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Bruno, Chief of Police #6
The Resistance Man
Bruno Courrèges—provincial French police chief extraordinaire—is back in another delectable tale of mystery and suspense that unfolds in the gastronomically ravishing Dordogne.
A veteran of the Resistance dies, and among his possessions are documents that connect him to a notorious train robbery. A former British spymaster’s estate is burglarized, the latest in a spree of expert thefts. An academic’s home is broken into just as she is finishing a revelatory book on France’s nuclear weapons program. An antiques dealer is found brutally murdered, and his former lover, the number one suspect, is on the run.
It’s just another summer in St. Denis for Bruno, who must balance the constant barrage of demands on his time and expertise—including the complex affections of two powerful women, town politics (the mayor is having romantic problems of his own), his irrepressible puppy, Balzac, and nights entertaining friends and visitors with ever-sumptuous repasts—with a new focus on the mounting crime wave, whose seemingly unrelated events Bruno begins to suspect are linked. His search for clues to crimes old and new leads to stunning revelations about both his country’s history and his own, and puts several more lives—including Bruno’s—in deadly danger. In a thrilling denouement that proves the past is never really past, Bruno fights to secure the future of his beloved community and those he cares about most.
As charming and compelling as its hero, The Resistance Man offers fresh joys for loyal readers and newcomers alike.
A veteran of the Resistance dies, and among his possessions are documents that connect him to a notorious train robbery. A former British spymaster’s estate is burglarized, the latest in a spree of expert thefts. An academic’s home is broken into just as she is finishing a revelatory book on France’s nuclear weapons program. An antiques dealer is found brutally murdered, and his former lover, the number one suspect, is on the run.
It’s just another summer in St. Denis for Bruno, who must balance the constant barrage of demands on his time and expertise—including the complex affections of two powerful women, town politics (the mayor is having romantic problems of his own), his irrepressible puppy, Balzac, and nights entertaining friends and visitors with ever-sumptuous repasts—with a new focus on the mounting crime wave, whose seemingly unrelated events Bruno begins to suspect are linked. His search for clues to crimes old and new leads to stunning revelations about both his country’s history and his own, and puts several more lives—including Bruno’s—in deadly danger. In a thrilling denouement that proves the past is never really past, Bruno fights to secure the future of his beloved community and those he cares about most.
As charming and compelling as its hero, The Resistance Man offers fresh joys for loyal readers and newcomers alike.
322 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
978 people are currently reading
1852 people want to read
About the author
Martin Walker
73Ìýbooks1,479ÌýfollowersMartin 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 558 reviews
November 16, 2022
When you read as much as I do, you have to pay attention to how many books you buy vs. borrow or get for free. But this series has quickly made it into the camp of so good I’ll pay for them. And this book is the best in the series that I’ve read.
I love the way Walker combines the history of the area with a country lifestyle, small town mystery series. In fact, I would recommend this book as much to historical fiction fans as mystery ones. This time an old man who served in the French resistance dies peacefully in bed, but with two old 1000 franc notes in his hands. It would appear the notes might date back to the great train robbery of 1944 in Neuvic, when the resistance robbed 2 million in franc notes from the Nazis. Meanwhile, a rash of property break-ins are happening among the vacation homes of St. Denis, including one belonging to an English ex-spy master.
This is by no means a cozy mystery. But the scenes with Bruno’s menagerie, repasts with friends and a very interesting romantic situation make it a very fulfilling, calming experience. Oh and there’s a precious Basset Hound puppy, too. The book even has several incredibly poignant scenes, not your typical mystery.
While this is the 6th in the series, it could work as a stand-alone. Although, if you’re like me, you’ll find you want to go back and start from the first.
Here is an article about the Neuvic train robbery. Fascinating story:
I love the way Walker combines the history of the area with a country lifestyle, small town mystery series. In fact, I would recommend this book as much to historical fiction fans as mystery ones. This time an old man who served in the French resistance dies peacefully in bed, but with two old 1000 franc notes in his hands. It would appear the notes might date back to the great train robbery of 1944 in Neuvic, when the resistance robbed 2 million in franc notes from the Nazis. Meanwhile, a rash of property break-ins are happening among the vacation homes of St. Denis, including one belonging to an English ex-spy master.
This is by no means a cozy mystery. But the scenes with Bruno’s menagerie, repasts with friends and a very interesting romantic situation make it a very fulfilling, calming experience. Oh and there’s a precious Basset Hound puppy, too. The book even has several incredibly poignant scenes, not your typical mystery.
While this is the 6th in the series, it could work as a stand-alone. Although, if you’re like me, you’ll find you want to go back and start from the first.
