This quick and delightful read probably merits only 4 or 4.5 stars because Bruno and his world are almost too perfect. Andy Griffith and Mayberry came to mind more than once. But nothing from Aunt Bea's kitchen could rival the gastronomic pleasures enjoyed by the lucky residents of St. Denis, a tiny hamlet tucked into the Perigord region of southwest France. The descriptions of the food and the landscape were irresistible to this Francophile. Though the mystery itself was somewhat simple, it was a great teaching tool: I learned more about France's thorny history with Algeria and the complicated relationship that exists today with its Muslim population. That alone is worth five stars to me.

And Bruno himself stands in refreshing contrast to the numerous dark-sided sleuths and police men and women that populate so many other mysteries. He puts his community first and tends to think the best of everyone. He relies on common sense and extensive personal knowledge of St. Denis to solve crimes. And besides coaching the local kids at tennis and rugby, he can throw together the perfect omelet, complete with truffles found on his own land. What's not to like?

I'd be disappointed if we didn't see more of Bruno, as the character, the locale, and French history are the perfect ingredients for an entertaining series.