Cooking up a storm

22/8/2013

A great dinner last night, with the table groaning under a range of dishes that included chicken in a sauce of morille mushrooms, Boeuf Perigourdin, Parmentier of cod and smoked herring, a salad of heirloom tomatoes, risotto of leeks and truffles and an enormous cheeseboard. Bottles of Pecharmant red and Julien de Savignac’s Bergerac Sec added to the fun.

This is a week of intense work in the kitchen preparing the dishes to be photographed for the Bruno cookbook. In the picture with me and the Boeuf Perigourdin I had just made, are food-taster Kobi, the book designer, and Klaus, who is about to photograph the dish.

Most of the work is being done in the kitchen by my wife Julia, taking time off from running her Scottish hotel, and our friend Tine. We have been preparing as many as ten dishes a day, while dashing off to visit markets as they open, duck farms at feeding time, fishermen at dusk, bakeries at dawn and dairy farms when the cows are milked.

92 Comments

Thomas, Vienna, Austria

22/8/2013 06:18:59 pm

Tough job, but someone's gotta do it! Sounds like fun. I just spent the spring and summer reading the entire Bruno series. What a great entertainment it has been. Thank you.

Martin link

22/8/2013 07:54:43 pm

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed them! Writing a cookbook is rather different - I've become accustomed to each stage ending with food, which is very different to writing a novel...

Zora Margolis

23/8/2013 08:50:34 am

I recently learned about your mystery series by watching the video of your Politics and Prose talk. I have since been binging on Bruno and enjoying the hell out of his adventures! I'm so happy for your great success, and delighted to learn that you and Julia have been collaborating on a Bruno cookbook. When it comes out I'd love to get a copy signed by you both.
Best wishes,
Zora Margolis
Washington, DC

Martin link

20/9/2013 03:48:23 am

I'm so glad to hear you like them! Work on the cookbook is now well underway, so hopefully you will be enjoying that in the not too distant future.

Isn't Politics & Prose a wonderful shop? One of DC's finest.

Victoria Miller

24/8/2013 05:47:09 am

Recently picked up a copy of Bruno Chief of Police at the library, and was immediately besotted! That was last week, and I am now halfway through The Crowded Grave. Your mysteries threw a monkey wrench into my carefully planned summer reading. And now I learn of a cookbook! It will live between my Sherlock Holmes Cookbook and The Cat Who Cookbook, and inspire me to new culinary heights! Thank you and your family for your wonderful creations! And, you are such a delightful writer, I will probably read even the serious books! Boisseaux de grâce, et que votre casier à vin toujours pleine!

Martin link

20/9/2013 02:47:24 am

What a pleasure to have made a new fan! I hope you continue to enjoy the books.

Maggie

21/9/2013 02:53:49 am

I was given "the crowded grave"by a friend called Susun, who lives in the Lot. She and I swap books . I love the way you give the reader a cookery lesson now and then, while expressing an understanding of how French society ticks ! My lovely French neighbours would approve if they could read your books in French ! Bon continuation, Maggie

Martin link

10/12/2013 01:51:16 am

Thank you for the high praise! I hope you continie to enjoy them.

Susan Philippson

8/10/2013 12:47:00 pm

Mr Walker, thank you so very much for your wonderful series. My husband gave me your first book as he knew I would enjoy it, simply because it was about France. We were on our way for a holiday in the Dordogne with one week stay in Sarlat. I could not put your book down and then set out to see and taste all that you wrote about. Since then I get your books once published, sent from England as I have to wait way to long to get them in North American and I can't be bothered to wait. Your descriptive writing and wonderful historical facts keep me enthralled until the end My only complaint is that the book eventually ends and I must return to the real world once again. Much like my vacations to France. I am looking forward to the new cookbook and more Bruno books

Martin link

10/12/2013 01:59:53 am

I'm glad you enjoyed them, but even more pleased you seem to have fallen for the Dordogne, It's a wonderful region.

