"Life in the Dordogne region of France looks positively idyllic in Martin Walker's enticing novels... The delights of this pastoral district--from the chateaus along the rivers to the prehistoric cave paintings to the food on the tables--are very real and essential to the narrative... The story takes many surprisingly sharp turns... Absorbing." --The New York Times Book Review

"A satisfying and surprisingly intimate tour through a modern French village, full of character and charm. . . . The Patriarch in many ways is comparable to vintage wine, a cuvee of disparate tastes, aromas, depths and colors . . . Santé. Drink up." --The Arizona Republic

Praise for Martin Walker's Bruno, Chief of Police series

"Sure to appeal to readers with a palate for mysteries with social nuance and understated charm." --The Wall Street Journal

"Tailor-made for fans of Peter Mayle, Colin Cotterill and Alexander McCall Smith." --BookPage

"In Martin Walker's delightful series . . . the charm of rural France is regularly disrupted--but not too much." --The Seattle Times

"Walker treats readers to lavishly detailed accounts of meals served in farmhouse, restaurant, and at village fêtes, giving us cookbook-worthy accounts of ingredients, preparation, and wine pairings." --Booklist (starred review)

"Martin Walker's Bruno novels are as delicious as the world class meals his chief of police whips up and as intoxicating as the wines he serves." --Open Letters Monthly

"[Will] delight readers who relish a skillful blend of complex international political nuance and pastoral intrigue mixed with a soupçon of fine French wine and cuisine." --Publishers Weekly

"As pleasant as a nice brunch." --The Washington Independent Review of Books