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Bruno, Chief of Police #12
Connaisseur: Der zwölfte Fall für Bruno, Chef de police
A missing art student. An international investigation. A secret that will shatter the village of St Denis. Bruno, chief of police, faces a dark reckoning with France's past in this page-turning mystery.'Rich in atmosphere and personality' New York TimesA rich American art student is found dead at the bottom of a well in an ancient hilltop castle. The young woman, Claudia, had been working in the archives of an eminent French art historian, a crippled Resistance war hero, at his art-filled chateau.As Claudia's White House connections get the US Embassy and the FBI involved, Bruno traces the people and events that led to her death - or was it murder?Bruno learns that Claudia had been trying to buy the chateau and art collection of her tutor, even while her researches led her to suspect that some of his attributions may have been forged. This takes Bruno down a trail that leads him from the ruins of Berlin in 1945, to France's colonial war in Algeria.The long arm of French history has reached out to find a new victim, but can Bruno identify the killer - and prove his case?2019 Martin Walker (P)2019 Recorded Books
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First published June 4, 2019
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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 516 reviews
December 21, 2023
The title describes the plot perfectly. Or with more detail, rich American art student's body is found in a well at a castle. The finders are Balzac and Bruno and we are off again in a whirl of police work, politics, history lessons and intrigue. All this plus the joy of being back in St. Denis with the wonderful characters, the buzz of the markets and the amazing food and wine.
This is such an enjoyable series to read. It is not action packed but a lot does happen. The mystery is intriguing but does not take over the whole book. The characters are delightful especially if you have read the series from book one. And you always learn something along the way be it about food, wine, WW2, history, art, and in this book falconry.
Loved it all and am totally ready for the next book.
This is such an enjoyable series to read. It is not action packed but a lot does happen. The mystery is intriguing but does not take over the whole book. The characters are delightful especially if you have read the series from book one. And you always learn something along the way be it about food, wine, WW2, history, art, and in this book falconry.
Loved it all and am totally ready for the next book.
December 17, 2018
I've read all of Martin Walker's books now, and I'll tell you that this book makes the most sense with Bruno's life. As a policeman and as a potential lover, with all his possible lovers, which come into play somewhere in his story. You really want to eat one of Bruno's meals, ride with him when he goes to Pamela's stable, and play with Balzac ears. Walk with him as he feeds the chickens and ducks and go with him as he walks in the woods. In this book he interest you with hawks and canoeing so you are constantly learning things as you read on. Always the history of France during all the wars that have happened, his research is astounding.
In this book an American young woman, Claudia, who was well liked by everyone, was found in a well as an apparent suicide. Bruno was the person who found her with Balzac's help at tracking her down once she was found to be missing. You can be sure to follow all of Bruno's leads to find out what actually happened. I won't tell, you have to read this for yourself. It won't let you down in any way. I gave it 5 stars out of 5. See if you like it as much.
In this book an American young woman, Claudia, who was well liked by everyone, was found in a well as an apparent suicide. Bruno was the person who found her with Balzac's help at tracking her down once she was found to be missing. You can be sure to follow all of Bruno's leads to find out what actually happened. I won't tell, you have to read this for yourself. It won't let you down in any way. I gave it 5 stars out of 5. See if you like it as much.
June 24, 2019
Another wonderful book in the Bruno series! Martin Walker writes so well not only of the region, cultlure, and gastronomical delights of the meals, but the plots are well constructed and researched. The regular cast of characters are always nice to reconnect with too.
July 7, 2019
I have read all of these Bruno books from Martin Walker and look forward to each new set of problems accompanied by all the old friends, ritual meals and French countryside. The spotlight is on a lively and talented American young woman working in the art field who turns out to be "the body in the castle well." Since her family is very well connected there will be extra pressures brought to bear for speedy resolution. Rather than resulting in an international incident, things get worked out in the Périgord fashion, ending in good will and new friendships.
There are some bonus themes as usual, this time Josephine Baker and her history, Resistance historical information as well as the art of falconry thrown in for good measure.
There are some bonus themes as usual, this time Josephine Baker and her history, Resistance historical information as well as the art of falconry thrown in for good measure.
February 3, 2020
After reading a long and challenging book, I needed a quick and easy read so I turned to Martin Walker's Bruno, Chief of Police series. I generally enjoy these visits to the Perigord region of France with all the references to French history and the landscape of the region, plus, of course, the descriptions of all the delicious meals that Bruno cooks for his friends. But Walker lost me early on in this one and I was so irritated that I found myself nitpicking my way through the book. And I found a lot of nits to pick.
It was all because of the cat.
Claudia, a young American art student, is in the area to work with an aging art scholar who has a fabulous collection of paintings. In researching the paintings and their provenance, Claudia comes to suspect that some of the paintings have been falsely attributed by the scholar.