Lani Walker

23/2/2014 12:07:30 am

I have spent a good bit of my time wiping the drool from my Kindle while reading book after book of your engaging Bruno series...the scenes featuring food and wine are literally mouth-watering and I am thrilled that there will soon be a cookbook! When is it due to be available? Also delighted you are continuing to add to the Bruno collection...he is a charming character. Best wishes.

Martin link

13/3/2014 07:30:30 pm

Thank you for the kind words! The German language cookbook will be out later this year, but I'm still waiting on news of the English edition, I'm afraid. As soon as there is any concrete information to be had, I shall post it.

deborah kemp

17/7/2014 03:10:53 am

Just finished "Children of War" - another fascinating book in the Bruno series. I am greatly looking forward to the cookbook.

Martin link

18/7/2014 03:12:22 am

It's coming out soon - we're working on the proofs as I type. I'm glad to hear you're looking forward to it!

Sandra

19/11/2014 05:23:33 pm

Hello - are there news on the English version of the cook book? I am German and so can read the German version, but my partner who is the real cook between the two of us is British and does not understand German sufficiently to use it. He truly loves the Bruno series (I also really like it), which I have been offering him for birthdays and Christmas ever since it started, and the cook book appears like a 'must have', so can't wait to see it. All the best for you and please continue with the series!

Martin link

19/11/2014 08:30:17 pm

I'm afraid not yet! I know it's in progress, but I've not been given a publication date (or month...) yet. As soon as I have one I shall let you know.

But work on the novels is continuing apace - I feel as though I have planned out a dozen since the summer, as the ideas just keep coming.

Karen

26/6/2016 06:40:52 am

It's a while since this post - is it available in English by now? I'd love to purchase it but seem to be having difficulties finding it online.
Many thanks!

Martin link

2/7/2016 05:11:42 am

Not yet, I fear! As soon as I have news I shall trumpet it here.

Kathryn

30/6/2017 05:39:31 pm

I asked for your cookbook for my birthday and my boyfriend broke the news to me that it's only in German. When will it come out in English. I salivate the entire time I'm reading the Bruno series. Love them!!!!

Martin link

2/7/2017 01:14:02 am

I'm afraid we're still struggling with the rights issues, as the British publishers remain unconvinced that there's enough of a market for the book, despite me showing them otherwise on this very comments page...

MArylin King

20/2/2015 04:59:56 am

Oh dear! have not too long ago finished the Brunetti books by Donna Leon and subjected ny ever patient husband to Italian recipes; now I hunger for the Bruno Cookbok so I can treat him to Bruno,s French cooking!
Wonderful warm and fascinating books! thank you!

Martin link

20/2/2015 07:13:31 pm

The Brunetti books always left me in the mood for some Italian cooking, so I can't tell you how pleased I am that Bruno has had the same effect on you! Food is one of life's greatest pleasures.

Martina Williams

1/5/2015 12:38:33 am

Is the cookbook also available in English? I still like to have something on the shelf rather than on the screen...

Martin link

1/5/2015 08:31:54 pm

I'm afraid not - efforts are underway to bring it out in English, but it's a slow process.

Barbara Hecker

12/5/2015 04:07:42 am

Is the Bruno Cookbook available in English? If not, when will it be available?

Martin link

15/6/2015 03:58:41 am

I'm afraid not - we hope it won't be too long, but there's no progress to report yet.

Maria Holt

13/6/2015 02:16:04 pm

Love, and have recommended all your books to everyone.

BUT: Pulleeze - when will we be treated to the English language edition of Bruno's Cookbook? Are there any plans for publication? I can't find mention of it on any website.....and I've now decided it is essential to my life!..

Martin link

15/6/2015 04:04:41 am

I'm afraid there's still no news on the English cookbook. Hopefully the recent award will speed things up!

Suzie Record

13/6/2015 06:11:36 pm

I have just read todays article in the Sunday Telegraph and am desperate to read Bruno,s Cookbook but cannot find it on any site. When will it be published? In time for Christmas, I hope!

Martin link

15/6/2015 03:59:13 am

No news yet, I'm afraid!

