Paris Expat interview

13/6/2017

After a 25 year career as a foreign correspondent for The Guardian, a post once held by Alistair Cooke, and later for UPI Martin Walker has settled in to a very agreeable life as an author and unofficial Cultural Ambassador of Le Périgord, dividing his time between Washington, DC and Le Bugue.

We met for coffee and conversation on market day in Le Bugue.

Which came first, Bruno or the Dordogne?

The Dordogne came first. My wife and I have been visiting French friends in the area regularly since 1981 and we bought our own place 15 years ago. I began writing Bruno books in 2007, after I had made new friends in and around our small town, through the rugby and tennis clubs and the kindness of neighbours. Our local policeman, Pierrot, is also my tennis partner and the kind of wise country copper who never wears a gun, hates to arrest anybody, knows everybody and most of the secrets. He was the inspiration for Bruno, although he’s older, married and rather beefier around the tummy than Bruno. He’s also, like Bruno, a keen hunter and excellent cook.

To read the rest of the interview, click here...

45 Comments

Gayle Kesinger

14/6/2017 05:28:42 am

When will the Audible for The Templars' Last Secret be available? Love this series. You and Donna Leon cannot write fast enough...

Martin link

14/6/2017 06:32:38 am

It's available on Audible now via Amazon UK; not sure if the date is different by territory...

Joe Flikkema

15/6/2017 09:12:07 pm

My wife introduced me to your books last year and I have become a huge fan. It is the way you bring us into the story and identify with all the characters. It is a story painted with a wonderful and caring brush, we are there, just shy of tasting the wine and smelling the food. Very few authors are capable of this feat while at the same time keeping their audience intrigued with a compelling mystery.

I hope to actually make the journey to the Dordogne next year and explore. Please at your convenience give a point "A" to start from and any in site you may feel comfortable in providing on purchasing property. I look forward to many more tales of Bruno and St Denis, and thank you for giving us a such a tangible and likable hero, Joe

Martin link

22/6/2017 03:36:49 am

Thank you for the high praise! I adore my life in the Perigord, and am so glad to be able to share my passion with people through the page. The written word can be a powerful tool indeed...

I've prepared a guide on the Perigord (for tourism), which you can find on this link: http://www.brunochiefofpolice.com/a-perfect-week-in-perigord.html

As for properties, I can recommend:

http://www.expatarrivals.com/france/buying-property-in-france

and

https://www.french-property.com/guides/france/purchase-real-estate/legal/

I hope that helps!

Joe Flikkema

23/6/2017 07:45:01 am

Praise that is deserved. Thank you very much for the valuable information. I hope that I get to share my time between NW Washington and the Perigord and along the way I get to meet you and shake your hand in thanks.

Joe Flikkema

25/7/2017 06:11:57 pm

Loved the interview with the times. The Perigord, cannot wait to see with my eyes what my mind has seen as the result of your novels. I am a hunter also and very much loo forward to the hunting culture that you have written about. I think we are losing that historical culture in the US in favor of marketing of every gadget to make it easier instead of meaningful, thank you.

Martin link

26/7/2017 05:49:48 am

I'm glad you enjoyed the piece. It was a real surprise to see it on the front page of the section!

Respectful hunting is part of the fabric of rural society. In France, where agriculture remains a way of life for so many, sharing the hunted meats is as much a part of the community as are the shared cows and pigs I buy in a group with my neighbours for cost- (and space-) effective consumption.

Joe Flikkema

26/7/2017 08:11:25 am

My wife brought the article to my attention right away as she is responsible for helping me find your work. It was a nice article and stated as much about you as your characters and of course the Perigord and cuisine. Thousands of years of history, fodder for a writer who is a historian and loves to live life.
As with the real estate (thank you very much by the way) do you have some literature of the subject of hunting in the area. I live in NW Washington and have nearly unlimited access and acreage of public land, I am not finding the same cultural interest in hunting as I am in skiing and snowboarding. Please do not get me wrong I love being on the mountain (MT Baker area) with friends and family however, I really miss having the hunting heritage connection and the cultural history.