And then Claudia ends up dead in a well.
Her body is found in the water at the bottom of the well and standing on top of her body is a kitten. Claudia was a cat lover - in a community that only seems to like dogs - and the initial speculation is that she was trying to rescue the kitten and fell into the well and drowned. The first inspection of the scene seems to bear that out.
The rescuer goes down the well and brings out the body and the kitten. He essentially tosses the kitten onto the ground and, of all the people present at the scene, no one picks the little creature up to dry it off and warm it after being in the cold well. As a cat lover myself, that pissed me off and put me in a bad mood for the rest of the book.
But after that, the investigation of the death just seems haphazard and only an excuse for bringing various characters back to St. Denis. Because you see, Claudia was from a rich and politically connected family, close to the "wayward" person in the White House and so the American ambassador gets involved and Claudia's mother comes to town to find out what's going on with the investigation and to claim her daughter's body. Soon, officials of the national police are also showing up to direct the inquiry.
Meanwhile, Bruno rides his horse Hector, plays with his cheerful basset hound's ears, feeds his chickens and ducks, gathers his gourmet vegetables from his garden, and cooks fabulous meals for his friends. Oh, and he resumes his affair with the luscious Pamela after she invites him back into her bed because he's just so irresistible. But, of course, he's still in love with Isabelle, who puts in a brief appearance just at the thoroughly complicated and unbelievable ending. And he finally seems to be noticing his neighbor Florence, who of all the women in his life seems the only one who could reasonably be a life partner. But even if he had a life partner, no doubt he would continue his affairs. C'est la vie!
This was just a rehash of every plot in this series. As always, there was a World War II and Resistance connection. (Walker really needs to move on to another era of history.) There was just nothing especially new or particularly interesting here. Maybe the author needs to give Bruno a rest for a while.
Come to think of it, I probably need to give Bruno a rest.
It was all because of the cat.
Claudia, a young American art student, is in the area to work with an aging art scholar who has a fabulous collection of paintings. In researching the paintings and their provenance, Claudia comes to suspect that some of the paintings have been falsely attributed by the scholar.
And then Claudia ends up dead in a well.
Her body is found in the water at the bottom of the well and standing on top of her body is a kitten. Claudia was a cat lover - in a community that only seems to like dogs - and the initial speculation is that she was trying to rescue the kitten and fell into the well and drowned. The first inspection of the scene seems to bear that out.
The rescuer goes down the well and brings out the body and the kitten. He essentially tosses the kitten onto the ground and, of all the people present at the scene, no one picks the little creature up to dry it off and warm it after being in the cold well. As a cat lover myself, that pissed me off and put me in a bad mood for the rest of the book.
But after that, the investigation of the death just seems haphazard and only an excuse for bringing various characters back to St. Denis. Because you see, Claudia was from a rich and politically connected family, close to the "wayward" person in the White House and so the American ambassador gets involved and Claudia's mother comes to town to find out what's going on with the investigation and to claim her daughter's body. Soon, officials of the national police are also showing up to direct the inquiry.
Meanwhile, Bruno rides his horse Hector, plays with his cheerful basset hound's ears, feeds his chickens and ducks, gathers his gourmet vegetables from his garden, and cooks fabulous meals for his friends. Oh, and he resumes his affair with the luscious Pamela after she invites him back into her bed because he's just so irresistible. But, of course, he's still in love with Isabelle, who puts in a brief appearance just at the thoroughly complicated and unbelievable ending. And he finally seems to be noticing his neighbor Florence, who of all the women in his life seems the only one who could reasonably be a life partner. But even if he had a life partner, no doubt he would continue his affairs. C'est la vie!
This was just a rehash of every plot in this series. As always, there was a World War II and Resistance connection. (Walker really needs to move on to another era of history.) There was just nothing especially new or particularly interesting here. Maybe the author needs to give Bruno a rest for a while.
Come to think of it, I probably need to give Bruno a rest.
July 27, 2019
I love the Bruno mystery series set in the Dordogne area of southwest France. I eagerly await each entry into the series, now up to 12 books with The Body in the Castle Well. Not every entry is stellar and this one felt a little dry to me. We usually hear about several unbelievable meals, dinner parties he throws or intimate breakfasts or dinners with one of his romantic interests. It took to page 199 to get to a dinner party! And lots fewer romantic encounters than usual. Also, Martin Walker, how many times do we have to hear about Bruno going to Pamela's to exercise his horse, Hector, for his evening or morning run? Filler! But still, I learn so much about French history, the Dordognes, policing in France, international intrigue, food, wine, etc. that I always come away from these novels enlightened and entertained. Finding the body of a young, wealthy American art scholar in the castle well of the title leads to a lengthy exploration of whether it's murder and if so who did it. While not a page-turner, I enjoyed this entry into the Bruno series. I'm a fan of well-written, not-rushed endings and Walker redeemed himself with a great ending to The Body in the Castle Well, ending in a romantic cliff-hanger, teeing up entry 13.
