The Shooting at Chateau Rock is the 13th Chief Bruno mystery by Martin Walker. Released 26th May 2020 by Knopf, it's 320 pages and is available in most formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is such a subtly written, engaging, and satisfying book. I've been with the series since the beginning and always look forward to the narratives which are full of food and camaraderie (and some crime); they feel like catching up with old friends. This one is very much in the same mold. Bruno begins to investigate a potential rural insurance fraud and is soon neck deep in international money laundering, Russian / Ukrainian shady politics, and international security. Contrasted with high crimes and misdemeanors are sunny and satisfying descriptions of town markets, vineyards, his friends and acquaintances, horse culture and riding, loyal hound Balzac, and as always good food.
This is classic crime fiction, exceedingly well written, engaging, and worthwhile. Although it's the 13th book in the series, it works very well as a standalone book and would make a good entry into the series.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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