Hello world!
Bonjour to all Bruno readers,
and welcome to this occasional blog about matters concerning Bruno and the Perigord and France, along with food and wine and other matters close to Bruno’s heart.
Readers who enjoyed ‘Bruno – chief of police’ will be encouraged to know that the second novel in the series is almost complete. The title has yet to be decided, but the plot combines fire and wine. A mysterious fire that looks like arson burns out a field growing an experimental crop of genetically-modified plants. At the same time a large international wine corporation is trying to buy land cheaply in the commune of St Denis to restore the Vezere valley to its tradition as one of the premier wine-growing areas of France. But what will such a giant enterprise do to Bruno’s beloved St Denis? And then comes a bizarre death….
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The Dutch edition of ‘Bruno, chief of police’ has now been published, and it looks very different from the rather cosy atmosphjere of the cover on the English edition, depicting a French market and a policeman with a baguette under his arm. This jolly image of French village life also graces the home page of this website.
The Dutch cover is gloomy and menacing. In the lower part of the picture, a small and lonely stone house stands in the middle of a carefully-tended vineyard. But most of the image is taken up and dominated by an ominous and brooding grey sky. There’s not a human face to be seen. It’s very powerful, and somewhat chilling.
The Canadian edition comes out soon and is very like the English edition.
The US edition is very different, a retro kind of image that recalls the 1950s. It depicts a lonely cop in blue, young and slim and bare-headed, standing apart from an anonymous crowd drawn in red and in loose outline, with very geometric but very French buildings in the background. It evokes a certain mood and period of France, when Camus was the revered author and existentialism was the fashionable philosophy. It’s very striking and we’ll try to post it here, technology permitting.
PS – The Dutch and American covers can now be seen on the ‘Bruno in different lands’ section of this website, which may be found in the contents list on the Home page.
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August 14th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Where is Saint Denis? Is it a real place? Because if it is, I want to live there…Or did you make it up?
August 15th, 2008 at 9:38 am
St Denis is a fictional town. If you look at the contents (in red) on the home page of this web site, click on ‘St Denis – Bruno’s home town’ for an explanation.
But if you want to live there, many small Dordogne towns are most beguiling. Some even have their own Bruno! or at least their own municipal policeman.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Dear Martin,
Very much enjoyed your website! You are so right about the gloominess of the Dutch cover! Hope they’ll do that better with the next Bruno. I found two real “coquilles” at your site: Jacque Chirac in stead of Jacques Chirac and atmosphjere in stead of atmosphere. And please, do take care of the French accents (Benoît, lycées, gîte, Périgueux, Hôtel, Vézère, just to name of few that you denuded).
Looking forward to work on the second Bruno!
November 4th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Hello Martin,
I was googling around to see if you had any plans for a book on Obama and discovered that you’re writing fiction now. I don’t know why I’m so surprised. I shall look forward to exploring your lighter side.
Sue Smith, New Delhi
(ex. Manchester)
February 24th, 2009 at 3:42 am
Dear Martin
I got a copy of Bruno from England and loved it. I also enjoyed the Cave of Perigord.
My girl friend and I have just finished purchasing a farm house and grange in St. Avit Senieur. I am a painter and am love the Perigord. A great friend who lives in Besse introduced me to the area. I would love to meet you sometime. Perhaps we will meet some market day. You may google my name if you are curious. I have had over 35 show of my painitngs and am looking forward to working in Perigord.
Thank you for your wonderful books. I am presently lively in Brooklyn,
Best
John Griefen
February 24th, 2009 at 10:59 am
I’m excited to hear that a second Bruno novel is on the way. What can you tell us about it?
March 1st, 2009 at 8:44 am
I enjoyed the book very much and it made my mouth water, as I am situated about 18,000 kms from the country of my childhood meals!
But..
Touche pas à mon pote (not pot, makes it sound as though you want people to keep their hands off your carafe of wine)
Juge magistrat (not magistrate, unless it’s a woman)
tricolore, not tricoleur.
Meanwhile looking forward to the next book.
April 30th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Grand….Now I’m hooked and very glad to hear that a second story is on the way. Well done Sir – Well done.
