Having read all of Martin Walker’s books I was really looking forward to his latest offering and it did not disappoint.

I found the book very topical with music being a central theme, but conflict between neighbouring countries and also involving Russia and the military. I enjoyed the starring role that Bruno’s basset hound Balzac had in the story.. All the characters from previous books were included, along with some new ones we haven’t heard about until now which explains the (until now) unknown background to some of our well loved friends. The descriptions of the surrounding countryside and events make you feel you are really there and I could imagine following the characters round the area I know and love. Once again Bruno (and Balzac) save the day but I do wonder how many lives Bruno has as he seems to have more than the 9 lives of a cat!

I can’t believe that this is the fifteenth book in this series featuring Bruno, Chief of Police set in St Denis in the Perigord area of France. Having followed his adventures since the very first book, a new instalment is always welcome.
This book follows the pattern of the previous books with Bruno’s daily life: policing, cooking and his sporting pursuits, set against the current mystery. This time the mystery brings us almost right up to date with Catalan separatists causing tensions between France and Spain and Russia stirring the pot to create maximum suspicion and disruption.
The cast of characters is brilliant and we also have the addition of a beguiling puppy into the mix. The principal plot line is really a political thriller rather than a police crime story and involves a lot of different officials and political discussions but we also get an absorbing sub-plot involving the Science teacher Florence and her abusive ex-husband.
I did feel that at times the story dragged a bit but it was a hugely enjoyable read nonetheless. One day I will visit that part of France and sample the cuisine and wine that Martin Walker describes so vividly. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Quercus Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This the fifteenth in the Bruno- chief of the Police - and if you’ve read any of the previous stories then you’ll know the form. This is a two part tale ; a focus on Catalan separatism and the implications of a husband released from prison on one of the town’s residents .In amongst the stories we have the expected serving of Bruno’s culinary diversions and sporting pursuits .This is a series which fluctuates between fast paced and gripping and sometimes a little bit heavy going with two many obvious pieces of historical or cultural info being woven into the plot. You have to suspend reality as the activities that Bruno often encounters are a tad far- fetched. This story didn’t grab me as much as some of the previous stories - a little too obvious in the plotting and shoe horning in of facts … at times - feels like a bit of a lecture …. Nevertheless, if you like a police based tale set in a semi rural France then put your feet up in the sun and escape to France

Crime,food and the French countryside what’s not too love. Bruno does it again. A. Stolen car and a stray bullet start this latest mystery.

Bruno Is Back…
Bruno is back in the fifteenth addition to this superlative series. A mix of local and international politics sparks pressure for Bruno as he sets about keeping his locality safe. He’s fully aware that the stakes are high. With a beautifully crafted cast of characters and an immersive plot this once again keeps the reader firmly in Bruno’s grasp. The tale is compelling, Bruno is as ever and the cooking is glorious. A perfect balance of a complex and engaging mystery and the sheer escapism which makes the Dordogne Mystery series so unbeatable.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy of To Kill a Troubadour, the fifteenth novel to feature Bruno Courreges, Chief of Police in the Dordogne town of St Denis.

Bruno has booked a local folk group, Les Troubadours, for one of the town’s summer concerts, but his organisational problems grow when their latest song, A Song for Catalonia, goes viral after being banned by the Spanish government. To add to his problems a sniper bullet is found in a crashed car that was stolen in Spain, lending credence to a Spanish warning that right wing nationalists are planning an assassination. Bruno has a feeling they may be coming for the band.

I thoroughly enjoyed To Kill a Troubadour, which is the usual mix of rural life and broader concepts, in this case international intrigue. I like the way the author effortlessly mixes the two and manages to be informative on a variety of subjects, like the Catalan independence fight and the Arabic influence on mediaeval culture. It’s fascinating for an information junkie like myself. The recipes are mouthwatering too as Bruno cooks his way through the novel.

I couldn’t put the book down and I can’t really say why. The plot widens into National Security issues, so there’s all sorts of soldiers and security experts involved and it’s eye opening to see what they and their technology can do, but it’s the technically challenged Bruno who saves the day. Quite right too, I feel in safe hands with the smart, strategic and practical Bruno. I guess I just like the way that Bruno still finds time to cook, ride his horse and play tennis in between all the drama and panic. It’s charming.

To kill a Troubadour is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Another excellent addition to the series. A throughly engaging storyline, very timely. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. It was full of tension, twists and turns that kept me totally engrossed… I read it in one day as I just couldn’t put it down.

4.5* upped to 5
I thoroughly enjoyed this story as it's an interesting and gripping story with a strong reference to what is happening now.
I was happy to catch up with Bruno and his friends, spent a lot of time wishing I could have a Bruce dog and loving the mouthwatering descriptions of food.
This is more a political thriller that the other novels and I appreciated what I learned and the descriptions of the actions.
The Occitane part left me wondering as it's more complex, a true Occitan would support the Catalonia independence but there they would also talk about Ousitania Libra plus there's also a strong Occitan community in Italy, my mother was born in that area.
Even if I found this part a bit fictional I thoroughly enjoyed the story and loved the tense final.
Can't wait to read the next Bruno's story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A delightful and enjoyable 15th installment of the Bruno series by Martin Walker. If you’re a veteran of the series you will know what to expect and this book follows the usual Bruno experience, interesting local history of the Perigord mixed in with an exciting case to solve along with a superb cast of characters that really bring both the story and setting to life. Without mentioning some delicious meals along the way, and a new lovable canine character in The Bruce.

This book features a spat regarding Catalan nationalism on the backdrop of a Far Right Spanish plot taking place on French soil. Along with a more local issue of a convict father rocking up on probation and domestic issues that stem from it.

A very entertaining book and unlike some books of the past the action in this one was realistic and lots of mention of Russia and their ways, given current news and events very timely! What I enjoy with these books is the place and life of a fictional town set in a real province is brought to life by the author, whether it be the historical caves or local vineyards. This time it is the Occitan culture of the region and their song and language.

Certainly a welcome addition to the series and hopefully an end is a long way off.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC.

Review will be shared on Goodreads and Amazon/Audible when upon publication.

Martin Walker has done it again. Another excellent addition to the series. Whilst being completely up-to-date with bots, cyber-attacks, these novels manage to maintain the integrity, the charm of the Dordogne - the real France. The plot is engaging, with some interesting twists, all characters, including Balzac (and his son, the Bruce) engage us and move the story forward. An excellent sense of place, and the meals - one can almost smell and taste them.

With thanks to NetGalley and Quercus for an ARC.