Cover Image: The Shooting at Chateau Rock

The Shooting at Chateau Rock

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I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. Good mystery
Great weekend read. Highly recommend

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To start off this is book 13 in the Bruno, Chief of Police series and I have read none of the other books.

That being said I do not feel as if I missed anything by not knowing past stories. Other than the parts mentioning Bruno's old dog and new dog the book did not really reference past books and there was not really relationships or knowledge I needed from previous novels in order to understand and enjoy this one.

Now this is a sleepy mystery novel. Bruno is the police chief in St. Denis, France where he rides horses every day, monitors the local farmer's market, knows how to build a chicken coop, and has intimate knowledge of the laws regarding farm animals. One day a local farmer is found dead from a heart attack in his home and after the funeral it is found out that he had sold the farm to an insurance agency to cover the cost of a fancy retirement home that he could never afford. This new will has disinherited his children and something does not sit right.

This development has made Bruno suspicious so he starts to investigate the lawyer, insurance agent, and a mysterious woman seen at the farm. He also enlists the help of other law enforcement friends. Like I said this is a sleepy novel. Other than the farmer's death before the book starts no one dies until 3/4ths through the book and then everything proceeds very quickly. This fact is the only thing that makes it feel like a long time series. The story is more about all of the local relationships and less about finding a killer.

It was enjoyable and if I came across another book in the series I might read it.

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Martin Walker’s books about Bruno are quite popular. This is the fifteenth title in the long running series. This time the murder is of a farmer who is about to disappoint his potential heirs. Readers can safely guess what happens to him. But, can they guess who did it and why? What is the role of insurance, Russian oligarchs and a rock star? Bruno investigates.

As is true in some of my favorite Italian mystery series (Brunetti and Montalbano) the sense of place is well evoked in the Bruno stories. Food is also an important part of the action, just as in the series noted above.

So, readers enjoy some mystery along with a virtual trip to France and some good eating in your imagination.

I enjoyed Walker’s writing and look forward to reading other titles in the series. Some reviews have felt that this title is formulaic. I found it to be a fine, if slightly slow, read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

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Thanks to Netgalley for The Shooting at Chateau Rock by Martin Walker. As always, Bruno adds words to my high school French vocabulary and recipes I might like to try. Even deviled eggs sound so much classier as oeufs mimosa. I still love this series as much as I did at the beginning. Bruno, his friends, his lovers, (although Isabelle needs to move over for a certain local lady) and of course, his animals. They all bring something special to this beloved series.

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I have heard from friends who love Detective Bruno and his Basset Hound Balzac that I should look for Martin Walker's books. I was excited to see this one available through NetGalley. Hummmm, I guess I expected more then a pedestrian book that spent much more time and in-depth description talking about Balzac's first foray into the breeding process than necessary. I am used to detective stories with a secondary story as a backdrop to the primary story. However, I felt that the energy to write this part of the book was missing from the main story. I am not sure if I would look for other books about Bruno. Maybe I should have started with the first edition. I would give this a 2.5 rounding it up to 3.

Thank you NetGalley for making this book available.

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A well written book incorporating food, espionage and rock and roll,
It is not my normal reading genre but it intrigued me, the characters were interesting and the storyline wound around many current issues

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The Shooting at Chateau Rock is the 13th Chief Bruno mystery by Martin Walker. Released 26th May 2020 by Knopf, it's 320 pages and is available in most formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is such a subtly written, engaging, and satisfying book. I've been with the series since the beginning and always look forward to the narratives which are full of food and camaraderie (and some crime); they feel like catching up with old friends. This one is very much in the same mold. Bruno begins to investigate a potential rural insurance fraud and is soon neck deep in international money laundering, Russian / Ukrainian shady politics, and international security. Contrasted with high crimes and misdemeanors are sunny and satisfying descriptions of town markets, vineyards, his friends and acquaintances, horse culture and riding, loyal hound Balzac, and as always good food.

