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Bruno, Chief of Police #1
Bruno, Chef de police
Bruno Courrèges – Polizist, Gourmet, Sporttrainer und begehrtester Junggeselle von Saint-Denis – wird an den Tatort eines Mordes gerufen. Ein algerischer Einwanderer, dessen Kinder in der Ortschaft wohnen, ist tot aufgefunden worden. Das Opfer ist ein Kriegsveteran, Träger des Croix de Guerre, und weil das Verbrechen offenbar rassistische Hintergründe hat, werden auch nationale Polizeibehörden eingeschaltet, die Bruno von den Ermittlungen ausschließen wollen. Doch der nutzt seine Ortskenntnisse und Beziehungen, ermittelt auf eigene Faust und deckt die weit in der Vergangenheit wurzelnden Ursachen des Verbrechens auf.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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14392 people want to read
About the author
Martin Walker
66 books1,540 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 2,670 reviews
June 16, 2018
Great detective novel!
WELCOME TO ST. DENIS
This is the first book, introducing the character of “Bruno”, who’s proper name is Benoît Courrèges, and he is the Chief of Police, in a small town named St. Denis, set in the región of Périgord, France.
St. Denis has been a town so calm that he rarely carries his service gun, and he doesn’t have any deputies. Bruno is close friend of the town’s mayor, and St. Denis is of those towns where everybody knows everybody.
However, their relaxed ambiance is suddenly shaken when the grandfather of a very known family (from Argelian and Arabic ethnics) is found dead, and not just dead but mutilated and with a Nazi swastika carved in his chest, along with the dissapearance of a French military medal given to the grandfather and an old rugby team photo.
The Gendarmerie garrison is immediately called for assistance, along with the Police Nationale (in France, there are at least three key police branches, and each respond to different ministries, so you can bet that many times, it results in a mess of jurisdictions).
The peaceful rutiny of St. Denis is soon turned into a socio-political war zone, with the involment of radical political parties’ members.
Moreover, government officials from Paris are doing pressure that that nasty crime has to be solved fast, making worse the situation sending a public prosecutor more interested to find a culprit (any culprit) than respecting the civic rights of St. Denis’ inhabitants.
While the investigation falls into the Gendarmerie and the Police Nationale, the Mayor pulled rank to keep Bruno, right in the middle of things, as his personal liaison, and in this way, not only Bruno can do his own investigation, but also he can give his personal advice and knowledge about the townspeople to the Gendarmerie regional head and the beautiful special inspector assigned to the case, but above all, to keep St. Denis as it was before as possible.
Bruno soon will discover that he didn’t know everybody as well as he used to think, that past always catches up with present, and that sometimes justice and peacekeeping aren’t synonymous, if you want to keep together a town.
The book not only has a gripping narrative style but also the author gives to the reader a deep (real deep!) knowledge about how things are done in France in several fields, its current socio-political idiosyncrasies, but also about France’s history (especially during WWII, but also other military conflicts), even history facts quite obscure that the majority of people (even in France) don’t know about that very country.
Bon appetit!
WELCOME TO ST. DENIS
This is the first book, introducing the character of “Bruno”, who’s proper name is Benoît Courrèges, and he is the Chief of Police, in a small town named St. Denis, set in the región of Périgord, France.
St. Denis has been a town so calm that he rarely carries his service gun, and he doesn’t have any deputies. Bruno is close friend of the town’s mayor, and St. Denis is of those towns where everybody knows everybody.
However, their relaxed ambiance is suddenly shaken when the grandfather of a very known family (from Argelian and Arabic ethnics) is found dead, and not just dead but mutilated and with a Nazi swastika carved in his chest, along with the dissapearance of a French military medal given to the grandfather and an old rugby team photo.
The Gendarmerie garrison is immediately called for assistance, along with the Police Nationale (in France, there are at least three key police branches, and each respond to different ministries, so you can bet that many times, it results in a mess of jurisdictions).
The peaceful rutiny of St. Denis is soon turned into a socio-political war zone, with the involment of radical political parties’ members.
Moreover, government officials from Paris are doing pressure that that nasty crime has to be solved fast, making worse the situation sending a public prosecutor more interested to find a culprit (any culprit) than respecting the civic rights of St. Denis’ inhabitants.
While the investigation falls into the Gendarmerie and the Police Nationale, the Mayor pulled rank to keep Bruno, right in the middle of things, as his personal liaison, and in this way, not only Bruno can do his own investigation, but also he can give his personal advice and knowledge about the townspeople to the Gendarmerie regional head and the beautiful special inspector assigned to the case, but above all, to keep St. Denis as it was before as possible.
Bruno soon will discover that he didn’t know everybody as well as he used to think, that past always catches up with present, and that sometimes justice and peacekeeping aren’t synonymous, if you want to keep together a town.
The book not only has a gripping narrative style but also the author gives to the reader a deep (real deep!) knowledge about how things are done in France in several fields, its current socio-political idiosyncrasies, but also about France’s history (especially during WWII, but also other military conflicts), even history facts quite obscure that the majority of people (even in France) don’t know about that very country.
Bon appetit!
December 2, 2015
Bruno (real name Benoît Courrèges), chief of police, is a complex man, with an agreeable personality, has a sense of humor, a fierce loyalty to his village- St Denis, with 3000 inhabitants-and a keen nose for detail. He has empathy and guts, patience and understanding. Above all, he is a beloved, but also a seriously underestimated policeman.
The rugby team is much more than a sports team; Bruno's loyalty demands that the village market is protected against the E.U. hygiene inspectors; children needs to be trained in tennis and yes, rugby. It's quite elementary my dear Watson: if he gets to know them as five-year-olds, he will know how to handle them as teenagers. More importantly, they will get to know their police chief and reconsider their wicket activities later in their lives. Then there is the village parades to be organized and the enjoyment of the obligatory leisurely lunches afterwards. That is, when he doesn't cook, can, or bake his own food.
When an old, respected war hero, Hamid al-Bakr, is brutally murdered, and his exsanguinated body is found by his grandson, the quirky inhabitants all become suspects. Revolt is threatening. The tourism industry is in danger. The politicians are nervous.
The swastika carved onto the victims torso takes the high profile investigation team to a dark place in French history where old sins breed fresh heartbreak
This is the first Martin Walker that I have read and it was an entertaining, adventurous, informative, dramatic, and excellent read. His writing style of bringing serious issues, really dark history and daily experiences to the table, without a neurotic, dark undercurrant, works in his favor, in my book at least.
The richness of the French countryside, the cultures, people, politics, geography and everything as French as it possibly can get, is splashed out over the sinister murder case. The ending simply celebrates Viva La France!
In this quiet village, all events are handled differently.
The rugby team is much more than a sports team; Bruno's loyalty demands that the village market is protected against the E.U. hygiene inspectors; children needs to be trained in tennis and yes, rugby. It's quite elementary my dear Watson: if he gets to know them as five-year-olds, he will know how to handle them as teenagers. More importantly, they will get to know their police chief and reconsider their wicket activities later in their lives. Then there is the village parades to be organized and the enjoyment of the obligatory leisurely lunches afterwards. That is, when he doesn't cook, can, or bake his own food.
When an old, respected war hero, Hamid al-Bakr, is brutally murdered, and his exsanguinated body is found by his grandson, the quirky inhabitants all become suspects. Revolt is threatening. The tourism industry is in danger. The politicians are nervous.
The swastika carved onto the victims torso takes the high profile investigation team to a dark place in French history where old sins breed fresh heartbreak
This is the first Martin Walker that I have read and it was an entertaining, adventurous, informative, dramatic, and excellent read. His writing style of bringing serious issues, really dark history and daily experiences to the table, without a neurotic, dark undercurrant, works in his favor, in my book at least.
The richness of the French countryside, the cultures, people, politics, geography and everything as French as it possibly can get, is splashed out over the sinister murder case. The ending simply celebrates Viva La France!
In this quiet village, all events are handled differently.
"... there were some problems beyond human solution, but none beyond human kindness."If all his books is like this one, he will be the number one crime-series writer in my book, with my sincere apologize to Louise Penny, but that's just how it is.
