Bruno's Challenge and Other Stories of the French Countryside (Bruno, Chief of Police)

Bruno's Challenge and Other Stories of the French Countryside is a quaint and gently written collection of short stories featuring the main characters from the Bruno, Chief of Police novels by Martin Walker. Due out 15th March 2022 from Knopf Doubleday on their Knopf imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. 

These books are so very well written and so comforting to read. They're gentle stories, full of slice-of-life anecdotes and told well, with drama and sometimes pathos, good (but never cruel) moments of humour and always, always good food, wine, and friends. That's what keeps me coming back. I love reading the delicious food commentary and preparation and the rich atmosphere of the French countryside and Bruno's circle of friends, associates, and acquaintances. 

Most of the stories also contain one or more small everyday mysteries which are generally well resolved by the end of each tale. The bulk of these stories have been released as individual shorts earlier, though this is their first collection in one volume. There is very little in the way of backstory provided, and as such, they're probably not the best entry into the series as a whole. For current fans of Bruno, and Mr. Walker's beautifully living French countryside, these stories are a treat.

Four and a half stars. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.