The Coldest Case by Martin Walker: A review

In this latest entry in the Bruno, Chief of Police, series, the Dordogne region is suffering through a terrible drought. That gave the story a particular currency for me since we also are suffering through an intense drought. Amazingly though, the drought does not seem to have affected Bruno's garden which is just as prolific as ever. Unfortunately, I do not find that to be the case in my garden.

When Bruno isn't policing, his favorite thing to do is to cook gourmet meals for all his friends, using the produce from his garden. He finds plenty of occasions to do that during his investigation of The Coldest Case.   

The case in question has simmered along for thirty years and it is an obsession with Bruno's boss, JJ. It involves an unsolved murder of someone whose skull was found in the woods years ago. There has been no identity found for the skull and there seems little hope of ever finding out what happened. Then Bruno happens to attend an exhibit on the facial reconstruction of skulls and he wonders if that might be a way to finally identify the unknown murder victim and perhaps get the investigation off of square one. A skilled technician named Virginie is brought in to accomplish the task.

Virginie gets to work on getting the job done, but in the midst of her work, she becomes a victim herself when a very bad policeman attempts to rape her. That will not happen, of course, as long as Bruno is on the job. 

Life ambles along in Saint-Denis. Bruno interacts with his friends. The big news of the moment is that his dog, Balzac, has sired a litter of puppies and everyone in town wants one. Bruno's investigation of the old murder leads him to a reclusive vintner named Henri Bazaine who may have a connection to the Stasi, the former East German police agency. But Henri Bazaine was declared dead thirty years before! What goes on here?

This is a very gentle series as murder mystery series go. Bruno spends most of his "policing" career doing things like helping children cross the street, visiting farmers and shopkeepers, coaching rugby and tennis, and just generally making himself useful to the townspeople. All of these activities do help to keep him well informed about what is happening in St. Denis and, after all, that is an important part of being a policeman anywhere and especially in rural Dordogne where everybody knows everybody and all activities seem to be interrelated. This one was another solid entry in the series.  




Comments

  1. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaJuly 13, 2022 at 4:40 PM

    I do like police procedurals but hesitant to start any new series these days - well, unless it's book @1 of a new series LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersJuly 13, 2022 at 5:55 PM

      I had read this series in order up to a point but I actually skipped ahead to read this one and I'm not sure I'll go back and read the ones I missed.

      Delete
  2. MysticaJuly 14, 2022 at 1:20 AM

    I like police series like this and especially in a rural setting. It somehow becomes very descriptive as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersJuly 14, 2022 at 8:38 AM

      The author's descriptions of the French countryside are certainly one of the strengths of the series.

      Delete
  3. Lark July 14, 2022 at 11:01 AM

    I'm not sure I'm up for starting yet another series, but this book sounds like a good one; I'd probably really like Bruno. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersJuly 14, 2022 at 11:33 AM

      I know that feeling about starting another series. I seem to be in the middle of several at the moment. But Bruno is a very likable character.

      Delete
  4. CathyJuly 14, 2022 at 2:16 PM

    I've read every book in this series, and a one point, its formula really grated on me, but I've come to terms with it and look forward to spending a little time with Bruno and his friends. There can be comfort in formula. To be honest, since you've already skipped ahead, there's no real reason for you to go back and read the ones you missed. (Once again... formula!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersJuly 14, 2022 at 4:33 PM

      Yeah, I seriously doubt I'll go back. I don't think I've missed that much.

      Delete
  5. Rajani RehanaJuly 15, 2022 at 2:22 AM

    Great post

    ReplyDelete
  6. thecuecardJuly 20, 2022 at 9:06 AM

    I'm a fan of the Dordogne area so I need to read whole the Bruno series! My husband has read quite a few and always seems entertained by them. Glad you like and report back on these.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersJuly 20, 2022 at 12:48 PM

      I think you would probably like them. I'm always entertained by them and they just seem perfect for summer reading.

      Delete

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