Joe Flikkema

3/9/2017 02:06:56 pm

Martin,
Finally have my hands on the latest and once again a great read. I would like to correspond with you more in depth about the hunting heritage, community and property in the Perigord. Is there a chance that you could contact me by email, I do not want to offend those who's sensibilities about such subjects are different than mine ?

Another item is; when you are in the states and if that happens to be in the Summer, a destination to consider might be Chautauqua Institution (http://chq.org/), in Western upstate New York. You may surprised at the number of fans you have there. I try to make it every summer to visit family, the place is a great cultural holiday. Thank you for the continued great writing, Joe

Bobbie Boyer

21/6/2017 03:10:15 pm

It was with great anticipation that I awaited the newest book. I was not disappointed and read it on the porch, watching alternately, the sunset over the Idaho mountains and the wonderful pages of the book. Thank you

Martin link

22/6/2017 12:13:37 am

What a glorious setting! The skies out west are huge...

Edmond Schaefer link

24/7/2017 08:46:50 am

Love your writing style and am true fan of Bruno. It would be great if Bruno would visit "Nancy" in Tucson, a University town & the first city in the US to be recognized as a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy. It would be interesting to read Bruno's reaction to our American idiosyncrasies, and how you could weave a plot to get him here.

Martin link

25/7/2017 04:23:20 am

It's an interesting idea, but if all the charms of Isabelle cannot lure Bruno to Paris, I doubt whether I can ever persuade him to leave the Perigord, even for a romantic tryst.

Edmond Schaefer link

25/7/2017 02:48:28 pm

I can certainly understand that. Since we can't entice Bruno to visit Tucson, perhaps we can entice you to participate in next year's Tucson Festival of Books. We'd love to welcome you.

Martin link

26/7/2017 03:08:48 am

I believe the Tucson festival is in March, which might be possible since I'm usually in the US at that time. If the festival takes care of travel expenses from DC, we could make this happen.

I usually do a US book tour in June, which always includes a stop in Scottsdale at Poisoined Pen bookstore. Other than that, from end of April to end of October, I'm usually in Europe on book tours, literary festivals or simply writing and enjoying the Perigord.

Edmond Schaefer link

27/7/2017 05:11:02 pm

I contacted The Tucson Festival of Books organization informing them of your possible interest requesting that they contact you. It would be a winning proposition for all if something can be worked out. In the interim, should you visit Tucson, we’d love to introduce you to our favorite Tequila bar and, if you like cheese, we’ll invite you to our home for a Swiss moitié-moitié fondue. All the best. I’ll keep in touch.

Martin link

28/7/2017 01:36:02 am

Very kind, thank you. I look forward to hearing about Tulsa.

Janettravels44 link

26/7/2017 02:00:02 pm

I love the novels and was inspired on a trip to Cadouin last fall to acquire many of the local foods and wines and to visit a night market. Would not have known of them without Bruno. Just published my blog post yesterday on our trip to Commarque which coincidentally figures in your new novel. I don't know if it is appropriate to put a link in someone else's blog so happy to have you edit it out.
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/perfect-place-for-murder-commarque-chateau/
Thanks for all of the insights into the region.
janettravels44

Martin link

2/8/2017 12:29:09 am

I'm pleased to have inspired such a trip! The night markets are a wonderful invention, aren't they? They always remind me of the closing feasts in Asterix books, with the entire village gathering to eat, drink, and make merry.

Thomas Coleman

15/8/2017 01:38:21 pm

Martin, any chance Bruno's Cookbook will be published in English? Just finishing The Fatal Pursuit. Good work!!

Martin link

15/8/2017 11:44:07 pm

We're hoping that the recent NYT coverage will prompt an English version, but nothing concrete yet I'm afraid.

Marlis Leo link

21/8/2017 09:39:08 am

Dear Martin, I am so happy that I came across one of your bruno books and more happy even about the Cookbook. Noe can you imagine what I am doing since I gave myself this book as a present for my b-day this August. Now what happened, I am cooking and singing in my kitchen with joy and fulfillment, my husband is the "proband" as well as friends. The receipes are easy, and best is really the Tarte aux tomates. It is such a clever trick to put mustard on the dough! Thank you very much. Tonight we will have the lamb with garlic and onions and yesterday I made the clafoutis aux prunes. I love cooking and reading recipes and I know immedaitely if it s worthwhile to try or not. But Bruno s recipes are all excellent. My next plan is to come to Perigord, I want to go on the markets, buy good vegetables, vin de noix et other lovely things. May be I am lucky to meet you and shake hands with you. Congratulations! Marlis - living in 3 countries, but French cooking is the best!

