A Better Man

After being suspended and demoted, Armand Gamache is back as Chief Inspector of Homicide. A position he is sharing with Jean-Guy Beauvoir before Beauvoir leaves the force for a job in Paris. Quebec is in the grip of a hundred-year flood but, a woman is reported missing by one of Gamache’s team, Inspector Cloutier, a friend of the woman’s family. They all set out to find her, even as Gamache’s village of Three Pines is threatened by the raging Bella Bella river. What has happened to Vivenne Godin? Did her abusive husband kill her? It sure looks that way to Gamache but, will this case present more questions than answers?
A Better Man has to be one of Louise Penny’s finest works; she is clearly a master of the mystery. It’s brilliantly plotted and oh so hard to put down. Captivating and engaging throughout, it has to be one of the best mysteries I’ve read this year. Like a fine wine, Penny and Gamache seem to get better with time. I’m addicted to her sleight of hand and ability to whisk me off to the village of Three Pines, where I find old friends from past books. Without a doubt, this is one not to be missed.