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Bruno, Chief of Police #19
A Murder in Springtime
In the next installment of the Bruno, Chief of Police series, a newcomer to St. Denis is found dead in the home of one of Bruno’s best friends—for once, Bruno feels as though he is too close to the case to properly investigate, until it becomes clear that he’s the only person who can solve the crime.
After Bruno misses several phone calls from Pamela, he worries that something has happened to his beloved horse he keeps at her riding school. But her reason for calling is entirely unexpected: Pamela’s new lodger has been murdered. Bruno knows that Pamela isn’t capable of killing anyone, but then who’s the culprit? And what’s the motive? The dead woman had only just moved to town to take a job at the local nursing home—she had no enemies in the village, and no friends, either.
As Bruno wrestles with these complications, the force realizes that Bruno can’t be impartial when Pamela is involved, and assigns the case instead to their rising star rookie, Fabien. Bruno is happy for Fabien to take the lead. After all, Bruno’s been distracted—by his foundering relationship, by a documentary crew determined to transform the sleepy Vézère Valley into a tourist hotspot, by a group of opinionated small businesses Bruno wants to help organize a logistically complicated night market. He can’t seem to catch a break.
But when Fabien realizes that the victim is connected to his past, Bruno has to step back in to help. The village has never felt more crowded, and the clock is ticking: Will Bruno and Fabien be able to catch a killer?
After Bruno misses several phone calls from Pamela, he worries that something has happened to his beloved horse he keeps at her riding school. But her reason for calling is entirely unexpected: Pamela’s new lodger has been murdered. Bruno knows that Pamela isn’t capable of killing anyone, but then who’s the culprit? And what’s the motive? The dead woman had only just moved to town to take a job at the local nursing home—she had no enemies in the village, and no friends, either.
As Bruno wrestles with these complications, the force realizes that Bruno can’t be impartial when Pamela is involved, and assigns the case instead to their rising star rookie, Fabien. Bruno is happy for Fabien to take the lead. After all, Bruno’s been distracted—by his foundering relationship, by a documentary crew determined to transform the sleepy Vézère Valley into a tourist hotspot, by a group of opinionated small businesses Bruno wants to help organize a logistically complicated night market. He can’t seem to catch a break.
But when Fabien realizes that the victim is connected to his past, Bruno has to step back in to help. The village has never felt more crowded, and the clock is ticking: Will Bruno and Fabien be able to catch a killer?
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2026
About the author
Martin Walker
64 books1,607 followersMartin Walker is the U.S. bureau chief for The Guardian (London), a regular commentator for CNN, and a columnist for newspapers in the United States, Europe, and Moscow. A published novelist and poet, he lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife, the novelist Julia Watson, and their two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
July 3, 2026
Book nineteen in this series and it is not all sunshine and roses for Bruno this time round. His love life with Laura appears to be in trouble, the little town of St Denis seems to be slowly dying as other local towns prosper and then his friend Pamela finds the murdered body of one of the guests in her house. Poor Bruno is definitely not feeling the love this time as he is obliged to hand over the murder case to a fast tracked younger officer and his well meaning plans to attract people back to St Denis have unexpected complications.
The mystery was interesting and would have been even more intriguing without the prologue. One of these days I will actually take my own advice and stop reading prologues. So often they are actually spoilerish. (that's not a word but it says what I mean). Nevertheless I enjoyed my time with Bruno and the residents of St. Denis as I always do. As usual the book leaves us with lots to look forward. Five stars.
The mystery was interesting and would have been even more intriguing without the prologue. One of these days I will actually take my own advice and stop reading prologues. So often they are actually spoilerish. (that's not a word but it says what I mean). Nevertheless I enjoyed my time with Bruno and the residents of St. Denis as I always do. As usual the book leaves us with lots to look forward. Five stars.
July 3, 2026
Less murder mystery than background noise in St. Denis.
“A Murder in Springtime” ought to have been a return to what these Bruno novels used to do well: a local crime, a lived-in village, familiar people, and a mystery that actually matters more than the garnish around it.
Instead, I found myself trudging through a novel that seemed oddly embarrassed by its own murder plot, forever wandering off into side-business, social clutter, stale emotional nonsense, and the usual namedropping of recurring figures who barely justify their presence. The international spy absurdity may be gone, and that is a mercy, but Walker has not replaced it with focus.
»It might not have been quite like the old days«
No kidding. That line lands almost like an accidental confession. The book keeps gesturing towards the older, better Bruno formula, but it never really recovers it. The murder feels secondary for far too long, and by the time the solution arrives, it feels less earned than dropped into the characters’ laps. That would already be disappointing in a generic village crime novel, but it is especially maddening in a series that used to understand the appeal of place, rhythm, and human-scale investigation.
Fabien, a new colleague and quickly a friend, at least, comes off rather well here, and I liked him more than I expected to. Bruno, on the other hand, increasingly sounds less like Bruno and more like Martin Walker himself grumbling through a puppet. When Bruno declares, »But I’m an elder millennial«, the effect is unintentionally hilarious, because nothing in the novel makes him sound remotely like that. A moment later, »Why, because I’m in my forties« only makes it worse. He reads like a much older man shaped by his author’s voice, not like a convincing character speaking naturally inside his own series.
There are also individual moments that perfectly capture the book’s deeper problems. One sentence observes that »the loss of life had been minimal, the only two confirmed deaths a cybercriminal and his brother.« That rubbed me the wrong way instantly, and it typifies the novel’s moral and emotional slackness: By calling the deaths of “a cybercriminal and his brother” a “minimal” loss of life, the novel implies that those lives mattered less and turns human beings into morally discounted casualties. Every person’s life carries the same moral weight.
Elsewhere, »The morning passed in a blur of activity.« could stand as a summary of the whole book: plenty of motion, very little substance. And yet, maddeningly, Walker can still stumble into the occasional enjoyable scene, as with »By the time the méchoui was ready, the hordes were salivating«, which reminds me why I keep reading these books in the first place.
Compared with stronger police procedurals, and even compared with earlier Bruno novels, this feels shapeless, trivial, and dramatically thin and light. Too much relationship drama, too much miscellaneous fuss, too little mystery. I honestly thought about giving up by the epilogue, and I can’t say the novel rewarded my persistence.
Two very generous stars out of five.
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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
“A Murder in Springtime” ought to have been a return to what these Bruno novels used to do well: a local crime, a lived-in village, familiar people, and a mystery that actually matters more than the garnish around it.
Instead, I found myself trudging through a novel that seemed oddly embarrassed by its own murder plot, forever wandering off into side-business, social clutter, stale emotional nonsense, and the usual namedropping of recurring figures who barely justify their presence. The international spy absurdity may be gone, and that is a mercy, but Walker has not replaced it with focus.
»It might not have been quite like the old days«
No kidding. That line lands almost like an accidental confession. The book keeps gesturing towards the older, better Bruno formula, but it never really recovers it. The murder feels secondary for far too long, and by the time the solution arrives, it feels less earned than dropped into the characters’ laps. That would already be disappointing in a generic village crime novel, but it is especially maddening in a series that used to understand the appeal of place, rhythm, and human-scale investigation.