May 8, 2021
Rating: 3.75* of five
MAY 2021 UPDATE $1.99 ON KINDLE!
I really enjoy BRUNO, CHIEF OF POLICE, review at my blog, because a veteran gets a job, loves his town, cherishes his way of life, educates the local kids, and solves a crime...and remains a good guy throughout.
The antithesis of noir, so be warned/encouraged!
MAY 2021 UPDATE $1.99 ON KINDLE!
I really enjoy BRUNO, CHIEF OF POLICE, review at my blog, because a veteran gets a job, loves his town, cherishes his way of life, educates the local kids, and solves a crime...and remains a good guy throughout.
The antithesis of noir, so be warned/encouraged!
November 5, 2024
This is the first book in the 'Bruno, Chief of Police' series.
Benoit Courreges, Chief of Police of St. Denis, France, is known as Bruno to everyone in the tight little community.
Bruno loves the town and tries to ensure that the local traditions are not disturbed by pesky regulations from the European Union. Bruno turns a blind eye (and even helps the scofflaws), for example, when health inspectors who would ban some homemade goods from the weekly market are held up due to slashed tires or potatoes in their exhaust pipes.
Though St. Denis has a mixed population of native French men and women as well as Algerians and other foreigners, people get along and there is little serious crime. Thus Bruno has plenty of time to socialize, play tennis, teach tennis to youngsters, follow the local rugby team, make his own wine and paté, garden, and so on.
Then one day an Algerian grandfather is found brutally murdered in his cabin, a swastika carved into his chest and his medal of honor and a treasured photo missing. Members of the right-wing National Front, a political party that opposes immigration, immediately rise to the top of the suspect list.
Given the background between France and Algeria - as well as some anti-immigration sentiment - the investigation is politically sensitive. Thus big-wig detectives and officials are sent to St. Denis to take over the inquiry. Bruno has invaluable local knowledge however, and - with the help of some acquaintances - is instrumental in uncovering important clues.
Along the way Bruno has a romance, plays tennis doubles, has a delicious English meal prepared by two British ladies, drinks a good deal of wine and champagne, has a unique picnic, and so on. The author skillfully weaves the wonderful ambiance of St. Denis into the story, and the reader is simultaneously charmed by the town and intrigued by the murder investigation.
The story is full of interesting characters, including an Algerian math teacher and his family, two patriotic World War II veterans who haven't spoken for thirty years, mischievous children, hard-partying/drug-dealing teenagers, attractive ladies, political operatives, gendarmes, and more.
The murder investigation uncovers some interesting aspects of French/Algerian history while driving the story forward at a steady clip. All in all a very enjoyable cozy mystery, highly recommended.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
June 5, 2023
4.5★
“Karim kept his eyes firmly away from his grandfather’s corpse and pointed to the wall by the side of the fireplace, there were two nails in the wall but nothing hanging on either one.
. . .
‘The medal’s gone. And the photo.’
‘What photo?’Bruno asked.
‘His soccer team, the one he played on when he was young, in Marseilles.’”
This begins as a reasonably cheerful country-cop story in a small French village, where everyone knows each other – for better or for worse – and there seem to be no great surprises. Bruno seems a nice enough representative of the law, established as a well-liked member of the community.
In his van, he carries his fishing rod, his rugby boots, his tennis racket, and various items of local produce, eggs, cheese, etc. Some are his to give away or trade, and some are what he’s been given. He doesn’t wear all the usual police gear, but he knows where it is.
“There was a pair of ancient handcuffs somewhere in his van, but Bruno would have to conduct a search to find them. He had a flashlight but it could use a new set of batteries. The van’s glove compartment held a notebook and some pens, but the notebook was full of various recipes, the minutes of the last tennis-club meeting and a list of the names and phone numbers of the ‘minimes’, the young boys who had signed up for his tennis lessons.”
Recipes, tennis, kids. Nothing to see here. That is, until the aforementioned young Karim goes to his grandfather’s house and discovers his disembowelled body with a symbol carved onto his chest. Horrifying and unexpected in this village.
With only the medals and photo missing, Bruno has little to go on, but because of the nature of the murder, the fact that Hamid was Algerian, and the possible political fall-out, the higher-ups are called in, and Bruno has to take a back seat. Bruno is less than happy with the magistrate who arrives.
“The magistrate, a dapper and visibly ambitious young Frisian named Lucien Tavernier, who might just have reached the age of thirty, had arrived on an early morning flight down to Perigueux.
. . .
Tavernier studied them all through his chic black eyeglasses. His suit was black and clearly expensive, as was his knitted silk tie, and he wore a shirt with thick purple and white stripes. Lined up neatly on the conference table before him were a black leather-bound notebook and a matching Montblanc pen, the slimmest cell phone that Bruno had ever seen and a computer small enough to fit into his shirt pocket that seemed io deliver his e-mails. Phone and computer had come from black leather pouches on his belt. To Bruno, Tavernier looked like an emissary from an advanced and probably hostile civilization.”
As well as the magistrate and investigation team, we meet many of the townsfolk and visitors – this being a tourist destination – and Bruno is adept at keeping everyone reasonably comfortable. But wartime memories are long, and France struggled with Nazis, collaborators, and resistance fighters, meaning some families have remained enemies for decades.
“ ‘Do you keep a political list?”’ Duroc asked. ‘Fascists, communists, Front National types, activists, all that?’
‘No, never have and never had to,’ said Bruno. ‘The mayor usually knows how everyone votes, and they usually vote the same way they did last time, the same way their fathers did. He can usually tell you what the vote will be the day before the election and he’s never wrong by more than a dozen or so.’”
But there are some questionable young people, including ‘visitors’ to the region, and it looks as if there could be drugs involved. There seem to be a lot of tentative suspects, but no evidence, and nothing specific to suggest the motive for the grisly nature of this crime.
Bruno’s backstory crops up now and then, so we can see why he is alone and particularly sensitive to this kind of brutality. His background gives scope for more depth to his character than the day-to-day baskets of eggs and tennis lessons. Still, tennis and wonderful meals and interesting female companions feature throughout, which balances the grim mystery well.
Something I appreciated was how smoothly the author introduced the wartime history as part of the story. For someone like me, who didn’t grow up in a part of the world where war was on my doorstep, it helps me understand why memories endure and why people find it hard to forgive or forget.
Now, I’m hooked and hope to see Bruno again.
P.S. I imagine fans of Louise Penny might enjoy the atmosphere, the tone, and the food in Bruno’s world. He is no Gamache, but he has his own appeal.
“Karim kept his eyes firmly away from his grandfather’s corpse and pointed to the wall by the side of the fireplace, there were two nails in the wall but nothing hanging on either one.
. . .
‘The medal’s gone. And the photo.’
‘What photo?’Bruno asked.
‘His soccer team, the one he played on when he was young, in Marseilles.’”
This begins as a reasonably cheerful country-cop story in a small French village, where everyone knows each other – for better or for worse – and there seem to be no great surprises. Bruno seems a nice enough representative of the law, established as a well-liked member of the community.
In his van, he carries his fishing rod, his rugby boots, his tennis racket, and various items of local produce, eggs, cheese, etc. Some are his to give away or trade, and some are what he’s been given. He doesn’t wear all the usual police gear, but he knows where it is.
“There was a pair of ancient handcuffs somewhere in his van, but Bruno would have to conduct a search to find them. He had a flashlight but it could use a new set of batteries. The van’s glove compartment held a notebook and some pens, but the notebook was full of various recipes, the minutes of the last tennis-club meeting and a list of the names and phone numbers of the ‘minimes’, the young boys who had signed up for his tennis lessons.”
Recipes, tennis, kids. Nothing to see here. That is, until the aforementioned young Karim goes to his grandfather’s house and discovers his disembowelled body with a symbol carved onto his chest. Horrifying and unexpected in this village.
With only the medals and photo missing, Bruno has little to go on, but because of the nature of the murder, the fact that Hamid was Algerian, and the possible political fall-out, the higher-ups are called in, and Bruno has to take a back seat. Bruno is less than happy with the magistrate who arrives.
“The magistrate, a dapper and visibly ambitious young Frisian named Lucien Tavernier, who might just have reached the age of thirty, had arrived on an early morning flight down to Perigueux.