Here is an article about the Neuvic train robbery. Fascinating story:
June 7, 2023
I am steadily working my way through this series and I look forward to each book with anticipation. This one did not let me down
is an involved and fascinating tale about a member of the French Resistance with several deaths and a lot of crime, all set against the delights of life in St Denis, it's gourmet foods and engaging citizens. Bruno is dragged into activities way above his pay grade but fortunately not beyond his abilities.
I read this book in practically one sitting and loved it all. There were sad moments, one in particular involving a horse and its rider, another where a truth is told which nearly made me cry as well as Bruno. So enjoyable and I still have many books in the series to look forward to! Five stars.
is an involved and fascinating tale about a member of the French Resistance with several deaths and a lot of crime, all set against the delights of life in St Denis, it's gourmet foods and engaging citizens. Bruno is dragged into activities way above his pay grade but fortunately not beyond his abilities.
I read this book in practically one sitting and loved it all. There were sad moments, one in particular involving a horse and its rider, another where a truth is told which nearly made me cry as well as Bruno. So enjoyable and I still have many books in the series to look forward to! Five stars.
June 5, 2013
Ah, this is my guilty pleasure... The loving descriptions of food, wine, dinners among friends, life in the French countryside... oh, yes, and there is a murder or two as well, a mystery to solve, to keep things interesting. This is the second book I've read in the series and I can't get enough of it. Maybe, after a full dose of all 6 books, I might feel a bit bloated and as if I had over-indulged at the dinner table. But there is also canny and topical political commentary, and a keen observation of cultural differences which keeps this series fresh and interesting.
March 22, 2019
I'd never read a Bruno, Chief of Police novel before, and my wife and I decided to read this one to take part in a discussion group at a local library.
I have to say that I wasn't at all impressed. The plot (which had little to do with the French resistance) was rambling and weak, there were too many characters, too much writing about food and wine, and too much discussion of French politics. (I understand that the novel is set in France, so food and wine probably couldn't be avoided, but there was too much writing about both to keep me interested.) I'll pass on reading any other books in the Bruno series.
I have to say that I wasn't at all impressed. The plot (which had little to do with the French resistance) was rambling and weak, there were too many characters, too much writing about food and wine, and too much discussion of French politics. (I understand that the novel is set in France, so food and wine probably couldn't be avoided, but there was too much writing about both to keep me interested.) I'll pass on reading any other books in the Bruno series.
November 30, 2022
Once again back to France, St Denis in the person of its chief of police Bruno Courreges who this time in a less than cozy story gets involved with the burglary of various houses that lose their antiques. One of the robbed houses is the property of one of Bruno's acquaintances and he turns out to be a pensioned spy-master hence the return of Isabelle one of the great loves of Bruno.
Then there is a dead antique salesman whose death will have a large impact on the peaceful world of St Denis.
This is an emotional and darker tale than usually in Bruno's life and the affair of the deceased resistance man whose funeral is the heart of this novel is beautifully written. The unsolved robbery of a money train in 1936 is interesting.
Once again a great book in a great series that is well worth any readers time. Please read the series chronological just because it gives you a far better time.
Then there is a dead antique salesman whose death will have a large impact on the peaceful world of St Denis.
This is an emotional and darker tale than usually in Bruno's life and the affair of the deceased resistance man whose funeral is the heart of this novel is beautifully written. The unsolved robbery of a money train in 1936 is interesting.
Once again a great book in a great series that is well worth any readers time. Please read the series chronological just because it gives you a far better time.
November 5, 2024
In this 6th book in the 'Bruno, Chief of Police' series, Bruno investigates a murder and a series of robberies. I'm a fan of the Bruno series but this book isn't one of my favorites.
Benoit Courreges, Chief of Police of St. Denis, France, is known as Bruno to everyone in the tight little community. Bruno loves to garden, play tennis, ride horses, socialize with friends, have romances, and of course, keep the peace in St. Denis.
As the story opens, a French resistance fighter from WWII has died of old age, and he's found clutching two bills from a decades old train robbery. The theft is infamous because, at the end of the war, the French resistance stole a HUGE fortune being transported for safekeeping....and the money has never been found.
Besides the natural death, St. Denis is experiencing a crime wave. For one thing, a gay man has been viciously beaten to death; for another thing, there have been a series of robberies. The stolen goods aren't the usual computers and televisions, but instead things like antique furniture, valuable paintings, expensive bottles of wine, and so on. The thieves apparently know when the homeowners are out of town, and simply drive up in a van and make off with the loot.
There's no obvious connection between the natural death of the resistance fighter; the horrific murder of the homosexual man; and the thefts of high-end goods, but Bruno senses a thread connecting them. So far so good.
After this the story gets overcomplicated (for me).
