In "A Chateau Under Siege" by Martin Walker, France's beloved country cop, Bruno Courrèges, finds himself facing a perilous threat to both the town he diligently polices and the people under his watchful eye. Set against the backdrop of the Périgord tourist season, the much-anticipated re-enactment of the historic liberation of Sarlat takes a dangerous turn when the French general's near-fatal injury raises suspicions of foul play. Bruno, ever the astute chief of police, delves into the mystery, uncovering a web of deception that connects to Kerquelin, a man with ties to a secret French electronic intelligence base and a Silicon Valley past. As Bruno unravels the threads of intrigue, he discovers a clandestine negotiation for a significant semiconductor industry deal, only to be faced with the emergence of a new and menacing player determined to sabotage the agreement. With Walker's masterful storytelling, "A Chateau Under Siege" promises a gripping blend of suspense, international intrigue, and the irresistible charm of Bruno's world.

More Dordogne-based sleuthing for Bruno. Evocative descriptions of the towns, countryside, markets and food will encourage as much migration to France as Peter Mayle. The adventure canters along thanks to the an inexhaustible supply of handily skilled acquaintances. Thouroughly enjoyable, Bon App!

Another brilliant Bruno and Balzac story. Bringing current events into the story makes it all seem so real. The usual cast of interesting characters that are closely involved in this small French town plus Brunos culinary skills, always make these books so enjoyable. This one had various nationalities involved with Choina the ringleader in the background.. Lots of fun as well as tension and daring do.

Another great thriller in the Chief of Police Bruno series. As always, combines action with history, politics, romance and gastronomy. Can't wait for the next in the series.

The Bruno novels never fail to engage the reader. The plot twists and turns somehow seem to reflect wider international, or national, politics and so seem very contemporary. The characters fit well in their community and the reader can easily picture the scenery, markets etc. Another good read. I expected to enjoy it and I certainly did.

Martin Walker's latest Bruno story is up to his usual high standard. I have never been disappointed and this maintains the level of writing and plot. There is always plenty of factual French history, politics etc to absorb and look up afterwards. Bruno seems to have an idyllic life occasionally punctuated by terrorists, political machinations and old colonial hangovers. Thanks to Netgalley.

Another excellent addition to this series, Martin Walker managed to introduce numerous characters into his favourite part of the Dordogne and come up with lots of excitement and red herrings, with a constant sense of humour. I enjoyed it a lot.

One of the main events of the Sarlat tourist season is the re-enactment of the liberation of the town from the English in 1370 and Bruno's there to see the show with some friends. It's all been very carefully choreographed but goes badly wrong when, Kerquelin, the man playing one of the main characters is seriously injured when he departs from the script. Luckily, his doctor is there and the man is whisked away in a helicopter. A local doctor (and friend of Bruno) wonders about his chances of survival but - as he's a senior government employee, the man who runs Frenchelon - the military has stepped in. One daughter lives nearby and another, who lives in California, is flying in with some of her father's friends for a pre-arranged holiday.

The group is staying at Rouffillac, a nearby chateau. Bruno's tasked with ensuring their safety but he can't help but wonder about what's behind all that's happening. It isn't long before he realises that the wound was faked and that Kerquelin is - in reality - a long way away, negotiating a deal to build a semiconductor industry in France.

OK - confession time. I don't read the Bruno series for details of his latest adventure. I read it to find out what's happening in his private life. I want to berate Isabelle and demand that she leaves the man alone so that he might actually look properly at Florence, who wants to live in St Denis. I rationalise it but telling myself that these people are simply constructed from words which develop in Martin Walker's mind. They're not real. Then I remember that Isabelle even lays claim to being part-owner of Bruno's dog, Balzac and the rant begins again. Is it OK to wish harm to a fictional character? I've spent a lot of time mulling this over - which just shows how good the characterisation is.

