A Novel of the French Countryside - Bruno - Chief of Police

The author took a serious bit of time introducing his protagonist. Even so, I enjoyed the book and will at the very least read the next in the series. Well written with an interesting, if disturbing, bit of French history.

I was intrigued by the enticing cover blurb which saluted this mystery as analogous to the slow eating movement. The latter is marked by local foods savored slowly. Unfortunately, the novel was plodding and antithetical to a pairing with fine dining! As I picked the story up nightly, I was hoping that it would come to an end before I did. Actually, the plot leading to the finale became interesting, but the entire experience doesn't make me desire to read another in this series. At times, critics comment on a writer's performance comparing it to others in the genre. As a rule, I don't adhere to this, prefering to judge each writer on his/her merits. However, in this instance, making an exception. The police protagonists of Donna Leon, Cara Black, Batya Gur and S.J.Rozan jump off the pages with the excitement of their characterizations, stories. At that point, the reader waits for the next in the series with major anticipation of a fine tale.

Good story, with a surprise twist that resolves the mystery. Well written. Walker keeps the reader's attention. The descriptions of life in the French village and countryside embellish the plot. A knowledge of French history, particularly of the impact of the Second World War on the French people and their culture, establishes the context and background of the story. A very good read!

Entertaining and well-written. Having just finished the Inspector Gamache series, I suppose my expectations were a little high. I figured out the mystery halfway through--never a good thing--and I never really got to know any of the characters as well as I wanted to. I may pick up #2, but not right away.

Heard a review or interview with author and seemed like my kind of book. It's great to listen to it as an audiobook as I walked. Appeals to senses with its little travel log of the French country and village life and food. I will read another of this series.

This is a delightful read even though it invoves a murder. Bruno is a character you can't help but like. The cast of characters involve various nationalities in a small town in France. the author has a great power of description. I felt like I actually knew the characters and taseted the food. Under the simplicity of the life and language is great depth.

Love the recent "Bruno" series! The first book has the flavor of French culture with lots of detail about food, wine, customs, and attitudes. In "Bruno, Chief of Police," the author develops an appealing leading character and places him in a not-so-well-known area of France, the Dordogne. His village of St. Denis comes to life with its mayor, its rugby team, and familiar vendors in the local market. Bits of World War II history add depth and context. The book reminds me of the great Donna Leon series set in Venice for its sense of place. I'm looking forward to reading the next two Bruno books.

I read Resistance Man, the most recent of the series, first. Loved the storytelling and the characters. Ignited a wish to visit the Dordogne in the near future but also a compulsion to read the rest of the series. Found all of them except for the first, but read them anyway. Later managed to get this the first. Unlike most series it was possible to read them out of order because each of the stories are interesting and self-contained. However the characters, most of all Bruno, are so well drawn and interesting that you wish they were friends outside of the fantasy of a good read. The additional bonus was getting a french perspective on history and community. Wonderful, will re-read them all while waiting for the next.

The Bruno Mysteries of the French Countryside have become my favorite series of books, Martin Walker is grand story teller who weaves a magic journey into the heart of the Perigord Noir. You are transported intimately into the French village lifestyle, the taste, the smells, the feel of the culture. The underlying mysteries are simply the vehicle to experience the magic the Dordogne,

Loved this book. Loved the character. Good mysteries are more than just a puzzle; they have something to say about the culture within which they are set. This book is set in the Dordogne region of France and opens the reader to the food and wine of the region as well as the history -- from the bridge rebuilt by Napoleon to the complexities of the resistance in France. I will read more of Bruno and recommend him highly.

I purchased this book because I was looking for a mystery set in a culture that I did not know. Bruno is a very enjoyable character and I will read the rest of the series when I have time. Excellent read. My only problem was looking up some of the french words to make sure I understood what was going on. This was not a big issue, I could figure out most of them by the context. I found the culture, history and mystery to all be very enjoyable.

Wonderful discovery of this new (to me) series! Rather like the Louise Penny series (Quebec) but set in the Dordogne region of France. Interesting complications in each of the novels that tie into France's complicated history of colonialism (both Indo-China and Algeria), the Vichy Government, Basques, immigration, etc., but also an appealing picture of the region's food, wine, and truffles! Walker even provides a guide to touring the region as an appendix -- here's hoping the area doesn't become overrun with too many Francophiles.

Very charming story about life in a small town in southern France. Set as a mystery story this tale will also enchant those interested in the French rural experience. I have lived in southern France and I can tell you that in terms of culture and politics this book [and the others in the Bruno series] ring true.

Bruno is a well-developed and engaging character--as are his friends and neighbors. This is not the can't-put-down-who-done-it; however, I did not stop reading! I was pulled in and had to know what was going to happen next. It didn't haunt me, but made me wish that I was in St. Denis. A very well-told story. I've already read the next four books in the series.

One of the best mysteries around. Bruno is charming, intelligent, talented, food-literate, and he loves dogs! And check out the author's incredible background and his love of Bruno's region of France. Well done Martin Walker - this is a wonderful series.

