The Dark Vineyard

A Mystery of the French Countryside

By: Martin Walker

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

A prolific journalist, Martin Walker has crafted a mystery series that deftly blends the stylings of Peter Mayle and Alexander McCall Smith. Chief Bruno Courreges loves life in his small French village. One day his idyll is disturbed when a local research station for genetically modified crops is burned down. An enclave of environmentalists seems to be the most likely culprit, but soon Bruno uncovers evidence that makes the case infinitely more complicated.

©2009 Walker and Watson, Ltd. (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Three Pines ... but in France.

I discovered this series because of another Audible reviewer. (Thanks, Kathi!) It's certainly not a hardcore police procedural. Rather it has the feel of Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache/Three Pines series. The characters are quirky. The town is small. While it's not quite on the same level as Penny's Three Pines series, it's very, very good - provided you're not expecting the grit and depth of Jo Nesbø or Adrian McKinty.

Food and wine play a big part in things. For some, it might be a distraction but I actually like hearing about making wine and what's on the menu for the evening. I like the French history that's thrown in and details about life in the countryside. It's all been interesting.

Another winner....

Loved "Bruno" and couldn't wait for this follow-up. Does not disappoint. Highly believable plot line and engaging characters you care about. Mackenzie's delivery is beautifully paced and very well suited to the overall mood of the work. In short, top notch!

Just barely a murder mystery

This book is more about food and wine than murder and mayhem. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it thoroughly. It's refreshing to find a hero that's "gooder than good." And it's enjoyable to get to know the various characters in the village. A bit of love story, a bit of politics, quite a bit of food and wine, all wrapped around a mysterious fire and (maybe) a murder. Fun stuff!

Wine and Dine

My second Bruno. Better than the first, which was good. The detective and commune intrigues were clever and well set in context. The French breakfast and dinners were fabulous.

A visit to France

I thoroughly enjoy this series. I note that some complain that the books are slow. Well. Yes. Not a constant edge-of-your-seat thrill. Tension builds in fits and starts.In the meantime, you spend time learning how rural French folks acquire truffles, cook from their gardens, appreciate wines, and keep their small town alive. Yes, there is a murder. The police chief is on the case despite interference from incompetents and danger from the criminals intent on thwarting him by whatever means they can. But mostly, I enjoy the sojourn in a part of France I don't know. The easiest kind of travel.

Needs different narrator

Would you try another book from Martin Walker and/or Robert Ian Mackenzie?

This is a great series that takes place in a small French village. Why in the world do they have the most British man in the universe narrating it? This book cries out for a narrator with a French accent or at least a neutral accent. The narrator is very good but should not be narrating this particular series. It is so annoying I intend to read the rest of the series instead of listening to it.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Robert Ian Mackenzie?

Somebody with a French accent.

Slow and easy to listen to

Narrator was perfect for this story. This isn't a fast paced, heart pounding story, but it was enjoyable and kept my attention. I must say I'm now hooked on the Bruno series. The stories, a hot cup of tea or a glass of wine and I'm good to go.

Listen to sample carefully

I wanted to like this series, but it struck a wrong chord with me. It’s a fairly cheerful, cozy series with great flavor of small town life in France, but for me the tone was a little too arch, pleased with itself. I felt it crossed the line into smug. But maybe it will be just right for you.

Well written

I really enjoy this series. The author creates via his word choices, a detailed image of the French town as well as the characters involved in the story. The stories have an interesting level of complexity.

Not as good as the first novel

If you like a slow-paced story about a small-town cop, this is for you. First novel was at least interesting; this one not so much.