Fabien, a new colleague and quickly a friend, at least, comes off rather well here, and I liked him more than I expected to. Bruno, on the other hand, increasingly sounds less like Bruno and more like Martin Walker himself grumbling through a puppet. When Bruno declares, »But I’m an elder millennial«, the effect is unintentionally hilarious, because nothing in the novel makes him sound remotely like that. A moment later, »Why, because I’m in my forties« only makes it worse. He reads like a much older man shaped by his author’s voice, not like a convincing character speaking naturally inside his own series.
There are also individual moments that perfectly capture the book’s deeper problems. One sentence observes that »the loss of life had been minimal, the only two confirmed deaths a cybercriminal and his brother.« That rubbed me the wrong way instantly, and it typifies the novel’s moral and emotional slackness: By calling the deaths of “a cybercriminal and his brother” a “minimal” loss of life, the novel implies that those lives mattered less and turns human beings into morally discounted casualties. Every person’s life carries the same moral weight.
Elsewhere, »The morning passed in a blur of activity.« could stand as a summary of the whole book: plenty of motion, very little substance. And yet, maddeningly, Walker can still stumble into the occasional enjoyable scene, as with »By the time the méchoui was ready, the hordes were salivating«, which reminds me why I keep reading these books in the first place.
Compared with stronger police procedurals, and even compared with earlier Bruno novels, this feels shapeless, trivial, and dramatically thin and light. Too much relationship drama, too much miscellaneous fuss, too little mystery. I honestly thought about giving up by the epilogue, and I can’t say the novel rewarded my persistence.
Two very generous stars out of five.
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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
May 22, 2026
I have but one warning before starting this book. Whatever you do, do not read this if you are hungry. I think I managed to eat away half my pantry reading this. Not only that, I’m now stuck trying to find duck salami, so thanks for that.
While murder is indeed in the title of this book, it almost takes a back seat to the township itself, St. Denis, France. And let me tell you, this book is very French. From the elaborate descriptions of the food, the beautiful countryside, to the residents and some very larger than life characters threaded through the entire narrative. You can’t help but get lost in the details (and snacking). This was my first Bruno mystery and I had no idea what to expect.
It’s clear our main character, Bruno has a bit of a savior complex. Not one to back down from any problem, he’s tasked with solving a murder and revitalizing a whole town. No big deal. Truthfully, it’s a lot to juggle, and not everyone appreciates a problem solver. It’s clear he’s got some work to do on building relationships, both romantic and friendly.
It’s cozy, like a summertime stroll through the French countryside. And bonus, you do get a quick refresher on high school/college French terms. And if you think I’m kidding about the food… I’m not. This should have come with a cookbook, or at least a link to some recipes. Everything in this book sounds delicious! The murder was intriguing, and even though I was new to this series I had no difficulty following along.
If you are looking for a good mystery and maybe some dinner ideas, this is the book for you. It hits shelves June 16. Now if you’ll excuse me, I really need to find out if duck salami is worth all the fuss.
Huge thank you to Alfred A. Knopf and Penguin Random House for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.
While murder is indeed in the title of this book, it almost takes a back seat to the township itself, St. Denis, France. And let me tell you, this book is very French. From the elaborate descriptions of the food, the beautiful countryside, to the residents and some very larger than life characters threaded through the entire narrative. You can’t help but get lost in the details (and snacking). This was my first Bruno mystery and I had no idea what to expect.
It’s clear our main character, Bruno has a bit of a savior complex. Not one to back down from any problem, he’s tasked with solving a murder and revitalizing a whole town. No big deal. Truthfully, it’s a lot to juggle, and not everyone appreciates a problem solver. It’s clear he’s got some work to do on building relationships, both romantic and friendly.
It’s cozy, like a summertime stroll through the French countryside. And bonus, you do get a quick refresher on high school/college French terms. And if you think I’m kidding about the food… I’m not. This should have come with a cookbook, or at least a link to some recipes. Everything in this book sounds delicious! The murder was intriguing, and even though I was new to this series I had no difficulty following along.
If you are looking for a good mystery and maybe some dinner ideas, this is the book for you. It hits shelves June 16. Now if you’ll excuse me, I really need to find out if duck salami is worth all the fuss.
Huge thank you to Alfred A. Knopf and Penguin Random House for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.
July 2, 2026
A mediocre Bruno book, pedestrian, boring.
Martin Walker seems to have just gone through the motions of grinding out this current Bruno book. It lacks the flair, character interest, whodunit tension, and excitement of previous Bruno books. Too much time is spent on food gatherings like the feast with the disgusting roasted lamb, on characters about whom the reader doesn’t care, and the tossing in of names familiar from previous books but just for walk-ons with no role. The resolution couldn’t be more boring. The familiar tropes of runs with Balzac, Bruno’s cooking, Balzac’s participation, and characters uninteresting thrown in for no reason (the baron, Fabiola, Florence, Jack, Miranda) are haphazard. Not Bruno at his best.
Martin Walker seems to have just gone through the motions of grinding out this current Bruno book. It lacks the flair, character interest, whodunit tension, and excitement of previous Bruno books. Too much time is spent on food gatherings like the feast with the disgusting roasted lamb, on characters about whom the reader doesn’t care, and the tossing in of names familiar from previous books but just for walk-ons with no role. The resolution couldn’t be more boring. The familiar tropes of runs with Balzac, Bruno’s cooking, Balzac’s participation, and characters uninteresting thrown in for no reason (the baron, Fabiola, Florence, Jack, Miranda) are haphazard. Not Bruno at his best.
June 20, 2026
Disappointing
I usually love Bruno and the cast of characters but in this book Martin strayed too far away from the characters we are use to. The Baron was hardly mentioned along with Fabiola. The detective work was boring.
I usually love Bruno and the cast of characters but in this book Martin strayed too far away from the characters we are use to. The Baron was hardly mentioned along with Fabiola. The detective work was boring.
August 3, 2026
3.5 stars for an easily deduced plot- had the murderer fingered about a quarter way through. Upped it a half star for the lovely Easter feast! As for Bruno’s current love interest, I just don’t get good vibes with Laura- we’ll see how they fare in the next book!
June 22, 2026
Bruno is my book boyfriend and I eagerly await each new book in the series by Martin Walker. As it happens A Murder in Springtime has just been released and I read it as soon as I could get my hands on it.
Bruno has two problems. Since the flood last fall, St. Denis has been in decline and his beloved Tuesday Market is struggling, while at the same time a nearby towns market is booming and taking business away from St. Denis.
Josette Quirit has been found murdered at Pamela's and he must recuse himself until Pamela has been proven innocent. Bruno struggles to stay away from the investigation he longs to be part of.
As always Bruno is cooking up a storm, anything from a simple vinaigrette to a whole lamb on a spit.
Bruno prepared his vinaigrette, measuring his ingredients by eye and instinct into a Bonne Maman jam jar saved and washed for this very purpose. After shaking his mixture hard to emulsify the oil and vinegar, Bruno opened the lid, dipped the very tip of his little finger into the salad dressing and shook his head. Putting the jar down, he reached across the stove for the vinaigre de noix (walnut vinegar) that was his secret weapon and splashed in three generous drops. Another taste. Perfect.