One story line is historical, harking back to WWII, the Nazis, the Vichy government, and France's development of nuclear weapons.
Another story thread involves an upcoming election in France, and 'corrupt politicians' who'd lie and manipulate to stay in office. (What else is new, right?)
The main theme of the book is Bruno's investigation of the murder and the robberies, and this comes to involve a CORNUCOPIA of characters that are hard to keep straight.
During his investigation, Bruno has to work with his former girlfriend Isabelle - a police detective who's ambitious and on her way up. The relationship has fizzled out, but Bruno is haunted by memories of the affair. In any case, Bruno now has a new girlfriend Pamela - a wealthy Scottish horse owner who spends a lot of time in St. Denis.
Not exactly connected to Bruno's romances, there's a lot of chitchat about people (both gay and straight) wanting to have children and start families.
By the latter part of the novel, I was struggling to remember who's who, and to put the various parts of the tale together. On the upside, I did like the dinner parties organized by Bruno and his friends - with food that sounds delicious - and I liked Bruno's new puppy Balzac, who' very cute and sweet.
So, all in all, 3 stars for me.
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March 19, 2014
I see that most people give this a four star. And although I did enjoy reading the story, I felt the train robbery was a weak thread that did not hold the real events together very well. It was almost like Mr Walker had read about the event and decided it would make a good tale, but there wasn't enough info to work with, so he added a murder too.
The title is another problem for me. Again, the Resistance Man had little if anything to do with the major action in the story.
And you know, Bruno is just going to have to get his act together and find a good wife. I am not particularly fond of any of his women ( no, I am not jealous of them ) but none of them have the depth or mettle to match him.
The title is another problem for me. Again, the Resistance Man had little if anything to do with the major action in the story.
And you know, Bruno is just going to have to get his act together and find a good wife. I am not particularly fond of any of his women ( no, I am not jealous of them ) but none of them have the depth or mettle to match him.
May 17, 2014
Benoit Courreges, Chef de Police in St Denis and known to everyone as Bruno, was enjoying a relaxing morning out in the garden with his two geese, Napoleon and Josephine plus the chickens and pheasants he had procured for their delicious eggs, while he was attempting to train his basset hound puppy Balzac. Teaching Balzac to treat his feathered friends with courtesy was beginning to work as Bruno found this breed of dog to be highly intelligent. But as his phone vibrated in his pocket and he was distracted, Balzac charged towards the chickens where a furious squawking and flapping of wings ensued. Grabbing Balzac Bruno apologised to the local priest, Father Sentout then proceeded to learn of the death of Resistance veteran Murcoing � his death was to start a string of events which had begun in 1944 with the legendary train robbery at Neuvic by the French Resistance; 2,280 million francs had never been recovered. (approximately $400 million in today’s money)
With burglaries occurring in isolated homes where all that was taken were valuable antiques, Bruno was shocked to learn of another one � this time at the home of the former head of Britain’s Joint Intelligence Committee, Jack Crimson. And with the investigation barely started he was called to the site of a vicious and brutal murder. What on earth was happening in his quiet little town?
As Bruno began to source facts about the players in both investigations, he discovered some alarming information � it seemed there were secrets within the political arena which just could link the Neuvic robbery with the events that were currently taking place. Suddenly the danger was deadly; could Bruno sort the tangled web before there was another murder?
This is my first by Martin Walker, so of course my first about Bruno, Chef de Police. A thoroughly enjoyable character, he even has his own website! ! The author’s information at the back of the novel tells of the July 1944 Neuvic Resistance train robbery and the fact the money was never recovered � it occurred exactly as it has been portrayed in this book. A gripping and intriguing thriller which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to TRR and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
With burglaries occurring in isolated homes where all that was taken were valuable antiques, Bruno was shocked to learn of another one � this time at the home of the former head of Britain’s Joint Intelligence Committee, Jack Crimson. And with the investigation barely started he was called to the site of a vicious and brutal murder. What on earth was happening in his quiet little town?
As Bruno began to source facts about the players in both investigations, he discovered some alarming information � it seemed there were secrets within the political arena which just could link the Neuvic robbery with the events that were currently taking place. Suddenly the danger was deadly; could Bruno sort the tangled web before there was another murder?
This is my first by Martin Walker, so of course my first about Bruno, Chef de Police. A thoroughly enjoyable character, he even has his own website! ! The author’s information at the back of the novel tells of the July 1944 Neuvic Resistance train robbery and the fact the money was never recovered � it occurred exactly as it has been portrayed in this book. A gripping and intriguing thriller which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to TRR and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
June 21, 2013
This sixth novel focusing on Police Chief Bruno of the fictional Perigord commune of St. Denis again not only tells a cracking good mystery but also makes you want to travel to see the world in which Bruno and his author live. The life, history and culture of the Perigord compete in the best sense with the narrow mystery and chase aspects of this novels and put it well above the normal European mystery.