. . .
Tavernier studied them all through his chic black eyeglasses. His suit was black and clearly expensive, as was his knitted silk tie, and he wore a shirt with thick purple and white stripes. Lined up neatly on the conference table before him were a black leather-bound notebook and a matching Montblanc pen, the slimmest cell phone that Bruno had ever seen and a computer small enough to fit into his shirt pocket that seemed io deliver his e-mails. Phone and computer had come from black leather pouches on his belt. To Bruno, Tavernier looked like an emissary from an advanced and probably hostile civilization.”
As well as the magistrate and investigation team, we meet many of the townsfolk and visitors – this being a tourist destination – and Bruno is adept at keeping everyone reasonably comfortable. But wartime memories are long, and France struggled with Nazis, collaborators, and resistance fighters, meaning some families have remained enemies for decades.
“ ‘Do you keep a political list?”’ Duroc asked. ‘Fascists, communists, Front National types, activists, all that?’
‘No, never have and never had to,’ said Bruno. ‘The mayor usually knows how everyone votes, and they usually vote the same way they did last time, the same way their fathers did. He can usually tell you what the vote will be the day before the election and he’s never wrong by more than a dozen or so.’”
But there are some questionable young people, including ‘visitors’ to the region, and it looks as if there could be drugs involved. There seem to be a lot of tentative suspects, but no evidence, and nothing specific to suggest the motive for the grisly nature of this crime.
Bruno’s backstory crops up now and then, so we can see why he is alone and particularly sensitive to this kind of brutality. His background gives scope for more depth to his character than the day-to-day baskets of eggs and tennis lessons. Still, tennis and wonderful meals and interesting female companions feature throughout, which balances the grim mystery well.
Something I appreciated was how smoothly the author introduced the wartime history as part of the story. For someone like me, who didn’t grow up in a part of the world where war was on my doorstep, it helps me understand why memories endure and why people find it hard to forgive or forget.
Now, I’m hooked and hope to see Bruno again.
P.S. I imagine fans of Louise Penny might enjoy the atmosphere, the tone, and the food in Bruno’s world. He is no Gamache, but he has his own appeal.
March 13, 2015
Posted to The Literary Lawyer.ca
A Wonderful Surprise - 5 Stars
When I was looking for a book to read, I picked a number and randomly chose this one. I have no idea how it came to my attention or how it ended up on my list. Judging by the cover and description alone, this is not one I would normally pick up. If you simply look at these two things you will expect to read a cozy mystery but that is simply not the case. While the setting is quaint and the characters colorful, this is not a simple light mystery.
Plot Outline
The story centers around the small French commune of St. Denis and their Municipal police officer, Bruno. Bruno is no simple small town cop. He is connected closely with the mayor and has a complex history with a history of service to France. He spends his days dealing with minor issues and helping resolve them while looking out for the good of his community. The sleepy café town is rocked when an elderly war hero is brutally murdered in his rural cabin. Not only is he a war hero but he was also an Algerian Muslim and the fears of the mass immigration from Muslim countries is stoked. As the mystery unfolds, dark secrets are exposed and Bruno's resolve is tested and he faces what is best for his town and what the law requires.
My Thoughts
A spectacular introduction to the author. I have never been one for "cozy" mysteries but after years of reading crime mysteries that have become progressively darker, it is such a relief to find a mature and compelling mystery with excellent sense of place and colorful characters. While there is extensive discussion on the qualities of French wine and the review of the pleasant formalities of a small French café town, the novel is never cute or silly. The fact is, the novel deals with some serious issues of racism, fears related to immigration and years of French policy and war. While this is not gritty as other small town crime mysteries, i.e. Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series, it is not akin to a mystery such as "The Long Quiche Goodbye" or some other novel with a cutesy name.
For myself, the sense of setting was a major draw in this book. The author went to great lengths to make the town a character in the story with its own personality, feelings and history. The ability to create this quaint feelings and than bring real concerns such as murder and racism into this idyllic setting was expertly done. Although I may be repeating myself, I enjoyed the balance between the quaint and the gritty. The result was a wonderful reading experience.
If you only want to read about gruesome serial murders or only want dark and grisly world of authors such as Mo Hayder, you may not enjoy this. If you want to read about a place you would like to visit and competent people to face the serious business that fall upon them, this is the novel for you. In my opinion, this strikes the perfect balance between entertaining mystery and wonderful setting while exposing us to many colorful characters. At the time of writing this, I am already reading the third in the series and will continue to read on. I highly recommend this one and suggest you give it a try!
Can this one stand alone Yes. It is the first book of the series.
Sex - 2.5
There are a few sex scenes but they are not explicit. Bruno is relatively young and unmarried. He is not adverse to adult relationships. The characters often find themselves commenting on the qualities of the women but again, it is not explicit.
Language
There is mild use of language throughout. Some of the language is French and I only assume they are swearing. It is hard to be offended if you don't know what they are saying!
Violence - 2.5
There main storyline focus around a murder in the town. It is moderately graphic. There is some discussion of horrors of war and some elements of racism. There is some fisticuffs but nothing too graphic in that regard.
A Wonderful Surprise - 5 Stars
When I was looking for a book to read, I picked a number and randomly chose this one. I have no idea how it came to my attention or how it ended up on my list. Judging by the cover and description alone, this is not one I would normally pick up. If you simply look at these two things you will expect to read a cozy mystery but that is simply not the case. While the setting is quaint and the characters colorful, this is not a simple light mystery.
Plot Outline
The story centers around the small French commune of St. Denis and their Municipal police officer, Bruno. Bruno is no simple small town cop. He is connected closely with the mayor and has a complex history with a history of service to France. He spends his days dealing with minor issues and helping resolve them while looking out for the good of his community. The sleepy café town is rocked when an elderly war hero is brutally murdered in his rural cabin. Not only is he a war hero but he was also an Algerian Muslim and the fears of the mass immigration from Muslim countries is stoked. As the mystery unfolds, dark secrets are exposed and Bruno's resolve is tested and he faces what is best for his town and what the law requires.
My Thoughts
A spectacular introduction to the author. I have never been one for "cozy" mysteries but after years of reading crime mysteries that have become progressively darker, it is such a relief to find a mature and compelling mystery with excellent sense of place and colorful characters. While there is extensive discussion on the qualities of French wine and the review of the pleasant formalities of a small French café town, the novel is never cute or silly. The fact is, the novel deals with some serious issues of racism, fears related to immigration and years of French policy and war. While this is not gritty as other small town crime mysteries, i.e. Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder series, it is not akin to a mystery such as "The Long Quiche Goodbye" or some other novel with a cutesy name.
For myself, the sense of setting was a major draw in this book. The author went to great lengths to make the town a character in the story with its own personality, feelings and history. The ability to create this quaint feelings and than bring real concerns such as murder and racism into this idyllic setting was expertly done. Although I may be repeating myself, I enjoyed the balance between the quaint and the gritty. The result was a wonderful reading experience.
If you only want to read about gruesome serial murders or only want dark and grisly world of authors such as Mo Hayder, you may not enjoy this. If you want to read about a place you would like to visit and competent people to face the serious business that fall upon them, this is the novel for you. In my opinion, this strikes the perfect balance between entertaining mystery and wonderful setting while exposing us to many colorful characters. At the time of writing this, I am already reading the third in the series and will continue to read on. I highly recommend this one and suggest you give it a try!
Can this one stand alone Yes. It is the first book of the series.
Sex - 2.5
There are a few sex scenes but they are not explicit. Bruno is relatively young and unmarried. He is not adverse to adult relationships. The characters often find themselves commenting on the qualities of the women but again, it is not explicit.
Language
There is mild use of language throughout. Some of the language is French and I only assume they are swearing. It is hard to be offended if you don't know what they are saying!
Violence - 2.5
There main storyline focus around a murder in the town. It is moderately graphic. There is some discussion of horrors of war and some elements of racism. There is some fisticuffs but nothing too graphic in that regard.
January 14, 2023
I have been waiting ages to find the time to fit his series into my reading time and I am so glad I have managed it at last. Bruno is a great character and the setting of the small French town of St Denis is just perfect.
