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Inspector Truchaud Mysteries #1
The Richebourg Affair
The first in a series following the acute if rumpled Inspector Truchaud of the French police as he pursues fraudsters, murderers and gangsters over the course of a winemaking year in the vineyards of Burgundy. In The Richebourg Affair, Truchaud, an inspector in theParis police, finds himself summoned home to the family vineyard in Burgundy on the death of his older brother. His brother’s wife is bereft, their son is bemused, and Truchaud’s father is increasingly bewildered. What had seemed a simple private family tragedy soon turns into a criminal investigation, as Truchaud becomes embroiled in uncovering murder, fraud and a secret which has remained hidden since World War II. A gentle, intricate, brilliantly realised police procedural set deep in Burgundy wine-making country.
- GenresMystery
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
16 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 9, 2020
When I first picked up the book to read it I wasn’t sure if it would be my cup of tea looking at the front cover but when I started reading it I was surprised by how quickly I fell under it’s spell. The way it is written with the descriptive language makes you feel as if you could be right there in France with the characters. You can almost taste the wine and French cuisine as you read!
It’s a beautifully written story akin to Chocolat but with the extra excitement of a crime element to it which really made it for me. A totally perfect combination! Can’t wait to read the other two books in the series and follow what the characters get up to.
It’s a beautifully written story akin to Chocolat but with the extra excitement of a crime element to it which really made it for me. A totally perfect combination! Can’t wait to read the other two books in the series and follow what the characters get up to.
June 30, 2019
This is the first in a trilogy set in France that combines two of my favorite things - murder mysteries and wine. Commandant Truchard's brother has died suddenly so Truchard heads home to Burgundy to be with his family on their vineyard. Once there though, a neighboring wine owner is murdered and Truchard helps out the local police solve the crime. It's a beautifully written mystery full of wonderful characters.
October 4, 2014
The Richebourg Affair is a well-paced, complex mystery set in the hereditary vineyards of France. In many ways it's akin to a "cozy," but the more leisurely pacing and the more thoughtful development of both people and the plot balance that out. (I like some cozies! But they do tend toward the superficial, and this one is deeper than that, while still being solidly in the mystery genre.)
Although this is apparently R.M. Cartmel's first novel, it doesn't read like one. There's backstory hinted at but not made explicit -- to the point that I was ready to search out No. 1 in the series! I admire that -- so often, a first book starts off all on its own; this one has history with the protagonist, his family, his co-workers, various friends and relations ... all skillfully handled.
The plot is intricate and fascinating, in the sense that one learns a lot about the regulations regarding French wines, and how they can be twisted into fraud. There are interesting looks into World War II and various student rebellions, too. At the end, while WHAT happened became clear, WHY is left to various hypothesis, which seems realistic to me.
The characterization is wonderfully well done. Everyone in this book felt alive. The plot is maybe a bit over-complex, but it does pretty much make sense, and takes us into all sorts of non-obvious territory.
I enjoyed this book a lot! And I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a leisurely-paced mystery, with interesting characters and setting, and a plot that works well with both.
I received this book in exchange for writing an objective review on Rambles.net.
Although this is apparently R.M. Cartmel's first novel, it doesn't read like one. There's backstory hinted at but not made explicit -- to the point that I was ready to search out No. 1 in the series! I admire that -- so often, a first book starts off all on its own; this one has history with the protagonist, his family, his co-workers, various friends and relations ... all skillfully handled.
The plot is intricate and fascinating, in the sense that one learns a lot about the regulations regarding French wines, and how they can be twisted into fraud. There are interesting looks into World War II and various student rebellions, too. At the end, while WHAT happened became clear, WHY is left to various hypothesis, which seems realistic to me.
The characterization is wonderfully well done. Everyone in this book felt alive. The plot is maybe a bit over-complex, but it does pretty much make sense, and takes us into all sorts of non-obvious territory.