August 16, 2024
The Bruno novels are a glimpse into provincial life in France and for that, I am grateful. This particular novel about a resistance fighter, who always suspected someone had made off with millions of francs from a bombed train, didn't hold together as well as others Walker has created. But it introduced some interesting and perplexing characters...an American academic who I am having a hard time assessing. I prefer, I think, a more clear cut view of their morality or culpability.
We had another foreign resident of St Denis introduced--a man who appeared to have ties to British intelligence who was burgled for his collection of household antiques, but which raised questions about the source of his interest in France...
We had another foreign resident of St Denis introduced--a man who appeared to have ties to British intelligence who was burgled for his collection of household antiques, but which raised questions about the source of his interest in France...
April 9, 2020
First Sentence: It as shortly after dawn on a day in the late spring that carried all the promise after summer to come.
When an old French Resistance fighter dies, he is found in possession of old banknotes thought to the robbery of the Neuvic Train during the War thought to be the greatest train robbery of all time. Bruno meets Jacqueline, who is researching a story claiming the US gave clandestine support France’s nuclear program, a fact that would not go over well with upcoming elections. A burglary, committed by thieves who target only items of value, including furniture, art and fine wines, has occurred at the vacation home of British citizen, Jack Crimson. However, this burglary includes murder when the victim’s lover body is found.
While one can appreciate Bruno realistically having more than one case on which to work as it makes it much more realistic and interesting. However, Bruno having a profusion of women in his life can become confusing for him, and for us. Walker is very good about connecting various threads in a rational way. He also maintains the human element by including the personal lives of some of the secondary characters, as well as displays of Bruno’s own empathy and generosity toward others.
Food and wine is a theme throughout the book, and the series. It is France, after all. Once you’ve read even one of the books, you’ll join the legions asking Walker for a cookbook as the descriptions, detailed as they may be, just aren’t enough to satisfy—Pamela had brought a Monbazillac from Clos L’Envège, which would go perfectly with the strawberries…He’d put the marinated duck into the oven, sliced some ham…and put a place of ham and his fresh radishes at each setting on his dining room table. Ah added some unsalted butter to each plate and sliced a big round loaf of bread from the Moulin bakery.�
There is an increasing depth to the case, and that it becomes one with a far-reaching impact. The information on the structure of French law and the manner of conducting investigations is interesting, as is the history of the Resistance fighters. It is also interesting to come across a scene where a Frenchman has never heard of Paul Revere and must have an explanation given. However, it is the point regarding the importance of a free press and fair elections that truly causes one to pause and consider.
There is a very painful scene that might upset animal lovers, yet it is appropriately and humanely done. This is later followed by a scene of a very personal, painful revelation presented Bruno followed by an interesting contemplation of the options. Walker knows how to reach the readers� heart and has imbued Bruno with depth and dimension with makes him real and appealing. In describing a funeral, one may find it is not only the fictitious mourner’s eyes that well-up with emotion.
“The Resistance Man� is a book of many layers and multiple crimes, with complex, dimensional characters. It’s not so much the crimes, as the people who are the focus and cause this to be a really good read in a wonderful series
THE RESISTANCE MAN (Pol Proc � Comm. Bruno Courrèges � G+
Walker, Martin � 6th in series
Knopf � February 2014
When an old French Resistance fighter dies, he is found in possession of old banknotes thought to the robbery of the Neuvic Train during the War thought to be the greatest train robbery of all time. Bruno meets Jacqueline, who is researching a story claiming the US gave clandestine support France’s nuclear program, a fact that would not go over well with upcoming elections. A burglary, committed by thieves who target only items of value, including furniture, art and fine wines, has occurred at the vacation home of British citizen, Jack Crimson. However, this burglary includes murder when the victim’s lover body is found.
While one can appreciate Bruno realistically having more than one case on which to work as it makes it much more realistic and interesting. However, Bruno having a profusion of women in his life can become confusing for him, and for us. Walker is very good about connecting various threads in a rational way. He also maintains the human element by including the personal lives of some of the secondary characters, as well as displays of Bruno’s own empathy and generosity toward others.