Of course, he has plenty of time to dine out, but I plan to pass on the Salade de gésiers.
All in all it is another great addition to the series which I look forward to reading more of, with the hope that Bruno resolves his love life as easily as he does his investigations and the problems of St. Denis.
Bruno has two problems. Since the flood last fall, St. Denis has been in decline and his beloved Tuesday Market is struggling, while at the same time a nearby towns market is booming and taking business away from St. Denis.
Josette Quirit has been found murdered at Pamela's and he must recuse himself until Pamela has been proven innocent. Bruno struggles to stay away from the investigation he longs to be part of.
As always Bruno is cooking up a storm, anything from a simple vinaigrette to a whole lamb on a spit.
Bruno prepared his vinaigrette, measuring his ingredients by eye and instinct into a Bonne Maman jam jar saved and washed for this very purpose. After shaking his mixture hard to emulsify the oil and vinegar, Bruno opened the lid, dipped the very tip of his little finger into the salad dressing and shook his head. Putting the jar down, he reached across the stove for the vinaigre de noix (walnut vinegar) that was his secret weapon and splashed in three generous drops. Another taste. Perfect.
Of course, he has plenty of time to dine out, but I plan to pass on the Salade de gésiers.
All in all it is another great addition to the series which I look forward to reading more of, with the hope that Bruno resolves his love life as easily as he does his investigations and the problems of St. Denis.
June 29, 2026
Whilst I enjoy thw descriptions of the beautiful Périgord countryside and the delightful cooking, I have started to find Bruno an irritating character. Passive in his romantic relationships and not particularly busy as a head of police. Maybe a new career is in order?
In this story, the murder was assigned to a new character and Bruno gradually took over the case - I found it undermining and, in part, condescending. Bruno’s complete lack of self awareness became grating.
As for the relationship with Laura, I didn’t find this very engaging, or the character of Laura, realistic. Wrong woman wrong place, to misquote the book.
Sorrry this sounds so grumpy - I’ve enjoyed the majority of the books but maybe now it’s time to move on.
In this story, the murder was assigned to a new character and Bruno gradually took over the case - I found it undermining and, in part, condescending. Bruno’s complete lack of self awareness became grating.
As for the relationship with Laura, I didn’t find this very engaging, or the character of Laura, realistic. Wrong woman wrong place, to misquote the book.
Sorrry this sounds so grumpy - I’ve enjoyed the majority of the books but maybe now it’s time to move on.
July 25, 2026
This book has left me with a hollow feeling. I enjoy traveling in my mind’s eye to the Dordogne through Martin Walker’s stories and have read them in order over the past few years. While Bruno has expressed a male point of view that borders on quaint, I never thought of the author as behind the times. This book is filled with discussions of emails, data, and technology that makes reading it a clunky bore. I predict it won’t age well. What strikes me as sad is how the author has lost the plot. Why are his characters the only people doing the police work? Are the people he describes without a network of agents with detective work going on in the background? Given the importance of an investigation into a murder, It’s weird that he and Fabien have time to take off for Easter dinner parties and date nights. The police work is sloppy and not central to the story, oddly enough. It reads more like a high school book report written with a deadline looming. Also, Bruno mentions he’s in his forties, but this series has gone on for 20 years or more. The ticking of his biological clock seems to be passing too slowly.
We, the readers, appear to have a better sense of the pace of Bruno’s life than the author does. I think the most interesting part of the book is the author’s footnote. Write about that!. Let Bruno grow old while you share your insights on the region with us. I’m far more interested in the facts you presented than the fiction you’re clearly tiring of.
We, the readers, appear to have a better sense of the pace of Bruno’s life than the author does. I think the most interesting part of the book is the author’s footnote. Write about that!. Let Bruno grow old while you share your insights on the region with us. I’m far more interested in the facts you presented than the fiction you’re clearly tiring of.
August 2, 2026
This is my first, and last, Bruno book. I read a review recommending it. Too much eating and visiting and not enough detective work for me.
July 11, 2026
The latest in the Bruno series begins where Bruno does his best work, his kitchen, and it does not disappoint! Bruno is awaiting his latest romantic interest.
At the same time, a great deal of the book is devoted not to the familiar characters we have come to know and love, but to the economic slump and challenges at the local market in St. Denis. Bruno seems to spend more time and energy revitalizing the market and dealing with local politics than he does fighting crime.
We also see Bruno's relationship with Florence, who has been a very positive and stabilizing influence for Bruno, clarified, and disappointingly so.
A considerable portion of the book is devoted to the introduction of a new character, a young police officer, Fabien Panton, assigned to Bruno's friend J.J. Fabien is on loan to St. Denis to work with Bruno on the latest murder. Fabien is a bit of a young Bruno, and I suspect we'll be seeing more of him.
All told, it was disappointing to see so little of our favorite characters, but it is always a pleasure to visit with Bruno in St. Denis.
Huge thanks to Penguin Random House for the free printed copy. I have been entering the book giveaways forever and was shocked to have finally won! Many thanks!
At the same time, a great deal of the book is devoted not to the familiar characters we have come to know and love, but to the economic slump and challenges at the local market in St. Denis. Bruno seems to spend more time and energy revitalizing the market and dealing with local politics than he does fighting crime.
We also see Bruno's relationship with Florence, who has been a very positive and stabilizing influence for Bruno, clarified, and disappointingly so.
A considerable portion of the book is devoted to the introduction of a new character, a young police officer, Fabien Panton, assigned to Bruno's friend J.J. Fabien is on loan to St. Denis to work with Bruno on the latest murder. Fabien is a bit of a young Bruno, and I suspect we'll be seeing more of him.
All told, it was disappointing to see so little of our favorite characters, but it is always a pleasure to visit with Bruno in St. Denis.
Huge thanks to Penguin Random House for the free printed copy. I have been entering the book giveaways forever and was shocked to have finally won! Many thanks!
July 6, 2026
This is not a book I would recommend to anyone, the writing style is just OK. And this particular book really seemed like it could use some editing. But I will probably continue to read the Bruno books as they come out, it’s just that he’s getting to be a bit tiresome.
June 26, 2026
Always love a Bruno book, don't think I'm liking Laura though.
June 27, 2026
Another reliably entertaining story from Bruno and the gang. I always enjoy these townspeople, the food descriptions, and the adorable dog, Balzac. I will note that I don't think Walker once described one of the women as having a "generous mouth" this time. (A first, unless I missed it!) Perhaps some editor pointed it out to him.
Technology, the Catholic church, and a floundering market weave into this story of a woman brutally murdered just weeks after she moved to the village. Throw in a Netflix film crew for good measure and you get a fun book that is a good distraction from daily life.
Technology, the Catholic church, and a floundering market weave into this story of a woman brutally murdered just weeks after she moved to the village. Throw in a Netflix film crew for good measure and you get a fun book that is a good distraction from daily life.
July 30, 2026
By far the weakest book of the series. An almost non-existent mystery, it was almost a third of the way through the book before any sort of investigation took place. Once wrapped up it pretty much felt anticlimactic.
