The Crowded Grave - (Bruno, Chief of Police) by Martin Walker (Paperback)

About the Book

Welcoming the return of spring in his idyllic French village, chief of police Bruno Courráeges investigates a local murder at an archaeological dig site that is complicated by an animal rights clash and an international summit.

Book Synopsis

Another delightful installment in the internationally acclaimed series featuring Bruno, Chief of Police: It's spring in the idyllic village of St. Denis, and for Chief of Police Bruno Courrèges that means lamb stews, bottles of his beloved Pomerol, morning walks with his hound, Gigi, and a new string of regional crimes and international capers.

When a local archaeological team searching for Neanderthal remains turns up a corpse with a watch on its wrist and a bullet in its head, it's up to Bruno to solve the case. But the task will not be easy, not with a meddlesome new magistrate, a series of attacks by animal rights activists on local foie gras producers, and a summit between France and Spain approaching--not to mention two beautiful, brilliant women vying for Bruno's affections.

Review Quotes

"In Martin Walker's delightful series...the charm of rural France is regularly disrupted--but not too much." --The Seattle Times

"The small towns where Martin Walker sets his enchanting country mysteries embody the sublime physical beauty...of France." --The New York Times

"Martin Walker plots with the same finesse with which Bruno can whip up a truffle omelette." --The Christian Science Monitor

"A satisfyingly intriguing, wish-you-were-there read." --The Guardian (London)

"Sure to appeal to readers with a palate for mysteries with social nuance and understated charm." --The Wall Street Journal

"In an era when most Americans are ignorant of France in its true richness, generosity of spirit, and quality of life, Mr. Walker and his Bruno offer an enchanting introduction into this very real world. The American reading public should flock to join them." --The Washington Times

"Another delicious romp through a French menu garnished with politics." --Kirkus Reviews

"Fans will appreciate Martin Walker's superbe gendarme procedural." --The Mystery Gazette

"Though Bruno has a lot on his plate, he always leaves time for a good meal and glass of wine. . . . The Dordogne area of France provides a rich backdrop for any story, full of history, political strife and delicious delicacies." --The Mystery Reader

"A roman policier...that the celebrated Simenon, creator of Inspector Jules Maigret, would have been proud to claim." --The Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)

"Walker hits the sweet spot of balancing humor and drama, and his food descriptions will leave readers fantasizing about dining in the Perigord." --Publishers Weekly

"A lighthearted celebration of the Périgord region of France...[with a] prevailing atmosphere of dappled sunlight and good food and wine and friends. A pleasure for Francophiles, oenophiles, and the palate." --Booklist

About the Author

MARTIN WALKER, after a long career of working in international journalism and for think tanks, now gardens, cooks, explores vineyards, writes and travels. His series of novels featuring Bruno, Chief of Police, are bestsellers in Europe and have been translated into more than fifteen languages. He divides his time between Washington, D.C., and the Dordogne.