Black Diamond

A Mystery of the French Countryside

By: Martin Walker

Narrated by: Robert Ian MacKenzie

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's Summary

Best-selling author Martin Walker’s previous two novels starring Chief of Police Bruno Courrèges became hits with fans and critics around the globe. In this thrilling third mystery, Bruno has his hands full with trouble in the truffle trade in St. Denis’ marketplace. And when a friend is murdered, things really start heating up.

©2010 Walker and Watson Ltd (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic Reviews

"Walker’s bucolic mysteries offer a gentle reminder to slow down and smell the grapes.” ( New York Times Book Review)

Excellent series...one small quibble

I've thoroughly enjoyed the 3 titles in this series so far. They're well written with likeable characters, and the plots are not obvious. The reader, Robert Ian MacKenzie, is, for the most part, spot on, but I feel that his characterization of the character of Pamela, described as an elegant British horsewoman and landowner, who is one of Bruno's romantic interests, is so off-base that I find it hard to listen. MacKenzie makes her sound like one of the laughable dowagers from a "Wallace and Gromit" episode, divesting her of any of the warmth and attractiveness which supposedly draws Bruno to her. Other than that, an excellent series.

Weakest of the 3

If you’ve listened to books by Martin Walker before, how does this one compare?

My least favorite

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

Any additional comments?

The ending was like a soap opera and it felt as if the author rushed to finish/tie up all the loose ends...and the last few lines were really (I hate to say it) sappy.

Engaging action, great characters/sense of place!

Bruno Courrèges is the Chief of Police (indeed, the only policeman) in the small, fictional town of St. Denis, located in the rural Périgord region of France. A lovely small town where everybody knows each other would seem the unlikeliest spot on earth for murderous crimes to occur. But they do, often bringing in more high intelligence concerns than might be imagined for such a quiet spot.

In this book, Bruno is faced with managing trouble between Chinese and Vietnamese gangs, with roots leading back to the time before the war. There is also something strange taking place in the lucrative truffle market, and Bruno has to handle both situations at once. As often happens in these books, the trouble is not just an upset between neighbors, but rather arises from a greater and older piece of French history.

The people are richly and beautifully drawn, and through them, we sense the character of people living a lifestyle that feels threatened by in the incursion of modern government oversight and regulations. But when the need arises, Bruno is very capable of shifting from small town policeman (think American Andy Griffith) to capably working hand in hand with the more sophisticated levels of police and intelligence communities. After which, he always comes home to his modest house, his cooking, loving, and community involvement.

This is just a wonderful series, and the narration is superb! I only wish there were more of them. It sure makes me wish I cook book a trip to southwest France to see the area from which these stories arise. I so very much recommend them to anyone intrigued with stories that evoke a brilliant sense of location and people!

Great, (if unlikely) continuation of Series

Very absorbing continuation of Chief Inspector Bruno series. Love the description of the land, the people and the food.

A little stretch of the imagination as Bruno juggles women- relationships- past, present and likely future. Found myself thinking ‘Really??!’ But happy to continue with the story, male fantasy aside.

The narrator is terrific- great voice and emotional tone.

Enjoyed the historical complexity. Makes me want to research further.

A bit of a let down...

I have read books 1 and 2 several years ago, and I really enjoyed them! This story was a letdown, the storyline was mostly a discussion of French history around Vietnam. If that was not bad enough, then several character names were very confusing when listening to the names being said and trying to remember which name was a good guy or a bad guy. I think due to the fact that they were Asian. If I was reading the book, I think seeing the names in print would have been easier to follow.

The story ends and wraps up at the very end with an explanation during a conversation, as opposed to telling a story in action and arresting people or "catching" people committing the crimes. How the author chose to deal with the person who committed the murder, was such a dissapointment.,

Bruno, cool guy but was a wussy in my mind when he accepted his "girlfriend's" dication of what would/did happen in their relationship. The author introduced characters and just us left hanging as to what was going to happen for/with them.

I won't read any more of the series, based on this book and the other reviews I have read about the books. Good luck.

I love this author

Martin Walkers series makes you want to move to St Denis, despite the murders. I love the descriptions of the meals Bruno prepares and the characters are great. Robert Ian McKenzie’s performance is wonderful.

Fun and Engaging

Another delightful mystery romp with Bruno. Delicious food and wine, creepy bad guys and subplots aplenty.

Slow start but overall good

I almost gave up on this novel. It is the first Martin Walker book I've read so I hadn't read the others in the series. It's slow to start, almost like the beginnings of a painting where the author sets the scene and atmosphere for quite a while but if you keep reading you get a full and interesting picture once things get going. Now that I've read another, the characters are engaging and keep me reading.

Great story!

Martin Walker does it again. He creates interesting characters and a well thought out plot. History, good food, and a feel for the countryside makes for a great read. Bruno is an honorable and decent human being who always strives to do the right thing. He has his faults but always manages to rise above them. You will fall in love with him.

So glad to have found Bruno

This is my first exposure to Bruno of Perigord. I have actually been to this area, and still the detail was enlightening and compelling. A modern-day mystery with modern day stakes nevertheless rooted in the past. I look forward to another yarn with Bruno, if for no other reason than for the cooking sequences. Educational on so many levels!