The ambiguity of the Bruno - Florence relationship was written away in a brief chapter. His relationship with Laura seems mostly based on sex, not any kind of connection. On top of that, she isn't all that interesting a character and isn't even part of the story.
Disappointed at every turn of the page. I'm not sure I will read the next installment.
The ambiguity of the Bruno - Florence relationship was written away in a brief chapter. His relationship with Laura seems mostly based on sex, not any kind of connection. On top of that, she isn't all that interesting a character and isn't even part of the story.
Disappointed at every turn of the page. I'm not sure I will read the next installment.
July 2, 2026
Someone is found murdered on Pamela's property, so a young detective, Fabien, is put in charge. He's a good addition to the series, since he loves good food like Bruno, is very down to earth, and isn't making poor decisions (yet) about women like Bruno. The victim is found to be living under an assumed name, and when her past comes to light, things fall into place for Bruno and Fabien.
July 20, 2026
This is really a 3-star book, but the epilogue persuaded me to 4. I wish that had been the prologue to give the book some structure. Walker seems to have lost his thread. What used to be a wonderful police procedural/anti-terrorism series, can't seem to figure out now if it's romance or a food blog with a murder thrown in for good measure.
The back story about the murder is compelling and could have been explored more deeply instead of introducing the killer and wrapping it all up in the last 10 pages.
The back story about the murder is compelling and could have been explored more deeply instead of introducing the killer and wrapping it all up in the last 10 pages.
July 26, 2026
I hate to say it but I will not be reading any new books by Martin Walker. They have become cooking books and not mysteries. He is a talented writer but is no longer writing the books I like.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bruno Courrèges is the Chief of Police of the Vézère Valley in the Périgord region of France. It is springtime in the little market town of St Denis. The genial Bruno does have a past, and it is somewhat darker than the constant sunlight if St Denis. He was raised in an orphanage and, as a young soldier, experienced the mind numbing brutality of the Balkan wars in the 1990s. When his friend Pamela, who runs a riding stables, returns to her house and finds her lodger, Josette Quirit, battered to death on the patio, he is informed, but is forced to recuse himself from the investigation due to his friendship with Pamela. Instead, an old friend Jean-Jacques Jalipeau from Périgeux attends, along with his colleague Fabien Panton.
There are two subplots. The gentler of the two is Bruno's concern for the declining fortunes of St Denis in commercial terms. The weekly market is shrinking: stallholders are relocating to a nearby town, and shops are losing footfall. I realise that a picturesque Dordogne town is very different from where I live - a hard-scrabble town in one of England's more deprived areas, but at least St Denis seems to have escaped the dubious pleasures of fake barber shops, nail bars, money laundering ventures posing as vape stores, and a proliferation of bookmakers. Bruno hatches a rejuvenation plan.
As to the second, we have a mysterious prelude, apparently unrelated to St Denis or the murdered woman. I am not keen on this literary device, and I think it is over-used, but that's just a personal grouch. In an unidentified school, a young boy is made to stand for ages, holding heavy books on his outstretched arms. Then he falls, cracks his head, and all hell breaks loose. We come to believe that this is the same Catholic boarding school that Fabien Panton was sent by his parents. The mysterious prelude makes sudden - and rather grim - sense, when it is revealed that the school matron who inflicted the fatal punishment on the schoolboy was Joséphine Tauton, convicted of manslaughter. On her release from prison she became Josette Quirit.
Bruno and Fabien have another lead. Vehicles captured on CCTV in the vicinity of the murder site are connected to a Netflix crew filming a historical drama series in the area.In the end, it is a curious blend of of technical data - the readings from a FitBit watch - and Bruno's very human intuition that brings the killer to justice, and the novel ends on a festive note, if not for the victim and her killer, but for the market stallholders of St Denis.
This is, of course, cosy crime, albeit of a superior nature. Bruno is a confirmed gastronome, and the book is full of descriptions of meal preparation, rural charcuterie delicacies and, of course, delicious local wines. Bruno"s world is, of course pure fantasy, albeit of a delightful kind. Despite its perceived decline, St Denis has a proper boulangerie and a shop where a Belgian chocolatier creates his own irresistible treats. There is, of course a high class butcher, from whom Bruno thinks nothing of ordering a 35 kilo lamb in order to treat his friends to an Easter méchoui. Even the rather reduced market has stalls selling proper farm-made cheeses, and the hills around the town are still peopled by small vineyards, each producing delicious - and affordable - wines. This is heady stuff, especially for British readers in provincial towns where genuine locally produced food is either hideously expensive, or completely unavailable.
Martin Walker writes of what he knows, as in 2013, he was made a chevalier of foie gras, in the confrérie of paté de Périgueux, and also an honorary Ambassador of the Périgord, which means he gets to accompany the traveling exhibition of the Lascaux cave as it goes on display at museums around the world. He also helps promote the wines of Bergerac at international wine fairs, and was chairman of the jury for this year's Prix Ragueneau, the international culinary prize. A Murder in Springtime will be published by Quercus on 18th June.
There are two subplots. The gentler of the two is Bruno's concern for the declining fortunes of St Denis in commercial terms. The weekly market is shrinking: stallholders are relocating to a nearby town, and shops are losing footfall. I realise that a picturesque Dordogne town is very different from where I live - a hard-scrabble town in one of England's more deprived areas, but at least St Denis seems to have escaped the dubious pleasures of fake barber shops, nail bars, money laundering ventures posing as vape stores, and a proliferation of bookmakers. Bruno hatches a rejuvenation plan.
As to the second, we have a mysterious prelude, apparently unrelated to St Denis or the murdered woman. I am not keen on this literary device, and I think it is over-used, but that's just a personal grouch. In an unidentified school, a young boy is made to stand for ages, holding heavy books on his outstretched arms. Then he falls, cracks his head, and all hell breaks loose. We come to believe that this is the same Catholic boarding school that Fabien Panton was sent by his parents. The mysterious prelude makes sudden - and rather grim - sense, when it is revealed that the school matron who inflicted the fatal punishment on the schoolboy was Joséphine Tauton, convicted of manslaughter. On her release from prison she became Josette Quirit.
Bruno and Fabien have another lead. Vehicles captured on CCTV in the vicinity of the murder site are connected to a Netflix crew filming a historical drama series in the area.In the end, it is a curious blend of of technical data - the readings from a FitBit watch - and Bruno's very human intuition that brings the killer to justice, and the novel ends on a festive note, if not for the victim and her killer, but for the market stallholders of St Denis.
This is, of course, cosy crime, albeit of a superior nature. Bruno is a confirmed gastronome, and the book is full of descriptions of meal preparation, rural charcuterie delicacies and, of course, delicious local wines. Bruno"s world is, of course pure fantasy, albeit of a delightful kind. Despite its perceived decline, St Denis has a proper boulangerie and a shop where a Belgian chocolatier creates his own irresistible treats. There is, of course a high class butcher, from whom Bruno thinks nothing of ordering a 35 kilo lamb in order to treat his friends to an Easter méchoui. Even the rather reduced market has stalls selling proper farm-made cheeses, and the hills around the town are still peopled by small vineyards, each producing delicious - and affordable - wines. This is heady stuff, especially for British readers in provincial towns where genuine locally produced food is either hideously expensive, or completely unavailable.
