Bruno Courreges may think of himself as a simple village policeman, but he’s a shrewd man who loves Saint-Denis and its people, the ones he serves. The Dark Vineyard, the second in Martin Walker’s Bruno, Chief of Police series, demonstrates his ability to maneuver through local and French politics.
When a big fire destroys GMO crops and a shed, Bruno finds himself investigating some of the local residents for an arson charge. But, he’s not the only one investigating, although he’s the sole policeman in Saint-Denis. He can work with Captain Duroc, head of the gendarmes, but when Parisian politicians send in a brigadier to investigate the arson, he’s afraid he won’t be able to deal with the high-level politicians and police. Fortunately, the mayor, his boss and friend, is on the side of the local residents. But when a large American wine company shows interest in the region, Bruno is afraid his interests and that of the mayor might be in conflict.
There’s a lot of interest in the Bondino family’s plans for buying up property and making wine. The representatives of the company, including the heir to the family business, assure the mayor those plans will mean money and jobs. Bruno is afraid those plans will mean the loss of the charm in the city he loves. But, if Saint-Denis ends up in the spotlight because of arson, and bar fights, two deaths, and the arrest of a prominent businessman, it could spell trouble for the village. Bruno must use all of his knowledge of the people, and his investigatory skills to find answers before the media descends on the local community.
I’ve only read two books in Martin Walker’s series, but I’m finding Bruno to be charming, with his love of the village, women, good food and good wine. As I said, he’s a shrewd policeman who knows his community. I’m looking forward to seventeen more books in this series.
The Dark Vineyard by Martin Walker. Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. 303p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
And don’t forget the book of short stories, BRUNO’s CHALLENGE. Some of those are as much (or more) cooking and entertaining stories as mysteries, per se.
Thank you, Jeff. I’ll have to make sure I pick that up, too. I enjoy short stories, but I don’t read them anywhere as often as you do!
Hello, Lesa! I’m back from three weeks in London and southwest England with my husband and sister and eager to start commenting again now that I don’t have to use my phone and finger! I’m delighted that you’re enjoying the Bruno books. I’ve read all 18 of them (or is it 19?) and always enjoyed them, although of course some are better than others. You have so many to look forward to now–I’m glad for you! You have given me the same pleasure with Catherine Aird–thank you. I read the first two in England and am now about to start the third.
Welcome back, Kim! I envy people who live in Europe and can easily enjoy so many different places and cultures. I was in college when my family hosted a Frenchman my age who had hitchhiked all over Europe. I’m still envious! Just not able to travel as I once did.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying Catherine Aird. I’m trying to balance new books and the series I enjoy. It’s not easy because I love those series. I could just sit and read Aird, Tim Sullivan’s DS Cross series, Kate Ellis’ books, and a few other series. My favorites. Did you ever read Dorothy Simpson? I loved that entire Luke Thanet series. Felt so bad when she had to quit writing.
I agree. I liked the Dorothy Simpson series a lot, and was able to read them in order. Another who died too young was Jill McGown, who died of cancer at 59. I liked her Lloyd and Hill series.
I liked Dorothy Simpson, too, Jeff and Lesa. I should make sure I read all of the; I’m not sure. Classic British police procedurals–the best!
You’re both right. I read all the Luke Thanet books in order. I was lucky, as Jeff says. And, classic British police procedurals are the best!
Yes, Jill McGown was a favorite of mine. I re-read them from time to time.
Jennifer, I put the first one in the series on hold at the library after Jeff, Tracy, and you recommended the books.
I was hoping to find some of Martin Walker’s books at the book sale but the only one they had was the first one. (I suspect many were bought by others by the time I got to that section.) I have only read the first one but I do have THE DARK VINEYARD on my shelves.
I agree with Jeff on the Lloyd and Hill series by Jill McGown. I read all of the books and some of them I have reread, I liked them so much.
I’ll have to try the Lloyd and Hill series. I know Jill McGown’s name, but that’s it, not the books themselves. Thank you, Jeff and Tracy.
I really enjoy books that have a strong sense of place and characters you can get to know over time. The conflict between local traditions and big business sounds interesting, and Bruno seems like a really charming and intelligent protagonist. It’s so nice when you find a series with a lot of books in it to look forward to!
http://www.melodyjacob.com
Melody, What a wonderful description of these books, Bruno, and the community of Saint-Denis. I agree. I love to discover a series with a lot of books. Because I read first for character, it’s always extra to find ones with a strong sense of place. If you read them, I hope you enjoy the Bruno books.