It's the last market day before Christmas and Bruno, Chief of Police, is preparing for a traditional gastronomic feast. But, never off duty for long, Bruno is called to action when he receives information that a prisoner on parole has gone missing, last seen heading for St. Denis, where his ex-wife and son live.

The goose, the oysters, his English girlfriend's Christmas pudding and Bruno's famous mulled wine will just have to wait...