The Crowded Grave

A Mystery of the French Countryside

By: Martin Walker

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

Martin Walker’s novels starring Chief of Police Bruno Courrèges are a boon to Francophiles and mystery lovers around the world. In The Crowded Grave, Bruno is up to his ears in trouble after a local archaeological dig unearths a corpse with a bullet in its head. Further complicating matters are a meddlesome local magistrate, animal rights activists, and a missing professor - not to mention two lovely ladies vying for Bruno’s affections.

©2011 Walker and Watson PLC (P)2012 Recorded Books

Remarkable!

federal-agents, local-politics, local-law-enforcement, local-gossip, espionage, France, rural, historical-research, historical-figures, historical-places-events, history-and-culture, archaeologist, archaeology, archeological-dig, relatives, relationships, relationship-issues, audiobook, small-town, international-crime-and-mystery, abduction, rivalry, riveting, animal-rights-activism, explosive-devices, military, pet-dog, foodie, procedural, due-diligence, suspense, sly-humor, illegal-immigrants, multiple-deaths, multicultural, investigations, secrets, lies, false-identities, false-information, false-conclusions, Basque*****

It begins with a local archaeological dig finding three human bodies of men executed about thirty years ago, progressed through some incredible political silliness, and ended with a request for military intervention. A real thrill ride this time!
Voice actor Robert Ian MacKenzie is excellent with interpretation and character definition, and superior in the rolling tones of French pronunciations.
trigger warning: animal murdered

tops

Would you listen to The Crowded Grave again? Why?

Yes...to catch the little inuendos/

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Crowded Grave?

Several

Which scene was your favorite?

Several

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes but could not

Any additional comments?

Exceptional..want to go back to. France. Makes me wondertoo if marten is really the gifted a mccall smith as writing integrity is so similar

Love Bruno

Loved this book. Recomend it. my sister loved it too!!! Can't wait for the next one.

“THE END” CUTS OFF THE STORY

In a disconcerting end to a superbly written and narrated book, the author’s ending feeling quite emotional, the narration ends abruptly cutting off the last words of the book.
It was a terrible way to end the narration of this book and editing needs to change it!!!

Interesting "cozy" mystery set in French countryside

An interesting plot, a friendly intelligent protagonist, set in countryside scene. If this is your cup of tea, you will love this series. The protagonist is a like able village cop loving in the French countryside. He solves cases by asking questions, checking on facts, and using his head. Along the way you get a taste for college life. Like a nice warm cup of tea.

Another delightful rumor adventure

Relaxed pace with usually a chance to learn about something regional—the goose liver pate business—and something historical—Eta and The Dirty War.
As usual, Bruno works to keep people doing right or get them back to it instead of “catching” wrongdoers. The places and characters now familiar acquaintances in a pleasant world. Good food, too!

Worth 5 Stars

Martin Walker has again kept me listening way past my bedtime! Wonderful characters and fabulous setting.

Bruno's world has captured me in its orbit.

If you could sum up The Crowded Grave in three words, what would they be?

Absorbing, intriguing, enchanting

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot developed slowly but each facet of the story was woven into a denouement both exciting and surprising.

What does Robert Ian Mackenzie bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Wonderful voice beautifully varied for each character and his French is impeccable.

Fabulous!

This is a fantastic series. I simply adore Bruno. I hope he gets his love life in order soon, though. :-)

The story is unique - combining Basque terrorists, foie gras, love of animals, French countryside, and fabulous meals. Simply amazing!

The narration was spot-on. I need the next book now. That ending was a little too blunt.

The Crowded Grave

I am a reader. When I was a child learning to read, I read everything I could get my hands on...including the back of milk cartons.
Martin Walker has become one of my favorites...along with Michael Connelly, Elizabeth George and Diana Gabaldon.
I have read and reread Martin’s Bruno books. Now available on Audible with the extra bonus of Sir Ian McClellan...incomparable!
The only problem is that Martin’s books are so well researched and well written, they are not available as frequently as I would like.
I cannot wait for the next one due in 2018!