THE CROWDED GRAVE A Mystery of the French Countryside

This entertaining mystery is set in the French countryside. The story features Bruno, a gourmet cook who also serves as municipal police chief. (He’s its only policeman.) Martin Walker’s story has something for everyone, including a summit on terrorism and PETA attacks on the foie gras producers. Despite a detailed plot, the story is engrossing as it offers charming glimpses of French culture. Narrator Robert Ian Mackenzie ensures that the audio production is pure pleasure. Whether it’s a French phrase or name gliding off his tongue or a moment when a pause allows the listener to savor Walker’s delightful dialogue—Mackenzie is terrific. No matter the subject, Mackenzie deftly handles each moment, delivering each of the story’s surprises with ease. D.J.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2013]