- format: Kindle (Amazon)
- File Size: 1071 KB
- Print Length: 385 pages
- Publisher: Quercus (August 2, 2012)
- Publication Date: August 2, 2012
- Sold by: Hachette Book Group
- Language: English
- ASIN: B007C4G0CO
It is springtime France's Périgord, a time of
beauty and calm. But not for Bruno, chef de police of the small town of
St Denis. A woman's body has been found on a boat, bearing signs of a
black magic ritual.
Bruno has too much on his plate as it is - mediating a domestic abuse case that needs careful handling and a dodgy local development proposal that seems just too good to be true.
But a murder case must take precedent and the roots of this one lie buried deep in the past - linked to a chateau above a bend in the river, to the reclusive old woman who lives there, and to the secret hidden in the Devil's Cave.
My Take
I have read a number of this series (see the list below) and really had them mentally categorized as cosies. But in THE DEVIL'S CAVE the action is grittier and the novel becomes quite a tense thriller.
Bruno has too much on his plate as it is - mediating a domestic abuse case that needs careful handling and a dodgy local development proposal that seems just too good to be true.
But a murder case must take precedent and the roots of this one lie buried deep in the past - linked to a chateau above a bend in the river, to the reclusive old woman who lives there, and to the secret hidden in the Devil's Cave.
My Take
I have read a number of this series (see the list below) and really had them mentally categorized as cosies. But in THE DEVIL'S CAVE the action is grittier and the novel becomes quite a tense thriller.
The action starts off with a naked female body floating down the river in an old boat. It appears that she may have committed suicide, but may also have participated in some Satanic rites. Around the thread of identifying this woman Bruno's normal work continues on. Some developers want to build holiday villas but a number of the residents are opposed, including the assistant bank manager, despite the fact that his bank is participating in the project. Then there is the farmer who has beaten up his wife in a drunken rage, and the young girl who has gone missing.
I do like way Martin Walker has populated the town and surrounds with persistent characters, while at the same time the plot of a new novel introduces some ones and some new issues to keep the mix fresh.
These are police procedurals, but the way things are done in St. Denis is refreshingly different from both British and American ones. Bruno is a well developed and fascinating character too.
If you haven't yet tried this series, you are missing a treat.
My rating: 4.5
I've also reviewed
4.6, BRUNO, CHIEF OF POLICE
4.6, THE DARK VINEYARD
4.6, THE CROWDED GRAVE
BRUNO and LE PERE NOEL: a Christmas Short Story
2 comments:
The series sounds interesting; I read a lot of mysteries and love France.
This is a great series, Kerrie. Glad you're enjoying it.
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