I enjoyed this book a lot! And I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a leisurely-paced mystery, with interesting characters and setting, and a plot that works well with both.
I received this book in exchange for writing an objective review on Rambles.net.
November 27, 2018
This reads as though one is thinking out loud,letting us in to his thoughts.
A sense of humor when he ask for time to tend to the affair of his brother who has just died, and he is to take a month instead. The beauty of the vineyards, which he though he would be working in, when younger. To find out what is behind the cellar walls, the theft, the fraud. This was not your typical village. Good plot, slower to get the feel of the village, vineyard and the people. Thought it was interesting and will look forward to the next.
A sense of humor when he ask for time to tend to the affair of his brother who has just died, and he is to take a month instead. The beauty of the vineyards, which he though he would be working in, when younger. To find out what is behind the cellar walls, the theft, the fraud. This was not your typical village. Good plot, slower to get the feel of the village, vineyard and the people. Thought it was interesting and will look forward to the next.
May 29, 2018
An enjoyable, fun tour of winemaking in Burgundy - and some murder! The protagonist has the strong voice of a middle-aged man juggling family ties and career, and I know my father-in-law will love this book.
August 8, 2017
Charming crime novel based in France and including lots of interesting information about wine and vineyards. Wine and crime, what's not to love?
December 16, 2018
Great story
If you like crime novels as I do you should enjoy this book. Well written, good character development and set in a great location.
If you like crime novels as I do you should enjoy this book. Well written, good character development and set in a great location.
September 28, 2014
R.M. Cartmel’s novel, The Richebourg Affair is a solid, satisfying mystery set in the tiny village of Nuits-Saint-Georges, France. Commandant Truchaud, a decorated member of the Paris police department receives a call that his brother has died, and he must return home to Nuits-Saint-Georges immediately. His commanding officer insists Truchaud take at least a month off to go home to his family’s Domaine where he can properly attend to the burial of his brother. He also needs to make sure the rest of the family as well as their wine business is on steady footing before he returns to his post in Paris.
He arrives home to find his father in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the family business possibly involved in underhanded dealings and ghosts of his past rearing their heads at the most inopportune times. Truchaud finds a murder victim from an adjoining Domaine soon after his arrival home. Could his brother’s death have been murder instead of the suspected heart attack?
Helping the local police, Truchaud is knee deep in the investigation when he finds himself in more danger than he thought possible in his quiet hometown known for much sought after wines. Rich Burgundy, not blood is supposed to be flowing, but treachery and lies have fermented along with wine for years and the corks are about to pop.
The Richebourg Affair took me a little bit longer to read than a run of the mill mystery due to the different names for the various characters’ roles. Thanks to Cartmel’s handy listing (starting on page 305) of each character’s name and the role in which they play, it made it easier for me to identify each of them. The village is added to my list of main characters, because without this famous wine-producing village, there would not be a story.
I loved this book. So much so, that I researched the cost of the famous Richebourg wine that is discussed by the wine experts throughout the story. I will only be able to dream about the heady bouquet and flavors dancing on my tongue as $1800.00 USD would blow a hole in my budget the size of a Parisian vacation. However, there are more budget friendly options from Nuits-Saint-Georges, which I just might have to purchase for a special occasion.
Much to my surprise, this is R.M. Cartmel’s first novel. It is layered with well-developed characters and a solid mystery in addition to the murder(s) set in a most interesting place. It teaches readers about wine growing and producing without a drop of boring lecture. All of the information is skillfully tucked into the story fitting perfectly as a backdrop, but always present. The reader has all of the answers needed to tie up loose ends when Truchaud hosts a dinner with all of the officers on the case as well as those affected by the happenings in the village. After the perfect end to a great story, I am looking forward to many more adventures of Commander Truchaud.
