So much fun to read and attempt Bruno's gastronomic masterpieces - so happy Martin Walker and his family put this collection together!

It was lost on me that this cookbook was inspired by a fiction book - I had no previous connection. All I saw was a beautiful French cookbook that reminded me of travels in France - hunting truffles in the Perigord, meals with the farmer, and beautiful regional ingredients. As a stand-alone cookbook, I want to add it to my collection. The whole package is on-brand with classic French recipes that seem manageable, uncompromising, and seasonal - I shared them immediately with a student who was interested in learning about French cooking.

Always anticipating the next installment in the Bruno, Chief of Police series, for the food at scenery as much as the story, I have long been hoping the cookbook would be released in America. The stories describe the food so well, your mouth waters. Reading the introduction about living in the Perigord region and short story about Chabrol builds the excitement for the recipes and they do not disappoint.

The roasted tomato tapenade will be a perfect use of tomatoes from my garden this year. French green beans stewed in butter will be another summer time favorite using home grown beans. The Fried Potatoes Sarlat style is similar to a dish my father taught me using onion instead of garlic. I look forward to trying this version. The section on fish and seafood has me wishing I did not live in the land locked Midwest. I would love to try the fish pie or mussels.

Fans of good simply prepared foods using what is available seasonally will love this cookbook. The beautiful photography and information about the locality will have you planning your next vacation to the Perigord.