Why I'm reading this: It's the latest offering in a favorite series! I keep hoping someone will make a tv series out of these books, but I imagine they would be expensive to do well.
Why I'm reading this: It's the latest offering in a favorite series! I keep hoping someone will make a tv series out of these books, but I imagine they would be expensive to do well.
June 10, 2019
This story reminds me of why I love mysteries. Bruno is a smart, quiet man who listens and learns about his community and eventually figures out who has committed the crime. These books are filled with good people, great food, lovely scenery and dastardly criminals. The bad guys always get theirs in the end. I love the tone of these books. They are quiet and very smart.
June 4, 2019
You spend a larger than average percentage of your life reading, you believe yourself to be fairly well clued up on books and writers and then you come across someone who’ve you’ve never read and somehow never heard of who has written numerous books and - you feel pretty stupid!
Martin Walker - I am so sorry! The old adage better late than never twinkles its way into my vernacular but really there’s no excuse. I will do better I promise and seek out your previous works.
But, dear reader, I can hear you asking, why would you do that? I would do that because I am completely bewitched by Inspector Benoit ‘Bruno’ Courreges! A delightful paradox of pragmatism and altruism who detects his way around the Dordogne with unobtrusive, unconventional policing.
The Body in the Castle Well sees an educated and possibly privileged young American girl arrive at an untimely end at the bottom of a well. As her story unfolds the presence of the FBI and the US Embassy suggests there is maybe more to her death than an unfortunate accident. And that’s as much as I’ll say as you have entered a spoiler free zone.
So? Sounds like a good old gallic crime yarn then, eh? Yes it is but it’s also a hell of a lot more. The investigation of the student’s death does dominate the narrative, as it indeed it should, but it is aided and abetted by an homage to Josephine Baker, some history, WW2 and the resistance, some falconry, something for the wine connoisseur, some art , ( I loved this line, ‘The art world can make the Wild West look like Sunday School.’!), a little genealogy and some gastronomy! If you want to prepare navarin of lamb there’s practically a full recipe contained within these pages. In fact I would advise not reading when you’re hungry because there’s passages here that will have you salivating. However if that sounds like there’s not enough pages left to investigate a crime rest assured that the author never lets Bruno lose hold of his aim and his maxim ’motive, means and opportunity’ stands him in good stead as he sleuths his way around the village of Limeuil.
The book triggered a multitude of thoughts; I thought of Julien Baptiste from the TV show, I thought of the village in Chocolat and I thought of Maigret. And I thought of rural France and that particular ambience it creates that Mr. Walker has so lovingly described in this book.
There’s an ease within the writing style that, at times, belies the complexity of the plot for it is a multi stranded plot involving several potentially dubious characters. They’re convincing and believable as is the wonderful and talented Bruno! How come this series hasn’t hit the TV screens? I’ve already admitted that this is my first Bruno book but I can see the potential for an innovative crime/cookery series? The crime is the main thrust of the show but in the middle Bruno demonstrates how to cook a classic French dish? Genre fusion gone mad? But it might just work.
But was there a crime, was it solved and does everyone live happily ever after? Well, I could tell you but then I’d have to shoot you and the only advantage to that is that Bruno right come and investigate me?! So best you read the book. ;-)
Martin Walker - I am so sorry! The old adage better late than never twinkles its way into my vernacular but really there’s no excuse. I will do better I promise and seek out your previous works.
But, dear reader, I can hear you asking, why would you do that? I would do that because I am completely bewitched by Inspector Benoit ‘Bruno’ Courreges! A delightful paradox of pragmatism and altruism who detects his way around the Dordogne with unobtrusive, unconventional policing.
The Body in the Castle Well sees an educated and possibly privileged young American girl arrive at an untimely end at the bottom of a well. As her story unfolds the presence of the FBI and the US Embassy suggests there is maybe more to her death than an unfortunate accident. And that’s as much as I’ll say as you have entered a spoiler free zone.
So? Sounds like a good old gallic crime yarn then, eh? Yes it is but it’s also a hell of a lot more. The investigation of the student’s death does dominate the narrative, as it indeed it should, but it is aided and abetted by an homage to Josephine Baker, some history, WW2 and the resistance, some falconry, something for the wine connoisseur, some art , ( I loved this line, ‘The art world can make the Wild West look like Sunday School.’!), a little genealogy and some gastronomy! If you want to prepare navarin of lamb there’s practically a full recipe contained within these pages. In fact I would advise not reading when you’re hungry because there’s passages here that will have you salivating. However if that sounds like there’s not enough pages left to investigate a crime rest assured that the author never lets Bruno lose hold of his aim and his maxim ’motive, means and opportunity’ stands him in good stead as he sleuths his way around the village of Limeuil.