Brenda Wrench

23/7/2015 11:46:35 am

I live just outside Sarlat and have only recently discovered Bruno. I love the books and his cooking even more. I'm trying to find Bruno's Cookbook but with no success. Any news on an English version?

Martin link

23/7/2015 06:42:08 pm

I'm afraid there's no news yet - the delay is down to the photo rights, which are owned by the Swiss publisher, and negotiations with my English publisher.

Loretta

19/8/2015 05:48:40 am

Sir, we have been trying to concoct our own realities of Brunos ease with fresh food, and pray often for the english version of the cookbook to magically appear here in America. We are woefully inadequate with our final results, though happier for trying.
2 years Sir ! We are wishing we spoke German ...
much restlessness to your swiss publisher, until he is , at last, provoked by the good he will finally do to the english speaking gastronomers !!

Martin link

19/8/2015 07:57:24 pm

The issue is with the English publisher, which needs convincing that the book will sell. As UK cookbooks tend to be celebrity-driven, they're wary of investing in one that isn't. We're currently exploring options.

Judy Serbinski

19/8/2015 11:45:12 am

Dear Mr. Walker, I have just finished reading your final Bruno book, The Patriarch. My French teacher had told me about Bruno Chief of Police a couple of months ago and I have now read the entire series. I am so in love with Bruno that I think my husband is a little jealous! :) Thank you so much for continuing to write these lovely descriptive novels for francophiles like myself. I've visited Provence twice but never the Dordogne. Next trip I will for sure. The best of the books is how you portray a slice of life in this region of France. So authentic! Thanks again and I look forward to the english version of the cookbook as well as many more Bruno novels.

Martin link

20/8/2015 12:18:58 am

I'm happy to hear you've found such pleasure in Bruno - he is such a pleasure to write.

angela traskey

21/8/2015 03:52:34 am

I just love the Bruno books. Thank you so much for writing them. Living in America now and missing England and summers in France they have really cheered me up. I echo all the enquiries about an English version of the cookbook. Your publisher should realize how many of us would love to have it. Thank you again.

Martin link

21/8/2015 07:33:25 pm

I'm glad they've proven to be such a tonic! We're exploring other options for the English cookbook right now, so progress is being made in some small way.

Kerry roldan

4/9/2015 09:53:23 am

When will the cookbook be published?

Martin link

5/9/2015 02:41:34 am

We don't have a date yet, I'm afraid - we're looking into all sorts of options for getting it out there, including self-publishing, and as soon as we have a solution I shall trumpet it here.

Kat Hunt

12/10/2015 06:46:55 am

Hi Martin,
It's so heartwarming to see your committed responsiveness to your many fans! My grandfather bestowed his love for cooking to me so I look forward to gifting the book to his youthful 84-year-old self. He immigrated from Ireland and was Deputy Chief of the LAPD. I think it'll be a fitting read!

All the best to you and your wife. I heard your lovely interview with Diane Rehm a few weeks back.

Thank you,
Kat

Martin link

14/10/2015 06:13:33 am

I hope he enjoys the book! I'm glad you like Bruno enough to pass him on - it's so flattering to think he can make so many people as happy as he makes me.

Beth Bochnak

16/10/2015 09:43:11 pm

I had a wonderful time driving around France this fall and devouring the Bruno books. Didn't do any cooking in Montignac but it was lovely. Now that I'm back in New Orleans I will look forward to seeing the cookbook someday. Thanks for your books.

Martin link

22/10/2015 09:48:20 am

I'm so glad you enjoyed your tour of France - it's a magical place in the autumn. I hope you were there in time to eat the cepe mushrooms which are so characteristic of the region.

Beth Bochnak

22/10/2015 10:20:05 am

Most definitely. Also girolles. Fortunately we were able to cook so we ate them as often as we could. So sad to come back to US Aand see the mostly mediocre produce. Especially mushrooms.

Martin link

22/10/2015 02:32:45 pm

My daughter weeps over the selection of mushrooms in her local UK supermarket: white button mushrooms or none at all.

Denise Gallues

10/11/2015 08:58:58 pm

Where can I purchase the cookbook?

