Bruno's Challenge
And Other Stories of the French Countryside
0 of 1 copy available
After a prisoner breaks parole to see his son on Christmas, Bruno must track him down before he throws away his chance at eventual freedom. When a Senegalese man's coffee sells superbly at the market, some café owners become incensed by
the new competition and take matters into their own hands. As a Swiss tourist and a St. Denis native fall in love over the fruit-and-vegetable stall, one of their relatives takes drastic steps to break up the relationship. A fledgling tour bus
business is sabotaged, leading Bruno to take a closer look at a town love triangle. Called in to investigate a case of stolen oysters, Bruno reunites with an old flame to catch the shellfish thieves.
In story after story, Bruno settles town disputes, mediates family quarrels, and tracks down lawbreakers in his adored village of St. Denis and its environs. Featured meals in the collection include a fatty Christmas goose, a savory nettle soup with crème fraîche, and a fluffy quiche Lorraine.
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Creators
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Series
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Publisher
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Release date
March 15, 2022 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781705053348
- File size: 232144 KB
- Duration: 08:03:37
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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The deep, articulate voice of narrator Robert Ian Mackenzie takes listeners to an idyllic village in the Dordogne region of southern France, where they will be charmed by the local policeman, Bruno, a mediator, bon vivant, raconteur, and cook. This audiobook contains 14 short stories that deal with such topics as stolen oysters, a lovesick fugitive, a sabotaged tourist minibus, and more. The previous Bruno novels were actual mysteries; whereas, this story collection deals with minor crimes and local squabbles. Mackenzie's presentation is straightforward, without an abundance of French accents, yet the personalities, emotions, and even the moral fiber of the characters come through. This audiobook is a perfect escape. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine -
January 31, 2022
Fans of The Coldest Case and Walker’s other novels set in the little French market town of St. Denis will savor this inviting story collection featuring Bruno Courrèges, the town’s genial chief of police. As St. Denis is in the Périgord, the culinary heartland of France, a thread of gastronomy and bonhomie plays a significant part in all 14 tales. Walker smoothly integrates recipes into the text, beginning with the title story, which finds Bruno throwing together a golden wedding anniversary feast for friends on short notice and includes easy to follow instructions on how to prepare Poulet à l’estragon. Prehistoric cooking methods figure in “Boeuf Neanderthal,” as Bruno prepares a menu for the Société Historique et Archéologique du Périgord. “The Green Army” describes biodynamic viticultural techniques, and “Sugar Lumps” reveals the proper way to drink absinthe. The area’s rich history and traditions are explored at every turn. Any crimes are relatively minor—nasty anonymous letters, spates of vandalism—and are resolved by cooperation, conviviality, and Bruno’s clever intervention. Culinary mystery aficionados won’t want to miss this one. Agent: Stephanie Cabot, Susanna Lea Agency.
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