The book triggered a multitude of thoughts; I thought of Julien Baptiste from the TV show, I thought of the village in Chocolat and I thought of Maigret. And I thought of rural France and that particular ambience it creates that Mr. Walker has so lovingly described in this book.
There’s an ease within the writing style that, at times, belies the complexity of the plot for it is a multi stranded plot involving several potentially dubious characters. They’re convincing and believable as is the wonderful and talented Bruno! How come this series hasn’t hit the TV screens? I’ve already admitted that this is my first Bruno book but I can see the potential for an innovative crime/cookery series? The crime is the main thrust of the show but in the middle Bruno demonstrates how to cook a classic French dish? Genre fusion gone mad? But it might just work.
But was there a crime, was it solved and does everyone live happily ever after? Well, I could tell you but then I’d have to shoot you and the only advantage to that is that Bruno right come and investigate me?! So best you read the book. ;-)
August 23, 2021
An American art student is found dead in a well. Was it an accident or murder? Bruno starts investigating, and learns that this young woman's suspicions about art forgery may have threatened a number of people enough to want her silenced. Robert Mackenzie again provides excellent narration.
July 27, 2019
Another good episode in the series. The history lesson this time includes a new angle on Nazi occupation, reminding us out how courageous it was to be in the Resistance but pointing out that many more people after the war claimed to have resisted than really did. There is also a pleasant detour into Josephine Baker's story. It would have been good for the audio version to play her music instead of just talking about it!!!
November 30, 2020
I think this series has unfortunately gone downhill. Although the crime thread is interesting, the story is drawn out and loses the pace of a good thriller.
In every novel of the series we are treated to detailed shopping and cooking tips for preparing a delicious Périgord meal amongst friends. Then there are the scintillating country galops Bruno takes with his horse Hector and lovely basset hound Balzac. And his unsatisfying lovelife... say no more. Each on their own is quite enjoyable, but we are served the same in every single novel! It now appears formulaic, as if Mr Walker can't get to his wordcount without including all this wadding.
Of course, as usual, Mr Walker adds a lot of historical information which can be very interesting (if one doesn't already know about it). In this case we are given the lowdown on World War II resistance, the Vichy regime's French Militia, forgery in the world of art, jazz singer Josephine Baker and the origins of falconry.
Nevertheless, this novel does not meet the standard of his earlier ones in the series, and invites us to skip over the rather tedious parts to avoid getting overwhelmed by lassitude.
In every novel of the series we are treated to detailed shopping and cooking tips for preparing a delicious Périgord meal amongst friends. Then there are the scintillating country galops Bruno takes with his horse Hector and lovely basset hound Balzac. And his unsatisfying lovelife... say no more. Each on their own is quite enjoyable, but we are served the same in every single novel! It now appears formulaic, as if Mr Walker can't get to his wordcount without including all this wadding.
Of course, as usual, Mr Walker adds a lot of historical information which can be very interesting (if one doesn't already know about it). In this case we are given the lowdown on World War II resistance, the Vichy regime's French Militia, forgery in the world of art, jazz singer Josephine Baker and the origins of falconry.
Nevertheless, this novel does not meet the standard of his earlier ones in the series, and invites us to skip over the rather tedious parts to avoid getting overwhelmed by lassitude.
May 29, 2019
Truthfully, the mystery here isn't the key, the pleasure in this series is the view of daily life in the Perigord region of France. Bruno's love life is beginning to irritate me, complete with hints that his true love interest may be someone he doesn't even know he cares so much about, and his relationship with Pamela feels soap opera like-she seems to have a secret agenda. And then of course, here comes Isabelle again. I thought about marking this down to a 3 for all that, but since it's more 3.75 than 3.25, the 4 star rating stands. I've also thought of adding this to the "series running out of gas" shelf, but reserve judgement until Monsieur Walker brings out book 13.
March 9, 2025
This mystery was a real treat! Art history, history, French culture, recipes, hawking, and more. It takes place in a small town in the South of France. It was a rich, cultural experience.
December 30, 2019
5 stars
Bruno meets a very charming young woman from America who is a graduate student in Art History. She is chosen to study with a very famous collector who lives near St. Denis named Monsieur de Bourdeille. She is also connected to the Louvre. She is friendly, outgoing and talkative. Claudia is also very wealthy, but doesn't flaunt it. Her father has connections in Washington, including the president.
When she fails to come home one night, Bruno gets a phone call. She left a lecture the night before saying she was ill. Wandering around the venue after asking his dog Balzac to follow her scent, the dog traces her to a well on the property that has not been secured which by law it should be. He hears a kitten meow. Looking in the well proves difficult. He descends a little way and discovers the kitten and a woman's body. Of course, it turns out to be Claudia. Did she fall in trying to save the cat? Did she have an accident? Or is there something more sinister going on?