Copyright © 2014 Laura Hartman
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review
He arrives home to find his father in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the family business possibly involved in underhanded dealings and ghosts of his past rearing their heads at the most inopportune times. Truchaud finds a murder victim from an adjoining Domaine soon after his arrival home. Could his brother’s death have been murder instead of the suspected heart attack?
Helping the local police, Truchaud is knee deep in the investigation when he finds himself in more danger than he thought possible in his quiet hometown known for much sought after wines. Rich Burgundy, not blood is supposed to be flowing, but treachery and lies have fermented along with wine for years and the corks are about to pop.
The Richebourg Affair took me a little bit longer to read than a run of the mill mystery due to the different names for the various characters’ roles. Thanks to Cartmel’s handy listing (starting on page 305) of each character’s name and the role in which they play, it made it easier for me to identify each of them. The village is added to my list of main characters, because without this famous wine-producing village, there would not be a story.
I loved this book. So much so, that I researched the cost of the famous Richebourg wine that is discussed by the wine experts throughout the story. I will only be able to dream about the heady bouquet and flavors dancing on my tongue as $1800.00 USD would blow a hole in my budget the size of a Parisian vacation. However, there are more budget friendly options from Nuits-Saint-Georges, which I just might have to purchase for a special occasion.
Much to my surprise, this is R.M. Cartmel’s first novel. It is layered with well-developed characters and a solid mystery in addition to the murder(s) set in a most interesting place. It teaches readers about wine growing and producing without a drop of boring lecture. All of the information is skillfully tucked into the story fitting perfectly as a backdrop, but always present. The reader has all of the answers needed to tie up loose ends when Truchaud hosts a dinner with all of the officers on the case as well as those affected by the happenings in the village. After the perfect end to a great story, I am looking forward to many more adventures of Commander Truchaud.
Copyright © 2014 Laura Hartman
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review
October 17, 2015
I savored THE RICHEBOURG AFFAIR like a good bottle of wine. I opened it up, took a sip to taste it because I couldn't stand waiting, let the rest breathe for a bit, let it swirl around in my head as I started slowly, and then enjoyed every sip thereafter. It took me longer to read this book than usual, just as it takes longer to drink a good wine than it does a table wine, but the time I took with it was very pleasurable. Cartmel has created a mix of mystery and wine information that is full bodied…
OK, enough with the extended metaphor. If you enjoy wine and mysteries, you will enjoy this book. The book is full of information about viticulture, and also about the wine producing area of Nuits-Saint-George in the Burgundy region of France. I didn't have any Burgundy at hand, and certainly no Richebourg, but a glass or two of Pinot Noir while reading the book added to the enjoyment. Aside from the information about modern day winemaking, Cartmel gives the reader something of a history lesson regarding the French resistance during WWII.
At the start of the book, Commandant Charlemagne Truchaud of the Paris police is called to his family's vineyard in Nuits-Saint-George because his brother, manager of the vineyard, has died of an apparent heart attack. When he arrives, he discovers that his father is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, leaving no one to carry on with running the vineyard. As he investigates what happened to an entire batch of Vosne from the Truchaud vineyard, he happens upon a wine merchant's murder. The local police pull him into their investigation of that murder, and questions begin to arise about whether Truchaud's brother was murdered himself. As he gets deeper into the investigation, and into the wine cellars of the merchant, Truchaud uncovers well-hidden secrets, dating back to the French resistance during WWII, that underlie the wine producing community in the area. He keeps his connections to Paris close during the fortnight during which the Burgundian investigation plays out, while bringing the experience he gained in Paris to help in the far more rural setting of this book. In the end, the mystery is solved but there are enough loose ends remaining to provide fodder for the next book in the series.
Cartmel brings the reader to France in THE RICHEBOURG AFFAIR, so that upon finishing the book the reader seems to be returning from a trip to Burgundy. The descriptions of the countryside, the vineyards, and the wine cellars are rich and detailed while adding to the plot. The characters and their motivations make sense, although none are as well drawn as the setting. This is a debut novel in a series of wine mysteries set in Burgundy, and I am looking forward to the next.