Bruno is a charismatic man who spends the whole book charming the ladies, debating himself and others out of trouble, cooking up a veritable gastronomic storm, and generally enjoying his life very much. It was a pleasure to read. Of course there were crimes and there were political issues but Bruno seems like the person to make it all go away and I was happy to be in his hands.
I very much enjoyed this introduction to the series and intend to continue. I have great hopes for an ongoing and entertaining reading journey:)
Bruno is a charismatic man who spends the whole book charming the ladies, debating himself and others out of trouble, cooking up a veritable gastronomic storm, and generally enjoying his life very much. It was a pleasure to read. Of course there were crimes and there were political issues but Bruno seems like the person to make it all go away and I was happy to be in his hands.
I very much enjoyed this introduction to the series and intend to continue. I have great hopes for an ongoing and entertaining reading journey:)
November 5, 2011
This book had three things going for it. One was the setting. The reader gets a very good feel for the small village of St. Denis, and by extension can probably better appreciate the tempo and undercurrents in any small village, no matter where located in the world. Another was the history from the WW II era, interconnected with immigration issues, which of course are very relevant today. And, finally, it had a good plot and plot twists along the way.
I saw two problems with the book. One was the dialogue in many cases. It seemed awkward and stilted and it also seemed to aim for your typical 14 year old reader. I didn't think that was very well done. The other was that the main charcter, Bruno, or should I say, St. Bruno, has basically nothing wrong with him. A war hero, a great cook, a wine connoisseur, great with kids, kisses from all the women in the village, handshakes from all the men when he makes his rounds, an extraordinary handyman, etc. About the only weakness indicated is perhaps a need for a stronger backhand during his matches at the local tennis club. That all makes him more of a saccharine figure than an interesting or memorable character. He is also the only investigator in the book who, despite colleagues who are equally committed and in many cases more experienced,comes up with all the brilliant deductions and observations (even though many of them are fairly obvious ones).
Putting all the above together, I still enjoyed the book, but I think it could have been much better. Perhaps things will move in that direction as this series progresses (?).
I saw two problems with the book. One was the dialogue in many cases. It seemed awkward and stilted and it also seemed to aim for your typical 14 year old reader. I didn't think that was very well done. The other was that the main charcter, Bruno, or should I say, St. Bruno, has basically nothing wrong with him. A war hero, a great cook, a wine connoisseur, great with kids, kisses from all the women in the village, handshakes from all the men when he makes his rounds, an extraordinary handyman, etc. About the only weakness indicated is perhaps a need for a stronger backhand during his matches at the local tennis club. That all makes him more of a saccharine figure than an interesting or memorable character. He is also the only investigator in the book who, despite colleagues who are equally committed and in many cases more experienced,comes up with all the brilliant deductions and observations (even though many of them are fairly obvious ones).
Putting all the above together, I still enjoyed the book, but I think it could have been much better. Perhaps things will move in that direction as this series progresses (?).
December 15, 2010
I wanted to like this book more than I did. I enjoyed the locale of the book. I enjoyed the time period in which it was set. However, I felt the story dragged terribly. It lacked suspense and seemed to get bogged down in the details of small-town life. Plus, the main character seemed more caught up in what woman he might decide to date rather than in the urgency of solving the crime. I doubt I'll read any more books in this series.
April 16, 2019
Benoît Courrèges (otherwise known as Bruno) is Chief of Police in the sleepy, well behaved little French town of St Denis in the Périgord region. He runs a tight ship but has a laissez faire attitude to rules he thinks over-bureaucratic - such as the regulations the EU tries to impose on the villagers farm made cheeses and patés that they have been selling in the markets for generations.
The peace of Bruno's town is shattered by the gruesome death of an elderly grandfather from an Algerian family. His war medal from the French Government and an old rugby team photo are the only things taken by the killers. The investigation is soon taken over by the Gendarmerie and an officious prosecutor and (very attractive female) Inspector are sent from the National Police with Bruno having to step back and play an advisory role. The murder appears to be politically motivated and the police focus on the radical political parties in the area, however Bruno believes the murder may have it's roots deep in the past.
I enjoyed this well written opening episode in this series and hope to visit st Denis again soon. Bruno is a wonderful character with a strong moral sense of justice and a preference for doing what he feels is right rather than strictly following the rules. He has a lot of female admirers and soon strikes up a romance with the attractive female Inspector assigned to the case. There are a lot of events that require special meals or an apertif of glass of wine so don't be surprised if you develop a hankering for a nice French cheese or paté with a piece of crusty bread and a glass of wine while reading this.
The peace of Bruno's town is shattered by the gruesome death of an elderly grandfather from an Algerian family. His war medal from the French Government and an old rugby team photo are the only things taken by the killers. The investigation is soon taken over by the Gendarmerie and an officious prosecutor and (very attractive female) Inspector are sent from the National Police with Bruno having to step back and play an advisory role. The murder appears to be politically motivated and the police focus on the radical political parties in the area, however Bruno believes the murder may have it's roots deep in the past.
I enjoyed this well written opening episode in this series and hope to visit st Denis again soon. Bruno is a wonderful character with a strong moral sense of justice and a preference for doing what he feels is right rather than strictly following the rules. He has a lot of female admirers and soon strikes up a romance with the attractive female Inspector assigned to the case. There are a lot of events that require special meals or an apertif of glass of wine so don't be surprised if you develop a hankering for a nice French cheese or paté with a piece of crusty bread and a glass of wine while reading this.
August 28, 2017
Okay. A friend who loves Louise Penny recommended this book because of the correlations - murder mystery and food. Sadly, this tired little book sets you up to read about "not-so-fascinating" (or even vaguely new) ways to marinate a steak & make a simple salad and ADDS (hold on!!!) - extreme detail - the age of the lettuce & who brings it into the kitchen and when to serve it with the "perfect potatoes" (NOT a spoiler, I assure you). Yes, this Bruno dude is apparently the alpha male of all Renaissance men writ French since 9/11, but I assure you, he's not terribly interesting, whatever his sexual predilections -- if we knew what interested him (aside from himself), this book might have some value. It doesn't. Read ANYTHING else (cereal box comes to mind). BTW: yes, there's a murder. Several cops investigate. Surprise! Only the supreme, self-satisfied (not so boy) "wonder" Bruno finds the clues, etc. Wake me up when this series ends
August 28, 2013
Very disappointing for me after all the good reviews. Lots of clunky exposition: "The Elysée Palace was the official home, as well as the personal office, of the president of France." Translate that to American, "The White House was the official home, as well as the personal office, of the president of the United States." Ponderous and unnecessary and meriting a huge eye roll. This was compounded by dialogue that was stilted and flatly unreal and used for even more clunky exposition. Add in a lot of very Mayle-esque clichés and there you have it.
November 14, 2016
I found the first in the Bruno, Chief of Police series an enjoyable read, full of local colour. It's probably 3 1/2 stars for me. The detective, Bruno, is an appealing character, who has a few demons from the past, but loves his life in St Denis, a small town in the Dordogne. He enjoys cooking delicious meals, as well as sampling the local wines. He is also happy to cover up minor offences committed by members of the local community, and to tell more than a few white lies to visiting police from city forces.
However, even though I liked Bruno and enjoyed the evocative portrayal of a sleepy small French town, for me the novel is somewhat uneven. It opens with a very grim murder, as an elderly Algerian war veteran is found dead with a swastika carved into his chest, suggesting that racists could be responsible and recalling memories of the area's Resistance past. This is a fascinating and disturbing story, but it's a bit of a jump to go from Bruno's investigations into this dark story to his picnics in the French sunshine.
I was also irritated by the way that our hero airily regards the law against drink-driving as an irrelevance. He repeatedly gets behind the wheel after numerous glasses of wine, and seems to think it's fine as long as he doesn't run into any of his fellow officers on the way home! He takes a similar view of EU food safety regulations as a joke which can safely be ignored. Of course, he may be forced to rethink these views in a future book.
At the end of the book in the Kindle edition I read, following the close of the novel, there are several pages of tips for tourists, suggesting that quite an industry must have built up among people keen to trace Bruno's footsteps and see the Dordogne scenery for themselves. I'm definitely tempted, and may well read more in the series.