Before she died, Claudia told Bruno that she was suspicious of the attribution of some of the works the art collector had certified as genuine. She also offered to purchase the house and its contents from the collector for three million dollars US. Could these be reasons for her death?
There are a host of possible motives and suspects in Claudia's demise. As Bruno and his friends, associates and connections dig into the case, it seems to get more complicated. Enter busy- bodies from other groups, agencies and the media into the mix, and the reader is in for a real treat. Examining de Bourdeille's past is both instructive and interesting, as are the pasts of those around both him and some of the citizens of St. Denis.
This is a great addition to the Bruno series. I have loved all of Martin Walker's books and this one is no exception. The writing is great and the characters are interesting and true to life. I really like Bruno and wish he'd just settle down with a nice woman and not Pamela who treats him cavalierly or Isabelle who is so into her career that she can hardly be bothered except when she's in town.
I can hardly wait until the next book comes out on May 26, 2020!
Bruno meets a very charming young woman from America who is a graduate student in Art History. She is chosen to study with a very famous collector who lives near St. Denis named Monsieur de Bourdeille. She is also connected to the Louvre. She is friendly, outgoing and talkative. Claudia is also very wealthy, but doesn't flaunt it. Her father has connections in Washington, including the president.
When she fails to come home one night, Bruno gets a phone call. She left a lecture the night before saying she was ill. Wandering around the venue after asking his dog Balzac to follow her scent, the dog traces her to a well on the property that has not been secured which by law it should be. He hears a kitten meow. Looking in the well proves difficult. He descends a little way and discovers the kitten and a woman's body. Of course, it turns out to be Claudia. Did she fall in trying to save the cat? Did she have an accident? Or is there something more sinister going on?
Before she died, Claudia told Bruno that she was suspicious of the attribution of some of the works the art collector had certified as genuine. She also offered to purchase the house and its contents from the collector for three million dollars US. Could these be reasons for her death?
There are a host of possible motives and suspects in Claudia's demise. As Bruno and his friends, associates and connections dig into the case, it seems to get more complicated. Enter busy- bodies from other groups, agencies and the media into the mix, and the reader is in for a real treat. Examining de Bourdeille's past is both instructive and interesting, as are the pasts of those around both him and some of the citizens of St. Denis.
This is a great addition to the Bruno series. I have loved all of Martin Walker's books and this one is no exception. The writing is great and the characters are interesting and true to life. I really like Bruno and wish he'd just settle down with a nice woman and not Pamela who treats him cavalierly or Isabelle who is so into her career that she can hardly be bothered except when she's in town.
I can hardly wait until the next book comes out on May 26, 2020!
June 11, 2019
Feels like the author mailed this in. Almost nothing new happened in St. Denis. Very few of the regular inhabitants were involved. Isabell just got in at the end. The mystery wasn't all that interesting or explored. Might be the least interesting book of the series. Almost felt like a giant prologue to the next book.
June 3, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy of The Body in the Castle Well, the twelfth novel to feature Bruno Courrèges, Chief of Police of the Perigord town of Saint Denis.
Bruno is contacted early one morning by his friend Florence who wants to report another friend, American student Claudia Muller, missing. Claudia left an evening lecture early feeling ill and has not been seen since. Her body is soon found in the well of the castle where the lecture was held. Nobody can tell if it was an accident, suicide or murder and this is unacceptable to Claudia’s father, who is rich enough to have connections to the White House. Soon Bruno is not only wading through French history but trying to prevent American interference in his investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Body in the Castle Well, which, as ever, is not only a good mystery but an interesting tour round local food, history and attractions. I really like how Mr Walker knits it all together seamlessly into an absorbing read.
Bruno is a very nice man, content in his apparently simple life where he is surrounded by close friends, a sympathetic boss and mouthwatering food and wine. There are many descriptions of his food preparation and the local wines he serves with it and the closeness of his group of friends. It would be idyllic if not for his lack of a partner and children and the serious crime that seems to plague the area. Bruno is a smart and, at times, crafty investigator who has connections far beyond what one would expect from a small town policeman. It might not be wholly credible but it’s certainly fun.
Bruno’s current investigation has its roots deep in the past with Vichy France and the Algerian conflict playing their part. Mr Walker is comprehensive in his coverage but it’s all done naturally without the appearance of lecturing. I also enjoyed the role of the Americans who have their own agenda and are not to be trusted. It’s good to see the wily Bruno running rings round them. Claudia’s death is an unusual situation as no one is quite sure how she died but given the interest in it Bruno takes a belt and braces approach which results in some amusing touches.