Martin Walker writes of what he knows, as in 2013, he was made a chevalier of foie gras, in the confrérie of paté de Périgueux, and also an honorary Ambassador of the Périgord, which means he gets to accompany the traveling exhibition of the Lascaux cave as it goes on display at museums around the world. He also helps promote the wines of Bergerac at international wine fairs, and was chairman of the jury for this year's Prix Ragueneau, the international culinary prize. A Murder in Springtime will be published by Quercus on 18th June.
July 2, 2026
Spoilers ahead. With the maturation of this series, this is no longer a police/crime story. It's a book that contains a murder amongst everything else. The setting is St. Denis, a small village in rural France. The main protagonist is Bruno, the chief of police.
The centerpiece is the murder of a mysterious older woman who has come to the village to work in a retirement home. Her name was Josette Quirit and she apparently has no social footprint, no social media posts and no searchable history. She was murdered in a crime of passion, being bashed in the head with a rock multiple times, even after death.
Questioning of the staff of the home first revealed that she had been stalked by person(s) unknown riding a scooter and driving a black minivan. Questioning of the residents provided the first lucky break. One of the residents was a distant relative of hers, being 2nd or 3rd cousins. This opened the floodgates of information and her real name and history was revealed. Her real name was Josephine Taun and she had been released from prison, having served her sentence for murdering a pupil at a Catholic school as the result of severe punishment meted out by her when she was the matron there. From then on it was pretty easy to guess that her death was due to revenge or payback for the pupil's death.
The mystery was solved through technology, the data location of cell phones which had been in position to stalk and observe Quirit. And when Bruno and his team brought in the suspect, she confessed. That's the crime part. The author used the book to bring up abuses that pupils suffered in these types of schools and that it was quite common. The crime solving part also pointed out how phone and Fitbit data meant that complete privacy was no longer possible in today's technological world.
Subplots of this book included that of Bruno's love life, how he always looked for strong women but then they all had jobs which interfered with their romance. Another was the revitalization of St. Denis's local market which was the lifeblood of the village. Another was the lamb meal for Easter, part of the book always deals with food, eating and recipes. I think those were the main subplots.
One of the problems of this series is that as the series grows, more people are brought into the picture and it gets harder to keep track of everyone. If you're reading this series all at once then it's no problem but if you're reading each new book when it comes out, it's harder to remember the older characters. That is why I'm only giving it a 3.
The centerpiece is the murder of a mysterious older woman who has come to the village to work in a retirement home. Her name was Josette Quirit and she apparently has no social footprint, no social media posts and no searchable history. She was murdered in a crime of passion, being bashed in the head with a rock multiple times, even after death.
Questioning of the staff of the home first revealed that she had been stalked by person(s) unknown riding a scooter and driving a black minivan. Questioning of the residents provided the first lucky break. One of the residents was a distant relative of hers, being 2nd or 3rd cousins. This opened the floodgates of information and her real name and history was revealed. Her real name was Josephine Taun and she had been released from prison, having served her sentence for murdering a pupil at a Catholic school as the result of severe punishment meted out by her when she was the matron there. From then on it was pretty easy to guess that her death was due to revenge or payback for the pupil's death.
The mystery was solved through technology, the data location of cell phones which had been in position to stalk and observe Quirit. And when Bruno and his team brought in the suspect, she confessed. That's the crime part. The author used the book to bring up abuses that pupils suffered in these types of schools and that it was quite common. The crime solving part also pointed out how phone and Fitbit data meant that complete privacy was no longer possible in today's technological world.
Subplots of this book included that of Bruno's love life, how he always looked for strong women but then they all had jobs which interfered with their romance. Another was the revitalization of St. Denis's local market which was the lifeblood of the village. Another was the lamb meal for Easter, part of the book always deals with food, eating and recipes. I think those were the main subplots.
One of the problems of this series is that as the series grows, more people are brought into the picture and it gets harder to keep track of everyone. If you're reading this series all at once then it's no problem but if you're reading each new book when it comes out, it's harder to remember the older characters. That is why I'm only giving it a 3.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I always look forward to another visit with Bruno and the cast of characters from the Périgord. I know that I will get a very French mystery wrapped up in delicious food (and wine) in spectacular scenery, although in this effort Bruno starts out playing a side role in solving the mystery.
So what is the mystery? Bruno’s friend Pamela comes home to her boarding house (and horse riding academy) to find one of her lodgers murdered on the back patio. Her name was Josette Quirit, she was a mysterious lady who moved to Saint Denis to work at the local retirement home. As Pamela could be considered a suspect in the killing, Bruno recuses himself and asks JJ to send an impartial investigator to take over the case. This turns out to be Fabian Panton, a young upstart with bright blue hair. Fabian quickly takes over but Bruno cannot help getting involved, thinking he is asking questions on the sly but soon ends up getting too far into the investigation. It turns out that Josette has no past, no references, no history. Bruno also finds out that in the past few weeks Josette had been stalked by a black van and a helmeted scooter rider, terrifying her and making her nervous. Once Pamela is cleared of suspicion Bruno officially rejoins the case and together with Fabian tries to track down the killer before they can get away.
But as is the case with this series lately, the mystery is only a small part of the story. The main issue that occupies Bruno’s time is reviving the St. Denis market, which has been slowly dying as people head out to other towns, followed by the stall holders. Bruno and the mayor hatch a plan to increase foot traffic and use social media to revive the market, but of course Bruno manages to hurt some feelings along the way. What else? There’s a Netflix film crew in the area, drawing gawkers and strangers into the valley. And lastly his love life is not working out at all, as his new interest is putting work before Bruno while managing to get upset on the rare occasions that they do get together.
Although this is better than the previous three or so novels, it is still more of a slice-of-life chapter than a true mystery novel. Bruno continues to get involved in things beyond his policework, what used to be an interesting sidenote has more and more become the main focus of the books.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, Knopf via NetGalley. Thank you!
So what is the mystery? Bruno’s friend Pamela comes home to her boarding house (and horse riding academy) to find one of her lodgers murdered on the back patio. Her name was Josette Quirit, she was a mysterious lady who moved to Saint Denis to work at the local retirement home. As Pamela could be considered a suspect in the killing, Bruno recuses himself and asks JJ to send an impartial investigator to take over the case. This turns out to be Fabian Panton, a young upstart with bright blue hair. Fabian quickly takes over but Bruno cannot help getting involved, thinking he is asking questions on the sly but soon ends up getting too far into the investigation. It turns out that Josette has no past, no references, no history. Bruno also finds out that in the past few weeks Josette had been stalked by a black van and a helmeted scooter rider, terrifying her and making her nervous. Once Pamela is cleared of suspicion Bruno officially rejoins the case and together with Fabian tries to track down the killer before they can get away.
