The Shooting at Chateau Rock

By: Martin Walker

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's Summary

When a local's troubling death is linked to a Russian oligarch and his multinational conglomerate, Bruno faces one of his toughest cases yet, one that brings together a French notary and a rock star - and, of course, Bergerac red and white.

It's summer in the Dordogne. The heirs of a Périgordian sheep farmer learn that they have been disinherited, and their father's estate sold to an insurance company in return for a policy that will place him in a five-star retirement home for the rest of his life. But the farmer never gets his life of luxury - he dies before moving in. Was it a natural death? Was there foul play? 

Bruno begins the investigation that leads him to several shadowy insurance companies owned by a Russian oligarch with a Cypriot passport. The companies are based in Cyprus, Malta, and Luxembourg, but Bruno finds a weak spot in France: the Russian's France-based notaire and insurance agent. 

As Bruno is pursuing this lead, the oligarch's daughter turns up in the Périgord, and complications ensue, eventually bringing the action to the château of an aging rock star. But, as ever, Bruno makes time for lunch amid it all.

©2020 Walker and Watson Ltd. (P)2020 Recorded Books

Time for a new real love interest

I have loved these books but I’m getting tired of the Bruno/Isabell situation. Any woman who really wants a family but hangs around with a loser is simply not interesting so why should a man be?

Martin Walker’s Bruno still tied up by old flames!

Will our local policeman ever stop having sex with old girlfriends and actually date a woman that is emotionally available? Bruno’s dog finds a friendly dam to spend time procreating to extend and enhance the breed, but our protagonist himself is engaged with women who continue to provide just empty sex. As for this convoluted story of a daughter of a Russian oligarch with the family of a born again British rock star, its more like a poorly made beef stew than a thoughtful creative mystery. If Mr Walker has lost his little gray cells and lacks the capacity to introduce new mysteries to his small region, then he should kill Bruno off and reinvent his writing ideas.

Robert Mackenzie was great as usual bringing life to this plodding book. Better to wait and borrow this book from a library than buy it yourself.

Disappointed

Have been a long time listener of the Bruno series, but this was difficult to finish. I could have managed a slow moving story as this since I'm a fan but the voicing of the Russian and Ukrainian characters was just not good and detracted from listening enjoyment considerably. I like when the mystery is not just about killing people, so that wasn't the issue. I tend to be a big fan of the political insight and especially the aspects that are uniquely French. And yet with all that, this was not a successful listen for me at all.

pass on this

author seemed to just crank this one out! don’t waste time or money! not up to excellence of other books in series

More of Bruno and friends!

The mystery in this book takes a bit of background to checking in on Bruno and his friends and community. The authors deep knowledge of Russia and the seminal events of the past 10 years are displayed to full advantage and the musical focus mAde me play recordings of the pieces. Thank you for the ride Martin Walker! And narrated incredibly well!

what happened here? it's unfinished, unlikeable

I do not understand how this was deemed ready for release. It sounds like a Bruno novel, but only half of one. I am at a loss.

Outstanding series addition

Mr. Walker’s background and intimate Knowledge of France, history, and international politics not to mention French cuisine,make his Bruno series a fascinating journey. In addition to some of the finest mystery writing available enhanced by the superb narration of Robert Ian McKenzie. I gave this series and this book the highest recommendations for entertainment and education.

Great narration - good story

As always Mr. Mackenzie did a wonderful job. Story line was good but not as absorbing as previous works. Looking forward to the next one

as usual, great!

geopolitics in small town France, with lots of mouthwatering meals, lovely basset hounds, and kick ass characters.

Mort por Ennui

Bruno chops vegetables for 30 chapters, enjoys some doggie porn, then fails to get shot by a pesky Ukrainian nationalist.