This is classic crime fiction, exceedingly well written, engaging, and worthwhile. Although it's the 13th book in the series, it works very well as a standalone book and would make a good entry into the series.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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The death of an old sheep farmer does not seem too suspicious, he was suffering from heart problems and scheduled for getting a pacemaker. Yet, when his son and daughter find out that they have been disinherited and that their father had planned to move into a luxurious retirement home, this raises questions. Even more so when neither the insurance nor the notaire responsible for the contract can be gotten hold of. While Bruno Courrèges, Chief of Police of St. Denis, investigates, he also enjoys the Dordogne summer and especially the time with his friends, amongst them former musician Rod Macrae who lives in an old nearby castle and is waiting for his children to spend some time there. Bruno is fond of the two now grown-ups and quite surprised when gets to know Jamie’s girl-friend: Galina Stichkin, daughter of a superrich oligarch and close friend of the Russian president.

The 15th case for the amiable French policeman again offers the pleasant atmosphere of the southern French countryside with a lot of talk about the historical heritage of the region and even more about the local food and the best way to enjoy it. What starts with a suspicious case of foul play and thus seems to be quite in line with the former novels, quickly, however, turns into a highly political plot covering debatable recent affairs and bringing the big political picture to the small community. Therefore, “The Shooting at Château Rock” isn’t just a charming cosy crime novel but rather a complex political mystery.

There are several reasons why one can adore the Bruno, Chief of Police series. On the one hand, you will be never disappointed when you like to delve into the French cuisine and learn something new about the Dordogne regions rich nature and food. On the other hand, this is surely not the place for fast-paced action with a lot of shootings and deaths. The plots centre around the people and some very basic motives for their deeds – as expected, all to be uncovered by Bruno.

What I liked most this time was how Walker combined a petty crime – if one can call a cold-blooded murder a petty crime – with the global organised crime which operates in the financial sector just as in politics and is long beyond being controlled by official security agencies. He convincingly integrates real life events which shook the public and will ever remain notes in the history books of where mankind simply failed to protect civilians from underground forces with their very own agenda.

Another perfect read for some summer escape to the French countryside.

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Another delightful and entertaining whodunit with Bruno among the natural beauties of the Périgord where once again our genial inspector manages to painstakingly and successfully untangle all the twisty and murderous shenanigans in this head scratching & very complex case taking place in one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
I simply love this unique & wonderful series. Highly recommended and to be enjoyed without any moderation👍👍

Many thanks to Netgalley and Knopf for this terrific ARC

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The latest in the Bruno, Chief of Police series by Martin Walker, is a delight! I haven't travelled since the Covid pandemic began and it may take two years before we're comfortable traveling again. The Shooting at Chateau Rock gives vicarious pleasure through the food, music, and exploration of areas in the Dordogne region of France.

This time the rock star family at Chateau Rock are preparing to list their Chateau and estate for sale. The younger children are in their 20s have brought friends to stay during the summer. There is insurance fraud, the theft of an inheritance, Russian-Ukraine oligarchs, dangerous bodyguards and Bruno approaches the problems with his characteristic fairness. As he tries to balance the rights of different groups, we can't help but want to escape to their peaceful village.

#TheShootingAtChateauRock

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It was another good addition to the Bruno series, though not as cohesive as some of the others. Always interesting aspects of international relations or French history and always French food, though.

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I’m new to Martin Walker and while I suspect there is a following I was a bit underwhelmed. I kept waiting for the shooting that appears in the title...still waiting...perhaps a different title. Too much description of food and wine, while little attention to the plot. And the plot what there was of it seem a bit fantastic. So probably comfortable like an old shoe to many readers, but not a lot of substance.. I just kept waiting for more. And when I read the thanks and saw how Walker’s family is involved with cookbooks etc I understood the book was merely a vehicle for the family’s other enterprises.

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Martin Walker involves Bruno, Chief of Police, in The Shooting at Chateau Rock. A rock star, the heirs of a sheep farmer who have lost their inheritance, and the daughter of a Russian oligarch are all connected in a scam in which the farmer deeded his farm to a long term care home and then died under suspicious circumstances. Bruno pursues the scam and falls over a connection to the Russian oligarch; this brings his former boss the French spymaster. As usual Bruno manages to keep calm and unravel the case. As an added plum his basset hound Balzac is ready to become a father. Intricate plotting, warm human relations, and a great story line. Read and enjoy.

