This book is such a good mix of the old and new, coming together in the mysteries uncovered by Bruno and his dog Balzac! The small French town, with its mayor, the town hall, Pilates classes and winding river is delightful. This is in direct contract to crypto currency, cyber crimes and hacking and tracking people as they fly around the world. The old worldliness is almost gentle and soothing, despite the worries over the river flooding and the modern crime overlays this and really stands out. I enjoyed this book, it is almost two tales woven into one and a smooth read,

Another enjoyable book in the Bruno series

I always look forward to the next book being released in the Bruno series and this one did not let me down.

I enjoy the blend of history and present today. If obvious that Martin is a well informed journalist and this adds dimension into his books.

The latest book starts around the discovery of a WW2 grave in the grounds of a local property. The politics and the history. Then when a new archaeologist helps on this, events start unfolding re her life and that of her corrupt husband. We are introduced into the world of crypto currency. And behind all this is a growing feeling of concern re the rainfall and the river levels.

An enjoyable book, and the last few chapters are really absorbing. A few loose end that could have been tied up better. But that does not stop the enjoyment of the book.

Looking forward to the next one!

I think that the political climate is affecting the way I review this book and Bruno is a cosy series but there's a lot of history and political facts that makes it a very intriguing mystery series
I love Bruno, Balzac and the group of friends. I always wonder how they keep their cholesterol under control and would be delighted to visit the places (I don't drive so it's not possibile).
That said I loved this one that kept me hooked and turning pages (What a news for this series) but I also felt some more darkness. There's not trouble in paradise but there's something that can change the perception of historical events. The people who were part of the Resistance in continental Europe were not saints but they became sort of white knights and we forget that they were hero but also people.
The story is fast paced, entertaining and full or surprises. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

PS: my father was in the Italian Resistance like other relatives of mine

Wowsers, we are now at book 17 in this series and it's still going strong with absolutely no signs of flagging. Obviously it's always better to start a series from the beginning and read in order but, as this one does have a rather impressive cast list, or old friends as I like to call them, you really could do yourself a favour and play catch up. They are all cracking books so, if you do have the time and the inclination, you'll not regret it.
So... this book contains a lot of history. Mostly around the second World War. Obviously pertinent to France and the Dordogne region. History that Bruno has to learn or refresh himself with when a grave is uncovered and three sets of remains discovered, the contents suggesting possible war crimes. He is determined to do his best for the deceased and, it also being a bit of a political hot potato, calls on his extensive network of both locals and fellow professionals to assist. It also doesn't help that he is still recovering from injuries sustained in the previous book and, when this book opens, he is still on sick leave.
As well as the case in question, we also have all the things that make this series great. Bruno entertaining his friends with his amazing cooking for one, his forays out horse riding, as well as reconnecting with all the friends I have made along the way. And getting to know some new ones too, especially Bruno's new nemesis! Oh and the wonderful Balzac gets in on the action too. All that along with the wonderful descriptions of the Dordogne, the place and the people and, as we learn towards the end, how beauty can turn to danger instantly.
All in all, a cracking addition to one of my favourite series. I really can't wait to reconnect with Bruno and the gang and return to the wonderful St Denis. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I have read several of these books now and found them to be very enjoyable. The setting in France is a delight, the characters are wonderful and you do feel like you are in the room with them.. You do have to be in a bit of a "I'm willing to learn about history and current affairs" mode with these as unlike other cosy crime (a misnomer if ever there was one but still..) there is quite a lot of factual information in the book. I very much enjoyed it. A few monor quibbles. I think I would have preferred a story more centred on the bodies. Wasn't overly keen on the ending, felt a bit meh.
I will read more and recommend to others. A good solid 4 stars

A grave had been discovered in the woods and Bruno, Chief of Police, (still recovering from his last case, and wasn't due back to work for another two weeks), went to view the grave as he needed to know what or who was inside. Three human skeletons lay beneath protective covering, and from the clothing, plus some papers protected in a tin, it seemed as though they'd been there since WWII. Was it a war crime? Bruno was determined to discover the answers to that question.

Meanwhile, a new person to the area had brought trouble which drew the eyes of security police, FBI and other officials. Bruno knew he needed to keep watch on that situation. And with the constant rains, it looked as though the Dordogne river, in combination with the dams, would bring flooding to their small village of St Denis. Bruno wasn't even "officially" back at work, and was busier than ever...

A Grave in the Woods is #17 in the Bruno, Chief of Police, series by Martin Walker and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Back in 2013 I read #6 and when I was approached to read this one, I asked a good friend who loves the series if it could be read as a standalone. She said yes! And she was right. I remember enjoying #6 - so why didn't I read more in the series? Too many books, too little time perhaps!! Time to rectify that... Bruno is an exceptional character and the people (friends) who surround him are also. A Grave in the Woods is an excellent read which I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and Quercus, UK for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

I love reading these stories of Bruno, the Chief of Police in St Denis with his wonderful collection of dear friends that are part of this warm and supportive community. The descriptions of the area take me back to many enjoyable holidays in the region and make me long to be back enjoying the delicious food and spectacular scenery. This particular story had several aspects, the discovery of a mysterious grave from the second world war, a cyber attack and a potential threatening flood. The historic local stories were well researched and added a dimension that gave further insight and interest. The new characters gave depth to the story and hopefully we will encounter some again in future books. The story itself developed at a fairly leisurely pace and although I was hoping for a more satisfying and conclusive ending, I suppose it was the ultimate punishment for a certain perpetrator, although possibly not for Bruno.

