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An anonymous skull, an unsolved murder, sinister rumors from the Cold War era of espionage—Bruno's investigation into a long-standing cold case finds him caught between an enigmatic winegrower and a menacing Communist organization from the past.After attending an exhibit on the facial reconstruction of ancient skulls, Bruno wonders if this technology might provide an invaluable clue to a thirty-year-old cold case. But learning the identity of the murder victim is only the beginning.
 
The investigation quickly turns thorny and leads Bruno to a reclusive vintner, Henri Bazaine, whose education at a vocational school in a formerly Communist region has raised some eyebrows. An inquiry into the defunct school turns up shadowy reports of possible connections and funding from the Stasi, the repressive police agency of the former East Germany. The scrutiny on Henri intensifies once Bruno discovers that he was declared dead thirty years ago and has been living under an assumed name ever since.
 
The strange case is further complicated as Parisian bureaucrats get involved, hinting that essential diplomatic relations might be at stake. And to make matters even worse, the Dordogne is suffering from an intense summer drought that is sparking fires across the region. But as always, Bruno will keep a cool head through it all--and, bien sûr, takes time to enjoy a sumptuous Périgordian meal!

In "The Coldest Case: A Bruno, Chief of Police Novel (Bruno, Chief of Police Series)" by Martin Walker, readers are taken on a captivating journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Dordogne region in France, where the tranquil charm of village life is shattered by a chilling discovery.

Bruno Courrèges, the astute and compassionate Chief of Police, finds himself confronted with the gruesome murder of an elderly woman, Madame Marguerite Besson. As he delves into the investigation, Bruno uncovers a tapestry of hidden secrets and long-buried grievances that have lain dormant for decades.

With the help of his loyal team, including the intuitive Isabelle Perrault and the resourceful Brigadier Jean-Jacques Jauffret, Bruno navigates a labyrinth of suspects, each with their own motives and secrets. The investigation leads them through the winding streets of the village, where whispers of old rivalries and unspoken tragedies fill the air.

As Bruno pieces together the puzzle, he discovers a connection to a decades-old crime, a case that had remained unsolved and haunted the community for years. The lines between past and present blur as Bruno races against time to uncover the truth before another life is taken.

"The Coldest Case" is a masterfully crafted mystery that explores the complexities of human nature and the lingering impact of past traumas. Martin Walker's vivid descriptions of the Dordogne region transport readers to the heart of rural France, creating an immersive and atmospheric setting for this gripping tale.

With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, "The Coldest Case" is a must-read for fans of traditional mysteries, police procedurals, and literary fiction. Bruno Courrèges' empathetic and determined nature, coupled with the charm of the Dordogne countryside, make this novel a captivating read that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.