But as is the case with this series lately, the mystery is only a small part of the story. The main issue that occupies Bruno’s time is reviving the St. Denis market, which has been slowly dying as people head out to other towns, followed by the stall holders. Bruno and the mayor hatch a plan to increase foot traffic and use social media to revive the market, but of course Bruno manages to hurt some feelings along the way. What else? There’s a Netflix film crew in the area, drawing gawkers and strangers into the valley. And lastly his love life is not working out at all, as his new interest is putting work before Bruno while managing to get upset on the rare occasions that they do get together.
Although this is better than the previous three or so novels, it is still more of a slice-of-life chapter than a true mystery novel. Bruno continues to get involved in things beyond his policework, what used to be an interesting sidenote has more and more become the main focus of the books.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, Knopf via NetGalley. Thank you!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook and Knopf for the physical copy.
This was my first time reading a Bruno, Chief of Police mystery, and I am honestly impressed by how easy it was to jump into a series that is nineteen books deep. I never felt lost, confused, or like I was missing important information. Instead, I felt welcomed into this charming French village and quickly became invested in both the mystery and the people who call St. Denis home.
The murder investigation immediately pulled me in, but what kept me reading was the town itself. The village feels alive. The friendships, community dynamics, local events, and everyday interactions gave the story so much warmth and personality. This is one of those mysteries where the setting becomes just as important as the crime.
I loved Bruno as a character. He feels grounded, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in the people around him. Having the victim connected to someone close to him added an emotional layer to the investigation and created some interesting challenges throughout the story. The mystery itself delivered several twists and turns that kept me engaged and eager to see how everything would come together.
One of my favorite parts of the book was simply spending time with the residents of St. Denis. There were so many wonderful characters that made this story feel rich and lived in. I can absolutely see why readers continue returning to this series year after year.
Also, can we talk about the night market? It sounded amazing. I wanted to walk through every stall, sample the food, and spend the entire evening soaking up the atmosphere. Martin Walker does a fantastic job bringing the community to life.
And as a huge dog lover, the basset hound completely stole my heart. I don't care how serious the mystery gets, if there is a lovable dog involved, I am immediately invested.
Even though this is the nineteenth book in the series, it worked beautifully as a standalone. Now I find myself curious about Bruno's earlier adventures and why readers have fallen so deeply in love with this world.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely. If you enjoy mysteries that balance suspense with strong community relationships, memorable characters, beautiful settings, and a healthy dose of charm, this is a wonderful place to spend a few hours.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook and Knopf for the physical copy.
This was my first time reading a Bruno, Chief of Police mystery, and I am honestly impressed by how easy it was to jump into a series that is nineteen books deep. I never felt lost, confused, or like I was missing important information. Instead, I felt welcomed into this charming French village and quickly became invested in both the mystery and the people who call St. Denis home.
The murder investigation immediately pulled me in, but what kept me reading was the town itself. The village feels alive. The friendships, community dynamics, local events, and everyday interactions gave the story so much warmth and personality. This is one of those mysteries where the setting becomes just as important as the crime.
I loved Bruno as a character. He feels grounded, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in the people around him. Having the victim connected to someone close to him added an emotional layer to the investigation and created some interesting challenges throughout the story. The mystery itself delivered several twists and turns that kept me engaged and eager to see how everything would come together.
One of my favorite parts of the book was simply spending time with the residents of St. Denis. There were so many wonderful characters that made this story feel rich and lived in. I can absolutely see why readers continue returning to this series year after year.
Also, can we talk about the night market? It sounded amazing. I wanted to walk through every stall, sample the food, and spend the entire evening soaking up the atmosphere. Martin Walker does a fantastic job bringing the community to life.
And as a huge dog lover, the basset hound completely stole my heart. I don't care how serious the mystery gets, if there is a lovable dog involved, I am immediately invested.
Even though this is the nineteenth book in the series, it worked beautifully as a standalone. Now I find myself curious about Bruno's earlier adventures and why readers have fallen so deeply in love with this world.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely. If you enjoy mysteries that balance suspense with strong community relationships, memorable characters, beautiful settings, and a healthy dose of charm, this is a wonderful place to spend a few hours.
July 19, 2026
A Murder in Springtime (Bruno, Chief of Police #19) Martin Walker and Kate Walker.
19/7/2026. 5/5
Having read all of his books set in France and now all 19 of the Bruno, Chief of police books, I never fail to be amazed at how each book is hard to put down as the flow is so smooth and readable. This was excellent again with all the characters in Bruno’s work and private and community life plus some great new additions.
Always something for the policeman to solve, community situations to improve, great segments of wonderful meals…. In this Kate Walker has added to the writing as has the writer’s wife, her knowledge of cuisine. Wonderful reading. Cannot wait for the next book…
“””In the next installment of the Bruno, Chief of Police series, a newcomer to St. Denis is found dead in the home of one of Bruno’s best friends—for once, Bruno feels as though he is too close to the case to properly investigate, until it becomes clear that he’s the only person who can solve the crime.
After Bruno misses several phone calls from Pamela, he worries that something has happened to his beloved horse he keeps at her riding school. But her reason for calling is entirely unexpected: Pamela’s new lodger has been murdered. Bruno knows that Pamela isn’t capable of killing anyone, but then who’s the culprit? And what’s the motive? The dead woman had only just moved to town to take a job at the local nursing home—she had no enemies in the village, and no friends, either.
As Bruno wrestles with these complications, the force realizes that Bruno can’t be impartial when Pamela is involved, and assigns the case instead to their rising star rookie, Fabien. Bruno is happy for Fabien to take the lead. After all, Bruno’s been distracted—by his foundering relationship, by a documentary crew determined to transform the sleepy Vézère Valley into a tourist hotspot, by a group of opinionated small businesses Bruno wants to help organize a logistically complicated night market. He can’t seem to catch a break.
But when Fabien realizes that the victim is connected to his past, Bruno has to step back in to help. The village has never felt more crowded, and the clock is ticking: Will Bruno and Fabien be able to catch a killer?”””
19/7/2026. 5/5
Having read all of his books set in France and now all 19 of the Bruno, Chief of police books, I never fail to be amazed at how each book is hard to put down as the flow is so smooth and readable. This was excellent again with all the characters in Bruno’s work and private and community life plus some great new additions.
Always something for the policeman to solve, community situations to improve, great segments of wonderful meals…. In this Kate Walker has added to the writing as has the writer’s wife, her knowledge of cuisine. Wonderful reading. Cannot wait for the next book…
“””In the next installment of the Bruno, Chief of Police series, a newcomer to St. Denis is found dead in the home of one of Bruno’s best friends—for once, Bruno feels as though he is too close to the case to properly investigate, until it becomes clear that he’s the only person who can solve the crime.
After Bruno misses several phone calls from Pamela, he worries that something has happened to his beloved horse he keeps at her riding school. But her reason for calling is entirely unexpected: Pamela’s new lodger has been murdered. Bruno knows that Pamela isn’t capable of killing anyone, but then who’s the culprit? And what’s the motive? The dead woman had only just moved to town to take a job at the local nursing home—she had no enemies in the village, and no friends, either.
As Bruno wrestles with these complications, the force realizes that Bruno can’t be impartial when Pamela is involved, and assigns the case instead to their rising star rookie, Fabien. Bruno is happy for Fabien to take the lead. After all, Bruno’s been distracted—by his foundering relationship, by a documentary crew determined to transform the sleepy Vézère Valley into a tourist hotspot, by a group of opinionated small businesses Bruno wants to help organize a logistically complicated night market. He can’t seem to catch a break.
