Sunday, February 07, 2021

On My Radar: Martin Walker's The Coldest Case

 


If you've been reading my blog for any length of time at all, you know that I'm a big Martin Walker fan. I love his Bruno, Chief of Police series set in the Périgord region of southwestern France, although I've learned that it's not a good idea to read these mysteries when I'm hungry. I could also be found at The Poisoned Pen every time he came to town to promote his books. (Am I ever looking forward to having COVID-19 in our rearview mirrors!) In doing a bit of research for this post, I was astounded to learn that I'd missed reading one of the Bruno short stories, so of course I took care of that oversight immediately.

By now I think you all know what I did when I learned that there's a new Bruno mystery on the horizon. Yes, my happy dance. Let me tell you more about the book!


Available May 25, 2021!
Synopsis: 
 
"An anonymous skull, an unsolved murder, sinister rumors from the Cold War era of espionage--Bruno's investigation into a long-standing cold case finds him caught between an enigmatic winegrower and a menacing Communist organization from the past.

After attending an exhibit on the facial reconstruction of ancient skulls, Bruno wonders if this technology might provide an invaluable clue to a thirty-year-old cold case. But learning the identity of the murder victim is only the beginning. The investigation quickly turns thorny and leads Bruno to a reclusive vintner, Henri Bazaine, whose education at a vocational school in a formerly Communist region has raised some eyebrows. An inquiry into the defunct school turns up shadowy reports of possible connections and funding from the Stasi, the repressive police agency of the former East Germany. The scrutiny on Henri intensifies once Bruno discovers that he was declared dead thirty years ago and has been living under an assumed name ever since. The strange case is further complicated as Parisian bureaucrats get involved, hinting that essential diplomatic relations might be at stake. And to make matters even worse, the Dordogne is suffering from an intense summer drought that is sparking fires across the region. But as always, Bruno will keep a cool head through it all--and, bien sûr, takes time to enjoy a sumptuous Périgordian meal!

 
I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to watching Bruno deal with the Stasi and cook up a fabulous meal or two. How many of you are Bruno fans?

6 comments:

  1. Ooh, ooh, ooh! A new Martin Walker! Yay! It's now on my radar, too, Cathy, so thanks (but don't tell my TBR!). I really like this series, and it's always nice when a new entry drops.

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  2. :) This sounds good. Bruno and the Stasi is certainly a new twist!

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    1. I wondered if Walker might not branch out to the Stasi.

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  3. Oooh! My love for Bruno - and the rest of St Denis - is no secret. Thanks for a bright spot on a Monday!

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