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)

Charming and unique

The charm of this series is the atmosphere - a small rural town in France, and very likable, eccentric but believable and interesting characters. In addition the stories provide interesting information about French country life like the wine harvest and the truffle trade and the ways the fallout from Vietnam and Algeria still reverberate and send shockwaves through French society. This is a dimension of French National life that of which most Americans have no inkling. This saves the stories from being simple charming “cozies.” These are stories for food lovers. They often make you want to stop what you are doing, sit down in the sun with a glass of red wine, some good cheese or pate and a croute of good French bread. Unfortunately this is not possible in upstate New York in winter, so these books are the next best thing.

Love Bruno

I love this series, and Black Diamond is one of my favorites. My big gripe with the narrator is how he says “sensual” or “sexual”. Way creepy.

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.

Fun and Engaging

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

Getting better all the time.

There is no question that this series grows on the reader. I wont be stopping with this one.

I wish I had a Bruno in my life!

This is my first review of a Martin Walker mystery about Bruno, Chief of Police. I've read a couple others and have found them all very enjoyable. A mystery without some bit of humor doesn't seem complete and this book is definitely complete!
The story is interesting and the narration is very complementary. The characters are not flat, but come with their own stories and secrets that add to the story.
Reading successive books adds more to Bruno 's background and makes me appreciate the author's writing and sense of humor.
Each time I start a "Bruno" book, I know I will be happy!

Easy Entertainment

Although a bit predictable, these stories are entertaining and bring a smile to my heart. Living in Bordeaux and adoring excursions to the coast and the Perigord, I can see, hear and taste what the author describes. Greetings from Carcans Plage and Camping… sipping Bergerac Rosé by the ocean.

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.

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.

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.