This review first appeared at reviewingtheevidence.com.
OK, enough with the extended metaphor. If you enjoy wine and mysteries, you will enjoy this book. The book is full of information about viticulture, and also about the wine producing area of Nuits-Saint-George in the Burgundy region of France. I didn't have any Burgundy at hand, and certainly no Richebourg, but a glass or two of Pinot Noir while reading the book added to the enjoyment. Aside from the information about modern day winemaking, Cartmel gives the reader something of a history lesson regarding the French resistance during WWII.
At the start of the book, Commandant Charlemagne Truchaud of the Paris police is called to his family's vineyard in Nuits-Saint-George because his brother, manager of the vineyard, has died of an apparent heart attack. When he arrives, he discovers that his father is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, leaving no one to carry on with running the vineyard. As he investigates what happened to an entire batch of Vosne from the Truchaud vineyard, he happens upon a wine merchant's murder. The local police pull him into their investigation of that murder, and questions begin to arise about whether Truchaud's brother was murdered himself. As he gets deeper into the investigation, and into the wine cellars of the merchant, Truchaud uncovers well-hidden secrets, dating back to the French resistance during WWII, that underlie the wine producing community in the area. He keeps his connections to Paris close during the fortnight during which the Burgundian investigation plays out, while bringing the experience he gained in Paris to help in the far more rural setting of this book. In the end, the mystery is solved but there are enough loose ends remaining to provide fodder for the next book in the series.
Cartmel brings the reader to France in THE RICHEBOURG AFFAIR, so that upon finishing the book the reader seems to be returning from a trip to Burgundy. The descriptions of the countryside, the vineyards, and the wine cellars are rich and detailed while adding to the plot. The characters and their motivations make sense, although none are as well drawn as the setting. This is a debut novel in a series of wine mysteries set in Burgundy, and I am looking forward to the next.
This review first appeared at reviewingtheevidence.com.
May 26, 2015
The Richebourg Affair by R. M. Cartmel uses the backdrop of the Burgundy wine region to weave a story of intrigue, death, romance and wine.
My sense is Mr. Cartmel is somewhat of an educator, so be prepared to learn as well as be entertained. On any given page expect to learn about Phylloxera while being bombarded with lusty descriptions of culinary delights such as Coq au vin and apple tarts.
Our hero, Parisian police commander Charlemagne Truchard is called back to his family’s vineyard in the small village of Nuits-Saint-Georges after the death of his older brother. As you would expect, Truchard soon finds that all is not as it seems in the quiet wine community.
This is a slow-paced mystery so be patient and let the story unfold, much like a good wine. Its tiny sips, not gulps of speed reading that will satiate your thirst. I think you’ll like learning about premium French wines, vineyard management, mouthwatering pairings and small town politics. Cartmel also does a good job describing the culture of the wine business, from grape to glass.
Born into a military family, R.M. Cartmel was educated at the Sherborne School in the South West of England and Oxford. Cartmel served as a practicing doctor for over three and a half decades. The Richebourg Affair, Cartmel’s debut novel, combines two of his lifelong loves—writing and traveling throughout France’s exquisite Burgundy region.
This is a great book for both wine and mystery enthusiasts. I am looking forward to seeing this rich travelogue continue in installment two -- The Charlemagne Connection.
Follow this link for additional comments from the The Richebourg Affair author on food and wine pairing and a recipe for Beef Bourguignon compliments of Ina Garten http://www.examiner.com/review/the-ri... .
My sense is Mr. Cartmel is somewhat of an educator, so be prepared to learn as well as be entertained. On any given page expect to learn about Phylloxera while being bombarded with lusty descriptions of culinary delights such as Coq au vin and apple tarts.
