Louise Penny, 2020 – Gamache/Three Pines #16
Chief Inspector Armand Gamache’s family has moved to Paris. Armand and his wife Reine-Marie have joined them to be present for an impending event when his godfather is attacked and nearly killed. Armand, Reine-Marie, son-in-law Jean-Guy Beauvoir, and son Daniel race against the clock to solve the crime.
This is the first book in the series to fully explore the relationships between fathers and sons, which means readers become more fully acquainted with Daniel Gamache, who has lived in Paris throughout the series and has been, until now, a minor character.
Although it takes place in the City of Lights, this is a dark tale, which I read with the hope that at some point we would return to Three Pines. No spoilers, so I won’t answer that question.
After sixteen novels, I have finally – FINALLY! – realized that the poetry written by Three Pines poet Ruth Zardo is often, maybe always, actually written by Margaret Atwood and used with her permission. This is a delightful revelation!
As usual with the Gamache series, I am aware of fact that the characters are too good, too bad, or too extreme to be believable. That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy this story any less than the other installments, though. The last few chapters kept me on the edge of my seat.
Narrator Robert Brathurst performs well, as always.