Of course, it's not just the characters that keep me reading. I've never been to the Perigord but I feel as though I know it well. There wasn't quite so much food this time, which is probably a good thing as I've thought before that I go up by two dress sizes when I read the latest book in the series.

As well as reading the book, I listened to an audio download, narrated by Peter Noble (which I bought myself). It was a real treat and I enjoyed it. I'd like to thank the publishers for letting Bookbag have a review copy.

You could read A Chateau Under Siege without having read any of the earlier books in the series but you will get more out of it if you know the background to some of the characters. We've got a list of the books in chronological order.

Like so many fans I’m in love with Bruno. This time he is chasing terrorists around his beloved St Denis and district. A murder at a re-enactment kicks this story off. The usual gang are with him on this adventure. Was it murder?

'Bruno finished his coffee and sat back. "You do realize that I'm just a village policeman who sometimes gets caught up in things that are way beyond my usual work?"'

Well, yes, you could say that. For a cop in a gentle setting, Bruno has certainly had his share of things beyond chicken theft and rowdy teenagers. Secret intelligence, Russia, Ukraine, spying, tech.... It's a convoluted story but Bruno saves the day. And don't worry, plenty of food is cooked along the way.

Not my favourite in the series, and Martin Walker does stretch credulity to a big degree in this one, but it's always fun to spend time in the company of Bruno and his friends.

(With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.)

A welcome addition to the series, a typical Bruno novel where the community and delights of the Perigord are the highlights of the book.

A delightful read, low on action compared to some previous entries but character development has moved forward and hopefully the next additions to the series add more characters like Alain and finally Bruno settles down.

Highly recommend the book, reviewed on Goodreads and will review on Audible and amazon shortly.

A novel of pure escapism in the picturesque French region of Dordogne.
Chief of Police, Bruno Courreges has another truth to uncover, when somebody tries to kill the French General in re-enactment - was it an accident or an assassination attempt.
Always richly descriptive and love the intriguing case that Bruno pursues, taking him into the heart of Ukraine.
Complex whodunnit with tasty French cuisine and wine thrown in.
Thanks #martinwalker @quercus & @netgalley for the eARC

The 16th book in the series. I have read the first four and quite enjoys. Chief of Police Bruno Courreges investigates an attack on someone playing a French general in an historic reenactment. While I enjoyed the earlier books I found this one to be a bit formulaic.I could put it better than another reviewer who said Walker seems to be channeling Tim Clancy now rather than Peter Mayle..

Thanks to Netgallery for the SRC.

As usually expected from this wonderful series, another excellent book. Bruno and his usual friends are back, with the interactions taken that little bit further. Of course, the trusty canine sidekick steals the show, which always adds a lovely touch.
Rather than just saying what happens, when you have the blurb for that, I will tell you what particularly appeals to me.
Great writing, believable and well developed characters. The setting - wonderful for those of us who know the area, and appealing for those readers who do not. Some history, but with a light touch. Background, again there but not pages upon pages of description. A little French, explained for those unfamiliar. Some lively recipes, that would be easy to recreate in your own kitchen. Lots of action, although some gentle. Only a little violence, not gory. And lots and lots of gripping twists, without the end being signposted. A little bit of a whodunnit but a lot of whydunnit.
All in all, a fantastic book, a must-read for those who follow the series, yet still perfectly understandable for those for whom this is their first experience of Bruno. And Balzac, of course.