But when Fabien realizes that the victim is connected to his past, Bruno has to step back in to help. The village has never felt more crowded, and the clock is ticking: Will Bruno and Fabien be able to catch a killer?”””
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love this series - I look forward to each and every new release, desperate to catch up with old friends I have got to know and love as the series has progressed. And now, as with the previous 18 books, I have to say I loved this one just as much. Obviously you'll have a much better time with this book if you have read at least a few of the previous ones as there are so many wonderful characters - it takes a village and all that - that I fear you might struggle to keep them all straight if you go in cold... And they are all really good books, so why not...
Also, another gentle reminder that you really do need to eat before you read this book. Don't go in hungry as there is so much great food described herein that it'll have you slavering!
So... in this book Bruno has to recuse himself from the case of a murdered woman who was lodging with Pamela. She had only just moved to the area and was working in a nursing home. But she was killed at the stables, hence the conflict of interest, and requests that JJ sends someone to lead the investigation. Bruno instead channels his efforts into trying to revitalise the town specifically the market - with varying success. In fact, he had just got himself into a bit of a pickle when he is allowed back on the case - not that he ever kept away from it - and, together with Fabien, the officer that JJ drafted in to help - is determined to get to the bottom of the death of the woman.
I love these books. I know I already said that, but I really do. I love the setting, the lifestyle, the way that the author includes topical things, in this case the decline of local commerce, and how it affects everyone in the village. And then there are the community meals... mmmmm!
In fact, the only negative thing I can ever say about a book in this series is that I really hate having to say goodbye to everyone at the end. These books are way more than the mysteries they contain, and have introduced me to the wonders of the region, and the colourful character who inhabit it. I really can't wait to catch up with them all in the next book.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Also, another gentle reminder that you really do need to eat before you read this book. Don't go in hungry as there is so much great food described herein that it'll have you slavering!
So... in this book Bruno has to recuse himself from the case of a murdered woman who was lodging with Pamela. She had only just moved to the area and was working in a nursing home. But she was killed at the stables, hence the conflict of interest, and requests that JJ sends someone to lead the investigation. Bruno instead channels his efforts into trying to revitalise the town specifically the market - with varying success. In fact, he had just got himself into a bit of a pickle when he is allowed back on the case - not that he ever kept away from it - and, together with Fabien, the officer that JJ drafted in to help - is determined to get to the bottom of the death of the woman.
I love these books. I know I already said that, but I really do. I love the setting, the lifestyle, the way that the author includes topical things, in this case the decline of local commerce, and how it affects everyone in the village. And then there are the community meals... mmmmm!
In fact, the only negative thing I can ever say about a book in this series is that I really hate having to say goodbye to everyone at the end. These books are way more than the mysteries they contain, and have introduced me to the wonders of the region, and the colourful character who inhabit it. I really can't wait to catch up with them all in the next book.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
St.Denis, Périgord, Dordogne, France is the home of Benoît Courrèges, aka Bruno. He is the chief of police in this rural part of France and he lives for good food, wine and his friends, oh I better not forget Balzac his beloved basset. Martin Walker his creator has come up with a setting and characters that I have loved from the first moment I read one of these books. Now comes "A Murder in Springtime" the 19th full length mystery. Walker do know this part very well despite not being native to France but he and his wife spends a lot of time there. They even wrote a cookbook inspired by the bookseries. Sadly the only televised Bruno is a German series that I can't get ahold of. I wish they would make a French one. In this book Pamela one of Brunos longtime friends comes home to a dead women. The fact that they are friends means that Bruno has to step aside and enter stage left rookie police Fabien, another great addition to the characters in the Vézère Valley. At the same time our chief of police has to figure out a way to increase the number of visitors to the tuesday market. A problem he deals with in true Bruno fashion and it leads to some hurt fealing in the village. Once Again has Walker written a wonderful book that makes me want to move to Périgord, I think I would fit right in. Even though it sometimes can be a little warm there. If you by some strange reason has missed this author and the series I strongly recommend that you better yourself and dig in. I bet you will like them just as much as I do. I must thank Netgalley and AAKnopf for giving me this advance copy of a book that's available on June 16th.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While A Murder in Springtime is the 19th in the Bruno, Chief of Police series, it can be read as a standalone novel. This is the first Chief of Police Bruno books I have read and will go back to the beginning of the series and read them in order. Despite not having read earlier works, I didn’t feel like I missed anything.
Along with the murder investigation and interaction among team members and the community, I enjoyed the descriptions of Bruno’s cooking, the food and the village of St. Denis. Bruno is currently involved in the town's revitalization project as vendors are leaving the markets and the customers are leaving St. Denis for competing markets nearby creating a downward spiral. He has some ideas to bring vendors and people back and recruits his friends and co-workers to help him.
Meanwhile, Bruno’s good friend Pamela found the dead body of Josette Qirit on her patio, so, as chief of police, he has to recuse himself from the investigation - at least until she is ruled out as a suspect. But that doesn’t keep him from investigating on his own. There doesn’t appear to be a motive - at least one that they can identify. And they aren’t able to find any relatives or background on her.
Who is Josette Qirit?
Both the mystery of Qirit’s identity and the investigation into her murder made this a page turner. I enjoyed the characters, the descriptive setting and atmosphere of the sense of community in St. Denis. Now I’m looking forward to starting at the beginning of the series.
Thank you to Martin Walker, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Knopf and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this e-book.
Along with the murder investigation and interaction among team members and the community, I enjoyed the descriptions of Bruno’s cooking, the food and the village of St. Denis. Bruno is currently involved in the town's revitalization project as vendors are leaving the markets and the customers are leaving St. Denis for competing markets nearby creating a downward spiral. He has some ideas to bring vendors and people back and recruits his friends and co-workers to help him.
Meanwhile, Bruno’s good friend Pamela found the dead body of Josette Qirit on her patio, so, as chief of police, he has to recuse himself from the investigation - at least until she is ruled out as a suspect. But that doesn’t keep him from investigating on his own. There doesn’t appear to be a motive - at least one that they can identify. And they aren’t able to find any relatives or background on her.
Who is Josette Qirit?
Both the mystery of Qirit’s identity and the investigation into her murder made this a page turner. I enjoyed the characters, the descriptive setting and atmosphere of the sense of community in St. Denis. Now I’m looking forward to starting at the beginning of the series.
Thank you to Martin Walker, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Knopf and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this e-book.
June 27, 2026
Martin Walker writes delightful mysteries that transport the reader to a seemly idyllic region of France. There, said reader experiences good food, good wine, breathtaking surroundings, a variety of people and, oh yes, a mystery. It’s a leisurely cozy that moves at a slower pace than some. But, nevertheless, it’s enjoyable and refreshing.
A Murder in Springtime is concerned with the murder of a woman who has recently arrived in the village of St Denis. For a time Bruno, the chief of police, has to recuse himself from the investigation because a good friend is initially considered a suspect. Consequently, a temporary investigator is assigned to the case. The addition of Fabien, his interactions with Bruno, and his personality as a whole contributes a great deal to this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this addition, which added yet another layer to the plot.