However, even though I liked Bruno and enjoyed the evocative portrayal of a sleepy small French town, for me the novel is somewhat uneven. It opens with a very grim murder, as an elderly Algerian war veteran is found dead with a swastika carved into his chest, suggesting that racists could be responsible and recalling memories of the area's Resistance past. This is a fascinating and disturbing story, but it's a bit of a jump to go from Bruno's investigations into this dark story to his picnics in the French sunshine.
I was also irritated by the way that our hero airily regards the law against drink-driving as an irrelevance. He repeatedly gets behind the wheel after numerous glasses of wine, and seems to think it's fine as long as he doesn't run into any of his fellow officers on the way home! He takes a similar view of EU food safety regulations as a joke which can safely be ignored. Of course, he may be forced to rethink these views in a future book.
At the end of the book in the Kindle edition I read, following the close of the novel, there are several pages of tips for tourists, suggesting that quite an industry must have built up among people keen to trace Bruno's footsteps and see the Dordogne scenery for themselves. I'm definitely tempted, and may well read more in the series.
July 4, 2017
Bruno is the likable Chief of Police--and only policeman--in the fictional village of St Denis in the French Dordogne. Bruno has great people skills, knows everyone in the community, and is treated like a surrogate son by the mayor. He builds trust by volunteering to teach tennis and rugby to the children, and he knows their characters well by the time they reach their teenage years.
The calm atmosphere in the village is broken when an old Algerian immigrant (who has family in the village) is found murdered with a swastika carved on his chest. Bruno uses his local knowledge to help the national police investigate the crime. Concerns involving immigration, racism, and loss of tourism are important to the people in the village. Old resentments exist from activities in Vichy France during World War II.
The author lives part-time in the Dordogne, and his love for southwestern France and its wonderful food is obvious. As a journalist he is very aware of French political issues which he worked into the plot. I enjoyed this light mystery and its charming policeman. You'll want to pour yourself a glass of French wine, and grab some baguettes and cheese to thoroughly enjoy the experience.
The author's website has beautiful photos of some of the places featured in the series of Bruno books:
http://www.brunochiefofpolice.com/
The calm atmosphere in the village is broken when an old Algerian immigrant (who has family in the village) is found murdered with a swastika carved on his chest. Bruno uses his local knowledge to help the national police investigate the crime. Concerns involving immigration, racism, and loss of tourism are important to the people in the village. Old resentments exist from activities in Vichy France during World War II.
The author lives part-time in the Dordogne, and his love for southwestern France and its wonderful food is obvious. As a journalist he is very aware of French political issues which he worked into the plot. I enjoyed this light mystery and its charming policeman. You'll want to pour yourself a glass of French wine, and grab some baguettes and cheese to thoroughly enjoy the experience.
The author's website has beautiful photos of some of the places featured in the series of Bruno books:
http://www.brunochiefofpolice.com/
December 31, 2019
Grāmata - pārsteigums. Pēc vāka un apraksta gaidīju kaut ko vairāk cosy detective stilā par mazpilsētas policista lielajiem piedzīvojumiem, izmeklējot slepkavību. Bet būt lauku policistam izrādās nozīmē izskatīt apnicīgas kaimiņu savstarpējās sūdzības, pieskatīt mītiņus, tirdziņos sargāt vietējo garšīgumiņu vārītājus no Briseles uzsūtītajiem burta kalpiem. Bet slepkavību lietās ir priekšnieks uz priekšnieka līdz pat pašai Parīzei, cits par citu svarīgāks. Un Bruno tiek vien loma asistēt ar vietējām zināšanām par cilvēkiem un notikumiem.
Tā sanāk, ka pēdējā nedēļā šo grāmatu laikam ir lasījuši daudzi un ar visai atšķirīgiem panākumiem. Gaumes ir patiešām dažādas, un man negaidīti ļoti patika šis stāsts, kur patiesībā slepkavības izmeklēšana aizņem pavisam mazu grāmatas daļu, bet daudz ir stāstīts par Francijas mazpilsētas sadzīvi, cilvēkiem, par vēsturi un to, kā tā arvien atmet savas cilpas uz tagadni.
Pats noziegums ir neglīts un uzceļ neglītas lietas gan no Francijas vēstures, gan mūsdienām. Nacisma laika noziegumi un šodienas naidīgums pret imigrantiem uz jaukā un puķainā lauku ainavas fona. Kopumā ļoti patika, noteikti gribēšu turpināt sēriju, cerot, ka autors būs drusku piešāvies vīriešu un sieviešu attiecību aprakstīšanā, citādi pagaidām bija vietām diezgan neveikli.
Tā sanāk, ka pēdējā nedēļā šo grāmatu laikam ir lasījuši daudzi un ar visai atšķirīgiem panākumiem. Gaumes ir patiešām dažādas, un man negaidīti ļoti patika šis stāsts, kur patiesībā slepkavības izmeklēšana aizņem pavisam mazu grāmatas daļu, bet daudz ir stāstīts par Francijas mazpilsētas sadzīvi, cilvēkiem, par vēsturi un to, kā tā arvien atmet savas cilpas uz tagadni.
Pats noziegums ir neglīts un uzceļ neglītas lietas gan no Francijas vēstures, gan mūsdienām. Nacisma laika noziegumi un šodienas naidīgums pret imigrantiem uz jaukā un puķainā lauku ainavas fona. Kopumā ļoti patika, noteikti gribēšu turpināt sēriju, cerot, ka autors būs drusku piešāvies vīriešu un sieviešu attiecību aprakstīšanā, citādi pagaidām bija vietām diezgan neveikli.
January 26, 2020
Patīkams detektīvs,kura darbība notiek nelielā Francijas ciematiņā. Tiek nogalināts vecs arābs,kurš uzskatīts par kara varoni. Tomēr primārais nav šī detektīvlīnija, autors vairāk koncentrējies uz kolorīto tēlu aprakstiem - franču zemnieki,kuri neieredz ES regulas, skaļās tirgussievas,koķetās franču jaunkundzes, divi veci Pretošanās kustības dalībnieki, kuri nesarunājās jau kopš Višī laikiem - tas viss ļoti trāpīgi attēlots. Daudz jauna var uzzināt tieši par Francijas kara vēsturi. Patika,ka nebija tās drūmās noskaņas, kas raksturīga skandināvu detektīviem, drīzāk tāds franču joie de vivre,kas varētu būt saistīts ar lielo vīna un kruasānu patēriņu.
April 23, 2012
A real enjoyable who-dunnit in St. Denis, France. Wonderful descriptions of the Dordogne Valley and their meals and wines make for a satisfying read alone, but the mystery was good too. Really like the character Bruno, the chief of police and look forward to reading the next book in his series!
September 17, 2010
This quick and delightful read probably merits only 4 or 4.5 stars because Bruno and his world are almost too perfect. Andy Griffith and Mayberry came to mind more than once. But nothing from Aunt Bea's kitchen could rival the gastronomic pleasures enjoyed by the lucky residents of St. Denis, a tiny hamlet tucked into the Perigord region of southwest France. The descriptions of the food and the landscape were irresistible to this Francophile. Though the mystery itself was somewhat simple, it was a great teaching tool: I learned more about France's thorny history with Algeria and the complicated relationship that exists today with its Muslim population. That alone is worth five stars to me.
And Bruno himself stands in refreshing contrast to the numerous dark-sided sleuths and police men and women that populate so many other mysteries. He puts his community first and tends to think the best of everyone. He relies on common sense and extensive personal knowledge of St. Denis to solve crimes. And besides coaching the local kids at tennis and rugby, he can throw together the perfect omelet, complete with truffles found on his own land. What's not to like?
I'd be disappointed if we didn't see more of Bruno, as the character, the locale, and French history are the perfect ingredients for an entertaining series.
And Bruno himself stands in refreshing contrast to the numerous dark-sided sleuths and police men and women that populate so many other mysteries. He puts his community first and tends to think the best of everyone. He relies on common sense and extensive personal knowledge of St. Denis to solve crimes. And besides coaching the local kids at tennis and rugby, he can throw together the perfect omelet, complete with truffles found on his own land. What's not to like?