Martin link

23/8/2017 02:32:19 am

Thank you for such positive feedback about the cookbook! We tried to make the recipes as accessible as possible, and I'm thrilled to hear you think our efforts a success. I've passed your comment on to my wife, who I'm sure will be as pleased as I am - she's spent the summer testing recipes for the next cookbook.

Caroll Drazen link

23/8/2017 04:51:43 am

I am delighted to hear of the possible publication of your cookbook in English. 3 friends sent me the link to the NY Times article (which I had already seen), because I had previously introduced them to Bruno. Now we are all waiting for the book!

Martin link

24/8/2017 09:13:49 am

I hope to be able to deliver it soon!

David EMery

27/8/2017 02:51:02 pm

I gave a (nearly) complete set of "Bruno" books to my mother a couple of weeks ago. She was halfway through "Children of War" when she passed away unexpectedly.

So I took the set of books to a neighbor of hers who has -4- basset hounds.

Martin link

2/9/2017 02:38:32 am

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. It's a horrible loss. I hope she was enjoying the books at the time...

David Emery

2/9/2017 04:59:45 am

It was next to her chair. If you have to go, sitting in your favorite chair at home, in the middle of a good book, is a great way to go.

Martin link

2/9/2017 07:20:36 am

My grandfather died in similar circumstances - sitting in his favourite chair in his local pub, newspaper open and a fresh pint on the table next to him. It's not a bad way to go.

Michael link

3/9/2017 07:46:02 am

Dear Martin,
Now there it is... My first bottle of Monbazillac. A friend of us just visited the Perigord and bought us a bottle of this vine from a chateau far off the beaten tracks. On tuesday is my birthday and I think it will be a good reason to open this special bottle.

In return I mailed your travel guide of the perigord to him and he visited some spots you recommended.

Thanks for Bruno, your books and your voice for the Perigord.
I myself live in Germany in the "Eifel" which just starts to develop a certain proud of their origin. It was always a very poor region and still many young people go away while older people from Cologne and the surrounding regions start to move to the Eifel because of the other way clocks do tick here.
In addition to my natural healing praxis we start to build up a biological aggricultural project and we are looking forward how it will develop!

And next year in October there will be our first trip to the Perigord! Maybe there's a chance to meet....

Michael link

13/9/2017 01:07:24 am

Dear Martin,
yesterday was the day we where we opend the bottle Monbazillac. Usually I don't like whitevine. Whether it is too sweet or it has too much acid. But even if this Monbazillac is very sweet it tastes great! And it feels really smooth while drinking it.
Thanks for your hints of the delicious Perigord!

Martin link

13/9/2017 02:57:31 am

The sweetness is the perfect foil to a fatty foie gras, or a similarly rich pate - the combination is sensational. Ice cold, it almost reminds me of mead.

janettravels44 link

4/9/2017 10:17:59 am

How can I get the cookbook in French? I have looked on french amazon and googled but only came up with a German version which I would be actually willing to get but it wasn't actually available. Where is the on line outlet for the current cookbooks. I can read German better than French but would go for either. at a not crazy price.

Martin link

17/9/2017 03:48:47 am

I'm afraid it's only available in German - the French publishers weren't interested in a cookbook, and the English ones are struggling with the rights.

Joe Flikkema

23/9/2017 11:06:15 am

Hi Martin,
I have finished "The Templars Last Secret", what a wonderful walk through man's history. As mentioned in previous posts you paint a vivid image of all the characters including and not the least of which, the location. All of the characters are folks that anyone would be lucky to count as friends.