I originally downloaded the book because I enjoy reading novels and mysteries, which are set in areas I am familiar with. I hope that along with the descriptions of the landscape, food and small town life, I find some interesting characters. While this was not the best book I have ever read, it was entertaining and an easy read. I will read the others in the series just to find out what happens to the characters.

For anyone who has been to rural France this book is sure to bring back some fond memories. For anyone who hasn’t this story will provide some great insight into the culture, food, history and geography of this pristine region. Bruno is a well written mystery that will keep your attention from first page to last!

Outstanding mostly because it has led me to read more of the Martin Walker Bruno books. I am now on my fourth book of the series. They get better and better. I intend to read everything Walker has written. He goes in, tells the story, then ends it. He doesn't go on and on needlessly. They are all great reads.

This was recommended reading for my trip in the Perigeaux region of France. It's an easy read with lots of factual information about the area woven into the story. It's part of a series and I may read the next one just to see how they continue the saga of Bruno the town's beloved policeman.

France, murder, great wines and cuisine,,,you can't beat that line-up. Yes, I have ordered the rest of the Bruno series. Get this one first as it sets the stage for more terrific Bruno stories in the rest of the series...and I trust Martin Walker is writing a bunch more. Yes it's a detective crime novel but the writing is first rate.

I very much enjoyed Bruno. Martin Walker is a wonderful writer. The characters and area that he describes are very easy to imagine. It sounds like a wonderful area to live. The story was very engrossing. Once you get started it's hard to put down.

The Bruno stories are delightful reading, especially if you like the southwest France countryside. Walker is a very good writer and it's worth reading all of his mystery novels in order ...start with Bruno.

I enjoy reading fiction that takes place in small, foreign villages and this one is no exception. Murder most foul invades the small, sleepy town of St. Denis on market day and on the day dedicated to celebrating France's liberation from Nazi torments. Idyllic St. Denis is not only invaded by English vacationers, but outside law in forcement. Does Bruno find out who did it? Ah, than read Bruno, Chief of Police.

Having first become aware of this series with the the store notice of Resistance Man, I went to the first of the novels, as I usually do.
I can't wait to read the rest. An engaging hero, a good mystery, mouth-watering dinners, and the beautiful French countryside
combine to make this book an extraordinary pleasure. Just the ticket.

This series deserves a wider readership. The characters are likable and the sense of place is superb. Walker takes his readers right into the heart of the Dordogne and immerses them in small village life where crime is no less an issue than in the larger cities. This is the first book in the series in which the area and the main characters are introduced.

This book was an enjoyable quick read as I learned about French history during WW2 and about life in a small village. The characters were built out well and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

I give Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri four stars when many would rate them higher. Martin Walker isn't quite as good in this his first Bruno novel. The story is a bit convoluted with the different police forces and their interaction with the small community of St Denis - some of it seems irrelevant. I will read the next in the series and I expect an improvement - it certainly happened with Donna Leon and Martin Walker's Bruno holds considerable promise.

This is really the introduction of Bruno for the following novels about the inspector. They all have a mystery or murder to them and keep you guessing but are not gory, just easy reading for pleasure.....that's what I love about Martin Walker's style.

This book was an enjoyable quick read as I learned about French history during WW2 and about life in a small village. The characters were built out well and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

I give Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri four stars when many would rate them higher. Martin Walker isn't quite as good in this his first Bruno novel. The story is a bit convoluted with the different police forces and their interaction with the small community of St Denis - some of it seems irrelevant. I will read the next in the series and I expect an improvement - it certainly happened with Donna Leon and Martin Walker's Bruno holds considerable promise.

This is really the introduction of Bruno for the following novels about the inspector. They all have a mystery or murder to them and keep you guessing but are not gory, just easy reading for pleasure.....that's what I love about Martin Walker's style.

Ican'get enough of Bruno, the police constable have a small Frenchtown in a wine growing area of France! He is sybaritic, loving his wine and great French food that he cooks for all his many friends.He is a true lover of the sensuous side of life with a strong sense of justice. I recommend that you read Bruno while sipping a glass of red
wine.

Good book. The writing was well done and the story was original. That being said I won't be reading anymore. Way to many French references and words without any back up definitions. I don't speak French and it took me out of the story to try to figure them out or put them in context.

One of those books to be savored and enjoyed. Under the beautifully painted village life there is a mix of old scores to be settled, racism and well kept secrets that all come to the boil in a way that could shake the whole country to its roots.
Definitely one of the better tales that I have read for quite some time.

I liked this book. The characters are well thought out, you feel like you are there, I love the foodie in the author. The story line keeps you wondering and Bruno's back story is a real zinger. The author really knows the area and it tells in his writing. I want to go there after I read the story.

It takes awhile to get the town and the character backgrounds established. But, stick with it like I did and by the time you are finished with the book you will want to order the next in the series. I know I did.

You will also want to go live in the French countryside.

Entertaining, easy read. Added the audible download and enjoyed continuing the story by switching to listening mode while I take my dog for a walk. Nice narration. Have ordered the next two books in the series.

A deftly written multi- layered mystery that serves as the vehicle to introduce the culture, the people both French as well expats, and the countryside that is the complexity of France today as influenced by its past.