I read my first Bruno book a couple years ago, and quickly consumed three more in succession. They are perfect vehicles to be transported to another place: a small village in the south of France.

For those of you already familiar with Walker's series, A Birthday Lunch is a quick trip back, and those of you who are unfamiliar with the books will be introduced to some of the things readers love about the writing. A Birthday Lunch will bring you the community of St. Denis, some culinary delights, and a bit of ancient history.

Very short, but a great way to tide you over until The Body in the Castle Well is released in June.

4 out of 5 stars.

Releases on 3/19.

Thank you to NetGalley, Knopf Doubleday, and Martin Walker for the advanced copy for review.

I always enjoy Martin Walker's Bruno books because they are always filled with food and anecdote of one of his great number of friends, which in this case was Florence and her children. Making his morning run contribute to the festivities, he found a stone that was used as an axe which unknowingly fit right into Florences new archaeology club. I like Martin's teaching without seeming like you know something. This was a great little story.