France, friendship, friends, foodie, historic-buildings, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, contemporary, suspense, thriller, falconry, false-conclusions, family, witty, rugby, rural, action, interagency, international-crime-and-mystery, international-crimes, international-espionage, interpersonal-problems, local-gossip, local-law-enforcement, local-politics, unputdownable, investigations, journalist, secrets, audiobook, relationship-issues, relationships, relatives*****

Riveting! Great police work stringing out the clues and suspects. As addictive as the others I am binge-reading in this series! Great learning opportunities as well, like falconry and some special things about WW2 French issues and politics.
Voice actor Robert Ian MacKenzie is excellent with interpretation and character definition, and superior in the rolling tones of French pronunciations. ( )

Yet another highly enjoyable instalment in the wonderful Bruno Corrèges series, this time bringing the reader in contact with the world of art history, and the seething morass of corruption that lies not far beneath its external patina of courtesy and respectability. Of course, there are all the usual ingredients, too – eloquent descriptions of the enthralling Dordogne landscape, lashings of sumptuous gastroporn, and the customary complications of Bruno’s love life.

One of Bruno’s friends calls him to voice her concerns about Claudia, a wealthy American student who had been living in St Denis for a few months. The previous night Claudia had complained of being unwell, and now seems to have disappeared. Retracing her known steps, which had taken her to a lecture at a local chateau converted to a civic amenity, Bruno (with the help of the adorable basset hound Balzac) finds her dead body in an old well.

As the dead girl was from a family with significant political contacts back in America, the ensuing investigation requires sensitive handling, and brings Bruno in contact with some high-powered figures. Further complications arise when the autopsy and toxicology tests show signs that the dead woman had taken a lethal mix of drugs.

Through this series of novels, which shows no sign yet of becoming overextended, Martin Walker has conjured a delightful image of life in the Dordogne. He imparts a pleasing mix of French history, gastronomy and society, without ever seeming to preach or condescend to his readers. I am now absolutely determined to visit the region soon to see it for myself. ( )

This series continues to please, historically and gastronomically. Skeins of WW2 history viewed through the confusing lens of postwar French history and leavened by a soupcon of art history provide a rich recipe for a Bruno investigation. Many familiar characters aptly play their roles as he sorts out the how, who and why of the death of a talented young art history student. ( )

When Bruno’s friend Florence calls to voice her concern for a missing American graduate student who had quickly warmed her way into their circle, he sets out to look for her at the last place she had been seen. The night before, Claudia had been among a couple of dozen attendees at a program held at a local castle. Bruno’s dog, Balzac, leads Bruno to a well in the castle courtyard, where it seems the young woman fell to her death. To all appearances, this was a tragic accident, but since Claudia’s family were politically connected, Bruno’s superiors want to leave no stone unturned. What if Claudia didn’t fall, but was pushed into the well? Who might have wanted her dead?

This series installment is more like the cozy mysteries I love than many of the other series books since the suspects don’t include international terrorists. No terrorists meant no need for Isabelle to be a part of the investigation, which also made me happy. (Bruno really needs to forget about her and move on with his life.) I’m always drawn to mysteries involving art and art history, and I wish that aspect of the plot had been developed more than it was. I liked Amélie when we met her in The Templars’ Last Secret, so I was glad to see her again in this book. The subplot of Bruno organizing a Josephine Baker concert for Amélie suited the cozier feel of this series installment. ( )

Bruno investigates an American art history student's death. Although little evidence points to a malicious death, things just don't quite add up for Bruno. She does not seem the type to kill herself by throwing herself into a well, and certain aspects such as the discovery of Thai drugs add to the confusion. I love the food discussions as much as the detective work. I'm not quite sure where the author is headed with all Bruno's romantic interests, but those are my least favorite plot element. This one offered something a little different from previous installments, although occasional references to them were made. This series' fans will enjoy this one. Others should consider beginning with the first in the series to fully appreciate the plots. ( )