A Birthday Lunch by Martin Walker

First Sentence:  Bruno awoke when his cockerel saluted the first glow of the sun that was about to rise, and at once he remembered falling asleep to the sound of heavy rain.  

Bruno Courrèges, police chief in St. Denis, is surprised to find an ancient artifact while out for his morning ride.  It's a perfect gift to include in that day's birthday celebration for his friend Florence.  Joined by good friends, it's a lovely way to share memories and wonderful food.

Walker creates such a strong sense of place--"The air had never been clearer, the river never such a perfect silver, and the thin grass of the plateau had become a lush green overnight."--one feels as if one were there.  

With the tantalizing descriptions of food one dearly wishes one were, in fact, there.  However, I suspect a good cook could make the dishes presented from the instructions provided.  With good friends and good food, one learns a brief history of the region and the role of dogs to humanity.  Walker truly enables one to feel part of the conversation.  

"A Birthday Lunch" is not a mystery, but it is a delightful soupçon into Bruno's personal world and friendships.  Moreover, it's the perfect way to meet some of the recurring characters in Walker's excellent and highly recommended series of police procedurals.

A BIRTHDAY LUNCH (Novella-Bruno Courreges-St. Denis, France, Contemp) - Ex
Walker, Martin - A Bruno Novella (ebook)
A Vintage Short Original, 2019