Arrived from Better World Books some time in the last week.

I liked it and I didn't. Bruno is a laid-back chief of police who spends more time covering up crimes (against EU food laws, mainly) than solving them. When a real-life murder takes place in his territory, in the south of France, in a small village, he does step in.

An elderly man is murdered. There is much suspicion of terrorist groups, and the national police arrive to take charge. Bruno works with the attractive female representative to provide local color, while continuing his unhurried encounters with the villagers and ultimately finding a solution.

I found the odes to the French village tiresome, as some others have. I can appreciate the slow pace, the beautiful surroundings, being part of the village. I am less enamored with the casual slaughter of animals, whether according to EU rules or not. I am weary of simplistic characters.

I don't particularly enjoy stories that are steeped in details of last night's meal to the extent that one could actually make the recipes at home. Further, I found a kind of self-satisfaction, almost smugness, throughout. I did appreciate the complexities of the story, the ultimate solution to the crime.

Sending to a friend for her guests to read.