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Bruno, Chief of Police #14
Tête-à-Tête
Brunos Chef lässt ein Mordfall bis heute nicht los. Im Wald bei Saint-Denis hatte man die Leiche eines jungen Mannes gefunden, die nie identifiziert werden konnte. Bei einem Besuch im Prähistorischen Museum in Les Eyzies sieht Bruno, dass sich aus Knochenfunden rekonstruieren lässt, wie ein Mensch zu Lebzeiten aussah. Er schlägt vor, dieses Verfahren auch bei dem ungelösten Mordfall zu versuchen. Damit beginnt endlich die Suche nach dem Mörder.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published August 3, 2021
672 people are currently reading
4264 people want to read
About the author
Martin Walker
66 books1,539 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 515 reviews
April 6, 2024
Another totally enjoyable few hours spent with Bruno and all the many other great characters who populate these books.
The title refers to a cold case, thirty years cold in fact, which has always been on J.J's mind. His first case and one that has never been solved, although he has the skull of the unknown murdered man in his office! Bruno suggests a reconstruction of the skull using modern methods to see if it can be identified. This local case proves to have far reaching political issues and Isabelle is back on the scene again.
Added to all of this there are wildfires threatening the region, Balzac's puppies are born, Bruno's cousin and wife come to live in the area, and Bruno cooks several of his fantastic dinners. I am going to be really sad when I have caught up with all of this series.
The title refers to a cold case, thirty years cold in fact, which has always been on J.J's mind. His first case and one that has never been solved, although he has the skull of the unknown murdered man in his office! Bruno suggests a reconstruction of the skull using modern methods to see if it can be identified. This local case proves to have far reaching political issues and Isabelle is back on the scene again.
Added to all of this there are wildfires threatening the region, Balzac's puppies are born, Bruno's cousin and wife come to live in the area, and Bruno cooks several of his fantastic dinners. I am going to be really sad when I have caught up with all of this series.
August 4, 2021
I do love this series and look forward to each new adventure from the Périgord, but this book may be the very best. Forgive me if I have said that before, as I probably feel that way with each book. The focus of investigation is not simply an unsolved murder going back to JJ's obsession with a skull found in the woods years past, but new manifestations of criminal acts perpetrated by the man who has remained hidden with a false identity linked to a Stasi program.
Whilst this investigation is active the region is plagued with fires, yet another responsibility of Bruno's as he serves and protects.
No sense in telling all and spoiling for others. Read this book! Then have a glass of wine and plan a meal based on some of Bruno's recipes.
I do love it when a series gets better and better!
Whilst this investigation is active the region is plagued with fires, yet another responsibility of Bruno's as he serves and protects.
No sense in telling all and spoiling for others. Read this book! Then have a glass of wine and plan a meal based on some of Bruno's recipes.
I do love it when a series gets better and better!
August 5, 2021
I have greatly enjoyed Martin Walker's Bruno series, enthusiastically pre-ordering each of the novels as they were announced. I ordered this one back in September 2020. It supposed to have been published in May 2021, but publication was pushed back to August.
I can understand why this was done. The publisher would have been wiser to cancel the publication entirely.
My review of the previous novel in the series, The Shooting at Castle Rock, described it as 'comfort food for francophiles'. But this one stuck in my gullet. The Coldest Case is, by a very long shot, the weakest in an otherwise highly diverting series. The plot is worse than thin, and frankly of very little interest to any except those who still hanker after the Cold War. Walker goes through the motions with his two main devices - describing Bruno's preparation of dinners with his friends, and his doomed relationship with Isabelle. But these are so mechanical that they have lost all charm and interest. A very large part of the book consists of a boring set piece that has nothing at all to do with the weak plot and seems simply there to make up the pages. I could not have been more disappointed, and feel that my money was entirely wasted.
To revive this previously intriguing series, Walker desperately needs to introduce some character development. Another dud like this one would be a sad way to say goodbye to Bruno.
I can understand why this was done. The publisher would have been wiser to cancel the publication entirely.
My review of the previous novel in the series, The Shooting at Castle Rock, described it as 'comfort food for francophiles'. But this one stuck in my gullet. The Coldest Case is, by a very long shot, the weakest in an otherwise highly diverting series. The plot is worse than thin, and frankly of very little interest to any except those who still hanker after the Cold War. Walker goes through the motions with his two main devices - describing Bruno's preparation of dinners with his friends, and his doomed relationship with Isabelle. But these are so mechanical that they have lost all charm and interest. A very large part of the book consists of a boring set piece that has nothing at all to do with the weak plot and seems simply there to make up the pages. I could not have been more disappointed, and feel that my money was entirely wasted.
To revive this previously intriguing series, Walker desperately needs to introduce some character development. Another dud like this one would be a sad way to say goodbye to Bruno.
August 17, 2021
This latest entry in the Bruno series was a disappointment to me. In previous books, I've enjoyed the cooking descriptions, the history lessons, even the political background, because the characters and the plot took prominence. In this one, however, the extraneous subjects absolutely swamped what little plot there was, and the characters didn't do much except eat great meals and drink good wine. Here's hoping book #15 will get back on track.