The Body in the Castle Well is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Bruno is contacted early one morning by his friend Florence who wants to report another friend, American student Claudia Muller, missing. Claudia left an evening lecture early feeling ill and has not been seen since. Her body is soon found in the well of the castle where the lecture was held. Nobody can tell if it was an accident, suicide or murder and this is unacceptable to Claudia’s father, who is rich enough to have connections to the White House. Soon Bruno is not only wading through French history but trying to prevent American interference in his investigation.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Body in the Castle Well, which, as ever, is not only a good mystery but an interesting tour round local food, history and attractions. I really like how Mr Walker knits it all together seamlessly into an absorbing read.
Bruno is a very nice man, content in his apparently simple life where he is surrounded by close friends, a sympathetic boss and mouthwatering food and wine. There are many descriptions of his food preparation and the local wines he serves with it and the closeness of his group of friends. It would be idyllic if not for his lack of a partner and children and the serious crime that seems to plague the area. Bruno is a smart and, at times, crafty investigator who has connections far beyond what one would expect from a small town policeman. It might not be wholly credible but it’s certainly fun.
Bruno’s current investigation has its roots deep in the past with Vichy France and the Algerian conflict playing their part. Mr Walker is comprehensive in his coverage but it’s all done naturally without the appearance of lecturing. I also enjoyed the role of the Americans who have their own agenda and are not to be trusted. It’s good to see the wily Bruno running rings round them. Claudia’s death is an unusual situation as no one is quite sure how she died but given the interest in it Bruno takes a belt and braces approach which results in some amusing touches.
The Body in the Castle Well is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 6, 2021
I love the history and the writing is up to the standard. Getting tired of Bruno’s sex life, I won’t call it a love life. And very disappointed in the resolution, too close to real life and not the resolution that makes “mystery” a satisfying category. But still happy for the village, the history, the countryside, etc.
May 13, 2019
An excellent mystery series.... The returning cast of characters is easy to follow even if you're new to the series. If you enjoy a good mystery, with some history....& wine & cooking mixed in....then this is a great story to get into! It takes place in the Perigord region of France, & in this book we learn something about this region of France, Josephine Baker & the French Foreign Legion & the French SS....& also quite a bit about cooking & wine selections! It's all so beautifully described by Walker that you might imagine being there & you'll wish you knew & had a friend like Bruno....the story follows him as he goes about solving the crime during his work hours & his off time too.... It's all good!!! A thoroughly enjoying read!
I received this e-ARC from Penguin's First-To-Read giveaway program, in exchange for reading it & offering my own fair/honest review.
I received this e-ARC from Penguin's First-To-Read giveaway program, in exchange for reading it & offering my own fair/honest review.
July 10, 2019
Bruno, Music Promoter on the Case
Review of the Audible Audio edition (2019) narrated by Robert Ian MacKenzie
The most interesting element of this latest Bruno Courrèges mystery was actually the local interest subplot which is a regular feature alongside the actual criminal cases in this French based series. This time it was about the American French dancer / singer / actress Josephine Baker and her tie-in to the Perigord region, especially with her own Chateau des Milandes, now the site of a Josephine Baker Museum and the setting for a fictional concert in this book.
Bruno is acting as a concert promoter for his friend Amelie, a politician / magistrate who joined the series back in The Templars' Last Secret, who is an amateur singer in her spare time. She is coming back to the Perigord to sing a series of Josephine Baker tribute concerts. This provides the occasion for Martin Walker to add a whole lot of trivia about Baker to the novel, most of which was previously unknown to me.
The actual mystery case involves the death of a young woman art researcher under mysterious circumstances which might have been an accident. Of course, Bruno is on the case and solves it in between the regular courses of snacks, meals, horse riding and dog play which we have all grown to love in this cozy series.
I listened to the audiobook edition this time as a change of pace, and perhaps the descriptions of the meals go by without as much sensual pleasure when you are hearing about them rather than reading the printed word. An episode describing ancestral family trees towards the end was also somewhat hard to follow on audio, but it was enough to know that Bruno had his necessary clues.
The narration by Robert Ian MacKenzie was well done.
Review of the Audible Audio edition (2019) narrated by Robert Ian MacKenzie
The most interesting element of this latest Bruno Courrèges mystery was actually the local interest subplot which is a regular feature alongside the actual criminal cases in this French based series. This time it was about the American French dancer / singer / actress Josephine Baker and her tie-in to the Perigord region, especially with her own Chateau des Milandes, now the site of a Josephine Baker Museum and the setting for a fictional concert in this book.
Bruno is acting as a concert promoter for his friend Amelie, a politician / magistrate who joined the series back in The Templars' Last Secret, who is an amateur singer in her spare time. She is coming back to the Perigord to sing a series of Josephine Baker tribute concerts. This provides the occasion for Martin Walker to add a whole lot of trivia about Baker to the novel, most of which was previously unknown to me.