I'd be disappointed if we didn't see more of Bruno, as the character, the locale, and French history are the perfect ingredients for an entertaining series.
April 21, 2018
Your enthusiam may not equal mine, but I think you will find this a rewarding story set in contemporary southwest rural France. I have only explored a part of The Périgord, but Walker's descriptions ring true. His mystery involves local customs and characters and the relationship between the EU, France, The Périgord, and the little town of St. Denis, when a Muslim villager is killed with what looks like a swastika carved in his body.
"Bruno", around whom this story revolves, is the chief of (and only) police of the town. He has (like Miss Marple) come to know his villagers well. As the tale progresses we learn a lot about the levels of bureaucracy and politics.
Walker's emphasis on food, wine, the day to day life among the residents, tourists and foreign influences is a delight. It also gives a good bit of insight into the issues and challenges for contemporary France. He may more traditional in his handling of romance, but that doesn't seem to hurt his plot. Well done.
"Bruno", around whom this story revolves, is the chief of (and only) police of the town. He has (like Miss Marple) come to know his villagers well. As the tale progresses we learn a lot about the levels of bureaucracy and politics.
Walker's emphasis on food, wine, the day to day life among the residents, tourists and foreign influences is a delight. It also gives a good bit of insight into the issues and challenges for contemporary France. He may more traditional in his handling of romance, but that doesn't seem to hurt his plot. Well done.
April 3, 2015
When I first heard about this novel it sounded somewhat similar to Hamish Macbeth whose policing job took place in a world he loves, he knows the people and their limitations, is a bachelor and too many women want him but he is just not ready to settle for whatever reason.
The difference being that Bruno is grounded in the French countryside around the city of Saint Denis. Both hero's make their surroundings sound like well worth a visit.
A war hero is found being murdered in a hideous way and before long Paris decides that this case has a lot of political worth and they send their best to take care of this obvious racially motivated murder. Then there is a new chef of the Gendarme who overvalues his own importance and insight and is bound to make a mess due to a lack of insight. The EU inspectors that check upon French products in order to enforce their European laws are not welcome. And most certainly the folks from Front National are bound to pop up when the suspects are their comrades in their struggle of a France free of unFrench like persons.
Bruno Courreges might be the chief of police he does not have a lot of pull in this potential explosive situation. And it takes his insight and commitment to make sure that a murder is solved and that the racists go away and leave his little beautiful town in peace. the final solution is found in Frances shameful WW2 past and will be a shocker nonetheless.
A very moody and nice cozy crime novel, even if the initial crime is rather awefull, that does manage to be cliched but original at the same time. And it is a rather easy read that leaves you wanting for more. A decent enough first installment that manages to be painful and recognizable.
Well worth the praise.
The difference being that Bruno is grounded in the French countryside around the city of Saint Denis. Both hero's make their surroundings sound like well worth a visit.
A war hero is found being murdered in a hideous way and before long Paris decides that this case has a lot of political worth and they send their best to take care of this obvious racially motivated murder. Then there is a new chef of the Gendarme who overvalues his own importance and insight and is bound to make a mess due to a lack of insight. The EU inspectors that check upon French products in order to enforce their European laws are not welcome. And most certainly the folks from Front National are bound to pop up when the suspects are their comrades in their struggle of a France free of unFrench like persons.
Bruno Courreges might be the chief of police he does not have a lot of pull in this potential explosive situation. And it takes his insight and commitment to make sure that a murder is solved and that the racists go away and leave his little beautiful town in peace. the final solution is found in Frances shameful WW2 past and will be a shocker nonetheless.
A very moody and nice cozy crime novel, even if the initial crime is rather awefull, that does manage to be cliched but original at the same time. And it is a rather easy read that leaves you wanting for more. A decent enough first installment that manages to be painful and recognizable.
Well worth the praise.
May 30, 2023
Despite the modern shop fronts on the ground floor, women still leaned from the balconies of the apartments above as their grand-mothers and great grand-mothers had, summoning their kids from playing in the alleys, calling to one another across the street and hanging their washing out to dry on the wrought iron railings. There was something slow and timeless in the ways of his town and in the familiarity of the street and its people that he found calming, despite the bustle of errands and commerce and the constant metallic ballet of cars trying to squeeze themselves into the narrowest of parking spaces.
First published in 2008, this reader is late to the party in the delightful and at times moving and harrowing story of “Bruno” – Benoit Courréges – fiercely loyal to the town of St Denis in the SW France province of Périgord, its customs, its cuisine and idiosyncrasies. When the normally peaceful town (with a long and chequered history) is shocked by the brutal murder of an aging Algerian who fought for the French and was awarded the Croix de Guerre, Police Nationale are brought in from Paris to investigate, with local opinion split along racial lines and old wounds resurfacing from the time of Nazi occupation.
Beyond the murder there are the contemporary subplots of illicit drugs being smuggled into the area and a heart-warming segment where Bruno defends the locals in the market against EU food inspectors. There is romance here too, but I particularly like the way author, Martin Walker, describes people in broad brushstrokes without getting bogged down in detail. All in all, the perfect introduction to a series, leaving this reader wanting more.
First published in 2008, this reader is late to the party in the delightful and at times moving and harrowing story of “Bruno” – Benoit Courréges – fiercely loyal to the town of St Denis in the SW France province of Périgord, its customs, its cuisine and idiosyncrasies. When the normally peaceful town (with a long and chequered history) is shocked by the brutal murder of an aging Algerian who fought for the French and was awarded the Croix de Guerre, Police Nationale are brought in from Paris to investigate, with local opinion split along racial lines and old wounds resurfacing from the time of Nazi occupation.
Beyond the murder there are the contemporary subplots of illicit drugs being smuggled into the area and a heart-warming segment where Bruno defends the locals in the market against EU food inspectors. There is romance here too, but I particularly like the way author, Martin Walker, describes people in broad brushstrokes without getting bogged down in detail. All in all, the perfect introduction to a series, leaving this reader wanting more.
September 29, 2025
[7/10]
His thick, dark hair was crisply cut, his warm brown eyes had a twinkle, and his generous mouth seemed ready to break into a smile.
Since this is the first book of a long and successful series, let’s start by meeting the lead character : Benoit Couregges, better known as Bruno, the garde champestre of the little fictional town of St. Dennis in the Perigord region of France. His portrait here is also useful for setting up the tone of the novel: closer to the cosy mystery subgenre than to the gritty noir standards. The disconnect between the charming rural lifestyle of the locals and the gruesome murder that kickstarts the series is probably intentional on the part of the author, but in the end my own impression is that the murder is just a pretext for introducing readers to Bruno and to the colourful cast of local characters, to the culinary traditions and to the bloody history of the region. I think the local color covers about two thirds of the novel, with the murder investigation coming in as a sort of afterthought.
Bruno’s first murder, and as far as he knew the commune’s first as well.
Martin Walker builds his case rather well out of the elements I mentioned earlier: local history and the tightly knit community where the intimate knowledge of a local cop trumps the expertise of departmental and governmental police institutions. I already knew from several other French ‘polars’ about the almost byzantine architecture of competing departments that get involved in a crime investigation. The bloody murder of a local war veteran of Algerian origins adds a major political component, draws radical elements of the extreme right militias to St Dennis and threatens the local business community that relies heavily on tourism and on a wholesome public image.
>>><<<>>><<<
I wasn’t really keen on starting the series, despite the mostly positive buzz from my friends on Goodreads. The first reason is that I am wary of very long series set in a small community. I think it is very hard for authors to come up with imaginative and credible ideas for crimes in an environment better known for having the lowest incidence of violence in any country. Once a series becomes successful and the publishers decide to turn it into a franchise, the location becomes a hotbed of serial killers, domestic violence and multi-generation vendettas.
The second source of hesitation is the fact that I read Martin Walker’s earlier novel set in the same region: The Caves of Perigord, and we didn’t hit it off. Walker was certainly a good storyteller there and a serious researcher, but he seemed unable to put aside his politics or to create convincing characters.