Martin link

12/11/2015 05:48:10 am

It's currently only available in German, and is widely available in bookshops in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, or through Amazon and other e-retailers in German-speaking countries.

Stuart Friedman

15/11/2015 02:10:10 pm

OK--either this comes out in English soon or I will be forced to buy it in German--God help my guests when I try to use my deeply flawed German and follow Bruno's instructions in preparing a St. Denis feast. At least I have laid in a supply of Bergerac wines, so all will not be lost.

Martin link

26/11/2015 01:40:26 am

With enough wine, anything is gourmet!

We are desperately working on getting the English version off the ground, but it's proving challenging. The level of established interest from all of you doesn't seem to be much of an inducement to publishers, so we're now trying to publish it ourselves and do direct sales.

Helana Pietragallo

15/11/2015 02:50:50 pm

I always pre-order the Bruno books. When can I pre - order an American version of his cookbook?

Martin link

26/11/2015 01:49:48 am

I'm afraid we're still trying to get an English language version off the ground, but as soon as we have any dates I shall trumpet them here. It's possible we will go down a direct sales route via this website, although that's yet to be decided.

Anthony

20/1/2016 02:55:16 am

still waiting for the English version of Bruno cook book. When might it appear? Really enjoyed all Bruno adventures and hope that there shall be more

Martin link

21/1/2016 01:15:28 am

Bruno's adventures continue apace, with #9 coming out in the UK in early June and elsewhere in the following months.

I'm afraid we're still working on the cookbook in English - there are a lot of hurdles to jump on the rights front between publishers.

Jean Lauke

17/2/2016 02:03:05 pm

My husband and I have read all of the Bruno books and loved them. We both love to cook and we are eagerly awaiting your cookbook in English. I hope there will be American equivalents for measurements and cooking temps.

Martin link

18/2/2016 04:01:24 am

I'll make sure that both are listed - having lived on both sides of the Atlantic, I cook in both languages, so to speak...

Catherine

21/3/2016 09:00:27 am

Like so many fans, I've been eagerly awaiting the English version of the cookbook too and can personally account for at least five copies that would be bought by Canadian friends who vacation in the Dordogne (one in particular who was eating foie gras in Sarlat last fall was I was eating seafood in Barra.) I really hope that either your sceptical publisher can be convinced or that you do self-publish. Your books have many pleasures, Bruno's meals certainly among them. I've never had the experience of reading any other book late at night that made me crave a midnight snack of turnips. (Bruno had gone outside to dig up some spring turnips as part of his dinner. Had I thought there were any in my own fridge, I would have gone looking for them.) Good luck with all your projects.

Martin link

1/4/2016 08:01:52 am

To incite turnip cravings is not a compliment I ever thought I'd hear, but it's certainly one I am taking to heart!

We're trying to self-publish, but we still need to work out the photo rights, so it's a slow process.

Catherine

1/4/2016 08:56:19 am

Believe me, I never anticipated that midnight craving, nor has it recurred. (Nor is it likely to). But I'll be looking for Bruno's tips on them when we get the book. Good luck with that whole project and with Bruno's further adventures. (Maybe you can send him and Balzac to Barra for a short spree: as well as supplying escargots to French restaurants on the mainland, they grow good turnips and other root veggies there.)

Martin link

1/4/2016 11:58:34 am

My mother was from Barra, so there is a personal connection to the island. A wonderful place!

30/3/2016 10:11:44 pm

I am so surprised that an American publisher has not jumped on Bruno's cookbook. I love all the books, especially Bruno, the food, and his animals.and house. We want the English version of the cookbook!! Is that clear enough, publishers? And we LOVE Bruno down in Texas!

Martin link

31/3/2016 03:53:42 am

It's absolutely maddening, isn't it? We're still trying to get the English language version off the ground, but there are so many obstacles.

Alex

31/3/2016 08:56:04 am

I agree with JJ! I am very anxious for the publication of the book in English. My children take Germany in school...maybe they can translate for me! Perhaps we should launch a support group and start pressuring the publishers?

