Charming and quaint

Makes you fall in love with France whilst providing insight into life in a small town and old sins which come back to haunt people. The narrator has a soothing voice and brings the characters to life. And there are the great recipes for authentic French farm cooking. Meet Bruno local Chief of police working on racist murder case that is not what it looks like... enjoy.

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5 people found this helpful

A taste of rural France

I do enjoy this series. The books are interesting on many levels and the characters in them are engaging and varied. Well thought out stories with different threads and dimensions. I love the inclusion of the taste of French life.

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1 person found this helpful

village life in Périgord

I loved the accurate description of rural life and its intricacy. I could visualised the scenes. very enjoyable!

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Surprisingly informative about French history

This book appealed to me as I am familiar with the Dordogne area and I could picture the setting.

I learned a lot about C20 French history and the French policing system as a result of listening to this novel.

I think those who support the cancel culture might not enjoy some aspects of this book and it does seem a little dated, although it is a fairly recently written.

However it is an easy listen and the narrator avoids the trap of using a fake French accent for his characterisations.

I found the clarity of sound production a little indistinct at times.

I am going to try another in the series.

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Entertaining and informative

Gives the reader a wonderful complex and characterful image of rural France. Very well read.

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Not PC Plod, exactly.

Martin Walker is as good for Dordogne tourism as an outbreak of Black Plague! First of a series set in the village of Saint Denis, with a murder rate exceeding that of Midsomer, and too much history, social inequality and conspiracy, far too many guns and breakfast alcohol.
The audiobook seems to be a US edition; there are unfamiliar expressions like "slacks" - a US type of trousers, which sound very unflattering, and "cell phone" - a mobile, not communication from gaol!
Walker portrays a France just as flawed as that of Balzac, Flaubert and Zola, but with Bruno, a decent man trying to find stability and community after a lonely childhood and traumatic military service.

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3 people found this helpful

I think I may have found my next series of books.

I enjoyed this book. The first in a series of novels is always interesting. I love getting to know all the characters.

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Atmospheric

Rather involved story, but very well researched. I learned a lot about the wartime events in France. Gentle and sympathetic, Bruno is a lovely character!

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1 person found this helpful

Great story!

First class characters, interesting to learn some history of the region which as well woven into the story. Really worth a listen.

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Beautiful!

What a delightful story and beautiful narration. Lovely description of the little French village life, and smells, and sounds and tastes. Good gentle pace and fascinating plot.

Note- I have seen some negative reviews and I think that they must be for a different book.

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2 people found this helpful