May 5th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I just finished reading ‘Bruno’. I liked the ending and since i know there is another on the way-wonder if it will include a continuation of the story. will the same people be in the new story? Bruno is a very special man-wish i could meet someone like him. keep the books coming. Thank You
June 14th, 2009 at 2:10 am
Hello Mr. Walker!
I just ordered your book because it created quite a stir in my community. You see, I am the Chief of Police in a NJ community and my name is Chief Bruno! Looking forward to reading it and I wish you all the best.
Chief Michael Bruno
June 15th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Martin,
Absolutely loved the book and am ready for the next. Appreciated the snapshots of WWII era history and the contemporary challenges of Europe really on what it is to be French, or Danish, or German etc. As you know from your non-fiction on demographic trends, these issues of identity in Europe are going to only become more pronounced. Was very sorry to miss the launch in DC. Best, Geoff
June 28th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Please write quickly. I am eager to hear more of Bruno. Your book is a break, from so much bad news today. Have you picked a name yet for your second in the series?
June 29th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Bonjour Marge,
the same people will be in the second BRUNO novel, titled ‘The Dark Vineyard.” The Mayor and Isabelle, Jean-Jacques and Pamela, all return, along with the rest of St Denis. And some new characters. But it is the same BRUNO and his dog, and the same mission — to protect his little town and its traditions against the threats to a way of life that BRUNO loves.
best, martin
July 24th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Dear Martin,
As a recent visitor of rural France travelling from New Zealand I found your books a great reminder of the enjoyable times spent in the region. I enjoyed both books and I look forward to the continuation of the ‘Bruno’ serial.
Regards
Dale Daniels
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
The second Bruno novel, ‘The Dark Vineyard,’ has now been published in Britain and is currently being translated into German, Dutch and various other languages.
The Bruno novels are now being published in Britain, the USA, Canada, Australia, all naturally in English. They are also being published in German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese (for Brazil), Finnish and Japanese.
The German edition has been a best seller in Germany, Austria and Switzerland throughout the summer and some 60,000 copes have been sold in German and the wonderful German publishers, Diogenes, are now doing a fourth reprint.
We just welcomed here in Bruno-land Astrid Kahmke, of Bavarian Film and TV, who have bought the rights to produce Bruno for TV, and we have some pleasnt days together looking for locations. Astrid is pretty sure she has found the perfect place to be Bruno’s house and another to be Pamela’s place. She also spent time with Yane Lahaye of the Aquitaine film Commission and Thierry Bordes, of Cine Passion in Perigord who are seeking eays to cooperate with the Bruno film project.
We also just welcomed in Bruno-land Bastian Schweitzer, the Swiss photographer and film-maker, who took hundreds of photos of Bruno’s author and Bruno country for Diogenes and for future editions. Among them was a photographer of one of the local municipal policeman who inspired the Bruno character and me as the author.
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Thank you Dale and I’m delighted that Bruno helped deepen your appreciation of our wonderful region.
I’m currently in the Perigord writing number 3 in the series, and my publishers are asking for more!
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Just got ‘The Dark Vineyard’, great stuff, especially since ‘Le Périgord’ is my favourite holiday region.
‘The caves of Périgord’ is out of print. Any idea of how to get hold of a copy?
Best regards.
September 13th, 2009 at 3:53 am
Hi Martin,
Just finished reading your first two Bruno novels. I really enjoyed your interweaving of French village life with crime, and I look forward to reading more about Bruno as he evolves.
Regards,
John Shrimski
September 17th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I am really enjoying this series of books having just finished the Dark Vineyard.
It was at our library reading group that I bumped into my senior school French teacher and I think it was her influence that prompted a display of books set in France otherwise I would have missed them.
I am a fan of Fred Vargas too and I think the French countryside is a perfect setting for these novels featuring Bruno.
I think it would make an excellent tv series too, even in French- the new series of Spiral is on BBC TV over here in the UK, subtitled and popular.
Looking forward to book 3!
Helen south west uk
November 8th, 2009 at 7:50 am
I’ve just finished “Bruno chief of police” in german.
