fredag den 18. marts 2011

Martin Walker, Bruno, Chief of Police (2008)


[Dansk titel: Politimesteren i St Denis (2010)]


Mini-review. 

This police procedural, set in the French countryside, is written by a British author and the first in a series.

The village of St Denis is shocked when old Hamid al-Bakr, an immigrant from Algeria, is killed in the most brutal fashion. As the murder seems to be race-related, it soon leads to racial tension, accusations and heated demonstrations.

Captain Bruno Courrèges is a great protagonist, a village policeman who is very proud that he has never had to use his service gun. He believes in solving problems as quietly as possible to avoid confrontations and use of weapons. He loves his local community, but not necessarily stupid laws that are ´really laws of Brussels´.

Furthermore Bruno is a charming character who loves good (French) food and enjoys the company of intelligent women.

A good mystery with a fine sense of place - I bought the book myself.
.

12 kommentarer:

Anonym sagde ...

Dorte - Oh, you have really whetted my appetite! I am intrigued! I'm particularly interested in Bruno - sounds like a great character. So much for my fine resolve not to add to my TBR!

Elizabeth Spann Craig sagde ...

Bruno sounds like a treat. Thanks for the review!

Barbara sagde ...

I love the idea of someone who doesn't see weapons as the way to solve crimes. I wish the movies would catch on - everything is special effects and horrid explosions now on film. I'd rather see detectives use their brains.

Dorte H sagde ...

Margot: ´Bruno´ is one of Maxine´s temptations - need I say more? ;)

Elizabeth: yes, apart from a few scenes about the wounds of the victim, you could almost call this one cosy.

Barbara: Great point - me too!
I think you could call Bruno a pragmatic detective. He does his best to solve problems without escalating the conflict.

Kelly sagde ...

Bruno sounds like an interesting fellow! Anyone who enjoys fine food can't be bad!

Dorte H sagde ...

Kelly: Bruno is really good company.

Yvette sagde ...

I loved this book! And you're perfectly right, Dorte: Bruno is really good company. I have the sequel all lined up on my library queue. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. ;)

Dorte H sagde ...

Yvette: all these series are brilliant for the writers but not for my book budget ;)

Lauren sagde ...

A really sweet book, as is the sequel. Mind you, the author really isn't fond of the EU!

Dorte H sagde ...

Lauren: I could imagine that ;D
I don´t mind, though. I think the EU is a very sensible union, but I don´t exactly love all their laws either.

Cathy sagde ...

I have both this book and Mystery Man on the TBR shelves. Thanks for the reviews!

Dorte H sagde ...

Cathy: you are welcome. Two very nice books.