Kittling: Books: A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker

First Line: The young boy's thin arms started to tremble under the strain.

For the first time, Bruno Courrèges must be recused from investigating a murder case when a woman is found dead on his friend Pamela's patio. The victim was new to the area and had taken a job at the local nursing home. There was no time for her to have made enemies or any real friends.

The police assign their rising star rookie, Fabien Panton, to the case, and Bruno is happy for him to take the lead. There are too many distractions for him at the moment: his spluttering relationship with Laura Segret, a film crew that's descended on the Dordogne, and a group of opinionated small business owners in St. Denis.

Unfortunately, Bruno never seems able to catch a break. When Fabien learns that the victim is connected to his own past, Bruno must step in to help solve the crime.

I distinctly remember complaining in my last review of a Bruno Chief of Police mystery that the books had been focusing on the investigations and had very little to do with the food and camaraderie that are two of the reasons why I enjoy this series so much. Well, A Murder in Springtime fixes that.

Although the mystery concerning the woman who was killed is an interesting one, for the most part, it remains in the background so the focus can shift to the preparation of delicious food and sharing it with friends. This made me happy because, since the very first book, the characters have become part of my literary family.

Another focal point that I liked was Bruno's attempt to revitalize his small village of St. Denis. Neighboring towns have stolen away many shoppers and tourists, and St. Denis' markets, shops, and business owners are suffering. Bruno comes up with some very good ideas, but human nature tells us that not everyone is going to be on Bruno's side.

Speaking of characters, I hope this is the first of many appearances for Fabien Panton, the man sent to St. Denis to investigate the murder. He's quite the personality and fits in well with the others.

Here I am, all caught up again and waiting for Bruno's next case. If you want to be transported to southwestern France, pick up these books. They are so filled with Gallic charm that I read them with a French accent.

A Murder in Springtime by Martin Walker

eISBN: 9798217207978

eBook, 288 pages

Police Procedural, #19 Bruno, Chief of Police

Rating: B

Source: Net Galley