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The fifteenth book of the Bruno, Chief of Police series, “The Shooting at Chateau Rock,” finds Bruno Courrèges and his basset hound, Balzac, at the center of another gorgeous summer in the Dordogne—once again the setting for grisly murder and international intrigue. Author Martin Walker has created a compelling template for Bruno; he’s part Jacques Pépin and part James Bond.

Walker puts the smallest details of French country life center stage in his books, and the attention he lavishes on market gatherings, recurring characters, and the never dull daily routines of a small village “flic” make this book, like all the others, armchair travel literature. A frisson of excitement runs through the reader each time Bruno plans to have a meal with his friends, as the French country dishes will be enviable and the cooking exquisite.

As with all of Bruno’s adventures, the small town of St. Denis is threatened to be overrun by nefarious forces from the global underworld. In Chateau Rock, the Russian Oligarchy and its network in Ukraine make their way to Bruno’s jurisdiction—and only he can set his world aright with intelligence, empathy, and bravery. Along the way, the reader meets an aging English rock star on the verge of either anonymous retirement or a stunning comeback; some gorgeous, talented women (whom Martin always treats with respect and admiration—never as adornment); and the just-below-the-surface libidinous nature of human beings—and dogs (even Balzac gets in on the action).

Anyone who enjoys intrigue, armchair travel, good food writing, and the interplay of everyday living in a romantic setting will love “The Shooting at Chateau Rock,” which can be read on its own as a fine introduction to the series, the charm of which, however, builds with familiarity of the people, places, and ingredients.

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Another beloved Bruno book

I really enjoy reading Martin Walker's books. This is book 13 of his Bruno series and I am reeling from the descriptions of the countryside, food and drink, as well as enjoying the beloved characters and following the intricacies of the plot. It's like being reconnected with good friends after a bit of an absence. So very suitable for these times!

Thank you to the publisher for lending me an e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

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Being unable to travel has an up side and this series is one of those. Somehow I had overlooked this wonderful series and I am eager to play catch up. What a joy to discover a long running series, all new to me. I love France and treasure my memories of time spent there. Within these pages I was a very happy traveler. Meeting Chief Bruno Courreges and his wonderful dog, Balzac gave me the perfect escape in these trying times.
When a local farmer dies of what seems to be natural causes - he did, after all, have a heart condition - his doctor made that assumption and the family proceeded with a cremation. Then they get the shock of their lives upon discovering that he had sold the family land, disinheriting them and had been promised a life of luxury in his final days on earth. Something is not right and Bruno is soon on the case without much to go on as there is no way to get any evidence from the corpse. That's not going to stop Bruno from investigating and using some very clever means to go up against an unsavory Russian oligarch, one who is also of interest to the French security agencies.
I found the day to day life of Bruno and his town of St. Denis to be everything I needed for my escape. The mystery was enough to keep me engaged but it was the rest that won me over. If I could only jump into the pages of the book so I could sit in his kitchen while he cooks up such wonderful food, spend time in town - the sure sign of a well crafted book with a wonderful protagonist. I'm ready to line up the other twelve books in the series and binge read.
My thanks to the publisher Knopf and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Martin Walker skillfully weaves so much information about France and Europe in general into The Shooting at Château Rock that, after I'd finished reading the book, it took a while for my mind to leave the Périgord. This book is about so much more than the fleecing of the elderly. Readers learn that although Europe knows that Russian criminals and oligarchs are moving into their countries, getting passports from places like Malta and Cyprus in an effort to hide their true Russian citizenship, they still have to tread carefully since half of Europe is dependent on Russian gas. I also learned that drones are being used to video opulent properties when they're being placed on the real estate market for sale. (How the other half lives, eh?)

No matter how hard Bruno works to track down the bad guys, there's still plenty of interaction with his friends, and-- let's face it-- that's what most Bruno fans eagerly await in each new book. There are several delicious meals lovingly described in The Shooting at Château Rock, and I loved the addition of music to the storyline. Bruno's young Basset hound, Balzac, also gets his turn in the spotlight.