August 24, 2020
It amazes me that Martin Walker has managed to make Bruno into another amazing person that has all the empathy for all the people of his part of France. He's been in the fire brigade, and has been to a museum with reconstructed heads making him want to help JJ with his head from 30 years ago, his dog, Blazac was a father to a batch of new puppies, we meet his cousin, Alain and his girlfriend, Rosalie, we also meet the woman who is responsible for making a copy of the head that JJ has, Virginie, and we meet the bad policeman who tried to rape Virginie, we also meet all Bruno's friends including Sabine (new), Yveline, Pamela, Fabiola, Gilles, Florence, Philippe, Jack, Jacqueline, and the baron. Aways Isabelle in the brew. Martin takes the cold case and we have many different avenues to attend. Pictures of the men were formed from pictures the Mayor had in old files which were stored away. People now have many stories to tell of how the people came to be and you'll learn about this if you read the book. You have many pleasant reads such as all the rides that Pamela and Bruno take, the dinners that Bruno makes, and his exploits in fire fighting. All this makes the book a 5 out of 5 in my mind.
August 16, 2021
This may be the best Bruno yet, I think. A mix of history, science, geography, and always the epicurean delights that Bruno cooks up. The cold case was immensely intriguing and the threat of forest fires kept your eyes on the woodlands due to the proximity of Bruno's own home and animals. Such a great series!
August 27, 2021
WAY too much going on here. Facial reconstruction on a very cold case is one thing but global warming, dog puppies he wants to give to everyone and we have to hear from everyone in town why they do or do not want one, fire, Canada and even throwing in sexual assault towards the end for reasons I can't fathom. At one point Bruno is thinking 'why is everything happening at once?' Yeah, Bruno I'm thinking the same damn thing! BUT when you get to trebuchets you have absolutely jumped the shark. Perhaps my last Bruno book.......
May 25, 2021
I had heard favourable reports of this series, but this NetGalley ARC was the first opportunity to read one.
Unfortunately I found it literally unbelievable. It would need the equivalent of the Millau Viaduct (Google it) to support the suspension of disbelief necessary for this paragon of a "Chief of a Police". Is there nothing Bruno cannot do (and where does he find the time) ? Run every morning, horse ride, owner of a Royal pedigree dog, Monty Don level gardener, Michelin-star level cook, wine connoisseur, fighter who take out an enormous bully with 2 blows, able to rot knicker elastic in ladies of a certain age with a mere twitch of his Gallic eyebrows ?
I laughed out loud when he went into his garden and found a summer truffle in moments for breakfast... And when the emergency strikes he finds 2 (count them !) solutions that make a huge difference to the outcome as well as come up with a series of radical improvements to the disaster plan.
The writing itself isn't bad, but the story is a bit far-fetched too even though it's based on fact (I still own a bean bag - long story - given to me by a French spy from when I worked at TI France in the early 80's ).
Another aspect of Bruno that is to good to be true is that he knows these high-level people and has access to all this top secret intelligence as a lowly village cop, which duties he performs assiduously not least as a morning school lollipop man. It would be preferable if he'd spend a bit of time arresting his friends and himself for drink-driving given the vast quantities of alcohol they consume at every meeting.
Having lived full time in a village in the Cote d'Azur for 5 years (see above) I do recognise the bucolic charms of rural France he describes, but there was very little mention of the downsides (in this book at least) of the bureaucracy, poor service, backwardness (people still using cheques at supermarkets when I was there last year) and rudeness of shop staff, not just to me as an Englishmen but to other French customers too. It's the sort of rose-tinted view of the country that many occasional visitors have even if they have houses there and visit regularly.
The story itself develops very quickly with no false leads and everything falling into place far too easily to be believable and far too many diversions into cooking and other things.
Not for me.
Unfortunately I found it literally unbelievable. It would need the equivalent of the Millau Viaduct (Google it) to support the suspension of disbelief necessary for this paragon of a "Chief of a Police". Is there nothing Bruno cannot do (and where does he find the time) ? Run every morning, horse ride, owner of a Royal pedigree dog, Monty Don level gardener, Michelin-star level cook, wine connoisseur, fighter who take out an enormous bully with 2 blows, able to rot knicker elastic in ladies of a certain age with a mere twitch of his Gallic eyebrows ?
I laughed out loud when he went into his garden and found a summer truffle in moments for breakfast... And when the emergency strikes he finds 2 (count them !) solutions that make a huge difference to the outcome as well as come up with a series of radical improvements to the disaster plan.
The writing itself isn't bad, but the story is a bit far-fetched too even though it's based on fact (I still own a bean bag - long story - given to me by a French spy from when I worked at TI France in the early 80's ).
Another aspect of Bruno that is to good to be true is that he knows these high-level people and has access to all this top secret intelligence as a lowly village cop, which duties he performs assiduously not least as a morning school lollipop man. It would be preferable if he'd spend a bit of time arresting his friends and himself for drink-driving given the vast quantities of alcohol they consume at every meeting.
Having lived full time in a village in the Cote d'Azur for 5 years (see above) I do recognise the bucolic charms of rural France he describes, but there was very little mention of the downsides (in this book at least) of the bureaucracy, poor service, backwardness (people still using cheques at supermarkets when I was there last year) and rudeness of shop staff, not just to me as an Englishmen but to other French customers too. It's the sort of rose-tinted view of the country that many occasional visitors have even if they have houses there and visit regularly.