There is much more in it, than a simple story. I hardly can exlain it in English. All the opinions about living together, the historical informations, the describing of the landscape, living there…
I really love this book and I can live my “little” live (a bit like Bruno’s)in a small village of the Vulkaneifel, feeling happy.
Looking forward to book two.
Mes meilleures voeux Angelika Röske
November 29th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Dear Mr. Walker,
Coincidentally, I just read Bruno right before having to lecture (tomorrow) to a history class on decolonization, focusing on Algeria and its war of independence. I have a question: did the Force Mobile actually exist? If so, do you know of any books or other sources on it? (As a historian I really enjoyed the fact that Bruno relied on the archives to solve the crime.)
I look forward to reading the second Bruno book now that I discovered the first.
Ellen Fleischmann
January 6th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
I’ve just read the Dark Vineyard and quite enjoyed it so thought I would have a look at this site. It seems a pretty half-hearted attempt, with one blog post and a home page which suggests that the book I have just read is still in preparation and as yet un-named.
At the risk of being, well, a bit Guardian reader-ish, the invitation to buy the book via Amazon doesn’t really seeem to sit very well with the ‘think local’ ethos running through the book!
January 17th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Just finished ‘Bruno Chief of Police’ and it really is a delightful read and brings a breath of fresh air to this area of literature.
I’ve ordered your latest offering on the strength of it!
One small thing on P248 – Fray Bentos is in Uruguay not Argentina – sorry – don’t mean to whinge!
Look forward to many more Brunos.
Kind Regards, Pat.
February 13th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Hi, I wanted to say thank you for showing me the way yesterday and helping me climb those mountains of slush and snow. I got there safe and sound… The book sounds interesting, I’ll pick it up some time.
February 19th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
A really good read – gentle but enthralling! I spend a lot of time in France and you have really captured the essence of the country and the people. The book could only have been written by someone who has spent time in France, with the French.
Looking forward to the next book! (I have missed the first one but will rectify this if Amazon can oblige!).
March 8th, 2010 at 10:48 am
Hi Martin
Came across your book in the Henley on Thames library. Not sure it was you but then saw your smiling face on the inside cover – either you’re wearing very well or it’s an old picture! How are things? Janet & I split up about 5 years ago. I moved in with a lovely garden designer called Jo & we married in South Africa last year. Janet met someone else & also married last year.
Duncan has moved to Melbourne with his partner on a 3-year contract with the Coles supermarket chain (Oz’s Tesco) & Adrian is now Editorial Director for Bradt Travel Guides. How are your girls?
Very enjoyable read by the way. Best of luck with the next one – I’ll look out for it.
April 10th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
Martin,
I belong to a book club and I have chosen “Bruno Chief of Police” as the next book to read, as I really enjoyed reading it. I have organised for the group (6 of us) to come over to visit the area so we can picture where the story takes place. Any chance we can meet you if you happen to be around from the 27th to the 30th April. Maybe lunch in Limeuil or Sarlat? Please let me know if you are interested in meeting us.
Best regards
Brigitte
April 13th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Mr. Walker,
I just finished “Bruno, Chief of Police” and had to write to tell you how very much I enjoyed it. It’s a wonderful book in many, many ways and the story itself is quite good too. I look forward to more “Bruno” books. Thank you for such a delightful depiction of character and place. It was a very good read!
Have a lovely day,
S. Snider
April 14th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
I need more Bruno! I really very much enjoyed Bruno, Chief of Police. I listened to the audio from Audible.com which was beautifully read by Robert Ian Mackenzie.
I also enjoyed the Caves of Perigord, and will visit that region this Fall.
Can’t wait for July when The Dark Vineyard arrives!
Thanks so very much for the pleasures of Bruno!
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:50 pm
I like any novel that interweaves different strands of storyline that include archaeology and military history which is why Caves of Perigord and Bruno were enjoyable. Despite this, other than what has already been mentioned, in Bruno a couple of other things irked me : the quote from de Gaulle only ever appeared on the posters, not any of the broadcasts. I dalso oubt the dog would have been called Gitane (a pun on the cigarette name ?) as it was male. Also is the Force Mobile a pseudonym for the Franc-Garde, uniformed part of the Milice ? Overall very thought-provoking.
