Publisher Description

Industrial sabotage spills over into murder. Bruno, chief of police must balance tradition and progress while bringing a killer to justice in the second instalment in this mouthwatering series of mysteries.Just before dawn one summer morning Bruno is summoned by the wail of the siren in the little town of St Denis in the Perigord. A fire is raging in a local barn and spreading to the surrounding fields. When Bruno arrives at the scene, the smell of petrol leaves no doubt: it was arson. The barn belongs to an agricultural research company experimenting with genetically modified crops - an unpopular move in deeply traditional St Denis.Meanwhile, a Californian producer wants to set up a wine-making business in the valley. Despite the money and jobs this would bring, many fear it would destroy their town. When a violent death follows the crop burning, it looks as though someone is prepared to do anything to stop the scheme. Bruno will have to draw on all his local knowledge to reach the truth.

Notes

Second in the series featuring Chief of Police, Captain Bruno Courreges, set in rural France. Bruno has to investigate a case of arson, but matters are complicated when news that a Californian wine maker wants to move into the area. 'Walker's relaxed style and good humour bring to life his engaging hero and delightful home and make this one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a long time' Sunday Telegraph

Back Cover

In the Perigord town of St Denis, Captain Bruno Courreges is pulled from sleep by the wail of the local fire engines. A nearby barn is engulfed in flame, the surrounding fields ablaze. Everything points to arson. Meanwhile, a Californian wine maker wants to set up a huge vineyard in the valley. Despite the money this would bring in, many fear it would destroy their little town. When another outrage follows the crop burning, it looks like someone is prepared to do anything to stop the scheme - and Bruno will have to draw on all his local knowledge to get to the truth.

Author Biography

Martin Walker is a prize-winning journalist and the author of several acclaimed works of non-fiction, including The Cold War: A History. He lives in the Dordogne and Washington, DC.

Review

Sure to appeal to readers with a palate for mysteries with social nuance and understated charm - Wall Street JournalThe delights of [Walker's Dordogne] - from the chateaux along the rivers to the prehistoric cave paintings to the food on the tables - are very real.... Absorbing - New York Times Book Review

Long Description

Industrial sabotage spills over into murder. Bruno, chief of police must balance tradition and progress while bringing a killer to justice in the second instalment in this mouthwatering series of mysteries. Just before dawn one summer morning Bruno is summoned by the wail of the siren in the little town of St Denis in the Perigord. A fire is raging in a local barn and spreading to the surrounding fields. When Bruno arrives at the scene, the smell of petrol leaves no doubt: it was arson. The barn belongs to an agricultural research company experimenting with genetically modified crops - an unpopular move in deeply traditional St Denis.Meanwhile, a Californian producer wants to set up a wine-making business in the valley. Despite the money and jobs this would bring, many fear it would destroy their town. When a violent death follows the crop burning, it looks as though someone is prepared to do anything to stop the scheme. Bruno will have to draw on all his local knowledge to reach the truth.

Review Quote

Sure to appeal to readers with a palate for mysteries with social nuance and understated charm - Wall Street JournalThe delights of [Walker's Dordogne] - from the chateaux along the rivers to the prehistoric cave paintings to the food on the tables - are very real.... Absorbing - New York Times Book Review

Promotional "Headline"

The second Dordogne Mystery starring Bruno, Chief of Police and France's favourite cop as he keeps his small town safe in this internationally bestselling and acclaimed series.

Description for Sales People

Reissue of the series in new matching cover style

Details