It is always a pleasure to spend time with Bruno whose story began with Bruno, Chief of Police. To Kill a Troubadour is the fifteenth in the series with the sixteenth title coming out in August 2023.
This plot has some political underpinnings. A new piece, Song for Catalonia, raises many feelings. The writer has sympathy for the Catalans who want independence from Spain and the Nationalists do not like this. Musician, Joel, is threatened. Will he perform in St. Denis? How far will protesters go? France and Spain plan to work together on this situation so Bruno is involved.
At the same time as Bruno is drawn in, he also wants to help a friend whose husband is being released from prison. Furthermore, he wants to enjoy the pleasures of where he lives including the food. Will he have time for everything? Readers can trust that he will. They will enjoy spending time with Bruno as everything is sorted out.
Publishers Weekly says: “Good food, fascinating history, and a crackerjack mystery: who could ask for more?” Indeed.
Many thanks to Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group for this title and also to NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book was published in August 2022.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Smoothly integrated into Bruno’s investigation is information on a multitude of subjects, from medieval musical instruments to Ukrainian history, plus easy-to-follow recipes. . . . Good food, fascinating history, and a crackerjack mystery: who could ask for more?”—Publishers Weekly
“While a brilliantly conceived plot builds up to a climax that James Bond might envy, there is pleasure to be had in Martin Walker’s sensitive portrayal of a tight-knit community where friendship and mutual support count for more than expediency. Bruno is a hero for our troubled times.”—Barry Turner, Daily Mail (London)
“[Bruno] raises his own chickens, grows his own produce, and is as caring a cook as Robert B. Parker’s Spenser. . . . As usual, Walker concocts a satisfying dish featuring an intriguing lead character who moves through enviable settings and enjoys wonderful meals while tracking down criminals. . . . Suspense carries to the last in this extremely well-crafted mystery that can be enjoyed by both fans and readers who are new to the series.”—Connie Fletcher, Booklist (starred review)
“Everyone’s favorite French police chief Benoît Courrèges—aka Bruno, Chief of Police—faces a new threat. . . . All of Walker’s fan-favorite characters are present and accounted for, as well as all of Bruno’s treasured pastimes.”—Bruce Tierney, BookPage
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 