By Paul Carrier
The bureaucratic winds bring a well-deserved but not necessarily welcome promotion for Benoit “Bruno” Courrèges in Martin Walker’s 11th novel about the beloved police chief of St. Denis, a fictional town in the Périgord region of France.
After years as the village’s lone municipal cop, Bruno’s domain is expanded to include overseeing officers in nearby towns. But the popular chief — a veteran, rugby and tennis coach, gourmet cook, history buff and reluctant bachelor -- has bigger problems than his growing mountain of supervisory paperwork.
When the wife of a retired British general and her mysterious male companion are found dead, Bruno is pulled into a wide-ranging investigation with international implications involving Scotland Yard and the FBI. Was it a murder-suicide? Or a double murder committed by France-based IRA agents?
Even as the search for answers continues, Bruno has a more personal preoccupation. Will the pregnancy of his promising 19-year-old rugby protégé, Paulette, destroy her shot at national stardom? Lightening the mood for readers: Bruno's impressive culinary skills and the presence of his loyal sidekick Balzac, a basset hound.
A five-star review! I went back and read your reviews of all 11 Martin Walker mysteries. I think that I should start with the first. Thanks for being such a scrupulously thorough reviewer. I look forward to your reviews to learn what’s made your reading list. Thanks, Paul.
ReplyDeleteYes, David, you probably should start with the first one. Enjoy!
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