There is SO much history there that I cannot wait for my holiday in the Perigord next fall. My wife and I will also be looking for a cottage, that will be taking some time and I hope we will be able to spend sufficient time for looking and exploring. In the mean time, I am hoping to contact some hunting clubs and people with boots on the ground that could help with the efficiency of our first trip. When you are in the states I encourage you to look into one of our gems in Upstate New York, Chautauqua Institution, it may be a perfect get away for you in the summer. Well thank you for the wonderful stories, charming characters and actually getting me, an 'I do not want to go anywhere person" to look at and look forward to visiting Bruno's part of the world. All the best and waiting for the next in the series, Joe

Martin link

28/9/2017 02:51:29 am

Thanks for those kind words. If looking for cottage to rent, try the website of simply-perigord.com. They are good people, English-speaking, and know them. They also do sales.

On hunting, beware of French hunting seasons. And you need to get a local licence. In the Dordogne, the season began Sept 15 this year.
Here (in French) is the latest full list of the rules:

http://www.dordogne.gouv.fr/content/download/13893/89009/file/ARR_ouv_clot_2015-16.pdf

Joe Flikkema

28/9/2017 07:43:03 am

Thank you very much Martin. I have been looking at property from about the time I discovered your books. I build cabins here in North West Washington and it will be a year before obligations allow the our trip so I am currently doing long range planning with my wife, Melissa, so all the information you have provided is very helpful. With regard to hunting I hope to have the opportunity to talk with folks who live in the region and get a feel for it, perhaps talk with hunting clubs farmers and so on. Get to know a bit of the hunting culture before I take to the field. It is very exciting to me to be able to visit and perhaps find a second home in an area where I could not possibly see all the culture and history there is to see. Thank you again and please find another mystery for Bruno in the mean time.

JanetTravels44 link

28/9/2017 04:57:13 am

We have rented a couple of times from these people -- 10 years ago and again last fall and had excellent experiences both times:
http://www.perfectionfortwo.com
although most cottages are for two renters, we had one in Cadouin that was perfect for two couples. Highly recommend.

Jim papp

11/12/2017 07:36:13 am

Love your mystery novels. My nephew's family lives in Bordeaux and am fascinated in learning about the region. Did my final diploma in Paris a million years ago so the country has fond memories for me. Have finished your first 5 plus the Xmas story. Love them all. I keep getting hungry though!

Martin link

14/12/2017 12:05:20 am

There are definitely no plans to make Bruno a diet-friendly series of novels! Some of my favourite food memories come from books I've read, rather than meals I've eaten, so I'm very pleased that the Brunos leave you hungry on occasion.

David Leavitt

19/12/2017 02:40:21 pm

When a mystery series makes you want to visit its locale, that is truly amazing. The detective becomes a real person. It's happened to me twice before, with Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael and Steven Saylor's Gordianus. Bruno joins them, and I'm really happy to have made his acquaintance. (I can't seem to find a list of the novels in order, though; is one available?)

Martin link

20/12/2017 12:15:01 am

I'm so glad you like them. The list in order on the 'Reviews' section of the menu, starting with 'Chief of Police' and going down to 'Fatal Pursuit'.

David Leavitt

20/12/2017 08:40:11 pm

Thank you for pointing me to the list. Now I'm off to read the next one! Please keep them coming!

Jane Rubin-Kurtzman

16/1/2018 05:32:42 pm

Mr, Walker:
Sincere congratulations on your Inspector Bruno series. Your passion for all things périgordin is heartwarming and in it I find a kindred spirit in many ways. My husband and I also are expats (from California) who have lived part time for the past thirty years in Cabris, a medieval village in the arrière-pays of the Alpes Maritimes. Like you, we are devoted to the history or our region, customs, wines, foods, and most of all, the dear friends we have made in our village and those nearby. During these years, we visited the Dordogne many times, absorbing all the magic you so vividly describe in your books. We will be there again in April, eager to explore some of prehistoric caves we have never seen and eager to follow the trail of crumbs you leave in your books about villages, wineries, restaurants, and markets. I very much hope to bump into the good Inspector (and Balzac, of course) munching croissants at Café Fauquet. Thanks again for many many hours of great reading. Très cordialement, Jane

Martin link

17/1/2018 08:51:20 am

I recommend my 'A Perfect Week in Perigord', a travel dossier you can see here: http://www.brunochiefofpolice.com/a-perfect-week-in-perigord.html

Be aware, though -- Fauqet's has changed its name to Cauet, although it remains in the same place and the croissants are just as good. Enjoy your trip!

Paris Expat interview

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