Food and wine is a theme throughout the book, and the series. It is France, after all. Once you’ve read even one of the books, you’ll join the legions asking Walker for a cookbook as the descriptions, detailed as they may be, just aren’t enough to satisfy—Pamela had brought a Monbazillac from Clos L’Envège, which would go perfectly with the strawberries…He’d put the marinated duck into the oven, sliced some ham…and put a place of ham and his fresh radishes at each setting on his dining room table. Ah added some unsalted butter to each plate and sliced a big round loaf of bread from the Moulin bakery.�
There is an increasing depth to the case, and that it becomes one with a far-reaching impact. The information on the structure of French law and the manner of conducting investigations is interesting, as is the history of the Resistance fighters. It is also interesting to come across a scene where a Frenchman has never heard of Paul Revere and must have an explanation given. However, it is the point regarding the importance of a free press and fair elections that truly causes one to pause and consider.
There is a very painful scene that might upset animal lovers, yet it is appropriately and humanely done. This is later followed by a scene of a very personal, painful revelation presented Bruno followed by an interesting contemplation of the options. Walker knows how to reach the readers� heart and has imbued Bruno with depth and dimension with makes him real and appealing. In describing a funeral, one may find it is not only the fictitious mourner’s eyes that well-up with emotion.
“The Resistance Man� is a book of many layers and multiple crimes, with complex, dimensional characters. It’s not so much the crimes, as the people who are the focus and cause this to be a really good read in a wonderful series
THE RESISTANCE MAN (Pol Proc � Comm. Bruno Courrèges � G+
Walker, Martin � 6th in series
Knopf � February 2014
May 3, 2024
Back in St. Denis with Chief of Police Bruno and as always it was a delight. The gastronomic delights of the French countryside and the fine wine were flowing. I believe, as one character classes them, I have become "one of Bruno's women". No sexual context there (lol), it is just that Bruno is that type of man who has many women as good friends.
A lot going on in this story: the death of an old Resistance man, the inclusion of a train robbery from the same era. Robberies of antiques and the history of Frances nuclear weapons program. I like Walker's research into the history of this era and the area of Périgord and find I learn something new each time. This book receives the 4th star as until the very end I was stymied as to "who-did-it".
A lot going on in this story: the death of an old Resistance man, the inclusion of a train robbery from the same era. Robberies of antiques and the history of Frances nuclear weapons program. I like Walker's research into the history of this era and the area of Périgord and find I learn something new each time. This book receives the 4th star as until the very end I was stymied as to "who-did-it".
August 2, 2018
Chief of Police Bruno Courrèges is feeling broody. He has recently remodeled and expanded the size of his house after a fire damaged it, and now he would like to add a wife and children to fill up all that empty space. Unfortunately, both of the women with whom he is currently sexually involved are not interested in marriage or children. One is married to her career and is focused on getting ahead in it. The other is an independent woman who wishes to stay that way. As far as their relationships with Bruno are concerned, they are only in it for the sex and the companionship.
And then there is Bruno's boss, the mayor of the little village of St. Denis. His wife is currently in the hospital, dying of lymphatic cancer, but that doesn't stop the mayor from auditioning a replacement for her. In this case, it is an attractive writer/professor/historian who is currently writing a book about the World War II period in France, a period when the French government surrendered and formed the Vichy administration. The French people, however, never surrendered; they kept fighting by whatever means they could find. One center of their resistance was the Perigord region, where St. Denis is located. Those who fought in the Resistance are still honored and considered great heroes there.
Time and age have already taken most of them, of course, and now one more has died. A veteran named Murcoing has died in his home and Bruno is notified. The death appears natural, not suspicious in any way, but, in time, events surrounding it become connected to a series of burglaries in the area. Someone is burglarizing vacation homes while the occupants are away and stealing valuable antiques and other belongings. It begins to appear as though Murcoing's beloved grandson Paul may be involved in those burglaries.
Things take a more serious turn when an antiques dealer is murdered and Bruno suspects that this is connected to the burglaries. The situation becomes even more tangled when Bruno realizes that the victim, who was a homosexual, was one of the victims in a gay bashing case that he investigated several years earlier and it seems that Paul may have been another of the victims. The case was never satisfactorily resolved and continues to nag at Bruno.
The French judicial system works inexorably to solve the entangled cases and bring the perpetrators to justice, and Bruno, as usual, while performing his investigatory duties also finds time to socialize with his friends, play with his Basset puppy Balzac, ride his horse Hector, feed his chickens and his two geese Josephine and Napoleon, and cook and serve gourmet meals from his garden and his surrounding land. The great charm of this series is really the descriptions of the countryside and the laid-back lifestyle of Bruno and the other residents of St. Denis. I can feel the pounds packing on just reading about all this wonderful food and wine, and it's almost as if I've taken a vacation among the sights of the Dordogne.
At the same time, the book, which was published in 2013, also manages to educate us a bit about the history of the region and to include social commentary that seems particularly relevant to our times. I think we could take some important lessons from the Resistance men and women of France. Perhaps the most important lesson is "Never surrender!"