As the mystery unfolds, Bruno is also immeshed in the revitalization of St Denis, with the hope of attracting more foot traffic and tourist interest. This is an interesting and timely sidebar and it also reveals more insight into Bruno and the village he loves. Finally, there’s Balzac, Bruno’s faithful and lovable basset hound. The book wouldn’t be quite the same without him.
This is the nineteenth book in this series and each book seems to have its own personality. I’m sure this is due, in part, to the varied characters that inhabit Bruno’s life. Meanwhile, Bruno himself lends a quiet dignity and strength to the series, which is why it continues to be so popular. NetGalley provided an advance reader copy.
A Murder in Springtime is concerned with the murder of a woman who has recently arrived in the village of St Denis. For a time Bruno, the chief of police, has to recuse himself from the investigation because a good friend is initially considered a suspect. Consequently, a temporary investigator is assigned to the case. The addition of Fabien, his interactions with Bruno, and his personality as a whole contributes a great deal to this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this addition, which added yet another layer to the plot.
As the mystery unfolds, Bruno is also immeshed in the revitalization of St Denis, with the hope of attracting more foot traffic and tourist interest. This is an interesting and timely sidebar and it also reveals more insight into Bruno and the village he loves. Finally, there’s Balzac, Bruno’s faithful and lovable basset hound. The book wouldn’t be quite the same without him.
This is the nineteenth book in this series and each book seems to have its own personality. I’m sure this is due, in part, to the varied characters that inhabit Bruno’s life. Meanwhile, Bruno himself lends a quiet dignity and strength to the series, which is why it continues to be so popular. NetGalley provided an advance reader copy.
June 25, 2026
When a woman is found brutally murdered on a friend’s back porch, Chief of Police Bruno must team up with rising rookie Fabien to catch the killer. Bruno has other worries too, though: a dwindling night market in his beloved small town of St. Denis, a struggling relationship, an adorable basset hound to care for, and far too much delicious food and wine to enjoy.
I was looking for a good police procedural, and while it’s certainly there, the murder mystery plays second fiddle to the real draw of this series, which is a good police officer trying to care for his community, his dog, and his relationship. Even 19 books in to a series I haven’t read, I was easily able to follow the plot and sink into the world. Mouth-wateringly delicious French food and wine is described for every meal while Bruno engages with a wide cast of characters. You also read every minute of his day and every conversation, important or no.
At first the extra cozy pacing frustrated me, but when I allowed myself to relax and enjoy the world, my thoughts on the book improved. I sometimes found Bruno somewhat lacking in personal weaknesses. That said, this is a great book for readers who love the character connections in a cozy mystery and don’t mind a slower pace. 3.5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Writing style
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Characters
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Plot
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Premise
⭐️⭐️⭐️Pacing
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Impact
Thank you to Knopf and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was looking for a good police procedural, and while it’s certainly there, the murder mystery plays second fiddle to the real draw of this series, which is a good police officer trying to care for his community, his dog, and his relationship. Even 19 books in to a series I haven’t read, I was easily able to follow the plot and sink into the world. Mouth-wateringly delicious French food and wine is described for every meal while Bruno engages with a wide cast of characters. You also read every minute of his day and every conversation, important or no.
At first the extra cozy pacing frustrated me, but when I allowed myself to relax and enjoy the world, my thoughts on the book improved. I sometimes found Bruno somewhat lacking in personal weaknesses. That said, this is a great book for readers who love the character connections in a cozy mystery and don’t mind a slower pace. 3.5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Writing style
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Characters
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Plot
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Premise
⭐️⭐️⭐️Pacing
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Impact
Thank you to Knopf and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 15, 2026
We love Bruno and restlessly await the next edition. The murder seems to be kind of secondary in this book, although Bruno calls on all the tech people he can to find out her real name and then to find the people who were driving the scooter and van that stalked her. He has a new sidekick Fabien who is a good cop but apparently a better cook. There is some matchmaking for Fabien but Bruno is still into picking elusive women who are not the small town mother type and are married to their careers. Laura actually outright told him that she wasn't interested in being married to a cop who could turn up dead or injured any day. Bruno is head over heels about Laura but there just doesn't seem to be a real relationship here. They have little arguments where she gets up and leaves the restaurant. She gets offended by what he says and he is rather thoughtless with her and with the stall holders in his village. He thinks too highly of himself in some ways, although always wanting the best. I still like Florence though he finally tells her they are friends only. He does finally solve the murder but it is so inconsequential that it gets lost in the very profuse descriptions of springtime in his area and the meals and activities with friends. Since I don't necessarily read Bruno for the murders, I like being part of his daily life. But I still long for a woman with a personality that would fit the life he wants to share.
July 27, 2026
This is the 19th entry in the Bruno, Chief of Police series set in the French countryside. The following thoughts assume your familiar with the series.
In this outing, one of Bruno's neighbors calls to report a murder on her patio. Because Bruno is a friend of one of the possible suspects, he recuses himself until she is cleared. A higher up assigns the case to Fabien, an up-and-coming young detective, who happens to be a kind of local to St. Denis.
As with many of the Bruno books, the story is as much about the murder as is about Bruno and the Dordogne region of France. We have a murder, Bruno's shaky romantic relationship, a Netflix film crew, and the town's faltering outdoor markets. And as always, there are many mouth-watering descriptions of food, wine, and cooking.
I enjoy this series, which is less police procedural and more cozy mystery. The characters are easy to connect to, and you'll soon wish for an invitation to Bruno's kitchen. Note too that I haven't read all the Bruno books and never feel lost. I would encourage you to start reading with any entry in the series. Great escape reading.
The audiobook was performed by Peter Nobel, who has narrated several of the books in this series. I liked his pacing and his pronunciations of the French words, but I thought his Scottish accent was a little inconsistent. Still, I'd be happy to see Nobel come back for book 20.
Thanks to RB Media and Recorded Books for the review copy.
In this outing, one of Bruno's neighbors calls to report a murder on her patio. Because Bruno is a friend of one of the possible suspects, he recuses himself until she is cleared. A higher up assigns the case to Fabien, an up-and-coming young detective, who happens to be a kind of local to St. Denis.
As with many of the Bruno books, the story is as much about the murder as is about Bruno and the Dordogne region of France. We have a murder, Bruno's shaky romantic relationship, a Netflix film crew, and the town's faltering outdoor markets. And as always, there are many mouth-watering descriptions of food, wine, and cooking.
I enjoy this series, which is less police procedural and more cozy mystery. The characters are easy to connect to, and you'll soon wish for an invitation to Bruno's kitchen. Note too that I haven't read all the Bruno books and never feel lost. I would encourage you to start reading with any entry in the series. Great escape reading.
The audiobook was performed by Peter Nobel, who has narrated several of the books in this series. I liked his pacing and his pronunciations of the French words, but I thought his Scottish accent was a little inconsistent. Still, I'd be happy to see Nobel come back for book 20.
Thanks to RB Media and Recorded Books for the review copy.
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