In this riveting sequel to Martin Walker’s internationally acclaimed novel Bruno, Chief of Police, some of France’s great pleasures—wine, passion and intrigue—converge in a dark chain of events that threaten the peaceful village of Saint-Denis.Benoît (Bruno) Courrèges—devoted friend, cuisinier extraordinaire and the town’s only municipal policeman—rushes to the scene when a research station for … scene when a research station for genetically modified crops is burned down outside Saint-Denis. Bruno immediately suspects a group of fervent environmentalists who live nearby, but the fire is only the first in a string of mysteries centering on the region’s fertile soil.
Then a bevy of winemakers descends on Saint-Denis, competing for its land and spurring resentment among the villagers. Romances blossom. Hearts are broken. Some of the sensual pleasures of the town—a dinner of a truffle omelette and grilled bécasses, a community grape-crushing—provide an opportunity for both warm friendship and bitter hostilities to form. The town’s rivals—Max, an environmentalist who hopes to make organic wine; Jacqueline, a flirtatious, newly arrived Québécoise; and Fernando, the heir to an American wine fortune—act increasingly erratically. Events grow ever darker, culminating in two suspicious deaths, and Bruno finds that the problems of the present are never far from those of the past.
A splendid mystery—and a delectable serving of the pleasures of France.
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This is one installment on a series of addictive books featuring Detective Bruno. He’s a wonderful character!
good pace…quaint relaxed small village atmosphere…charming nostalgic characters.
Love, Martin Walkerbooks. His characters are so realistic and engaging. Anticipating his next in the series.
Martin (who was a colleague when we were both journalists in the former Soviet Union many years ago) writes such wonderful, lyrical books set in the southwestern corner of France in the Périgord region. His stories are full of warmth, charm, splendid meals and even better wine–plus a good mystery–in the idyllic town of St.Denis (which you wish …
Love the characters and setting of Martin Walker’s books. They are also great stories with historical and/or cultural background.
Great book about the south of France in small villages.
Alternating pace between beautiful provincial French town and characters and swift moving scenes when the crime occurs. The flavors and textures of food and wine flow off the pages as do the realism of its characters. The also author floats social current issues into his stories without making political points.
Really like this series. Never disappoints.
I love the main character & enjoy the plots. I’ve read all the previous books. I love the French background and descriptions of Bruno’s wonderful menus.
It was almost as good as taking a trip to the Dordogne area of France in person. Walker (author) and Bruno (character) never fail to entertain and inform.
Mysteries with lovely setting and characters. Love the descriptions of the French countryside. The main character, Bruno is a likable guy, chief of police in a small village that experiences its share of minor crimes. Interesting plots, easy reading with the only exception the use of some French terms. And I took Spanish in school!
The story arc of Martin Walker’s Bruno, Chief of Police, series is best enjoyed in order of publication. The characters seem realistic, but the French, as Walker has experienced them, seem a bit more sexually liberal than I think Americans are, but then I may just be more sheltered, or I was just less handsome.
While tastes vary, this is a 5 star …
This is the second in a series I highly recommend. Think there are 10 by now. Martin Walker uses his expert knowledge of the wine country of France to weave interesting, educational and pastoral mysteries involving local issues and characters. Bruno, is Chief of Police of St. Denis, a small town who is also an expert chef.
Author is a favorite of mine and he never disappoints.
Having travelled to this area it captures the essence and makes you want to live these people. The story is well crafted and keeps you guessing.
My 2nd Detective Bruno novel and I’ve decided I want to read all of them. Bruno is a good guy, local cop who loves his small town life. But he’s not a rube. Interesting crime story with some twist and turns, but it’s really Bruno who will make you come back for more.
This story is set in the France we all dream about. The romantic, picturesque, traditional France of fine food, great wines and noble peasants. I have lived many years in France and once, decades ago, it was something like this. But this novel, set in the 21st century with mobile phones and computers would have us believe that nothing has changed. …
I love all the Martin Walker books that take place in France.
I am in love! How you can combine history A few murders Set in the south of France on wines in an novel that is most. Enjoyable , educational and perfect way to pass the time in this crisis.the only drawback was I wanted a glass of French wine a baguette and cheese .
I like this main character a lot, and the mystery’s always good.