Set in France's beautiful Dordogne valley and the ravishing Perigord region, these stories center on Bruno, Chief of Police, a lawman with a cultured palette and time to sample the finer things of life. Among the 14 mystery tales collected here—along with a handful of recipes—are "The Chocolate War," "The Birthday Lunch," "Oystercatcher," "Fifty Million Bubbles," and the title story, in which an ailing friend strikes fear in Bruno's heart by imploring him to manage his restaurant.