, dangerous clientele, he begins to quietly uncover their secrets—information that becomes a lifeline for those he is sworn to protect, including his young apprentice, Luciano, and Blanche, the wife of the Ritz director and the woman he loves. The Barman of the Ritz is a taut, evocative, and deeply moving story of courage, impossible romance, and resistance in the face of absolute evil.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Riveting True Story: Based on the life of Frank Meier, this novel breathes new life into a forgotten figure of World War II resistance.

• High-Stakes Atmosphere: Perfectly captures the tension, glamour, and danger of Nazi-occupied Paris, where the Ritz served as a hub for both luxury and espionage.

• Multi-Layered Narrative: Combines personal drama and impossible romance with a thrilling suspense element as Frank uses his unique position to fight back.

• Critical Acclaim: An immediate bestseller and recognized as a Bloomberg Best Book of 2025, praised for its magnificent storytelling.