The Dark Vineyard

A Mystery of the French Countryside

By: Martin Walker

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

A prolific journalist, Martin Walker has crafted a mystery series that deftly blends the stylings of Peter Mayle and Alexander McCall Smith. Chief Bruno Courreges loves life in his small French village. One day his idyll is disturbed when a local research station for genetically modified crops is burned down. An enclave of environmentalists seems to be the most likely culprit, but soon Bruno uncovers evidence that makes the case infinitely more complicated.

©2009 Walker and Watson, Ltd. (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Just barely a murder mystery

This book is more about food and wine than murder and mayhem. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it thoroughly. It's refreshing to find a hero that's "gooder than good." And it's enjoyable to get to know the various characters in the village. A bit of love story, a bit of politics, quite a bit of food and wine, all wrapped around a mysterious fire and (maybe) a murder. Fun stuff!

Wonderful story in the French countryside

Loved it. Couldn't wait for my next commute to work to continue the story. Terrific

Bruno is a perfect detective

Charming and interesting. Weaves the atmosphere of a small French life with a good story of deception.

I wanted to love it...

The narrator did a great job with so many characters, but I just couldn't get into the story. I've listened to many genres and while I do prefer non-fiction or fact-based fiction, I've delved into fiction previously without this issue. This was the only book that I've struggled to finish.

Not Walker's best

Ordered in error - I had already read it. Plot rather confused and left me with a lot of unanswered questions