The actual mystery case involves the death of a young woman art researcher under mysterious circumstances which might have been an accident. Of course, Bruno is on the case and solves it in between the regular courses of snacks, meals, horse riding and dog play which we have all grown to love in this cozy series.
I listened to the audiobook edition this time as a change of pace, and perhaps the descriptions of the meals go by without as much sensual pleasure when you are hearing about them rather than reading the printed word. An episode describing ancestral family trees towards the end was also somewhat hard to follow on audio, but it was enough to know that Bruno had his necessary clues.
The narration by Robert Ian MacKenzie was well done.
July 8, 2019
First Sentence: Bruno was still glowing from his morning canter at Pamela's riding school as he sipped his first coffee of the day at Fauquet' café and scanned the headlines of Sud Ouest.
The body of Claudia, an American art history student Claudia, is found at the bottom of a well. Initially, drugs are suspected. Or is it related to Claudia's digging into the past of the art historian and scholar with whom she had been studying? And what about the young falconer, recently released from jail, who had become friends with Claudia. It's up to Bruno to find the answers.
Walker creates characters one would want to know. While Bruno is the central character, those around him are fully developed and interesting. The victim's mother is a good example of that. There does always seem to be someone floating around Bruno's romantic life.
Beginning the story with a search and discovery of a body determined to have been murdered is an interesting approach and provided some of the best suspense of the book. There is good police work done, and a very nicely done plot twist. The actual mystery is very good. but one wishes there had been more focus on it. Instead, the mystery becomes rather lost among all the information on the resistance, wine, art, falconry, jazz, and Josephine Baker. It is interesting, but after a while, one begins to feel as though one were Clara from the old Wendy's commercials wondering "Where's the beef?".
Bruno is a strong character with an interesting background. One hopes to see more of that in the next book.
"The Body in the Castle Well" does have very good moments and a solid mystery at its heart, but the resolution was somewhat disappointing. This is not Walker's best book. Significant editing would have helped tighten the plot and made the story more effective.
THE BODY IN THE CASTLE WELL (PolProc-Comm. Bruno Courregés-France-Contemp) - Good
Walker, Martin – 14th in series
Knopf – June 2019
The body of Claudia, an American art history student Claudia, is found at the bottom of a well. Initially, drugs are suspected. Or is it related to Claudia's digging into the past of the art historian and scholar with whom she had been studying? And what about the young falconer, recently released from jail, who had become friends with Claudia. It's up to Bruno to find the answers.
Walker creates characters one would want to know. While Bruno is the central character, those around him are fully developed and interesting. The victim's mother is a good example of that. There does always seem to be someone floating around Bruno's romantic life.
Beginning the story with a search and discovery of a body determined to have been murdered is an interesting approach and provided some of the best suspense of the book. There is good police work done, and a very nicely done plot twist. The actual mystery is very good. but one wishes there had been more focus on it. Instead, the mystery becomes rather lost among all the information on the resistance, wine, art, falconry, jazz, and Josephine Baker. It is interesting, but after a while, one begins to feel as though one were Clara from the old Wendy's commercials wondering "Where's the beef?".
Bruno is a strong character with an interesting background. One hopes to see more of that in the next book.
"The Body in the Castle Well" does have very good moments and a solid mystery at its heart, but the resolution was somewhat disappointing. This is not Walker's best book. Significant editing would have helped tighten the plot and made the story more effective.
THE BODY IN THE CASTLE WELL (PolProc-Comm. Bruno Courregés-France-Contemp) - Good
Walker, Martin – 14th in series
Knopf – June 2019
June 20, 2019
4+ stars to be fair. Martin Walker has produced another thoroughly delightful book with all of the ingredients we’ve come to know and love, transporting us to the towns, villages and countryside of the Périgord, providing a first class mystery to be solved, reacquainting us with old friends, describing the preparation and consumption of glorious meals and teaching us more about the history of France in the process. This time there’s added spice, as we learn about Josephine Baker, a chanteuse of the mid-20th century who assisted the French Resistance in World War II and supported the American Civil Rights movement. In short, Martin Walker’s recipe produces another sumptuous read.
I can’t wait for my next meal. And, to find out if there will ever be a resolution to Bruno’s dilemma of his Duex Amours.
I can’t wait for my next meal. And, to find out if there will ever be a resolution to Bruno’s dilemma of his Duex Amours.
December 9, 2019
This was an amusing and relaxing read. I enjoyed getting to know the village residents as well as Bruno’s many friends and acquaintances.The author does a good job of building his characters. The descriptions of the town are lovely.
There are hints about the perpetrator but in the end the explanation is far more involved. My interest was maintained until the conclusion. I will read more Bruno mysteries.
There are hints about the perpetrator but in the end the explanation is far more involved. My interest was maintained until the conclusion. I will read more Bruno mysteries.
