To Kill a Troubadour

Bruno, Chief of Police, Book 15

By: Martin Walker

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

When a musician’s new song hits a political nerve, he finds himself in the crosshairs of Spanish nationalists’ ire, and it’s up to Bruno to track down an extremist who seems ready to take deadly measures.

Les Troubadours, a folk music group that Bruno has long supported, go viral with their new number, “Song for Catalonia,” when the Spanish government suddenly bans it. The songwriter, Joel Martin, is a local enthusiast for the old Occitan language of Périgord and the medieval troubadours, and he sympathizes with the Catalan bid for independence. The success of his song provokes outrage among extreme Spanish nationalists. Then a stolen car on a Périgord back road collides with a deer. The driver and passengers disappear but leave behind a distinctive bullet for a state-of-the art sniper's rifle that can kill at two kilometers. And police fear that Joel might be the intended target.

The French and Spanish governments agree to mount a joint operation to stop assailants, and Bruno is the local man on the spot who mobilizes his hunting club friends to track them down. While Bruno tries to keep the peace, his friend Florence reaches out for help. Her abusive ex-husband is about to be paroled from jail and she fears he will return to reclaim their children. Will they be able to thwart this unwanted visit? Despite the pressures, there is always time for Bruno to savor les plaisirs of the Dordogne around the table with friends.

©2022 Martin Walker (P)2022 Recorded Books

Exciting to the very last minute

I always thoroughly enjoy Martin Walker‘s books. This was no exception and kept me riveted to the last minute can’t wait for the next book. I know it will be as exciting.

Bruno at his best

What a chef! What a policeman! What a lover! This is a great Bruno book.

Bruno is back

I thought the Bruno books were getting a little lackluster. But this was one of the best I’ve read. It kept me turning the pages from the beginning to the end – or listening rather.I think I finished it in two days.

I love Martin Walkers Bruno novels….

But this one seems more disjointed than any of the others - and I’ve read them all. I like learning more about the Perigord and Dordogne culture and cuisine. I like the cast of characters. But it might be time for Bruno to settle down so he can solve the mysteries, cook great food, and be happy.

Terrific as always.

I am glad these books are here to help me through this long cold Colorado winter. The land and soul of France’s Perigord and the new + the durable characters that inhabit Inspector Bruno’s world are just the ticket.

As usual, wonderful listen!

The mix of great plot and characters, beautiful location and wonderful food are unbeatable! I’d love to live in St. Denis

Intrigue international scope

Despite my limited travel in the area Ihad some trouble visualizing sites Characters were well defined and interesting

Enjoyable romp with Bruno, Balzac and the Bruce

We enjoyed the story and it’s a review of culture from various perspectives. The plot line was a bit thin especially toward the end of the book. It ended too quickly with a little wrap-up.

Another one!

Another great Bruno tale from Martin Walker. Always such a pleasure when a new one comes out. I love my annual trips to St Denis.

Bruno’s best

Martin Walker’s ’Bruno’ series has always been an enjoyable listen- especially with Robert Ian Mackenzie’s narration. But this might just be the best in the series!