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meganreads5's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
davidkelly0324's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
askatknits's review against another edition
4.0
A mystery within a mystery, but are they connected?
Again, I learned about Benoît “Bruno” Courrèges and the little corner of the world... which sounds incredible (if you discount the murders, lol) with the local wines, truffles, and simple foods coupled with the lovely inhabitants of St. Denis make it the perfect place to visit through the pages of Walker's writing.
If you are looking for a semi-cozy read (there are murders after all) in the French countryside... this is a lovely series.
Again, I learned about Benoît “Bruno” Courrèges and the little corner of the world... which sounds incredible (if you discount the murders, lol) with the local wines, truffles, and simple foods coupled with the lovely inhabitants of St. Denis make it the perfect place to visit through the pages of Walker's writing.
If you are looking for a semi-cozy read (there are murders after all) in the French countryside... this is a lovely series.
henrismum's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Take away: Bad stuff in France. I am a bit frustrated with Bruno's fickle interest in women.
Narration: Robert Ian Mackenzie - great accents.
Normal Speed- Accelerated Speed
New - Second - Third - Committed Not sure if I will commit.
Series- Non Series - Non-Fiction - Author
Listening to this book was a chore.
I'm glad I listened to this book.
I didn't want this book to end.
I could not wait to be done with this book.
Average, but better than anything I've written.
Narration: Robert Ian Mackenzie - great accents.
Normal Speed
New - Second -
Series
Listening to this book was a chore.
I'm glad I listened to this book.
I could not wait to be done with this book.
Average, but better than anything I've written.
8797999's review against another edition
5.0
Now I feel this series has gotten into its stride, another very enjoyable case with an interesting array of characters. I did see one or two of the twists coming. I love the atmosphere of these books, the places and people both brig it alive, the good sounds rather scrumptious too.
I am curious to see how Bruno's love life develops from here. Certainly will be a tangle I think.
I am curious to see how Bruno's love life develops from here. Certainly will be a tangle I think.
markopdx's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
kathleenguthriewoods's review against another edition
5.0
Okay, I'm hooked. I love visiting this small village with its quirky characters, "laws," and behaviors. A legit page-turner.
azwahine_reads's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
camartin1015's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book really went places: Bruno is called to help investigate potential crimes in a truffle market of a nearby town, and the plot unravels to include gang violence, murder, arson, and human trafficking (see content warning for more info). This book seems like it really raises the stakes for the Bruno, Chief of Police series in a way that I personally enjoy but may not appeal to readers drawn to the charm of watching a small-town policy chief maintain the safety and reputation of the community he serves. Black Diamond introduces new characters and their roles in St. Denis and surrounding areas while bringing back past characters like JJ and Isabelle. While I overall really liked the book, the ending was a bit abrupt to me. It ends on a pretty disturbing note, especially with Bruno questioning how the big crimes and their perpetrators had slipped through his notice. Given the heaviness of the themes in this book, I would've liked a bit more resolution/explanation of how some aspects were solved and the fallout from them.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Pedophilia, Suicide, Violence, Trafficking, and Fire/Fire injury
I was surpirsed that part of the gang violence and human-trafficking plot included the explanation/refernece to but not depiction) of child sexual abuse, including blackmail of a person of interest to part of the plot and the explicit acknowledgment that children had been assaulted.writer595's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5