The story itself develops very quickly with no false leads and everything falling into place far too easily to be believable and far too many diversions into cooking and other things.
Not for me.
August 22, 2021
Martin Walker’s long running series again transports us to the picturesque Perigord region of the Dordogne. Our visual and tactile senses become immersed in the beauty and culinary delights of the area.Against this backdrop, we follow the exploits of Benoit “Bruno” Courreges, Chief of Police in the town of St.Denys.
The latest iteration of this series opens with Bruno attending an exhibition of reconstructed Neanderthal skulls at a local museum.The exhibition reminds Bruno of a picture of a skull hanging in the office of his friend, Chief of Detectives J J Jalipeau.The picture is a reminder of JJ’s first case thirty years ago.The skull has never been identified and the unsolved case has lingered in JJ’s consciousness throughout his career.Bruno recruits a willing student connected to the exhibit and initiates a project to reconstruct the skull’s face.The description of the reconstruction process is fascinating and eventually leads to a replica of the victim’s face and provides hints to his life. These beginnings eventually uncover secrets buried long ago that involve the Stasi, international duplicity and a wine grower with an unrevealed past.
Martin Walker’s strength lies in his ability to blend fiction with historical facts within his mystery. He unwinds elements of spying during the Cold War, tensions between rival espionage services and the lingering effects these activities have on current international relations.
While the mystery is well plotted and engaging, the backbone of the novel is defined by the charm of the people and setting within which these events take place.The author has created an engaging group of recurring characters that we come to know through the prism of Bruno’s activities. They are a diverse group with a wide range of interests who are able to cohere into a functioning group. Often their deliberations are conducted at Bruno’s table as the group savors the best of the region’s cooking from locally sourced gardens.Their pleasure is enhanced by a selection of the region’s fine wines.The preparations of these delights are described in detail and would have the residents of Louise Penny’s Three Pines salivating with envy. Enjoy the journey if you have not experienced it before.
The latest iteration of this series opens with Bruno attending an exhibition of reconstructed Neanderthal skulls at a local museum.The exhibition reminds Bruno of a picture of a skull hanging in the office of his friend, Chief of Detectives J J Jalipeau.The picture is a reminder of JJ’s first case thirty years ago.The skull has never been identified and the unsolved case has lingered in JJ’s consciousness throughout his career.Bruno recruits a willing student connected to the exhibit and initiates a project to reconstruct the skull’s face.The description of the reconstruction process is fascinating and eventually leads to a replica of the victim’s face and provides hints to his life. These beginnings eventually uncover secrets buried long ago that involve the Stasi, international duplicity and a wine grower with an unrevealed past.
Martin Walker’s strength lies in his ability to blend fiction with historical facts within his mystery. He unwinds elements of spying during the Cold War, tensions between rival espionage services and the lingering effects these activities have on current international relations.
While the mystery is well plotted and engaging, the backbone of the novel is defined by the charm of the people and setting within which these events take place.The author has created an engaging group of recurring characters that we come to know through the prism of Bruno’s activities. They are a diverse group with a wide range of interests who are able to cohere into a functioning group. Often their deliberations are conducted at Bruno’s table as the group savors the best of the region’s cooking from locally sourced gardens.Their pleasure is enhanced by a selection of the region’s fine wines.The preparations of these delights are described in detail and would have the residents of Louise Penny’s Three Pines salivating with envy. Enjoy the journey if you have not experienced it before.
May 27, 2021
The Coldest Case is the fourteenth instalment in the much-loved Dordogne Mysteries series featuring Bruno Courreges, Chief of Police for the small town of Saint-Denis in the Dordogne region of south-west France. An anonymous skull, an unsolved murder, sinister rumours from the Cold War era of espionage–Bruno’s investigation into a long-standing cold case finds him caught between an enigmatic winegrower and a menacing Communist organization from the past. After attending an exhibit on the facial reconstruction of ancient skulls, Bruno wonders if this technology might provide an invaluable clue to a thirty-year-old cold case. But learning the identity of the murder victim is only the beginning. The investigation quickly turns thorny and leads Bruno to a reclusive vintner, Henri Bazaine, whose education at a vocational school in a formerly Communist region has raised some eyebrows. An inquiry into the defunct school turns up shadowy reports of possible connections and funding from the Stasi, the repressive police agency of the former East Germany. The scrutiny on Henri intensifies once Bruno discovers that he was declared dead thirty years ago and has been living under an assumed name ever since.
The strange case is further complicated as Parisian bureaucrats get involved, hinting that essential diplomatic relations might be at stake. And to make matters even worse, the Dordogne is suffering from an intense summer drought that is sparking fires across the region. But as always, Bruno will keep a cool head through it all—and, bien sûr, takes time to enjoy a sumptuous Périgordian meal! This is another compulsive, absorbing and superbly plotted police procedural in this brilliant series set against the backdrop of sunny but drought-ridden France. Packed with descriptions of the food Courrèges and his friends cook, of the gorgeous French countryside and of the local community, The Coldest Case is pure escapism and an absolute treat. It's immersive and we learn as much about Bruno’s personal life as we do about the investigation; particularly his penchant for cooking and the delicious-sounding recipes he attempts throughout the book have your mouth watering. A propulsive, richly atmospheric and intelligently woven piece of crime fiction. This is engrossing and entertaining comfort reading at it's finest. Roll on number fifteen. Highly recommended.