Our hero, Parisian police commander Charlemagne Truchard is called back to his family’s vineyard in the small village of Nuits-Saint-Georges after the death of his older brother. As you would expect, Truchard soon finds that all is not as it seems in the quiet wine community.
This is a slow-paced mystery so be patient and let the story unfold, much like a good wine. Its tiny sips, not gulps of speed reading that will satiate your thirst. I think you’ll like learning about premium French wines, vineyard management, mouthwatering pairings and small town politics. Cartmel also does a good job describing the culture of the wine business, from grape to glass.
Born into a military family, R.M. Cartmel was educated at the Sherborne School in the South West of England and Oxford. Cartmel served as a practicing doctor for over three and a half decades. The Richebourg Affair, Cartmel’s debut novel, combines two of his lifelong loves—writing and traveling throughout France’s exquisite Burgundy region.
This is a great book for both wine and mystery enthusiasts. I am looking forward to seeing this rich travelogue continue in installment two -- The Charlemagne Connection.
Follow this link for additional comments from the The Richebourg Affair author on food and wine pairing and a recipe for Beef Bourguignon compliments of Ina Garten http://www.examiner.com/review/the-ri... .
September 15, 2014
The unexpected death of his brother forces Commandant Truchaud of the Paris gendarmerie back to his family’s vineyard in the small village of Nuit-Saints-George in the Burgundy wine district of France. Once there Truchaud finds a mystery of epic proportions, as not only is his brother’s death decidedly suspicious, but also the allegations of a devastating wine scandal threatens the good name of his family.
What then follows is a quirky and entertaining story about the vagaries of the wine production business and focuses on the petty squabbles and interfering busybodies who populate the village and who together bring warmth and wit to this light-hearted murder mystery. Initially I found the start of the story rather slow as there is much to take in, both in terms of character development and in discovering the finer points of the wine making business However, once the characters start to come together and become familiar, the complexity of the evolving plot becomes much more convincing and there are more than enough twists and turns to keep you guessing.
It is obvious that the author clearly knows the area well and writes with confidence about the place, its people and its wine. The small village atmosphere of Nuit-Saints-George starts to come alive, so much so, it becomes easy to imagine sitting at the Café du Centre sipping creamy coffee and munching on sweet biscuits with Truchaud and Geneviève.
Overall, this is a good debut novel which I am sure will have mass appeal. I am confident that the novels will continue to go from strength to strength as the trilogy progresses.
What then follows is a quirky and entertaining story about the vagaries of the wine production business and focuses on the petty squabbles and interfering busybodies who populate the village and who together bring warmth and wit to this light-hearted murder mystery. Initially I found the start of the story rather slow as there is much to take in, both in terms of character development and in discovering the finer points of the wine making business However, once the characters start to come together and become familiar, the complexity of the evolving plot becomes much more convincing and there are more than enough twists and turns to keep you guessing.
It is obvious that the author clearly knows the area well and writes with confidence about the place, its people and its wine. The small village atmosphere of Nuit-Saints-George starts to come alive, so much so, it becomes easy to imagine sitting at the Café du Centre sipping creamy coffee and munching on sweet biscuits with Truchaud and Geneviève.
Overall, this is a good debut novel which I am sure will have mass appeal. I am confident that the novels will continue to go from strength to strength as the trilogy progresses.
April 30, 2015
This had interesting moments - which sounds like I'm damning it with faint praise, which isn't my intention.
Some of the characters were engaging - Insp Truchard was the sort of man you'd be happy to spend an evening in a bar with - but many of them held no appeal for me at all. In fact some were so thinly drawn that I'd be hard pressed to find a word to say about them.
There was too much 'wine talk' for my liking. I'm not remotely interested in wine making so these passages were tedious for me and I don't think they added anything to the story line. All the names of the wines blurred into one!
The ending of the story felt rather rushed as if there was nothing left to do except end the novel! It was unsatisfactory, garbled and I'm still not sure who did what and why, which left me feeling that I'd wasted my time trying to follow the plot!