You can't have a new book in the series without dealing with Bruno's love life. Fans know that his penchant for strong, independent women means that he hasn't found the right one who wants to settle down and raise a family with him. Here he seems to be nudged in a direction that I'd wondered about myself. Only time will tell what's in store for our favorite French policeman.

During the course of this series, Walker has shown us how the various law enforcement agencies work in France, and it's a fascinating glimpse into how another country protects its citizens. But Bruno does wonder-- as I sometimes do-- if there's still room for the human factor amidst all the technology and the massive amounts of data it can uncover. After all, most of Bruno's success is based on the fact that he knows most of the citizens in his area-- and they know and trust him.

Fans of this series should love The Shooting at Château Rock. If you're new to the series, I'm going to admit that you could read this book and not feel lost... but don't be surprised if you find yourself going back to read the rest of the books. They are quite the delectable feast.

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It's always great to meet again Bruno and his gang of friend and travel to Dordogne.
Mr Walker is great at writing these story that are always a mix of cozy mystery, police procedural and references to the current political situation.
At the same time he's also great at writing books that talk about mouthwatering food and idyllic settings.
This one was a bit slower than other but it was also a gripping and entertaining read that kept hooked till the end.
There's a local mystery in this story but there are also Russian oligarch, international politics and fiscal paradises.
And there are some lovely moments of the life the village and a new beginning for Balzac, Bruno's dog.
I loved the mix of elements and I enjoyed my travel and the big and small events in this books.
I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

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Why would a Russian oligarch be intreated in St Denis? And what exactly happened to Driant, who died of a heart attack not long after he sold his sheep farm- the sheep farm his kids expected to inherit. Fans of this series will be happy to be back in St Denis, a charming village in the Dordgne. If you haven't read it, you'll be happy to meet the villagers, and Bruno of course, as well as his dog. The mystery here is less interesting than the interactions in the town- Bruno's shopping, his chats, his dog- but that's not a fault. It's more, to be honest, that global Russian conspiracies and insurance fraud just feel, well, less fun than the day to day life of these people. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is not really a procedural and not really a cozy but a charming blend of the two.

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With current restrictions on travel and stay-at-home orders, you can still experience the food and culture of France through Martin Walker’s Bruno, Chief of Police series. His latest entry, The Shooting at Chateau Rock, takes you through the countryside, to village markets and to Bruno’s kitchen as he prepares his sumptuous dishes.

Gaston Driant comes to Bruno after the reading of his father’s will. Unbeknownst to Gaston, his father had made a new will, sold his farm and purchased insurance that would allow him to retire to a chateau that had recently been converted to an exclusive retirement community. He had been under a doctor’s care for his heart and his doctor assumed a fatal heart attack. The body had been quickly cremated, limiting Bruno’s investigation. As he looks into the transactions, however, there are definite irregularities. The realtor’s representative was an attractive woman who entered into an affair with the farmer and was the last person to see him alive. With no solid evidence, Bruno enforces the laws related to the neglect of the farm’s animals to delay the implementation of the transactions.

The new retirement community was financed by Stichkin, a wealthy Russian who now lives in Cyprus. With ties to Putin, he has come to the attention of French Intelligence. When Bruno is introduced to a group of young musicians who are staying at Chateau Rock he discovers that one is Stichkin’s daughter, who is engaged to the owner’s son. As a friend of the family, Bruno spends time being entertained by their music. He also learns more of the history of the Ukraine and the deaths of protesters that occurred there, an incident that Stichkin was involved in. Now someone is seeking justice and Bruno suspects that Stichkin is somehow involved in several deaths that occurred in the area.

Walker’s book is not just a mystery. It is also a celebration of life. Bruno’s constant companion is His dog Balzac. Amid the group dinners and musical interludes, Balzac, who Bruno raised from a puppy, is finally ready for breeding. Walker handles the situation with humor and sensitivity. It is this style that will make you love Bruno and his friends and make you look forward to your next virtual trip to France. I would like to thank NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishers for providing this book for my review.

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