The strange case is further complicated as Parisian bureaucrats get involved, hinting that essential diplomatic relations might be at stake. And to make matters even worse, the Dordogne is suffering from an intense summer drought that is sparking fires across the region. But as always, Bruno will keep a cool head through it all—and, bien sûr, takes time to enjoy a sumptuous Périgordian meal! This is another compulsive, absorbing and superbly plotted police procedural in this brilliant series set against the backdrop of sunny but drought-ridden France. Packed with descriptions of the food Courrèges and his friends cook, of the gorgeous French countryside and of the local community, The Coldest Case is pure escapism and an absolute treat. It's immersive and we learn as much about Bruno’s personal life as we do about the investigation; particularly his penchant for cooking and the delicious-sounding recipes he attempts throughout the book have your mouth watering. A propulsive, richly atmospheric and intelligently woven piece of crime fiction. This is engrossing and entertaining comfort reading at it's finest. Roll on number fifteen. Highly recommended.
April 3, 2021
This is one of the best series ever, according to me at least. The Coldest Case is a new Bruno Chief of police book by Martin Walker. If there is one series I would like to discover again and read from the start this is it. The setting is wonderful and so are the characters. I should warn you though that you will get hungry reading these books. Every single one can be seen as a cookbook with murder between meals. Great stuff. This time Bruno gets involved in a 30 year old murder where they try new technology to solve the mystery. I must thank @aaknopf @this_is_edelweiss and @randomhouse for letting me read this advance copy.
August 15, 2021
Really disappointed in this book. There was little to no interaction between all the beloved characters. It touches on current events like global warming and fires but I read Bruno for more than the mystery. I read these books to be immersed in French culture and French life. And of course I’m so disappointed Florence was a mere footnote in the story. Isabelle has to go as a love interest for Bruno. It’s getting old.
July 10, 2023
This was a book-club read, where we picked any book by Martin Walker. This was the first time I have read any of his books. Now while the writing itself is quite good, and reads much like Louise Penny, the plot on this was a little thin, and hence the 3 star rating.
Bruno, Chief of Police in a small French town, (where everyone knows your name and business) is a very likeable guy with varied interests. The murder mystery carries on throughout the story, but, in this case, the majority of the story revolved around all the contingency events. Bruno hosts dinner for his friends, and explains what he is cooking, recipes, wines that go with dinner, Bruno's dog has puppies, and he talks about who he might give two puppies to, Bruno is a volunteer fire fighter, and you guessed it, there is a big forest fire (talks about global warming too).
Now all of this is very interesting and well written, and entertaining.... but, the murder mystery seems to take a back seat to it all. The murder mystery has much less space in this story, and is pretty much a forgone conclusion on the who-dunnit.
That was somewhat disappointing. However, as I mentioned, Bruno is a likeable guy, so I suppose I'll be reading more of his adventures, and hope for more mystery, and less frolicking. Although the other stuff is fun too, it makes for a very cozy adventure, and a little lighter than I prefer in my reading adventures.
Bruno, Chief of Police in a small French town, (where everyone knows your name and business) is a very likeable guy with varied interests. The murder mystery carries on throughout the story, but, in this case, the majority of the story revolved around all the contingency events. Bruno hosts dinner for his friends, and explains what he is cooking, recipes, wines that go with dinner, Bruno's dog has puppies, and he talks about who he might give two puppies to, Bruno is a volunteer fire fighter, and you guessed it, there is a big forest fire (talks about global warming too).
Now all of this is very interesting and well written, and entertaining.... but, the murder mystery seems to take a back seat to it all. The murder mystery has much less space in this story, and is pretty much a forgone conclusion on the who-dunnit.
That was somewhat disappointing. However, as I mentioned, Bruno is a likeable guy, so I suppose I'll be reading more of his adventures, and hope for more mystery, and less frolicking. Although the other stuff is fun too, it makes for a very cozy adventure, and a little lighter than I prefer in my reading adventures.
October 8, 2021
Bruno's friend J-J of the Police National, has reminders of a cold case in his office, a young man murdered 30 years ago. When Bruno meets a woman who has recreated mock-ups of people from the past using skulls, he ask for help in making an image of thee murdered man. The pursuit of a solution to this case leads to many surprising finds, some even relating to the former East Germany's Stasi. Balzac has become the father of 9 adorable basset puppies, and Bruno can't seem to quit the irresistible Isabelle.
September 4, 2023
Another recent installment of the Dordogne mysteries and this time it concerns Bruno’s friend whose first murdercase never has been solved. J.J. Still has the skull around as prove that he has yet to solve this case which never gave any clues over the years. J.J. Has lived with this skull and even named him Oscar because the identity of this victim has never been found.
Visiting the famous pre-history museum nearby Les Eyzies, Bruno sees some life-like heads expertly reconstructed from ancient skulls. He then starts the story with the suggestion of a similar reconstruction on Oscar so he might get a face in the first step towards identifying him in order to solve his murder. And so another book begins with the occasional foodporn and the good life in the Perigord, where big fires because of the heatwaves are another threat for the inhabitants.
This book gives a nice insight in the sharing of intelligence between the various countries, and the role the Stasi continues to play so many years after the Wall came down. And after all this time it finds its way into thé Dordogne as well.