Paul
May 18th, 2010 at 12:21 am
I just finished the first novel about Bruno and enjoyed it! My husband and I live on the west coast of Canada and he is a retired police chief. On his retirement last October, we took a trip to the Perigord region and explored the area thoroughly. It is very beautiful! We are interested in knowing what village is shown in the cover of the Canadian version of your novel. It looks so familiar. I look forward to your next novel very much!!
Marcia
Victoria, BC, Canada
June 27th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
For the last 8 years I have been living in a small hamlet in the Dordogne. The life here is wonderful. I enjoyed the Bruno novel and love the way you have described the the french way of life here. Please let me know if there is a French language version ?
July 11th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
I loved the first book and can’t wait for the next!!!
I hope that someone from Canada visits St Denis next May 8th – the British, American and CANADIANS landed in France to liberate Europe.
Salut!
gera in Canada
July 18th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
Martin, I’ve just finished your stories about Bruno… please give us more! I wouldn’t mind living down the road from Bruno and being friends. I lived in Paris for three years in the late sixties and traveled a lot through the countryside. I agree that these stories would make a great TV series similar to the English series about the antiques fellow, Lovejoy. Thanks again and I look forward to more in the series.
Chuck Clark, in a small town in a river valley in Washington State
July 29th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Bruno, an excellent read and something refreshing brilliant hope you are writing more
Rgds Gerard
August 15th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
I’m afraid the French haven’t bitten yet! Maybe one day…
August 16th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Martin, I started reading your St. Denis books simply out of regard for our (sadly lapsed) friendship of many years ago. Unfortunately, though, I read them faster than you can write them. You have an uncanny way of making St. Denis and its denizens as real as–well, as real as Garrison Keillor’s Lake Wobegon.
How about getting together for a drink one day–whether in the Périgord, in D.C., or in Cleveland? Perhaps we can reminisce about past lives in Washington and London, or you can tell me when the next Bruno book will appear.
Yrs, Stuart
August 20th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Paul – through a misprint, the dog’s original name was spelled as Gitane rather than Gitan (gypsy) which was then shortened to Gigi. I took this from a neighbour of mine in Perigord, who had a huge Bordeaux mastiff called Gitan, but was known to all as Gigi. He became a good friend of my own basset hound, and they used to eat from the same bowl. The Force Mobile was indeed called the Force Mobile – see Guy Penaud’s ‘Histoire de la Resistance en Perigord’ and Jacques Lagrange’s ’1944 en Dordogne.’
August 20th, 2010 at 8:34 am
Marcia – the photograph on the Canadian cover of Bruno chief of police is from the town of Sarlat.
August 20th, 2010 at 8:34 am
Thanks for news and glad to hear all well with you.
August 20th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Rainier ‘ ‘Caves of Perigord’ is back in print, thanks to the success of the Bruno novels. Simon and Schuster has re-published in trade paperback format in the US and UK and Canada, ISBN number 978-1-4391-8123-2.
December 9th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Hello Mr Walker,
I just finished your first “Bruno’s” book and liked it very much.
You created colourful and likeable characters who give a good balance to the investigation on a very gloomy issue.
The elements of the history of France during its worst times that you describe were unknown to me, though I’m a french student in history (by the way, it’s a disgrace to see that you’ve not been published in France for the moment).
I’m truly grateful for what I learnt and for the references of the books in which we can find more information about this painful period.
Thanks for this entertaining and informative reading !
December 9th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I’m pleased you enjoyed the book! I hope that they will be published in French one day, but there is no news yet.
France has a rich history; the first Bruno book looks at some of the darker days, but the other books encompass many other periods of French history. One of the key points about the Vezere valley is that, as the longest continually inhabited region in human history, it has much to offer a student of history, from the caves, through the Middle Ages, and into the Resistance (and beyond). All of humanity’s strengths and weaknesses can be found in the history of this small and beautiful area.