The black diamond, or winter black truffle, is often referred to as the Perigord truffle. Bruno is an avid truffle hunter and is establishing his own "truffle orchard" with the help of his expert friend Hercule. When he is asked to investigate some irregularities in the truffle market, he finds himself learning more about the economic and political influence of truffles.
Where to start on this novel? There are several sub-plots that Walker manages to connect with great skill: corruption in the truffle market, the murder of his good friend, Asian gangs, illegal immigration and human trafficking, environmental, political, and cultural differences.
Yet it all works and flows together sensibly. In addition to all of the above, there is some fascinating information about truffles and some interesting French history (from Viet Nam to Algeria to Bosnia) easily incorporated. And...the food! Oh, I'm not a gourmand, but Bruno and his friends are, and the meals delight to the point of making my mouth water.
Good characterization, an interesting plot--I'm more a fan of Bruno, Chief of Police than ever.
Fiction. Mystery/Crime. 2011. 320 pages.
This sounds good, Jenclair. I'll have to look for the series. However, I've tried reading out of order and I just can't. Sigh. Right now, I'm reading THE DEVIL COLONY, which is book #7 in James Rollins' Sigma series. They keep alluding to things in the past and stories that I don't know. It's making me nuts, even though I'm enjoying the storyline. I'm giving up on reading out of order. I'm just too distracted if I do. LOL
ReplyDeleteKay- Some books are more difficult to read if you don't start at the beginning. The Bruno series is pretty self-contained. Some of the characters are recurring, but I think it works. I prefer to begin with the first in a series, but I often pick up a book without even knowing its a part of a series!
ReplyDeleteI've requested the first of these from the library. You make them sound like my kind of thing. If I like it, I'll buy all four and wallow. Thanks for the recommendation.
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