Another excellent tale of murder and mayhem and the beauty of life in this part of the world . I still enjoy the stories mr Walker tells and it also tells every time something about the real life and politics in France and Europe.
Keep up the writing.
Visiting the famous pre-history museum nearby Les Eyzies, Bruno sees some life-like heads expertly reconstructed from ancient skulls. He then starts the story with the suggestion of a similar reconstruction on Oscar so he might get a face in the first step towards identifying him in order to solve his murder. And so another book begins with the occasional foodporn and the good life in the Perigord, where big fires because of the heatwaves are another threat for the inhabitants.
This book gives a nice insight in the sharing of intelligence between the various countries, and the role the Stasi continues to play so many years after the Wall came down. And after all this time it finds its way into thé Dordogne as well.
Another excellent tale of murder and mayhem and the beauty of life in this part of the world . I still enjoy the stories mr Walker tells and it also tells every time something about the real life and politics in France and Europe.
Keep up the writing.
October 3, 2024
Bruno will be remembered forever after the events in this portion of the series for how he managed to put out the fires surrounding a revered, old castle near St Denis. He didn't do it by himself, but managed to convince folks to try his [undoubtedly] wacky method of dousing the raging forest fire when they'd run out of water.
Also in this novel we are treated to the new facial reconstruction possible when one has a set of bones that is not badly damaged. It is remarkable how close they can come to what an actual person looks like. This helps solve a cold case but is not the only mystery they solve.
Also in this novel we are treated to the new facial reconstruction possible when one has a set of bones that is not badly damaged. It is remarkable how close they can come to what an actual person looks like. This helps solve a cold case but is not the only mystery they solve.
September 14, 2021
For fans of the series, a solid new episode with Bruno fighting both Cold War spies and Global Warming fires, while also kicking a rapist in the nuts, cooking a vegan supper and generally going about his delightful daily routine. It's all a bit absurd, but that's part of the charm. Bruno is not Harry Bosch or John Wells. This is the Ted Lasso of spy/crime thrillers.
Nerd addendum:
The underlying backdrop of his policing methods is relevant to the current American political issue of mass incarceration/"defunding the police." Bruno spends very little time arresting anyone. He spends a lot of time helping children cross the street, coaching tennis and rugby, visiting farmers and shopkeepers, and just generally helping people out. This allows him to know what's going on in his valley, to spot trouble early and to prevent a lot of crime. Perhaps he could give workshops in the U.S.
Nerd addendum:
The underlying backdrop of his policing methods is relevant to the current American political issue of mass incarceration/"defunding the police." Bruno spends very little time arresting anyone. He spends a lot of time helping children cross the street, coaching tennis and rugby, visiting farmers and shopkeepers, and just generally helping people out. This allows him to know what's going on in his valley, to spot trouble early and to prevent a lot of crime. Perhaps he could give workshops in the U.S.
August 29, 2021
I’ve enjoyed the whole Bruno series but this latest disappointed me. It was a bit clunky, could have used more editing. Interesting plot but Walker can’t resist inserting history lectures that sometimes feel like leftovers from his non-fiction books. A strength of the Bruno series is the complex historical context of each case. But this time there are too many pedantic insertions supposedly in the form of dialogue. Also, one scene was really off-base. The dinner party where Bruno brings a young woman who was nearly raped earlier in the day does not work. Introducing her to strangers who discuss her sexual assault over dinner is bizarre. Still - I look forward to the next Bruno.
July 15, 2022
In this latest entry in the Bruno, Chief of Police, series, the Dordogne region is suffering through a terrible drought. That gave the story a particular currency for me since we also are suffering through an intense drought. Amazingly though, the drought does not seem to have affected Bruno's garden which is just as prolific as ever. Unfortunately, I do not find that to be the case in my garden.
When Bruno isn't policing, his favorite thing to do is to cook gourmet meals for all his friends, using the produce from his garden. He finds plenty of occasions to do that during his investigation of The Coldest Case.
The case in question has simmered along for thirty years and it is an obsession with Bruno's boss, JJ. It involves an unsolved murder of someone whose skull was found in the woods years ago. There has been no identity found for the skull and there seems little hope of ever finding out what happened. Then Bruno happens to attend an exhibit on the facial reconstruction of skulls and he wonders if that might be a way to finally identify the unknown murder victim and perhaps get the investigation off of square one. A skilled technician named Virginie is brought in to accomplish the task.
Virginie gets to work on getting the job done, but in the midst of her work, she becomes a victim herself when a very bad policeman attempts to rape her. That will not happen, of course, as long as Bruno is on the job.
Life ambles along in Saint-Denis. Bruno interacts with his friends. The big news of the moment is that his dog, Balzac, has sired a litter of puppies and everyone in town wants one. Bruno's investigation of the old murder leads him to a reclusive vintner named Henri Bazaine who may have a connection to the Stasi, the former East German police agency. But Henri Bazaine was declared dead thirty years before! What goes on here?
This is a very gentle series as murder mystery series go. Bruno spends most of his "policing" career doing things like helping children cross the street, visiting farmers and shopkeepers, coaching rugby and tennis, and just generally making himself useful to the townspeople. All of these activities do help to keep him well informed about what is happening in St. Denis and, after all, that is an important part of being a policeman anywhere and especially in rural Dordogne where everybody knows everybody and all activities seem to be interrelated. This one was another solid entry in the series.