And then there is Bruno's boss, the mayor of the little village of St. Denis. His wife is currently in the hospital, dying of lymphatic cancer, but that doesn't stop the mayor from auditioning a replacement for her. In this case, it is an attractive writer/professor/historian who is currently writing a book about the World War II period in France, a period when the French government surrendered and formed the Vichy administration. The French people, however, never surrendered; they kept fighting by whatever means they could find. One center of their resistance was the Perigord region, where St. Denis is located. Those who fought in the Resistance are still honored and considered great heroes there.
Time and age have already taken most of them, of course, and now one more has died. A veteran named Murcoing has died in his home and Bruno is notified. The death appears natural, not suspicious in any way, but, in time, events surrounding it become connected to a series of burglaries in the area. Someone is burglarizing vacation homes while the occupants are away and stealing valuable antiques and other belongings. It begins to appear as though Murcoing's beloved grandson Paul may be involved in those burglaries.
Things take a more serious turn when an antiques dealer is murdered and Bruno suspects that this is connected to the burglaries. The situation becomes even more tangled when Bruno realizes that the victim, who was a homosexual, was one of the victims in a gay bashing case that he investigated several years earlier and it seems that Paul may have been another of the victims. The case was never satisfactorily resolved and continues to nag at Bruno.
The French judicial system works inexorably to solve the entangled cases and bring the perpetrators to justice, and Bruno, as usual, while performing his investigatory duties also finds time to socialize with his friends, play with his Basset puppy Balzac, ride his horse Hector, feed his chickens and his two geese Josephine and Napoleon, and cook and serve gourmet meals from his garden and his surrounding land. The great charm of this series is really the descriptions of the countryside and the laid-back lifestyle of Bruno and the other residents of St. Denis. I can feel the pounds packing on just reading about all this wonderful food and wine, and it's almost as if I've taken a vacation among the sights of the Dordogne.
At the same time, the book, which was published in 2013, also manages to educate us a bit about the history of the region and to include social commentary that seems particularly relevant to our times. I think we could take some important lessons from the Resistance men and women of France. Perhaps the most important lesson is "Never surrender!"
September 2, 2017
***MAJOR SPOILERS***
But I'm not blocking it out because I hope Martin Walker reads this. I'm so disappointed, since I loved the first 5 books- I was primarily reading them for the food/wine, the bits of history, and the light but sweet and realistic romance (and the rather far-fetched and simple wrap ups of the mysteries). But there are 2 glaringly horrible problems with book 6:
1. Perpetuating stereotypes of gay men as generally pedophiles AND *either* criminals or artists (and nothing else despite several gay characters in the book) is reprehensible. If that part of France is still largely alt-right like the US, fine, say that, but do NOT by your characterizations and plot make true/normal the stereotypes those kinds of people use as a defense for their prejudice and bigotry. Unless you are 'those people,' which means I'll actively tell people to avoid buying your books.
2. Isabelle, as she has been written for 5 previous books, and if she was not on birth control for whatever reason, would NOT have been so ridiculous as to not know she was ovulating during a one-off sexual encounter and not taken precautions since she was 100% set against having children. If she's the way she's written, she'd have had an IUD this entire time, full stop. These aren't teenagers who haven't been taught sex ed. And Bruno, if he's the 'gentleman' you've written him as so far, would have understood her previous decision and they'd have had the adult conversation that needs to be had before engaging in a sexual relationship long before that night--- and whatever understanding about who'd bring the condoms should have been long previously discussed and acted on. It isn't that I'm saying she wouldn't have considered having a child with Bruno, or that she should have done something different, or even that his train of thought wasn't understandable-it's that this plot device is so outside her character that it makes no sense-- and further, having it be 'unforgivable' without argument is to blame and shame and demean women who've had to make that decision for any reason. (Secondarily, the morning-after pill would have made 100% more sense if she did indeed have a passionate idiotic moment, I'm 100% certain she'd have realized it quickly enough).
I also considered that maybe you're trying to make an argument about Isabelle's subconscious desires and that the only true fulfillment for a woman (or a man or any gender) is to be a mother (or a father)? If so, I'm extra sorry I wasted money on your book.
There are good ways to handle issues like these two that affect so many people, Mr Walker, and you've done it quite badly, I'm sorry to say.
But I'm not blocking it out because I hope Martin Walker reads this. I'm so disappointed, since I loved the first 5 books- I was primarily reading them for the food/wine, the bits of history, and the light but sweet and realistic romance (and the rather far-fetched and simple wrap ups of the mysteries). But there are 2 glaringly horrible problems with book 6:
1. Perpetuating stereotypes of gay men as generally pedophiles AND *either* criminals or artists (and nothing else despite several gay characters in the book) is reprehensible. If that part of France is still largely alt-right like the US, fine, say that, but do NOT by your characterizations and plot make true/normal the stereotypes those kinds of people use as a defense for their prejudice and bigotry. Unless you are 'those people,' which means I'll actively tell people to avoid buying your books.