A brilliant read, the 17th book in the series but I read it as a standalone not having read the previous books. I really enjoyed this book great characters.

It's always a celebration day when another Bruno book is published. Martin Walker writes a great story and combines it with current affairs, history, politics and great food and wine. Another brilliant story in a charming, idyllic setting. Highly recommended!

Martin Walker used a very captivating title what make me choose this book. A Grave in the Woods is the book seventeen of the series with Bruno. Although you can find a lot of historical details with very comprehensive descriptions, I found it difficult to engage into the story. The small town where everyone knows more or less each other is the perfect place for mysterious and thrilling stories. I will give it a go and go back to the first book to see where the whole story has been begun as I love reading the series. It was a good read, recommended to the fan of crime and mystery stories.
Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for ARC of this book to provide the honest review.

The seventeenth book in the series, and I still cannot get enough of Bruno and his friends and their wonderful lifestyle.

In this book Bruno is involved in the discovery of three sets of bones in an old grave in the woods. The resultant investigation causes all kinds of political intrigue of the kind that this author writes so well. Then the Dordogne floods and the dams spill and there is a very high risk of local flooding. Bruno is kept very busy indeed despite the fact that he is supposed to be on leave, recovering from his injury from the previous book.

Despite all the action Bruno and his friends still find time to ride horses, shop at the local market, and eat some glorious meals at each other's homes. It is fun to share all this with them even if it is just through the pages of a book. Oh and a gold star to Balzac the attack dog.

I found this book very difficult to get in to, and overall didn’t feel there was much of a storyline to it. Some minor action towards the end but nothing to put your heart in your mouth. Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy.

The Dordogne holds a special place in my heart because that's where I have been spending all my summers for the last 30 years. I have also read earlier books in the series and so recognise a lot of the people, places etc. Even though I liked this last instalment, I sometimes felt a bit overwhelmed and had the impression the author was trying to cram a little bit too much into the book. The historical part was tied up nicely but the other storyline with the hacking felt a little bit unfinished since it left me with quite a few unanswered questions. Nevertheless, the Bruno books are always a good read and the characters and setting make up for what is missing. Another enjoyable immersion into life in the Dordogne.

Past and Present Collide..
The seventeenth outing in the Dordogne Mystery series featuring the inimitable Bruno, chief of police, and a new case where past and present worlds collide following the discovery of three sets of bones. Our protagonist also has other pressing issues as Bruno needs to protect the town and the residents from an impending flood. Once again, a thoroughly enjoyable instalment with the usual ideal melange of crime, mystery, delicious food, perfect setting, well drawn characters and intriguing plot. Wholly immersive and engaging.

A Grave in the Woods is,incredibly, the 17th book in Martin Walker's hugely popular "Bruno" series. As well as very entertaining police procedurals these books are almost a love letter to the Dordogne and packed with the history,culture,scenery and not least the cuisine of the area.
This book is something a bit different with the discovery of 3 sets of bones dating back to WW2 being found deep in the woods outside St Denis. The condition of the bones of 2 females suggests that atrocities had been carried out. As Bruno carries out his investigation the reaction of locals towards the discovery is mixed but mostly very moving and Walker deftly ponders via his writing the nature of war,reconciliation and the scars of history. With not only a devastating flood threatening but Bruno discovering that his police computer might have been compromised there's certainly a lot going on with the book almost reading like 3 novellas stitched together.
There's a massive cast of characters in the Bruno books that can seem a bit daunting to those new to the series,, in this book a handful more are introduced, and it can feel a bit "busy".
That said this is a joy to read,not just for the plot but for the aforementioned background information about the Dordogne ,I doubt I'm the only one to finish this book as intrigued about the area its set in as the story.

Rather like a new Donna Leon novel in Venice or a Denzil Meyrick thriller in Scotland a new Bruno Courrges story has become an annual event in the summer for the last 17 years !!

As ever the town and the people of St Denis are a backdrop to the latest police/thriller story.
Bones of three people are discovered in a war grave raising questions as to whether a war crime was committed; two of the victims were women and violently abused.

The story takes an interesting focus upon the atrocities of war and abuse upon the victims of both sides- a fine line in the eyes of many- but the violence against the female victims leads the women of St Denis to show solidarity. Martin Walker holds a sensitive line in this element of the book- with some of the male bastion showing ' a more basic view' of allies v germans.

Much of the book is taken up with well researched history of the WWII period and the resistance in the Dordogne. Quite a history lesson.

