Martin Walker’s Bruno Chief of Police series invites readers to journey to the heart of the French countryside, where the charismatic Bruno Courrèges, the chief of police for the French village of St. Denis, navigates the complexities of crime and French culture with wit and charm.

Whether Bruno is cooking mouth-watering meals for friends or using his resourcefulness to investigate crimes, readers enjoy the character so much that they want to join him at his dinner table and on his adventures.

Just as Bruno enjoys the ambiance of village life, so too do readers. Fans frequently note that the Dordogne Mysteries delight the senses with delectable descriptions of French cuisine and the surrounding lush landscapes. The mysteries also often delve into the rich history of the Périgord region of France giving readers a taste of history and French culture along with the mysteries.

Opinions vary among fans on whether reading the Bruno series in order is essential. We recommend starting with the first book, Bruno, Chief of Police, to gain a solid introduction to Bruno and the recurring characters of St. Denis. Afterward, you can decide what best suits your reading preferences. It’s worth noting that Martin Walker incorporates elements of continuity throughout the series, providing insights into Bruno’s personal life, relationships, and the evolving dynamics of St. Denis.

Martin has also written a number of short stories featuring Bruno. It’s not necessary to read them in order, but here is how the short stories fall within the chronology of the series so you can avoid any potential spoilers: Bruno and Le Pere Noel (aka Bruno and the Carol Singers) is Book 5.5; A Birthday Lunch (11.5), The Chocolate War (11.6), and Oystercatcher (12.5) are ebook shorts; and Bruno’s Challenge and Other Stories of the French Countryside was published after The Coldest Case (Book 14) in the series.