LOVE, love the Bruno series. Thank you, Martin!

Martin link

1/4/2016 07:39:17 am

I've shown the comments to my publishers to indicate the level of demand, but no dice so far...

Your idea of having your children translate may be the best one yet!

Graham Donald

10/4/2016 07:29:18 am

Thank you from a fellow Scot in exile ..
.my wife and I live in Cyprus, and I love your Bruno books having just started on number three.I am looking forward to trying to catch up with your production rates! I too join the clamour for an English version of the cook book ..one of the joys in my life is cooking and that includes barbecues..I am 76 years young ..thank you again for the pleasure you bring to us all...Graham

Martin link

25/4/2016 01:52:52 am

I'm happy to hear you're such a fan! I'm sure living in Cyprus you hardly want for excellent local produce for your barbecues - food that tastes as much of the Mediterranean sun as it does the char of the grill.

Caroll Drazen link

17/6/2016 01:54:27 pm

I mistakenly commented on the most recent blog note, about Australia, and want to correct myself. I am in Philadelphia, but am also a big fan of Bruno and add my fervent request that you find a publisher for the cookbook in English (or American or French). Will be delighted if you self-publish instead and will of course buy it from your site. Can't wait for the newest book - coming out in 2 days.
Thank you for Bruno and his wonderful world in the Dordogne (a region we have visited and adored).

Karen Mills link

19/9/2016 11:59:24 am

Where can I purchase your eponymous cookbook? Amazon frustrates.

Martin link

20/9/2016 09:00:02 am

It's currently only available in German, but if you're a German speaker it is for sale on amazon.de:

https://www.amazon.de/Brunos-Kochbuch-Rezepte-Geschichten-P%C3%A9rigord/dp/3257069146/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

michael zimmerman

20/9/2016 09:50:53 am

I.'m happy and sad as usual after finishing "Fatal Pursuit". I'm all caught up on the Bruno series and can't wait for the next installment! The series is so entertaining and always instructional. The way he deals with sensitive situations through guile and diplomacy hold lessons for us all.
And geez, can't wait for the English version of the cookbook. Any idea when it will be available?
Thank you for such fun, entertaining mystery novels.

Martin link

17/10/2016 12:22:51 am

I'm afraid there's still no news on the English version of the cookbook, but we are still working on trying to convince the British publishers that it's worth the investment.

The next Bruno book will be out next summer, although the release date does depend on where you're based...

jacqueline chivers

13/10/2016 01:22:00 pm

I came to Bruno via R4's Food Programme - who were talking about books with a secondary thread of the love of food!

I was in a tent, in windy, rainy Yorkshire, eating cold beans at the time - what a lucky listen it was.

Cannot wait for the English version cookbook and improve on those beans.

Happy writing and many thanks for the joy.

Martin link

17/10/2016 12:25:25 am

Thank you for the kind words! I hope the food chat made the beans more palatable, not less...

Muireann Lynch

29/10/2016 03:41:42 pm

Hi,
Have just been reading the transcript of your interview with Diane Rehm, along with looking through the wonderful recipes that were featured there from the cookbook. If they are just a flavour of the rest of the content, yes, am certainly looking forward very much to it being published in English. One thing that you mentioned about the situation with the photographs - how come the current publisher and owner of the photos cannot simply publish the book in the English language? It is not like you have to go and find a translator as obviously the recipes were in English originally. Ahhhh, the complexities of publishing and distribution.......
In the meantime, waiting patiently for the latest in the series.
Wishing both yourself and Julia much continued success

Martin link

30/10/2016 11:08:47 am

If only it were that simple! But there are territorial rights that also cover distribution and sales, which I confess to not understanding myself...

Caroll drazen link

30/10/2016 11:26:06 am

Just adding my hopes that Bruno's cookbook find a publisher in English soon. It will be much easier to try to make a "Bruno meal" from a recipe rather than trying to cobble everything together from comments in the books (of course, it is not as easy to find duck fat here in Philadelphia).

Martin link

4/12/2016 06:18:11 am

There are some traditional recipes on this site, although not all from the books! We're still pushing to release the cookbook in English, I'm afraid.

