Bruno, Chief of Police

By: Martin Walker

Narrated by: Robert Ian MacKenzie

Bruno is a former soldier who has embraced the pleasures and slow rhythms of country life - living in his restored shepherd's cottage; patronizing the weekly market; sparring with, and basically ignoring, the European Union bureaucrats from Brussels.

He has a gun but never wears it; he has the power to arrest but never uses it. But then the murder of an elderly North African who fought in the French army changes everything and galvanizes Bruno's attention: the man was found with a swastika carved into his chest. Bruno soon discovers that even his seemingly perfect corner of la belle France is not exempt from that period's sinister legacy.

©2008 Walker and Watson Ltd. (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Unexpectedly good!

Would you consider the audio edition of Bruno, Chief of Police to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but I imagine so. The narration was excellent.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed reading a mystery that was longer on human interest, interactions and history than on violence. It has its' shocking places, but I like reading about a character that uses patience, humor, and his sense of truth rather than one who is out committing more violence him(her)self in the name of finding criminals. This book had good human appeal and the story was filled with interesting information about the area of Perigord, in France.

Which scene was your favorite?

Actually, several of the scenes that were side issues to the mystery, but dealt with the charm and interest of the people and the area. I'd enjoy re-reading those parts.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reaction, but it held my interest, and moved back and forth between character exchanges and fact-finding scenes.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend it to people who don't like a lot of violent action, but enjoy a good mystery that is not "fluff."

I want more.

This is the first Bruno book that I have read. The characters have depth and sympathy. The story is complex. The addition of historical facts adds so much to give this story interest. I want more about this community.

Great food, great wine, great mystery, great history

Love Mackenzie as a narrator although he struggles with women’s voices. This does not diminish the experience. Why haven’t I heard of these before? Can’t wait for the next.

Very enjoyably read/listen.

Any additional comments?

Enjoyable characters and story. A little history and French cuisine/wine knowledge mixed in. Made me want to listen to more Bruno stories (and I have enjoyed them also).

great mystery and excellent travel guide

this book was an excellent murder mystery and eating all the descriptions of the food and wine made me hungry! loved it...

very educational

if history is as portrayed, quite an eye opener about German activities in France during WW2.

A Lovely and Touching Crime Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I recommend this to any lover of a good crime story "who done it" but it has a twist. I am used to the hard boiled tough as nails shoot em up American cop.

This member of his local constabulary (actually the only member) is cut from a different bolt of cloth in a delightful way.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Clearly Benoît Courrèges, aka Bruno of course!!

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where the crime is solved! There's a love story wrapped into this wonderful story! It unfolds and that's a great scene.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I smiled a lot while listening to the story!

slow reading

good story a little slow and drawn out. would probably not read this author again. Good story line.

too slow

This book was too slow for my tastes but the story was good with historical underpinnings.

Not bad not good Benign

This book was purchased on the basis of audible recommendations resulting from past purchases. Not really a very good recommendation. The book was not bad but it was never engaging in any way. It was like listening to background music unoffending but uninteresting. The most interesting portions of the book were related the the preparation of local food.