This is not one of my favorite in this series but it's an excellent and complex story that kept me turning pages.
It's darker than other instalment and there's a stronger spy-story-like side.
That said I was glad to travel to Perigord, catching up with Bruno and his friend, Balzac above all.
This book made me wish I could visit the places and one day, when the car-driver-only will be solved, I will travel to these places.
An excellent and gripping story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The event of the Périgord tourist season is to be the re-enactment of the liberation of the historic town of Sarlat from the English in 1370. But it all goes wrong when the man playing the part of the French general is almost killed in the heat of the action. The immediate question for chief of police Bruno Courrèges is was this an accident - or deliberate? The stakes rise when Bruno learns that the man, Brice Kerquelin, was running Frenchelon, the secret French electronic intelligence base nearby, after being recruited from a brilliant Silicon Valley career. As he investigates, Bruno discovers that Kerquelin's wound was faked, that he is alive and well and secretly negotiating a massive deal to build a semi-conductor industry in France. But then a whole new and dangerous player emerges, determined to nip the deal in the bud.
The sixteenth outing for Bruno & another very well written, engrossing read, I really look forward to his yearly outing! Wonderful descriptions not only of the countryside but of the food & drink too. There are old friends & of course Balzac. As well as the case Bruno is still love lorn but his friends are quick to give advice but will he take it? Roll on book seventeen
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Ideal Melange..
The sixteenth outing in the Dordogne Mystery series featuring the inimitable Bruno, chief of police. Tourist season has arrived and with it all sorts of fripperies but, most notably, a reenactment of town liberation. Things do not go according to plan and Bruno has some serious questions to ponder and mysteries to solve. Once again, a thoroughly enjoyable instalment with the usual ideal melange of delicious food, perfect setting, well drawn characters and intriguing plot. Wholly immersive.

I was delighted that another book in the Bruno series was released and I was able to review it. And yes, it lived up to my expectations.

I have read all the Bruno books and enjoyed every one of them. I love the combination of solving crimes alongside French countryside and French food. The recipes that Bruno cooks, always make me hungry!

It was great to see the return of familiar characters, and it wouldn’t be the same without Bruno’s basset hound Balzac.

This was once again a really good read. I love the fact that I find out more about current politics, especially on the international setting, alongside bruno’s role as chief of police in a small French town.

The book starts with Bruno enjoying an evening out with his friends watching a battle reenactment in a neighbouring town. One of the actors gets badly injured - was it deliberate or accidental? And as the actor’s history and involvement on the world innovation stage is revealed, more and more players and agencies get involved - supported of course by Bruno!

I would recommend the Bruno series - and this latest book is no exception. Looking forward to the next instalment!

Another in this wonderful series by Martin Walker. Perfectly blending a heartwarming rural community in the Dordogne with an intriguing criminal mystery. Throw in some local historical facts, a few recipes of French cuisine, delightful characters and even a mix of real current world problems with an imaginative fictional element and you have an excellent story. I warmed to Bruno, Chief of Police for his area, many books ago and I love his genial nature and ability to be a friend to all and a guiding hand to those that need it. His friends who all appear once again have different and interesting characters and blend perfectly into his life. The story itself begins with a reenactment staged in the beautiful town of Sarlat. During the show Kerquelin, the star, is injured, almost fatally and is rushed to hospital. Many of his friends are due to arrive from all over the world for a gathering at a nearby chateau but upon arrival they are shocked to learn their host is fighting for his life. Who could have harmed him and would gain from doing so? As his wealthy friends converge, a police hunt is under way. The story weaves its complex plot and culminates in a finale which seems rather too close to reality.

Such a good series. Time spent with Bruno in the small town of St. Denis is definitely time well spent.

This story begins in the nearby town of Sarlat where a reenactment is taking place of the liberation of the town in 1370. When a scene from the play takes a deadly turn Bruno becomes involved in the investigation, and in turn is required to play a part in some very high level security issues. He also gets a telling off from his closest friends about his erratic love life. I am on Bruno's side in this one. Marriage needs a stronger basis than just liking someone.

All my favourite characters were mentioned at some point and Balzac the puppy was everywhere. Some beautiful meals were cooked and eaten, and the description of the market place and all the wonderful foods for sale was droolworthy. (if that is not a word it should be). This series has everything - a great main character, a beautiful setting, clever mysteries, plenty of action, and a Bassett Hound called Balzac. What more could you want?