I felt at times that the actual writing was stilted, as if the author was trying to be 'clever' and doesn't have the necessary skill to do so.
This was the first of a trilogy - I shan't be reading the other two!
Some of the characters were engaging - Insp Truchard was the sort of man you'd be happy to spend an evening in a bar with - but many of them held no appeal for me at all. In fact some were so thinly drawn that I'd be hard pressed to find a word to say about them.
There was too much 'wine talk' for my liking. I'm not remotely interested in wine making so these passages were tedious for me and I don't think they added anything to the story line. All the names of the wines blurred into one!
The ending of the story felt rather rushed as if there was nothing left to do except end the novel! It was unsatisfactory, garbled and I'm still not sure who did what and why, which left me feeling that I'd wasted my time trying to follow the plot!
I felt at times that the actual writing was stilted, as if the author was trying to be 'clever' and doesn't have the necessary skill to do so.
This was the first of a trilogy - I shan't be reading the other two!
December 26, 2016
Ca m'arrive de lire des romans en francais pour dans un sens reprendre mes etudes de francais et enrichir mon vocabulaire. Celui-ci a servi parfaitement l'objectif. La traduction de l'anglais par Francoise Renevret a reussi sur plusieurs niveaux, elle a transmis les voix des différents personnages, surtout les dialectes régionaux, l'humour pince-sans-rire de l’ecrivain, et tout en Français Authentique.
Pour un premier livre, cet ancien médecin généraliste a ecrit un roman policier où se mêlent histoire et suspense des regions viticoles avec des personnages crédibles et charmants, bien que sexistes par moments, ce qui rajoute a l’authenticité, ha ha!
Enfin, l'expertise médicale, viticole et culturelle de l'écrivain aussi nous permet d’apprends des choses donc ce n’est pas qu’un divertissement.
Pour un premier livre, cet ancien médecin généraliste a ecrit un roman policier où se mêlent histoire et suspense des regions viticoles avec des personnages crédibles et charmants, bien que sexistes par moments, ce qui rajoute a l’authenticité, ha ha!
Enfin, l'expertise médicale, viticole et culturelle de l'écrivain aussi nous permet d’apprends des choses donc ce n’est pas qu’un divertissement.
February 22, 2015
Full review here: https://salboho.wordpress.com/2014/08...
'I have only read a few modern crime novels myself and was expecting an action-packed plot full of unexpected twists from The Richebourg Affair. Instead I found that it was a slow-burner, picking up pace gradually as the case unravels. Cartmel successfully contrasts the intrigue and violence of a murder mystery with the slow-paced, pastoral life of a quiet French village. His vivid descriptions of Nuits-Saint-Georges, the sense of community in his novel and the flourishes of occasional French are strongly reminiscent of Joanne Harris’ Chocolat.'
'I have only read a few modern crime novels myself and was expecting an action-packed plot full of unexpected twists from The Richebourg Affair. Instead I found that it was a slow-burner, picking up pace gradually as the case unravels. Cartmel successfully contrasts the intrigue and violence of a murder mystery with the slow-paced, pastoral life of a quiet French village. His vivid descriptions of Nuits-Saint-Georges, the sense of community in his novel and the flourishes of occasional French are strongly reminiscent of Joanne Harris’ Chocolat.'
September 26, 2014
This is a very complex mystery with many elements and much depth. The setting is gorgeously depicted and the lead character, a Paris police officer home to pay his respects upon the death of his older brother, recognizes something is amiss and sets out to discover what it is. A strong start to this proposed trilogy of mysteries set in France's wine country. Read our full review, here: http://www.mysteriousreviews.com/myst...
January 19, 2015
Superb book, took me a little while to really get into it. Lots of strange words (to me) and I know nothing about wine or France. However once I had got a feel for the main characters I couldn't put it down, I found this book really interesting and Im so hoping a sequel is on the cards!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews