A very simple short story featuring Bruno and Isabelle. Bruno is one of 30 police officers helping with an operation to stop oyster thieves in the Bay of Arachon. Before the operation begins, Bruno spots something suspicious and reports it. Isabelle's rank helps the officer in charge of the operation do something about it. Once the operation begins, Bruno's actions help bring the operation to a successful conclusion. ( )

This short story in the Bruno series takes Bruno out of his familiar territory to the Bay of Arcachon, where he’s part of a team trying to catch oyster thieves. Oysters are a staple for French Christmas and New Year celebrations, and the team expects the thieves to be active during this season. Bruno uses the trip as an excuse for a getaway with his lover, Isabelle. Naturally, Bruno and Isabelle end up at ground zero for the capture of the thieves.

I didn’t enjoy this as much as I have enjoyed the other Bruno short stories. The short stories usually feature St. Denis, its food, and Bruno’s close circle of friends. The food and friends are missing, and we just have Bruno and Isabelle, who is my least-favorite character in the series. ( )

Disappointing ( )

This completely forgettable shortstory has Bruno in it but he’s not even near his beloved Perigord. He’s out to catch oyster thieves and for some bizarre reason Isabelle actively engages in this tiniest possible case as well.

Just skip this. I only read it for completeness’ sake.

One star because there are words in this. ( )

OYSTERCATCHER by Martin Walker is a short story where we ‘check-in’ with our very favorite French character and chief of police of St. Denis, Bruno.
Bruno has been called to assist Commissaire Pleven of the Bordeaux Police on a special, hush-hush assignment. The team is investigating oyster theft in the Bay of Arcachon.
Isabelle joins him for a much anticipated and quiet weekend ‘get-away’.
I was happy to see how Bruno was getting along and learned a lot about oysters. ( )