Susan Francophile

7/11/2016 09:18:23 am

I devoured the Bruno series and eagerly await the next installment. My sisters and friends are all hooked on Bruno, his garden, his cooking, his fairness. We NEED the cookbook in English.

Martin link

4/12/2016 06:16:42 am

We're still trying to make it happen! But the next Bruno will come out in early summer in the UK, precise date tbc.

Thomas Purrington

7/11/2016 10:28:22 am

Dear Mr Walker
You are by now tired, or perhaps not, of hearing the incessant caterwauling by your loving readers. When will the bloody publishers get off their collective duffs and bring the culinary art of Bruno to the English speaking world?
Please add me to your growing list of those who wish, want, need that book. And preferably for Christmas 2016 delivery, if they please.
Cheers, et santé.

Martin link

4/12/2016 06:31:56 am

I don't think Christmas 2016 is doable at this rate, I'm afraid, but we are continuing to push for an English version. I'm sorry it's taking so long!

Sylvia Murray

28/11/2016 06:12:45 pm

I live in Canada and love the Bruno books and also enjoy the descriptions of Bruno's cooking.
I too am desperate for the cookbook in English. If it ever comes, I will order two!

Martin link

4/12/2016 06:19:36 am

I'm sorry the book's not out in English yet - we are trying! But I'm glad you continue to enjoy Bruno nonetheless.

Paul C. Eddy link

5/2/2017 07:34:52 am

Hello, Martin! Delighted that you were able to spend a bit of time on our wonderful little island and I very much enjoyed spending a few moments bothering you with "Bruno" questions. I will be sponsoring you when and if you return to BG with a "Bruno Cookery" symposium; please consider that!
I will follow up with you for lunch or dinner at Buck's or the RORC in early September. with best regards,
Paul

Michael johnston

27/6/2017 07:21:11 am

Still no English version of the cookbook? Is this a Brexit conspiracy?
Perfidious Albion?
Must have this book soon else .... Too late! One can't live forever!

Martin link

28/6/2017 12:26:58 am

I like the idea of blaming Brexit! If only it were so simple...

Kathryn

2/7/2017 12:24:57 pm

Here's the problem. The Brits have never been known for their appreciation of exquisite food. (That's my ancestry line, so I can say that). You need to publish in the US!

Also, how about enlisting the support of national library associations to show publishers how popular your books are? It was Beth, the librarian at a little library in Ocean Park, WA, who turned me on to Bruno series. LOVE the plot, chacter development, historical background, and scrumptious details of food preparation!!

Finally, I accidentally unsubscribed to your blog. Appreciate that you make it so easy to unsubscribe as I usually have scroll to bottom and decipher 3pt. font directions. Maybe too easy?

Please keep writing!
Kathryn

Martin link

2/7/2017 11:41:35 pm

I'll have to refer your subscription note to my daughter, who set up the website for me - I'm sure she'll know how to fix it.

And thanks for the tip on library associations - I'll do some research, as I'm very keen to make the book available in English, even if it is proving to be an uphill struggle.

Muireann Lynch

30/6/2017 06:28:07 pm

I reckon at this stage am gonna have to take up German lessons come Sept on offer as night classes in the local community school. Will suggest the german version as our text book!

Martin link

2/7/2017 01:15:28 am

That's one way to get around the language issue! Good luck with your lessons - if you can't learn a language through immersion, falling in love with a native speaker certainly helps.

Elizabeth

5/7/2017 12:14:35 pm

Just finished reading the latest in the Bruno series, nothing else seems to come up to it. Hope you are busy with the next one ? Any progress with the
English cookbook or even one in French ?

Martin link

6/7/2017 02:48:24 am

I'm always busy with the next one! I have plots for at least a dozen more mapped out in my notebook, so I hope they all see the light of day. Or the dark of a printing press.

No progress with the English cookbook yet, and no interest in a French one from my French publishers, sadly. I think there's something very 'coals to Newcastle' about an Englishman behind a French cookbook...

Cooking up a storm

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