Book review: Bruno, Chief of Police by Martin Walker
Benoit Courreges, universally known as Bruno, is chief of police in a small town in southern France. It’s a fairly quiet life and that suits Bruno just fine. Most of his time is spent helping the town’s residents get along with each other and avoiding the inspectors from the European Union. He teaches the children tennis and rugby. Bruno also loves to eat and cook. He’s a bit lonely and looking for a relationship, but, overall, he is quite happy.
Then an elderly Algerian resident and war hero is brutally murdered with a swastika carved into his chest. A parade to honor the man is interrupted by the National Front. And Bruno is swept up into a case that goes back to World War II and that winds up involving important ethical questions.
The crime and its solution are dealt with well. It’s an interesting case and has a few twists and turns, as with most mysteries. But, unlike many mysteries, the characters are complex and well-drawn and the setting is wonderful. In particular, Bruno is a very sympathetic and fascinating man. He’s certainly admirable, but he is no saint. And the town of St. Denis is delightful but by no means perfect.
I’m going to read the next book in the series, not just because I like mysteries but because I want to learn more about the characters and the town.