When Bruno isn't policing, his favorite thing to do is to cook gourmet meals for all his friends, using the produce from his garden. He finds plenty of occasions to do that during his investigation of The Coldest Case.
The case in question has simmered along for thirty years and it is an obsession with Bruno's boss, JJ. It involves an unsolved murder of someone whose skull was found in the woods years ago. There has been no identity found for the skull and there seems little hope of ever finding out what happened. Then Bruno happens to attend an exhibit on the facial reconstruction of skulls and he wonders if that might be a way to finally identify the unknown murder victim and perhaps get the investigation off of square one. A skilled technician named Virginie is brought in to accomplish the task.
Virginie gets to work on getting the job done, but in the midst of her work, she becomes a victim herself when a very bad policeman attempts to rape her. That will not happen, of course, as long as Bruno is on the job.
Life ambles along in Saint-Denis. Bruno interacts with his friends. The big news of the moment is that his dog, Balzac, has sired a litter of puppies and everyone in town wants one. Bruno's investigation of the old murder leads him to a reclusive vintner named Henri Bazaine who may have a connection to the Stasi, the former East German police agency. But Henri Bazaine was declared dead thirty years before! What goes on here?
This is a very gentle series as murder mystery series go. Bruno spends most of his "policing" career doing things like helping children cross the street, visiting farmers and shopkeepers, coaching rugby and tennis, and just generally making himself useful to the townspeople. All of these activities do help to keep him well informed about what is happening in St. Denis and, after all, that is an important part of being a policeman anywhere and especially in rural Dordogne where everybody knows everybody and all activities seem to be interrelated. This one was another solid entry in the series.
August 29, 2022
Not the worst and not the best in the Bruno series. Too much going on and too few pages devoted to the cold case crime from 30 years ago. Even so, I keep turning pages to see when "Super Bruno" shows up! In this entry, he shows up late in the game figuring out how to cook a vegan meal for a gathering of friends and coming up with some unique solutions during a raging forest fire. The solve comes in a rush in the last few pages of the book, a pet peeve of mine! Hoping for, but somehow not expecting, more devoted to the crime in the next book To Kill a Troubadour.
Why I'm reading this: A favorite series, I realized I hadn't read the latest entry from a year ago. Since book 15 is coming out shortly, I wanted to remedy that!
Why I'm reading this: A favorite series, I realized I hadn't read the latest entry from a year ago. Since book 15 is coming out shortly, I wanted to remedy that!
September 29, 2021
I love this series but this latest release had a slow going start. The writing and plot seemed awkward, disjointed. It lacked the usual finesse and cohesiveness. Quite simply there may have been too many things going on - a rape, fire, visit from a cousin, a new litter of puppies as well as the unsolved murder. This all set against climate change and the backdrop of the Cold War. Add to this theamong various explanations of characters and previous exploits to bring any newcomers to the series up to speed and the book loses focus. Bruno is still cooking up a storm but seems to have lost his charm in this latest release.
August 31, 2021
Good story but should have been called the Great Fire in Périgord as the author spent so much time discussing it that I forgot about the case.
July 13, 2023
All over the place
May 27, 2021
Perfect. I’m taking part in the book tour and reviewing on its publication day The Coldest Case by Martin Walker.
I first came across Martin Walker and the Dordogne Mysteries when I received a copy of the Shooting At Château Rock, via NetGalley, which was superb.
Now I’ve had the opportunity to read The Coldest Case, number 14, in this outstanding series, for which I thank Quercus Books and NetGalley wholeheartedly for including me in this book tour.
As this was the 14th mystery in this well-loved series I was, again, a little concerned that I would be out of my depth with regard to what was going on and who was who, however I needn’t have worried.... it stands alone perfectly, just like number 13. I now need to read the previous 12 when I can get my hands on them.
I fell in love with Bruno, the Chief of Police again, what a gentleman. Charming. The way in which this book was written, the quality of the writing is excellent. I was transported to the Dordogne, I love France and now want to go to the Perigord region.
However, Walker takes you to the Dordogne with him. You can smell and taste the mouth watering food that Bruno cooks and find yourself imagining how easy it would be to immerse yourself into the community, to become a friend and join in the tradition of meeting to eat and drink fine red wine, with good friends.
Walker includes French history, it’s culture, architecture, international intrigue, espionage, the Cold War and more importantly, wine and food! The culinary descriptions are enticing, so much that I have cooked roast lamb, vichyssoise and omelettes as soon as I read about these delicious dishes.
Bruno gets involved in a 30 year old mystery, when a body was found and never identified. This was the Chief of Detectives, Jean-Jacques (J-J) Jalipeau’s first case, a murder that he never managed to solve, which Bruno knew still haunted him.
After visiting an exhibition with reconstructed heads, bringing people back to life, Bruno suggests using the same method to reconstruct the head of the deceased to see if at last someone could identify him. An expert is hired and the search begins, which opens up a huge can of worms. You need to buy the book and read it to find out what they discover and how this unfolds into a twist in the tale....
This is a light and very entertaining mystery thriller, a great page turner, and an enjoyable read.
