Black Diamond: A Mystery of the French Countryside Audiobook

" Amazingly delicious French mystery! Martin Walker seems to know the right combination of things to interest readers, and this third installment is no exception. I anxiously await more from Bruno, chief of Police :-) "

" I do like the Bruno series and this one was interesting - initially has Bruno looking into fraud at a local truffle market. Unfortunately, the story kind jumps around to human trafficking, Asian gang wars and pedophilia which is just too much and when the story is wrapped up hastily all in one fell swoop at the end it's disingenuous and comes across more like an attempt to make it a more spectacular crime. This is really a 3 1/2 stars story but the description of Bruno's creating the hunter's meal is worth 5 stars. Yum. . . "

" In the third book in the series, Bruno, the Chief of Police in a rural French village, must solve the murder of his friend Hercule, who not only was a high-ranking military man involved with the Algerians and Vietnamese, but also a fellow hunter of both game and truffles. The title "Black Diamond" refers to the most prized of truffles found and sold in the local market. Irregularities in the truffle market, Asian gang wars, and local and international politics help formulate the plot. Unfortunately, the French history lesson slows the story somewhat, and the plot twist at the end comes out of the blue, like an afterthought to make the story more compelling. I did enjoy the setting of the Perigord region, as always, and the author takes us step-by-step through Bruno's gastronomic adventures, which add to the appeal of the books. "

" I listened to this book and felt a bit underwhelmed. Generally I like listening to plot-driven books as much, or more, than reading them. In this case the reading seemed to make the book slow.... I can't say if it was the narrator's style or the book or me - but I felt that this book plodded along when I wanted to be swept into the story. "

" Liked this better than the previous book in the same series. Frankly I enjoy it purely for the venue, and while the mystery and puzzle at the center of this book is better than the last, it was also a touch over the top. But I like the milieu, the Dordogne in France. "

" I first picked up the Chief of Police, Bruno books because I had visited the Dordogne and wanted to read something set in the region. These mysteries are somewhat "lightweight" but appealing. Like this one, there is usually a connection to WWII resistance fighters. Overall, I enjoyed this book. "

" I really enjoyed this one with the background of the murdered victim. "

" Pretty decent. I read them for all the descriptions of food and eating :) The character of Bruno got a little predictable in this one. It wove in an interesting history of the French in Vietnam in the 50s and 60s. Martin Walker is at his best when writing about food and history. "

" Interesting part of a series, but not as good as some of the others. Bruno the Chief of Police in St. Denis, France, is the too perfect officer and gentleman -- a pleasure to meet in the books. "

" Not quite as good as the first Bruno book, but still enjoyable and such a pleasant read, based on the bucolic setting of a small French village. "

" I love Police Chief Bruno! His connection with the community, his cooking, his eye for the ladies... These books are a lot of fun for murder mystery fans. "

" Another great book in this series. Nothing lacking. Good mystery, great characters, good history. Love the setting in Provence too. "

" Fun-enough mystery about a police chief in sw France, who is also an excellent cook. I might decide to try truffles. The author is also an international affairs organization director and writer. "

" Third in a delightful crime series set in the Dordogne: the food as tempting, the setting as lovely and the characters as quirky as ever. "

" The third in a wonderful mysteries series that takes place in a small village in France, Black Diamond is as good as the first two books. Developing/deepening relationships, the community possible in a small town and an interesting mystery work together to make this a good read. "

" This is the most wonderful book that I've read in quite some time. If you aren't reading this series of mysteries, you are missing out on a treasure! Vive Bruno! "

" Good, but not as good as the first two. Too much stuff going on. Love Bruno, though. "

" This is the third in the Bruno detective series and is just as delightful as the first two. "

" I have enjoyed all the books about Bruno, this one most of all. "

" I love the Martin Walker books with Bruno as his main character... the suspense stories from the French countryside are engaging, entertaining and along the way, it's fun to learn about wine, truufles and the French people. "

" Easy to read police story set in rural France. Very enjoyable, nice pace, and explores both the rural community and bigger issues. I love France so even better. Good summer reading. "

" The 3rd of the "Bruno, Chief of Police" series. Fascinating informationon the impact of false Chinese truffles vs. the real "Black Diamonds". "

" Fun reading the 'food' resferences. Difficult keeping up with the various character's names. Maybe I'll try another of Walker's... "

" Just a fun read! Feel like I am in Saint Denis with all the characters! ? This time Bruno, is after Truffles, for himself anda crime being committed. New love life for Bruno, but his old flame keeps coming into the picture. Hope the seriescontinues. "

" Good, but not as good as the first two. Too much stuff going on. Love Bruno, though. "