2. Isabelle, as she has been written for 5 previous books, and if she was not on birth control for whatever reason, would NOT have been so ridiculous as to not know she was ovulating during a one-off sexual encounter and not taken precautions since she was 100% set against having children. If she's the way she's written, she'd have had an IUD this entire time, full stop. These aren't teenagers who haven't been taught sex ed. And Bruno, if he's the 'gentleman' you've written him as so far, would have understood her previous decision and they'd have had the adult conversation that needs to be had before engaging in a sexual relationship long before that night--- and whatever understanding about who'd bring the condoms should have been long previously discussed and acted on. It isn't that I'm saying she wouldn't have considered having a child with Bruno, or that she should have done something different, or even that his train of thought wasn't understandable-it's that this plot device is so outside her character that it makes no sense-- and further, having it be 'unforgivable' without argument is to blame and shame and demean women who've had to make that decision for any reason. (Secondarily, the morning-after pill would have made 100% more sense if she did indeed have a passionate idiotic moment, I'm 100% certain she'd have realized it quickly enough).
I also considered that maybe you're trying to make an argument about Isabelle's subconscious desires and that the only true fulfillment for a woman (or a man or any gender) is to be a mother (or a father)? If so, I'm extra sorry I wasted money on your book.
There are good ways to handle issues like these two that affect so many people, Mr Walker, and you've done it quite badly, I'm sorry to say.
June 3, 2021
A series of burglaries and a murder are the cases Bruno is assigned. Meanwhile, Pamela is injured, and Isabel delivers hurtful news. There are side plots, such as the one involving French nuclear weapons, but it’s Bruno, his life in San Denis, and his friends there that make this series so good. Robert Mackenzie again provides exceptional narration.
July 24, 2021
A complex plot with elements of WWII and one of Bruno's early cases and interesting characters. As usual there is good food and wine. Not my favourite in the series, but well worth the time.
July 22, 2023
“Bruno, Bruno Courreges. I am the town policeman at St. Denis� and the main character in Martin Walker’s cosy mysteries. Unlike Agatha Christie novels, I was able to figure out the murderer long before the end. If you have ever spent time in France, you will enjoy all the travels Bruno took through the country.
February 10, 2023
Bruno, the police chief of the lovely French village of St. Denis, in the Dordogne, really has his hands full in this one, when a number of seemingly unrelated events and crimes come together to point to—well, what, exactly? I’m not going to give the game away here. Suffice to say those things involve the death of an elderly former Resistance partisan clutching banknotes from a massive WWII train robbery, the burgling of valuable antiques from the nearby vacation home of a retired British spymaster, which brings the French national police into the mix, the murder of a shady antiques dealer, a break-in at the home of an academic who is finalizing her book that’s going to spill a lot of embarrassing secrets about the French nuclear weapons program—well, you get the picture. A convoluted brew. But as busy as all this keeps Bruno, he’s never too busy to host fabulous dinners for friends or for romance. I am really loving this charming series, which always feels like a trip into the heart of French food and wine country.
June 29, 2013
I adore this series... Walker is developing the characters beautifully. Without spoiling anything, it will be very interesting indeed to see how things develop for Bruno in particular in subsequent books.
February 12, 2015
Very little suspense. Very formulaic. Walker appears to be going through the motions with this series, which is a shame because earlier books were quite enjoyable.
October 25, 2018
I am so grateful to the woman who suggested Bruno to me. Great, great series!
April 5, 2014
It's Bruno's sixth, and my sixth, in this usually satisfying series. This time around I have to agree with those who felt it lacked depth, despite the presence of several supposed emotional crossroads for not only Bruno, but the mayor and Isabelle. They were there, like signposts, but they didn't reverberate.
It's also true that the title meant nothing in terms of what the story beneath the plot supposedly was about. When you find yourself wondering from time to time "What resistance man?" instead of reading on, something's out of kilter.
There's also been a disturbing evolution of Bruno into something of an Ayn Rand character. He's just a little too free-standing lately, even arrogant in his way. His circle is too self--satisfied. It doesn't feel like a circle of well-off, well-meaning, and responsibly-acting influentials; more like a developing power structure beyond the civil structure. In fact, until now, I hadn't realized just how far that's gone. It may be that there's only one further Bruno - or part of one - left for me after this.
It's also true that the title meant nothing in terms of what the story beneath the plot supposedly was about. When you find yourself wondering from time to time "What resistance man?" instead of reading on, something's out of kilter.