Bruno, Chief of Police is definitely an improvement over his debut thriller, and it is a much shorter book. The dialogues are flowing naturally, the touches of humor are well handled, the secondary characters are interesting instead of cardboard. Because I was looking for them, the politics are still rubbing me the wrong way, but there is nuance and space for balance even here.
On no occasion had Bruno’s gun ever been used on duty, a fact of which he was extremely but privately proud.
Bruno is I think libertarian and right-leaning, with a casual and personal approach to the application of the letter of the law. The interests of the local community trump the orders that come down from Perigueux or Paris. Those from the bureaucrats in Bruxelles are to be fought against, maquis style, and with the full support of our local sheriff:
“It’s my home and it’s my job to defend it.”
It’s difficult not to bring up political issues when the actual murder case is either politically or racially motivated and is about to blow up not only in St Dennis, but on a national scale. The victim is a Harki , a former member of the Algerian paramilitary units that fought with the French army against their own co-nationals in the war of independence, only to be treated as dirty immigrants and persecuted by the French nationalists after the war. The case might also be connected with the Resistance in World War Two and with other paramilitary units that helped the Nazis to terrorize the Perigord farmers who were suspected of helping the maquis. To complicate matters even further, the corruption of youth by drugs, internet and pornography is also brought up.
Before I switch to the things I actually liked about the story, those that I think will make me continue reading the next couple of episodes, I have a last quote that I need to put in spoiler tags, included because it confirms my earlier impression that Martin Walker is structuring his book as a western set in rural France, one where the local sheriff functions as both judge and executor :
>>><<<>>><<<
I have spent myself a very fine vacation in Perigord in 2017. It was the reason I picked up that debut novel by Walker in the first place: to compare notes on Lascaux, foie gras, confit de canard, Laguiole knives, old hamlets, walnut brandy, the best wines to try and so on. This book was an occasion to revisit those charming locations, and in this aspect the story delivers the goods so well that it kind of overwhelms the actual murder case for me.
Bruno and his friends spend more time enjoying their hunting, fishing, cooking and gossiping. And, being French, we would expect the leading man to have a discerning eye for the female form and to try to bed every appealing woman that crosses his path. Of course, we need these sort of details in a first book of the series: to get know the place and its people, to get immersed in local culture, even to poke fun at the infamous British cuisine with a challenge to provide a competing dinner only with products from across the Channel.
... everyone who came to his housewarming brought him a bottle of good wine to lay down in the cellar that he and Joe had built under the new wing.
I checked, and the following episodes have better ratings than this first book. Bruno seems capable to carry the franchise forward on his own merits and personality, and the supporting cast introduced here will I hope make me less critical of the offering.
I’m happy here, Isabelle,” he said. “I’m busy, I think I’m useful and I’m certainly not wasted. It’s a way of life that pleases me and I’ve seen enough violence and drama in my time.”
I think there will be more violence and drama in store for our Bruno, but also more dinners in the company of lovely and sophisticated ladies, more games of cat-and-mouse with the food inspectors, more wine tasting and more traipsing around the hills of Perigord.
His thick, dark hair was crisply cut, his warm brown eyes had a twinkle, and his generous mouth seemed ready to break into a smile.
Since this is the first book of a long and successful series, let’s start by meeting the lead character : Benoit Couregges, better known as Bruno, the garde champestre of the little fictional town of St. Dennis in the Perigord region of France. His portrait here is also useful for setting up the tone of the novel: closer to the cosy mystery subgenre than to the gritty noir standards. The disconnect between the charming rural lifestyle of the locals and the gruesome murder that kickstarts the series is probably intentional on the part of the author, but in the end my own impression is that the murder is just a pretext for introducing readers to Bruno and to the colourful cast of local characters, to the culinary traditions and to the bloody history of the region. I think the local color covers about two thirds of the novel, with the murder investigation coming in as a sort of afterthought.
Bruno’s first murder, and as far as he knew the commune’s first as well.
Martin Walker builds his case rather well out of the elements I mentioned earlier: local history and the tightly knit community where the intimate knowledge of a local cop trumps the expertise of departmental and governmental police institutions. I already knew from several other French ‘polars’ about the almost byzantine architecture of competing departments that get involved in a crime investigation. The bloody murder of a local war veteran of Algerian origins adds a major political component, draws radical elements of the extreme right militias to St Dennis and threatens the local business community that relies heavily on tourism and on a wholesome public image.
>>><<<>>><<<
I wasn’t really keen on starting the series, despite the mostly positive buzz from my friends on Goodreads. The first reason is that I am wary of very long series set in a small community. I think it is very hard for authors to come up with imaginative and credible ideas for crimes in an environment better known for having the lowest incidence of violence in any country. Once a series becomes successful and the publishers decide to turn it into a franchise, the location becomes a hotbed of serial killers, domestic violence and multi-generation vendettas.
The second source of hesitation is the fact that I read Martin Walker’s earlier novel set in the same region: The Caves of Perigord, and we didn’t hit it off. Walker was certainly a good storyteller there and a serious researcher, but he seemed unable to put aside his politics or to create convincing characters.
Bruno, Chief of Police is definitely an improvement over his debut thriller, and it is a much shorter book. The dialogues are flowing naturally, the touches of humor are well handled, the secondary characters are interesting instead of cardboard. Because I was looking for them, the politics are still rubbing me the wrong way, but there is nuance and space for balance even here.
On no occasion had Bruno’s gun ever been used on duty, a fact of which he was extremely but privately proud.
Bruno is I think libertarian and right-leaning, with a casual and personal approach to the application of the letter of the law. The interests of the local community trump the orders that come down from Perigueux or Paris. Those from the bureaucrats in Bruxelles are to be fought against, maquis style, and with the full support of our local sheriff:
“It’s my home and it’s my job to defend it.”
It’s difficult not to bring up political issues when the actual murder case is either politically or racially motivated and is about to blow up not only in St Dennis, but on a national scale. The victim is a Harki , a former member of the Algerian paramilitary units that fought with the French army against their own co-nationals in the war of independence, only to be treated as dirty immigrants and persecuted by the French nationalists after the war. The case might also be connected with the Resistance in World War Two and with other paramilitary units that helped the Nazis to terrorize the Perigord farmers who were suspected of helping the maquis. To complicate matters even further, the corruption of youth by drugs, internet and pornography is also brought up.
Before I switch to the things I actually liked about the story, those that I think will make me continue reading the next couple of episodes, I have a last quote that I need to put in spoiler tags, included because it confirms my earlier impression that Martin Walker is structuring his book as a western set in rural France, one where the local sheriff functions as both judge and executor :
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I have spent myself a very fine vacation in Perigord in 2017. It was the reason I picked up that debut novel by Walker in the first place: to compare notes on Lascaux, foie gras, confit de canard, Laguiole knives, old hamlets, walnut brandy, the best wines to try and so on. This book was an occasion to revisit those charming locations, and in this aspect the story delivers the goods so well that it kind of overwhelms the actual murder case for me.
Bruno and his friends spend more time enjoying their hunting, fishing, cooking and gossiping. And, being French, we would expect the leading man to have a discerning eye for the female form and to try to bed every appealing woman that crosses his path. Of course, we need these sort of details in a first book of the series: to get know the place and its people, to get immersed in local culture, even to poke fun at the infamous British cuisine with a challenge to provide a competing dinner only with products from across the Channel.
... everyone who came to his housewarming brought him a bottle of good wine to lay down in the cellar that he and Joe had built under the new wing.
I checked, and the following episodes have better ratings than this first book. Bruno seems capable to carry the franchise forward on his own merits and personality, and the supporting cast introduced here will I hope make me less critical of the offering.
I’m happy here, Isabelle,” he said. “I’m busy, I think I’m useful and I’m certainly not wasted. It’s a way of life that pleases me and I’ve seen enough violence and drama in my time.”
I think there will be more violence and drama in store for our Bruno, but also more dinners in the company of lovely and sophisticated ladies, more games of cat-and-mouse with the food inspectors, more wine tasting and more traipsing around the hills of Perigord.
July 14, 2021
This book is delightful for its narrow niche. In a small town in France, an elderly war hero is brutally murdered for no apparent reason. Chief Bruno, effectively the only policeman in the town, must find the reason and the murderer before the media and politicians ruin his hidden paradise.
