cover image The Resistance Man: A Bruno, Chief of Police Novel

The Resistance Man: A Bruno, Chief of Police Novel

Martin Walker. Knopf, $25.95 (336p) ISBN 978-0-385-34954-3

In Walker's endearing sixth novel featuring St. Denis police chief Bruno Courr%C3%A8ges (after 2013's The Devil's Cave), Bruno, who prides himself on knowing just about everything transpiring in his picturesque patch of P%C3%A9rigord, is stunned when the latest in a string of burglaries reveals that a retired British spymaster, Jack Crimson, has been residing right under his nose. But Bruno has barely enough time to process this%E2%80%94or the pending return to St. Denis of his former flame, ambitious Police Nationale capitaine Isabelle, to oversee the politically sensitive Crimson probe%E2%80%94because of the brutal murder of a vacationing British antiques dealer. Despite distractions that include the region's always-tantalizing gastronomy, Bruno soon starts to make serious investigative headway, demonstrating convincingly that there's nothing smalltown about his understanding of human nature. Existing fans and newcomers alike will savor Walker's ability to smoothly fold suspense into his P%C3%A9rigordian souffl%C3%A9. Agent: Stephanie Cabot, Felicity Bryan Associates. (Feb.)