I loved the characters, the warmth, sense of community, local activity, romance, the mystery and the international connection. And there’s a gorgeous dog, Balzac a Bassett Hound, Bruno’s companion, who is taken on an interesting journey of his own and becomes a father.
I learnt quite a lot from this story too. In particular, Walker touches the history of the Cold War, the Rosenholz Dossier, the master list of all Stasi Intelligence agents, espionage and politics.
“Every one of us here is a child of the Cold War Bruno. It’s shaped us, defined our politics and reshaped our economies and our systems of government. Not just the Russians and Americans but we Europeans in our own way also became national security states. The past always lives on in profound ways, particularly in our security agencies, arms industries and defence bureaucracies.”
Would most definitely recommend.
Thank you so very much Quercus Books, Martin Walker and NetGalley for this ARC provided in exchange for my unbiased review.
I first came across Martin Walker and the Dordogne Mysteries when I received a copy of the Shooting At Château Rock, via NetGalley, which was superb.
Now I’ve had the opportunity to read The Coldest Case, number 14, in this outstanding series, for which I thank Quercus Books and NetGalley wholeheartedly for including me in this book tour.
As this was the 14th mystery in this well-loved series I was, again, a little concerned that I would be out of my depth with regard to what was going on and who was who, however I needn’t have worried.... it stands alone perfectly, just like number 13. I now need to read the previous 12 when I can get my hands on them.
I fell in love with Bruno, the Chief of Police again, what a gentleman. Charming. The way in which this book was written, the quality of the writing is excellent. I was transported to the Dordogne, I love France and now want to go to the Perigord region.
However, Walker takes you to the Dordogne with him. You can smell and taste the mouth watering food that Bruno cooks and find yourself imagining how easy it would be to immerse yourself into the community, to become a friend and join in the tradition of meeting to eat and drink fine red wine, with good friends.
Walker includes French history, it’s culture, architecture, international intrigue, espionage, the Cold War and more importantly, wine and food! The culinary descriptions are enticing, so much that I have cooked roast lamb, vichyssoise and omelettes as soon as I read about these delicious dishes.
Bruno gets involved in a 30 year old mystery, when a body was found and never identified. This was the Chief of Detectives, Jean-Jacques (J-J) Jalipeau’s first case, a murder that he never managed to solve, which Bruno knew still haunted him.
After visiting an exhibition with reconstructed heads, bringing people back to life, Bruno suggests using the same method to reconstruct the head of the deceased to see if at last someone could identify him. An expert is hired and the search begins, which opens up a huge can of worms. You need to buy the book and read it to find out what they discover and how this unfolds into a twist in the tale....
This is a light and very entertaining mystery thriller, a great page turner, and an enjoyable read.
I loved the characters, the warmth, sense of community, local activity, romance, the mystery and the international connection. And there’s a gorgeous dog, Balzac a Bassett Hound, Bruno’s companion, who is taken on an interesting journey of his own and becomes a father.
I learnt quite a lot from this story too. In particular, Walker touches the history of the Cold War, the Rosenholz Dossier, the master list of all Stasi Intelligence agents, espionage and politics.
“Every one of us here is a child of the Cold War Bruno. It’s shaped us, defined our politics and reshaped our economies and our systems of government. Not just the Russians and Americans but we Europeans in our own way also became national security states. The past always lives on in profound ways, particularly in our security agencies, arms industries and defence bureaucracies.”
Would most definitely recommend.
Thank you so very much Quercus Books, Martin Walker and NetGalley for this ARC provided in exchange for my unbiased review.
April 3, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy of The Coldest Case, the fourteenth novel to feature Bruno Courreges, Chief of Police in the Dordogne town of Saint Denis.
Bruno’s friend, Chief of Detectives Jean-Jacques “J-J” Jalipeau has been haunted by the thirty year old murder that he failed to solve, so when Bruno sees some reconstructions of early man in a local museum he wonders if a reconstruction of J-J’s victim would breathe new life into the case. An expert is hired, DNA from the skull is recovered and the case roars back to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Coldest Case which is the usual mix of investigation and Bruno’s life with his friends. It is told entirely from Bruno’s point of view so the reader gets to live his life alongside him, be it policing, cooking or socialising. There is no difference as they all blend seamlessly together with much intermingling.
I found the investigative side quite compulsive this time round. First there is the question of identifying the corpse and the ensuing ramifications, which are considerable and extremely well done. I was amazed at how the plot developed from so little initially and how it drew in some old friends. I was hanging on every turn and wasn’t disappointed by the wonderful ending, which is neat, clever and very fitting. I loved it.
Of course no Bruno novel would be complete without his cooking and the recipes. He has a bit of an idyllic lifestyle, growing his own fruit and vegetables, rearing hens and geese, hunting and bartering with his neighbours for what he can’t produce. It wouldn’t be for me but I like dipping into a lifestyle so totally different to mine. I find it fascinating. I don’t know if it’s just my impression but this novel seems to explore more of the local countryside and its history than other novels. Again all these snippets of information are fascinating and make me want to visit, that’ll be me and half of Europe.
Bruno is a great character, kind, smart and dutiful. His duty to his community takes centre stage for part of the novel and it’s a wild ride with some ingenious solutions. It also raises some serious points.
