The Dark Vineyard: A mystery of the French countryside

In this riveting sequel to Martin Walkers internationally acclaimed novel Bruno, Chief of Police, some of Frances great pleasureswine, passion and intrigueconverge in a dark chain of events that threaten the peaceful village of Saint-Denis.

Benot (Bruno) Courrgesdevoted friend, cuisinier extraordinaire and the towns only municipal policemanrushes to the scene when a research station for genetically modified crops is burned down outside Saint-Denis. Bruno immediately suspects a group of fervent environmentalists who live nearby, but the fire is only the first in a string of mysteries centering on the regions fertile soil.

Then a bevy of winemakers descends on Saint-Denis, competing for its land and spurring resentment among the villagers. Romances blossom. Hearts are broken. Some of the sensual pleasures of the towna dinner of a truffle omelette and grilled bcasses, a community grape-crushingprovide an opportunity for both warm friendship and bitter hostilities to form. The towns rivalsMax, an environmentalist who hopes to make organic wine; Jacqueline, a flirtatious, newly arrived Qubcoise; and Fernando, the heir to an American wine fortuneact increasingly erratically. Events grow ever darker, culminating in two suspicious deaths, and Bruno finds that the problems of the present are never far from those of the past.

A splendid mysteryand a delectable serving of the pleasures of France.