A Chateau Under Siege

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2023. R3 - A first American edition hardcover book SIGNED by Martin Walker on the title page in as new condition in as new dust jacket that is mylar protected. A Bruno, Chief of Police novel. When an actor in a local play is attacked during a performance, Bruno must learn whether it was an accident, a crime of passion, or an assassination attempt with implications far beyond the small French village. 8.75"x6", 289 pages. Satisfaction Guaranteed. The town of Sarlat is staging a reenactment of its liberation from the British in the Hundred Years War when the play's French hero, Brice Kerquelin, is stabbed and feared fatally wounded. Is it an unfortunate prop malfunction - or something more sinister? The stricken man happens to be number two in the French intelligence service, in line for the top job. Bruno is tasked with the safety of the victim's daughters, Claire and Nadia, as well as their father's old Silicon Valley buddies, ostensibly in town for a reunion. One friend from Taiwan, a tycoon in chip fabrication, soon goes missing, and Bruno suspects there may be a link to the French government's efforts to build a chip industry in Europe - something powerful forces in Russia and China are determined to scuttle. Wading through a tangle of rivalries and secrets, Bruno begins to parse fact from fiction - while also becoming embroiled in some romantic complications, and, of course, finding time to put together some splendid meals. . Signed by Author. First American Edition. Hardcover. As New/As New. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.