The Coldest Case

Bruno, Chief of Police, Book 14

By: Martin Walker

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

An anonymous skull, an unsolved murder, sinister rumors from the Cold War era of espionage - Bruno's investigation into a long-standing cold case finds him caught between an enigmatic winegrower and a menacing communist organization from the past.

After attending an exhibit on the facial reconstruction of ancient skulls, Bruno wonders if this technology might provide an invaluable clue to a 30-year-old cold case. But learning the identity of the murder victim is only the beginning. The investigation quickly turns thorny and leads Bruno to a reclusive vintner, Henri Bazaine, whose education at a vocational school in a formerly communist region has raised some eyebrows. An inquiry into the defunct school turns up shadowy reports of possible connections and funding from the Stasi, the repressive police agency of the former East Germany. The scrutiny on Henri intensifies once Bruno discovers that he was declared dead 30 years ago and has been living under an assumed name ever since. The strange case is further complicated as Parisian bureaucrats get involved, hinting that essential diplomatic relations might be at stake. And to make matters even worse, the Dordogne is suffering from an intense summer drought that is sparking fires across the region. But as always, Bruno will keep a cool head through it all - and, bien sûr, takes time to enjoy a sumptuous Périgordian meal!

©2021 Martin Walker (P)2021 Recorded Books

Delightful addition to Bruno series

Serious procedural emphasis with cooking! Less emphasis on violence than prior books with more emphasis on police procedures, French political history, and historical relations between intelligence services of U.S., France, and eastern block powers. Makes you wonder if the author got story elements from historical or at least rumored events.

Wildfires come to the Perigor

obsession, forensic-anthropology, forensics, forest-fires, firefighters, climate-change, espionage, procedural, France, friction, friends, friendship, communism, foodie, recipes, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, history-and-culture, contemporary, interagency, international-crime-and-mystery, international-crimes, international-espionage, interpersonal-problems, families, family-history, basset-hounds, suspense, thriller, relationship-issues, relatives, local-gossip, local-law-enforcement, local-legends, local-news, action, rural, witty, unputdownable, unpleasant-co-worker, investigations, journalist, secrets, lies, audiobook

A superior officer with an obsession about a cold case he has not solved in thirty years, the opportunity to have a forensic reconstruction of the victim's face, severe fires in the countryside related to global warming, Bruno's rare relative is getting married, politics everywhere, a brief history of communism in France/Germany, and Balzac becomes a father! Another great read
Riveting! Great police work stringing out the clues and suspects. As addictive as the others I am binge-reading in this series!
Voice actor Robert Ian MacKenzie is excellent with interpretation and character definition, and superior in the rolling tones of French pronunciations.

Splendid

This latest installment of Bruno is as delicious and exciting as those that have gone before. I only wish I didn’t have to wait a year for the next installment. I’m addicted to Bruno and his friends (and to the food).

A slice of Life

This was a very enjoyable listen. I read that some people criticized the book because there were many side storylines. I really thought that these “side stories” were wonderful. They gave a much more complete picture of Bruno’s busy life and made him even more endearing. Many of us manage our lives by balancing work, family, friends and the complexity of keeping up with it all. And Bruno’s storylines made this installment truly a lovely read.

Stella as usual

Wish I didn’t have to wait another year for the next one. Thanks Mr Walker

Fabulous!

Brilliant! As is this entire series. I look forward to each new book and I’m amazed when each is better than the one before.

The narration brings the listener immediately into the story and brings Bruno and the many characters to life.

Classic Bruno

Totally unexpected ending that had all the cues for it. So as usual, it was totally satisfying.

A Duo that doesn’t disappoint

Walker has given us another entertaining, well-written mystery, but this time built around a cold case. Mixed in is a glimpse into French country life, political history, modern science, food, wine and friendship. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoy the way Mackenzie brings Bruno and his friends to life. My only regret here is having no self-discipline listening all the way through in one day!

Ah Bruno, we enjoy you!

One always learns things from a Bruno mystery, especially about how recent history looks from a French viewpoint. The mystery is interesting, but there are many pauses for lifestyle interludes. Not to be too focused on the bad guys!

Another good story with calories

Just love these books. I’m on my thirteenth and so appreciate the stories, characters and Mr Mackenzie’s narration. The only not so good voice is Pamela’s.
These books always make me hungry. Even so, I keep coming back. Thank you Mr. Walker.