The Coldest Case is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Bruno’s friend, Chief of Detectives Jean-Jacques “J-J” Jalipeau has been haunted by the thirty year old murder that he failed to solve, so when Bruno sees some reconstructions of early man in a local museum he wonders if a reconstruction of J-J’s victim would breathe new life into the case. An expert is hired, DNA from the skull is recovered and the case roars back to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Coldest Case which is the usual mix of investigation and Bruno’s life with his friends. It is told entirely from Bruno’s point of view so the reader gets to live his life alongside him, be it policing, cooking or socialising. There is no difference as they all blend seamlessly together with much intermingling.
I found the investigative side quite compulsive this time round. First there is the question of identifying the corpse and the ensuing ramifications, which are considerable and extremely well done. I was amazed at how the plot developed from so little initially and how it drew in some old friends. I was hanging on every turn and wasn’t disappointed by the wonderful ending, which is neat, clever and very fitting. I loved it.
Of course no Bruno novel would be complete without his cooking and the recipes. He has a bit of an idyllic lifestyle, growing his own fruit and vegetables, rearing hens and geese, hunting and bartering with his neighbours for what he can’t produce. It wouldn’t be for me but I like dipping into a lifestyle so totally different to mine. I find it fascinating. I don’t know if it’s just my impression but this novel seems to explore more of the local countryside and its history than other novels. Again all these snippets of information are fascinating and make me want to visit, that’ll be me and half of Europe.
Bruno is a great character, kind, smart and dutiful. His duty to his community takes centre stage for part of the novel and it’s a wild ride with some ingenious solutions. It also raises some serious points.
The Coldest Case is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 3, 2021
And moving on with the latest from Martin Walker in his Bruno, Chief of Police series set in rural France. This 14th book follows the same style and content as the previous books in the series. It can be read as a stand-alone as there is just enough back story sprinkled throughout this book to make new readers feel at home.
I have read the first three novels in this series and jumping forward to the 14th was not a problem. Many of the characters from previous books are involved in this story with the exception of Gigi, the faithful basset hound belonging to Bruno. However, Bruno has a newer dog, another basset hound called Balzac.
In The Coldest Case, Bruno helps solve the mystery of a skull found 30 years ago. In Martin's familiar writing style, this is another soft mystery. There are the joys of rural life, Bruno's elderly but trusty Land Rover, lots of food and wine, plenty of gardening tips plus a small measure of romance.
I enjoyed reading The Coldest Case which I consider to be a GOOD 4 star read. I was really impressed with Martin's acknowledgements at the end which gave full explanations and closure for the reader.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Quercus Books for letting me have an ARC on the understanding that I write a review.
I have read the first three novels in this series and jumping forward to the 14th was not a problem. Many of the characters from previous books are involved in this story with the exception of Gigi, the faithful basset hound belonging to Bruno. However, Bruno has a newer dog, another basset hound called Balzac.
In The Coldest Case, Bruno helps solve the mystery of a skull found 30 years ago. In Martin's familiar writing style, this is another soft mystery. There are the joys of rural life, Bruno's elderly but trusty Land Rover, lots of food and wine, plenty of gardening tips plus a small measure of romance.
I enjoyed reading The Coldest Case which I consider to be a GOOD 4 star read. I was really impressed with Martin's acknowledgements at the end which gave full explanations and closure for the reader.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Quercus Books for letting me have an ARC on the understanding that I write a review.
July 1, 2023
If you are looking for a murder mystery that has everything, this may be the book. Bruno and his collection of friends and acquaintances are back again, working together, sharing good food, good wine and recipes. Along the way to solving the crime and seeking justice they must deal with espionage, climate change, forest fires, politics and the results of the Cold War. Because the crime occurred 30 years ago, and the reason for the crime even earlier than that, history is part of the story. In the midst of working to solve the cold case an out of control forest fire requires the elderly and infirm to be evacuated. There is the challenge of getting these people to reasonable safety as the fire blocks roads and bridges. It all makes for an interesting read.
May 27, 2022
I was enjoying this more than I usually do for this series, when I realized that Bruno had not only had a bright idea that reopened an old case his friend had been working on for the past thirty years, rescued a woman from a rapist, had another bright idea to help get potential victims out of the path of a forest fire, had another bright idea to help contain the fire at a crucial point, had cooked several gourmet meals, and in general behaved as Superman to the rescue. I am sure that I've left out some of his achievements at that. The cold case is rapidly closed in a satisfactory way, and Bruno feels there may be a chance for him with the woman he loves.
June 6, 2021
One of the weakest books of the series. Each of the books rests on three pillars: food, women and history. With this one the first is so overwhelming it almost has become a foodporn... Regarding the women it is as usual that Bruno cannot make the choice between what he wants, had and cannot have. And as for the history: this time it is really lacking because the way the past of a murder-victim and some other aspects are clobbered together is seriously flawed.
Still good reading but in comparison to others from the series a real disappointment.
Still good reading but in comparison to others from the series a real disappointment.
August 20, 2021
Bruno is a wonderful man!!! I love that this was a murder mystery without any current bloodshed. These stories are fascinating.
I hope the next book introduces a love interest for him…someone other than Isabelle so he can have the family he wants!!!
I hope the next book introduces a love interest for him…someone other than Isabelle so he can have the family he wants!!!
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