Bruno, Chief of Police (Bruno #1). [L0161]

2010 PB with just minor wear. "Enjoyable.... Martin Walker plots with the same finesse with which Bruno can whip up a truffle omelette, and both have a clear appreciation for a life tied to the land." -The Christian Science Monitor. "A nice literary pairing with the slow-food movement.... [It is] lovely...to linger at the table." -Entertainment Weekly. "A wonderfully crafted novel as satisfying as a French pastry but with none of the guilt or calories." -Tuscon Citizen's Journal. The first installment in the delightful, internationally acclaimed series featuring Chief of Police Bruno. Meet Benoît Courrèges, aka Bruno, a policeman in a small village in the South of France. He's a former soldier who has embraced the pleasures and slow rhythms of country life. He has a gun but never wears it; he has the power to arrest but never uses it. But then the murder of an elderly North African who fought in the French army changes all that. Now Bruno must balance his beloved routines-living in his restored shepherd's cottage, shopping at the local market, drinking wine, strolling the countryside-with a politically delicate investigation. He's paired with a young policewoman from Paris and the two suspect anti-immigrant militants. As they learn more about the dead man's past, Bruno's suspicions turn toward a more complex motive.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Did I know the identity of the murderer before it was revealed? No, and when it was revealed, it was a "head slapper" for me because Walker had planted several clues all along the way. I was too immersed in the village and its inhabitants to see them for what they were. Will I be visiting Bruno and St. Denis again? Just try to stop me! This is one of the most enjoyable reads I've had so far this year."; "Walker masterfully brings the French countryside to life, painting vivid images of the landscape, the mouth-watering cuisine, and the rich culture. The setting is not just a backdrop but a vital character in the story, adding depth and charm. The book is engaging and well-crafted. It's a satisfying blend of a classic whodunit with modern twists, keeping the reader guessing until the end. The pacing is perfect, ensuring the story is engaging without overwhelming. The mystery is intriguing, woven with local politics, love, and tradition strands. Walker's writing style is fluid and evocative. He has a knack for crafting beautiful and functional sentences, propelling the story forward while allowing the reader to savor the moment. His descriptions of French cuisine and traditions are delightful, making one yearn to visit the Dordogne. A fabulous read."; "The book is also a celebration of the Perigord region of France - an agricultural and gastronomic paradise. The food references! The beauty of the scenery! The history! This is after all where Les Cave de Lexcaux are to be found. I'm in love. I don't think I'll wait long to read the next in the series - and *gasp* there are so many!"