To Kill A Troubadour, Walker - B+

                     This is another fine addition to the Bruno, Chief of Police series set in fictional St. Denis in the south of France. Because the author is an historian turned novelist, the books often tell an underlying story about the region. The background here concerns the medieval Occitan language, and the interrelationship between Spain and this section of France.  The story involves a group in the region that plays ancient instruments and sings songs from the distant past. Because they recently released a song about Catalan independence, they have attracted the attention of right-wing Spanish nationalists. The security forces orchestrate a very thorough and highly professional response in order to protect the troubadours and stop the would be assassin. At the national level, the French ascertain that Russia is behind the planned attack, which of course Bruno stops at the last minute. Excellent.