June 3, 2020
I am truly enjoying this series! I finish one and immediately look for the publish date of the next one. The mysteries are intriguing. The historical context is well researched. The St Denis community of Bruno’s friends and neighbors welcoming.
I really want to be invited to Bruno’s for dinner!!
I really want to be invited to Bruno’s for dinner!!
June 8, 2019
Not one of his best efforts. The end was terribly complicated! As always I enjoyed Bruno’s cooking and the atmosphere of St.Denis. The plot was ok except for the end.
March 14, 2024
Eine amerikanische Kunststudentin ist für Studienzwecke bei einem Kunstsammler eingezogen. Bei dem Versuch eine kleine Katze zu retten fällt sie in einen Brunnen und stirbt. Oder war es gar kein Unfall sondern ein Mord? Bruno entwickelt viele Theorien und dazwischen wird wieder viel gekocht und getrunken. Erst auf den letzten Seiten klären sich die Fragen und diesmal ist der Schluss dann doch etwas unerwartet...
March 23, 2024
Riveting! Great police work stringing out the clues and suspects. As addictive as the others I am binge-reading in this series! Great learning opportunities as well, like falconry and some special things about WW2 French issues and politics.
Voice actor Robert Ian MacKenzie is excellent with interpretation and character definition, and superior in the rolling tones of French pronunciations.
Voice actor Robert Ian MacKenzie is excellent with interpretation and character definition, and superior in the rolling tones of French pronunciations.
June 4, 2019
This latest installment of the Bruno series is not by any means a hard-charging thriller, but like all of Walker’s books, one that simmers and can be savored over several nights. There are a couple side-plots/ topics that are particularly enjoyable, namely, Brunos’ love of horseback riding, a short foray into falconry, and Bruno’s work on this year’s summer concert series. This book is probably accessible on its own, but might be enjoyed more if one reads the first Bruno book so to really understand the protagonist and the ins and outs of the locals. There’s enough background to help you remember the recurring characters, yet you won’t be hit over the head with long paragraphs of expostion. Like his previous books, Martin periodically goes over the evidence, which is good as a summary for the case as we make own way through the book.
It takes awhile for the pieces to fall into place, yet in the meantime, Bruno is discovering clues and the ways each suspect could be involved. The Body in the Castle Well gives the reader solid doses of Bruno, a history of the region, and the shaky world of art provenance.
4 out of 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, Knopf Doubleday Publishing, and the author for an advanced copy for review.
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/06/04/th...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
It takes awhile for the pieces to fall into place, yet in the meantime, Bruno is discovering clues and the ways each suspect could be involved. The Body in the Castle Well gives the reader solid doses of Bruno, a history of the region, and the shaky world of art provenance.
4 out of 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley, Knopf Doubleday Publishing, and the author for an advanced copy for review.
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/06/04/th...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
June 14, 2019
I waited almost a whole year for this new Bruno book and then read it in 2 days! Last year I spent the better part of the summer reading all 11 Chief of Police Bruno books and it was a great way to spend the summer. This was a nice addition albeit fairly mild with only one murder and bad guys who didn't stand out until nearly the end as likely candidates. I suppose I watch too many British murder mysteries on TV where it isn't successful unless there are at least 3 murders and plenty of gore. I kind of like this series where the focus is on the people and the history of France. This book was about art history and French family history. Bruno is still a man with a horse and dog as well as a great cook and wine lover. The mystery kept us all perplexed until near the end. It did kind of remind me of the old Nancy Drew books. I've felt that Florence the school teacher with 2 kids would make the best mate for Bruno but he is still caught between Pamela the horsewoman and the elusive career woman Isabelle. In this one he actually notices Florence when she dresses up for which he almost feels jealousy that she is going on a date. She at one point kisses him in a "motherly or sisterly" way. Can't Walker decide how old Florence should be. She has 2 little children and so can't be older than the 40-year-old Bruno. At least so far Walker hasn't paired her up with anyone else. I suppose we wait another year for the next installation!
October 22, 2022
Bruno investigates an American art history student's death. Although little evidence points to a malicious death, things just don't quite add up for Bruno. She does not seem the type to kill herself by throwing herself into a well, and certain aspects such as the discovery of Thai drugs add to the confusion. I love the food discussions as much as the detective work. I'm not quite sure where the author is headed with all Bruno's romantic interests, but those are my least favorite plot element. This one offered something a little different from previous installments, although occasional references to them were made. This series' fans will enjoy this one. Others should consider beginning with the first in the series to fully appreciate the plots.
September 23, 2019
Besides the convoluted mystery plot peopled with familiar and new characters, the author also manages to work in the cooking and savoring of meals and their accompanying wines, references to thousands of years of history in fascinating sights/sites, and fun times with dog, horse, and friends. Reading this series is like a sabbatical in the south of France.
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