There's also been a disturbing evolution of Bruno into something of an Ayn Rand character. He's just a little too free-standing lately, even arrogant in his way. His circle is too self--satisfied. It doesn't feel like a circle of well-off, well-meaning, and responsibly-acting influentials; more like a developing power structure beyond the civil structure. In fact, until now, I hadn't realized just how far that's gone. It may be that there's only one further Bruno - or part of one - left for me after this.
February 2, 2018
well this is the book that probably has put an end to my reading of the bruno series. it's got all the usual pleasures - gastronomic, historical, equestrian, etc etc. but this time i could not seem to avoid that absolutely easy built in sexism of walkers writing - bruno's pleasure in watching the buttocks of two of his favorite women cantering ahead of him is just so unnecessary. the homosexual subplots of the villains - yes all the villains are gay, except for one who is driven by murderous hatred against gay men and pure lust for lucre on top of that. No Martin, in the time of Harvey Weinstein and the MeToo movement, I just can no longer ignore or abide the easy sexism built into the stories. Isabelle, the woman character with the most potential seems to be sliding into a vague and not particularly active or important role. I can't avoid the repetitive and formulaic nature of the stories. Bye Martin.
January 10, 2021
In seinem sechsten Fall Reiner Wein muss Bruno Chef de police eine Einbruchsserie aufklären, die aber auch noch Verbindungen zu einem Mordfall in seinem Bezirk aufweist. Mit seinen guten Wissen von Einheimischen und lokalen Gegebenheiten kann er den übergeordneten Ermittlern eine Hilfe sein und trägt schließlich entscheidet zur Aufklärung bei.
Alle paar Monate mache ich einen Ausflug ins beschauliche und kulinarisch erquickliche Saint-Denis des Martin Walker und erfreue mich an den Spezialitäten - seinen überaus sympathischen Charakteren, dem nicht allzu brutalen Kriminalfall und ein bisschen zwischenmenschlichem Klimbim mit politischen Zwischentönen. Nicht aufregend, aber sehr entspannende Leseunterhaltung.
Alle paar Monate mache ich einen Ausflug ins beschauliche und kulinarisch erquickliche Saint-Denis des Martin Walker und erfreue mich an den Spezialitäten - seinen überaus sympathischen Charakteren, dem nicht allzu brutalen Kriminalfall und ein bisschen zwischenmenschlichem Klimbim mit politischen Zwischentönen. Nicht aufregend, aber sehr entspannende Leseunterhaltung.
December 9, 2021
I'm taking a break from him. The first few books were good but, as I've said about other books, there were too increasingly annoying problems. First, Isabelle is a plot line that far outlived it's purpose. Second, there's not enough interesting murder in a rural region in France that everything has to be international mysteries with an annoying Brigadier spy-master? Now, we add a third. Only a schmuck of an author brings up homosexuality and can't do so without bringing up pedophilia, as if they must go together.
The plot doesn't matter, the above three things have ruined the series.
The plot doesn't matter, the above three things have ruined the series.
August 13, 2013
Martin Walker needs to write another instalment immediately!!!
June 6, 2023
I have to admit, I was a little fed up with all the women and the mouthwatering food descriptions torturing this poor reader. But - in contrast to some other books I've read lately - things pick up speed towards the end and we have quite a bit of action and excitement. Not too bad all in all.
As far as Bruno's women are concerned, things are very much undecided.
Actually while I'd be happy for him to settle down and have a family of his own, so far I don't really see that happening. :(
As far as Bruno's women are concerned, things are very much undecided.
Actually while I'd be happy for him to settle down and have a family of his own, so far I don't really see that happening. :(
May 12, 2018
The sixth installment of the Bruno series, this book centers on a famous train robbery by members of the French Resistance, and its legacy. Walker weaves story lines together skillfully, and each book is unique, though recurring characters establish a strong sense of continuity. As with the other books, I recommend this one to anyone who likes mysteries and/or stories set in the French countryside.
September 19, 2022
An almost cozy mystery, as genteel as the genre will allow. The story line flows as I imagine the rolling hills of the Perigord region in France, where these books are set. Interwoven into the story, along with the investigation and suspense that ensues, are descriptions of the countryside, its food and its wines.
Like the food and wine that are integral parts of the story, the reading journal flows ever forward, but at a slower pace than many other books in the genre. For me it is one of the selling points of the series.
Like the food and wine that are integral parts of the story, the reading journal flows ever forward, but at a slower pace than many other books in the genre. For me it is one of the selling points of the series.
June 11, 2020
Pamela war hier der Störfaktor, der mir den Lesegenuss geschmälert hat. Sie nervt mich so heftig.
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