The other elements of the book focus upon a new resident and cyber /crypto currency crime involving an ex partner as well as the danger to the community from rising water levels and potential floods

Bruno is always at hand to help, organise and be at the heart of all the events- and of course demonstrate his culinary and sporting skills

This is sometimes just a bit frustrating as he becomes a bit too much of a super hero- especially as he is recovering from an injury from the previous story..

But just suspend disbelief and dive into another rollicking read; there was a sense that this book felt a little disjointed especially with the denouement of the cyber attack story, the flood situation towards the ends whilst keeping a focus on the main story plot. .

But there is no denying, that if you like a mix of police procedural /thriller with some good food and company thrown then this new Bruno Courreges story is a great summer escape read.

I’d previously read the first of this 17-strong series (Death in the Dordogne), so here I am skipping to the latest, due to be published in June. This is a review of an ARC from Quercus and NetGalley.

First of all, a pause to reflect: 17 books! I suppose there would be a danger that the Perigord Noir would start to seem like Midsomer, the murder capital of the world—if there was a murder in every book. Luckily Martin Walker seems to have too much sense for that. The mystery that gives the title this book dates back to 1944: a war crime, perhaps. And the most up-to-date criminal activity here is some kind of attempted computer hack, the motives for which are unclear. Meanwhile, a third plot thread is provided by a dramatic flood that threatens St. Denis, the fictional town that sits somewhere along the Vézère River, possibly between Limeuil (which sits at the dramatic confluence of the Vézère and the Dordogne) and Les Eyzies. Le Bugue might be the best guess as to the real place that inspires St. Denis, but what really matters is that this is escapist literature, a cozy mystery wherein any horrible suffering is buried deep in the past.

So distance in time provides some cushion, and further coziness is provided by loving descriptions of delicious meals, good wines, and fiery spirits. Add in the cast of characters familiar from the other books (with some new faces to freshen the scene), and it’s like being on holiday without worrying about the credit card bill.

One of the new faces wants to take over a derelict building and turn it into holiday lets and a cooking school, but there’s a problem: according to the deeds, there’s a grave somewhere on the property, and nobody knows who is in it. Meanwhile, another new face, American archaeologist Abby, wants to qualify as a guide but has a murky divorce in her recent past. Police chief Bruno is here to offer friendly advice, and isn’t even supposed to be on duty following a shooting incident in the previous book. But then there’s all the rain, and the dams upriver can’t cope with the quantity of water…

My biggest criticism here is that there are a few too many information dumps. Because the case connects to 1944, there is an awful lot about the occupation, the liberation, the resistance—as you might expect. But then there’s more, about Italians where they shouldn’t be, and archaeology and the American revolution and even Russian and Ukraine. It all builds up, rather like the floodwaters in the dam. For me, just a few too many scenes of people telling each other things over dinner, and not all of the historical stuff really played into the present day mystery.

On the other hand, it feels like you’re getting a snapshot of local cop Bruno’s life, as he juggles the responsibilities of his job with his social activities. A couple of weeks where some stuff happens. And the real reason you’re here is to escape into the Dordogne countryside, pop a few corks, forage for mushrooms, and reflect that, even with two rivers in full flood and the town on evacuation alert, you’d still rather live there than Britain.

(This ARC had a few typos, and a White Peugeot 308 that became a Renault a few pages later, but I don't know who to tell about that.)

Another brilliant page-turner from Martin Walker. In this one there are newcomers to St Denis - with big plans to renovate a rundown property. These are put on hold when an unknown grave is mentioned in documents. This uncovers an incident from World War Two. At the same time an American archaeologist arrives in the village, and she is being pursued by her ex-husband who has been dabbling in crypto-currency and lost millions. How this all comes together, and who is involved is written about brilliantly.

Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Quercus for an ARC.

First of all I must thank the kind people of Quercus Books for reaching out and giving me an advance copy of this book and Netgalley for handling it. A Grave in the Woods by Martin Walker is the 17th book about Benoît Courrèges, aka Bruno. He is the Chief of police in the Dordogne valley in the south of France, he lives in the little village of St. Denis and in this book he returns from a time in hospital due to a wound he got in the last book. He is still recovering and is not supposed to work until the doctor has given his ok but things happen and he pulls on his uniform. While examining what is a forgotten grave they discover three bodies all from the second world war and at the same time some of the new inhabitants in St. Denis are having problems. That is not all, there is also a big risk of flooding the valley due to heavy autumn rain. This is as always a well written story and not only do we get to follow Bruno solving mysteries we also get a good dose of local cuisine which always leaves me hungry. We also get to see some old acquaintances return due to a memorial service for the discovered bodies. Never have I come across a book series that makes me want to move somewhere like this one does. I understand why the author has taken to live here. It is alway great fun returning to this piece of rural France and what could have been a great place to live if it wasn't for the murder rate.

The latest book in the Dordogne mystery series sees charismatic policeman Bruno assist in the uncovering of a WW2 grave as well as dealing with a cyber attack on the police network despite being on convalescent leave. This is only the second book of the series I have read but was immediately transported into the culture, history and community of St Denis and the residents of the beautiful town. I have visited the Dordogne, though not as far south as the Perigord Noir and as a reader was delighted to be absorbed in the setting and story. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.