Reviews

After reading several Fantasy novels by Sanderson, I needed a change, and Martin Walker's Bruno Chief of Police (in rural France), fit the bill. I liked his discussion of French history (mostly WWII, but more) and food.

laila4343's review against another edition

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2.0

Loved the setting and glimpse of life in small town France. But the pace was dreadfully slow and the mystery not all that engaging. Quel dommage!

jkmondelli's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

nonniejuanie's review

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5.0

Enjoyed this immensely. The main character is intriguing. I look forward to getting to know him better.Supporting characters are interesting as well. I loved the gentle tone of this book. The descriptions were lovely and not overdone. The plot kept my interest, although I wouldn’t call this a page turner. I anticipate Bruno joining mycast of favorite policemen, Brunetti in Venice, Gamache in Three Pines, Harry Bosch in LA, and spy, Gabriel Allon.

camartin1015's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I borrowed this book on a whim because I needed something available on my library app to start reading right away. Bruno, Chief of Police is set in rural France, which appealed to me. At first, it was a pretty slow read, with a lot of exposition and scene-setting that doesn't really impact this book's plotline. We learn about EU food inspections and their impact on the local market, how people are rebelling against (and vandalizing the property of) the inspectors when they come to town, and how Bruno has ingratiated himself in the community, all befor we get even a glimpse at the murder plot that drives the mystery of the book. Once the murder happened, the plot got much more interesting to me, and I really enjoyed the book. I actually sped through the last half of the book because I was enjoying it so much and wanted to know the mystery!

Strengths/Things I liked:

Engages with issues about immigration and racism in an interesting and thoughtful way
Mystery has multiple, well-developed aspects
Introduced interesting information about the French Resistance in WWII and the Vichy Government
Believable romance plot line does not overrun the mystery of the book
Multiple, sympathetic and complex characters

Challenges/Things I Didn't Necessarily Like:

Slow to get started

davidkelly0324's review

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mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

katiepyne23's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious

4.5

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