Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Any fan can tell you: when you pick up one of Martin Walker's Bruno Chief of Police mysteries, you know what you're going to get, and To Kill a Troubadour is no exception. You're going to get a finely tuned cast of characters who work together to combat the evil that appears at the village of St. Denis' doorstep. You're going to get a well-crafted mystery that showcases a fascinating nugget of the history of southwestern France. You're going to spend some time scratching basset hound ears and on horseback enjoying beautiful scenery. And you're going to spend some time drinking excellent wines and eating fabulous food.
This formula annoyed me at one stage because part of it involved Bruno trying to find the right woman to settle down with, but he's mellowing and less of the book is being spent on his romantic woes. I can't overcome the feeling that Walker isn't done with the subject, and I do look forward to seeing future developments; I just appreciate the respite.
To Kill a Troubadour highlights some of the things I enjoy so much about this series. The inter-agency cooperation is fantastic. The French government is shown to perceive a threat and to act immediately. Even collaboration with other countries works well. Although Spanish right-wing extremists are the ostensible villains of the book, there is actually a puppet master working away in the background. I do like how Walker weaves real-world situations into these books.
I always learn something about the Périgord region of France, too. This time, its connections to Spain and the dissemination of Arabic music and thought from Iraq to Spain to France and on to the rest of Europe.
The subplot of Bruno helping Florence to keep her abusive ex-husband away from her children is not only good but it also provides a laugh-out-loud moment when the women of St. Denis make their presence felt.
All in all, this latest book in Martin Walker's series delivered the goods and left me with a smile on my face, anticipating my next visit to the Périgord.
This formula annoyed me at one stage because part of it involved Bruno trying to find the right woman to settle down with, but he's mellowing and less of the book is being spent on his romantic woes. I can't overcome the feeling that Walker isn't done with the subject, and I do look forward to seeing future developments; I just appreciate the respite.
To Kill a Troubadour highlights some of the things I enjoy so much about this series. The inter-agency cooperation is fantastic. The French government is shown to perceive a threat and to act immediately. Even collaboration with other countries works well. Although Spanish right-wing extremists are the ostensible villains of the book, there is actually a puppet master working away in the background. I do like how Walker weaves real-world situations into these books.
I always learn something about the Périgord region of France, too. This time, its connections to Spain and the dissemination of Arabic music and thought from Iraq to Spain to France and on to the rest of Europe.
The subplot of Bruno helping Florence to keep her abusive ex-husband away from her children is not only good but it also provides a laugh-out-loud moment when the women of St. Denis make their presence felt.
All in all, this latest book in Martin Walker's series delivered the goods and left me with a smile on my face, anticipating my next visit to the Périgord.
