This is a book to be savored slowly and enjoyed. It's a warm and inviting visit with an old and welcoming friend. Despite being a murder mystery, it's a very very civilized book, full of quirky affection and genuine hospitality. The motives for murder and conspiracy are complex and rarefied and somewhat academic, paralleled with modern day drugs and wealth and shadows of crimes from WW2.
This author is on my auto-read list and this particular book was lovely; both familiar and new at the same time. I love that the book is redolent with the Gallic sensibilities regarding work, food, culture, life, and love. There is a longish passage in the book describing a culinary event and awards certification for local producers of pâté and the author respectfully (albeit humorously) describes the medieval trappings, the pomp, the wine, the people surrounding the 'Brotherhood of the pâté de Périgueux' and at the same time, provides interesting character and plot development.
The denouement and resolution are satisfying and Bruno once again ties up the loose threads (except possibly of his love life), and he and Balzac and Hector can once again concentrate on the important non-violent aspects of life.
This was such a fun read and I loved it to bits. Long live Bruno!
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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