The story is much more about the idyllic lifestyle, the food, and the wine. Nobody in this town has ambition beyond the next grape harvest, the quality of the local eggs, or the ripeness of the tomatoes. They live in the 19th century, except with cell phones and the irritating mandates of the EU. Fans of Donna Leon will love Martin Walker.
The story is much more about the idyllic lifestyle, the food, and the wine. Nobody in this town has ambition beyond the next grape harvest, the quality of the local eggs, or the ripeness of the tomatoes. They live in the 19th century, except with cell phones and the irritating mandates of the EU. Fans of Donna Leon will love Martin Walker.
June 30, 2009
If Peter Mayle had woven a murder mystery into his hymns to Provence, they might have looked something like this.
October 6, 2015
I'm adding this to my favorite series shelf after reading just the first of seven Bruno, Chief of Police books. Bruno is a young veteran of the Bosnian conflict who has chosen police work in the bucolic commune of St. Denis in the Dordognes region of France, hoping for a stress-free existence. His ordinary duties include property disputes, neighbors tattling on each other, managing the rugby team and parades, whether commemorations or protest demonstrations. That is until the commune has its first murder. The Police Nationale are assigned to the murder, but Bruno and the mayor rise to the occasion to help solve the mystery of why an elderly Arab was viciously murdered.
Walker's descriptions of the beautiful setting are vivid, taking the reader on a brief vacation and making this reader want to take a trip to the Dordognes. The cast of characters and changing landscape of the population and politics offers plenty of interesting dynamics. There are the families who have lived there for centuries, there are the English who are buying up country homes and turning them into resorts, there are Muslim families who immigrated two to three generations ago, there are memories of the occupation of WWII, there are rivalries between citizens of different political persuasions - all adding layers of texture to the story. Throw in a little tension between Bruno and a young Police Nationale upstart, a mystery that keeps you guessing, the leisurely pace of the area, tennis (!), lots of delicious meals, and a little romance/sex and Bruno, Chief of Police is a delightful read.
Walker's descriptions of the beautiful setting are vivid, taking the reader on a brief vacation and making this reader want to take a trip to the Dordognes. The cast of characters and changing landscape of the population and politics offers plenty of interesting dynamics. There are the families who have lived there for centuries, there are the English who are buying up country homes and turning them into resorts, there are Muslim families who immigrated two to three generations ago, there are memories of the occupation of WWII, there are rivalries between citizens of different political persuasions - all adding layers of texture to the story. Throw in a little tension between Bruno and a young Police Nationale upstart, a mystery that keeps you guessing, the leisurely pace of the area, tennis (!), lots of delicious meals, and a little romance/sex and Bruno, Chief of Police is a delightful read.
March 17, 2013
The story of a charming policeman, in a charming French town, populated with lots of charming people solving a thoroughly nasty crime. The whole book seems to have been written with one eye to replicating the success of Peter mayle. This pandering does overshadow some of the more promising elements. Maybe these come to the fore later in the series. In the meantime your left with a book that is pleasant enough but no big shakes.
June 27, 2020
The only reason I didn't abandon this book is because I felt compelled to finish it for my book club meeting. (The person who chose this should be voted off the island. ;-).
This should not be mistaken for a great detective novel. Among other things, it gets bogged down in superfluous details, and there is little suspense.
And there were many things I disliked, most importantly, the protagonist. It gets to be laughable - Bruno's gigantic ego. The rampant sexism was also laughable, except that it's not at all laughable and one gets the sense that this author certainly has a particular view of the world where women are concerned.
Perhaps worst of all is that the author (unwittingly, I suspect) paints Bruno as this wonderful cop who loves his local rural beat, but he's really a one-man syndicate where bribery is de rigueur. e.g. he's 100% fine with breaking the law until it suits him to abide by the letter of the law - turning a blind eye to kids slashing tires, and, worse, drunk driving. Bruno the Cop runs a one-man show called "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours and I promise we'll all get along just fine". This is a dime-store novel at best. (Am I just piling on if I say that I have no plans to read the other books in this series?)
This should not be mistaken for a great detective novel. Among other things, it gets bogged down in superfluous details, and there is little suspense.
And there were many things I disliked, most importantly, the protagonist. It gets to be laughable - Bruno's gigantic ego. The rampant sexism was also laughable, except that it's not at all laughable and one gets the sense that this author certainly has a particular view of the world where women are concerned.
Perhaps worst of all is that the author (unwittingly, I suspect) paints Bruno as this wonderful cop who loves his local rural beat, but he's really a one-man syndicate where bribery is de rigueur. e.g. he's 100% fine with breaking the law until it suits him to abide by the letter of the law - turning a blind eye to kids slashing tires, and, worse, drunk driving. Bruno the Cop runs a one-man show called "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours and I promise we'll all get along just fine". This is a dime-store novel at best. (Am I just piling on if I say that I have no plans to read the other books in this series?)
July 22, 2016
I enjoyed this cozy mystery novel very much. The book setting in a quaint village in one of the most beautiful regions of France (Dordogne) brought back treasured memories of my visits there.
Contrary to many other novels set in France, in this one the events take place in modern times. I liked the author’s inclusion of current issues such as the strict rules about food production and its sale due to the EU regulations and the challenges to integration between locals and Muslim immigrants in the past and at present. However, the best part for me was the background about wartime France, the French Resistance and the actions of the Force Mobile (part of the Vichy regime and Nazi sympathizers) in occupied Perigord.
The novel evokes the many colours and flavours of French culture, the local people, countryside, history and food (!) without falling into the cliché’ trap. A charming read, I will certainly continue this series.
3.5 stars rounded up for the interesting historical aspect.
Contrary to many other novels set in France, in this one the events take place in modern times. I liked the author’s inclusion of current issues such as the strict rules about food production and its sale due to the EU regulations and the challenges to integration between locals and Muslim immigrants in the past and at present. However, the best part for me was the background about wartime France, the French Resistance and the actions of the Force Mobile (part of the Vichy regime and Nazi sympathizers) in occupied Perigord.
The novel evokes the many colours and flavours of French culture, the local people, countryside, history and food (!) without falling into the cliché’ trap. A charming read, I will certainly continue this series.
3.5 stars rounded up for the interesting historical aspect.
August 7, 2022
Benoît (Bruno) Courrèges is the sole policeman in a small French village, St. Denis. It's a lovely little town, where everyone knows each other and gets along, where the biggest threat is EU inspectors looking to persecute local artisans for "illegally" making pate or cheese. Then, the unthinkable happens: an Arab grandfather is stabbed to death in his home, with a swastika carved on his chest. All of a sudden, the little town is besieged by the National Police, judicial interlopers from Paris, and the press for a hate crime. Mysteriously, the victim's war medal and a picture of his French soccer team are taken from the home. Bruno undertakes his own investigation, following up leads and refusing to believe that a local boy and his wild, political girlfriend were the killers, even when evidence suggests they were nearby. Good old fashioned policework, and some helpful assistance, leads Bruno to identify the perps and, more importantly, their rationale. 3.5 stars.
April 20, 2019
This book creates many illusions, the first being that St Denis is a quaint French provincial village leading a peaceful existence. The second is that Benoit "Bruno" Courrèges is a sedate country policeman blissfully unaware of immorality and evil.
These misconceptions are soon abolished and it becomes apparent that an evil from the past is about to revisit the rural Périgord region. Will the small Arab community within this region survive what is about to turn their lives upside down? Will Bruno be able to protect his community from the ambitious external police and law forces that will come to investigate?
A wonderfully told murder story in an idyllic setting. Warning the food described in this book may make you forage for snacks and coincidentally your clothes may soon 'shrink' in the wash!
These misconceptions are soon abolished and it becomes apparent that an evil from the past is about to revisit the rural Périgord region. Will the small Arab community within this region survive what is about to turn their lives upside down? Will Bruno be able to protect his community from the ambitious external police and law forces that will come to investigate?
A wonderfully told murder story in an idyllic setting. Warning the food described in this book may make you forage for snacks and coincidentally your clothes may soon 'shrink' in the wash!
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