“‘A Better Man,’ with its mix of meteorological suspense, psychological insight and criminal pursuit, is arguably the best book yet in an outstanding, original oeuvre.” —Tom Nolan, The Wall Street Journal“Enchanting… one of his most ennobling missions.” —Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book ReviewCatastrophic spring flooding, blistering attacks in the media, and a mysterious disappearance greet … attacks in the media, and a mysterious disappearance greet Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he returns to the Sûreté du Québec in the latest novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Louise Penny.
It’s Gamache’s first day back as head of the homicide department, a job he temporarily shares with his previous second-in-command, Jean-Guy Beauvoir. Flood waters are rising across the province. In the middle of the turmoil a father approaches Gamache, pleading for help in finding his daughter.
As crisis piles upon crisis, Gamache tries to hold off the encroaching chaos, and realizes the search for Vivienne Godin should be abandoned. But with a daughter of his own, he finds himself developing a profound, and perhaps unwise, empathy for her distraught father.
Increasingly hounded by the question, how would you feel…, he resumes the search.
As the rivers rise, and the social media onslaught against Gamache becomes crueler, a body is discovered. And in the tumult, mistakes are made.
In the next novel in this “constantly surprising series that deepens and darkens as it evolves” (New York Times Book Review), Gamache must face a horrific possibility, and a burning question.
What would you do if your child’s killer walked free?
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ANOTHER GREAT READ BY LOUISE PENNEY
All Louise Penny books get 5 stars! I love the Inspector Gamache series – for more, see my review on the boxed set.
Louise Penny is my favorite author. I want to move to Three Pines and live in the village with her cast of kookie characters and read in Myrna’s bookstore and hang out in the Bistro and learn to ice skate and feed Henri a banana and… It’s the only series I’ve read more than once, and it won’t be the last time!
I have read (and re-read) the whole Gamache series that Louise Penney has written. I love her writing style, the characters continue from book to book so I look forward to the next one. Always an excellent book to read!
I hate to say this, but A Better Man was not the book I’d hoped it would be. Okay, okay, yes, I still love Gamache and the new-and-improved Beauvoir and all the homies from Three Pines. But, man, I was hoping for something different, not more of the “everyone dump on Gamache” thing and Clara Morrow throwing herself a pity party (and not one mention of Peter, as if he never existed, which I guess is okay ’cause he was a jerk, but still). I wanted to see Gamache get some of the props he deserved. I wanted a kick-a** mystery that didn’t have me ultimately muttering to Louise Penny, “Oh, no, you didn’t!” (And not in a good way.) I wanted to love this book so much, because now I have to wait until August for another. But I didn’t love it. I liked it, yeah. It was way better than not having another Gamache book to read (which is where I am now).
As for the actual story itself: a pregnant young woman goes missing, and it’s known she was in an abusive marriage. This woman, Vivienne, is the god-daughter of a Surete officer, which slightly complicates things. Everyone is so focused on the good-for-nothing husband of the missing woman, because he’s a total sh*t. But, my mystery-writing brain was thinking, “Nope, too obvious. Penny wouldn’t do that.” So, I kept waiting for some twist that Gamache would catch (and that I would catch as well). But, nope. Then I started to see a speck of something, and I yelled in my head, “Oh, man, don’t let it be this guy, ’cause I’m starting to think he’s not what everyone thinks he is!” I’ll leave it at that, ’cause I don’t want to be a spoiler.
Again, yes, I love being in the world of Gamache, because, at this point, I want him to adopt me. I do appreciate Penny’s writing style and her descriptions, which make me feel like I’m wrapping myself in mashed potatoes and grilled cheese (comfort foods, y’all). But, no, A Better Man did not knock my socks off. It felt a little long and, by the end, like it was limping. I will still eagerly look forward to the next book in the series. And, Lordy, I hope Penny continues writing them forever. Because I am already packing my bags to move to Three Pines, and it doesn’t even exist.
It’s the best one in the series, but they are all great. The characters, location, plot…exceptional.
LOVED this book – one of Penny’s best (so far)
The latest Inspector Gamache mystery doesn’t disappoint. Why do I love it? Not only is it a great mystery, it’s full of warm, three-dimensional characters whom I’ve grown to think of as family. And that wonderful village…
Love all Louise Penny books.
Must read from Still Life, the first in the series. The books follow a Montreal officer and staff and a small village in the Eastern townships in Canada. They are classified as mysteries but are really about love, redemption, morality, and human diginity. Wonderful stories, the only series I’ve re-read, and enjoyed more the second time.
Another in the long line of fantastic Gamache books. Be sure to read all the previous books in order before you read A Better Man. In order is a MUST.
I marvel at author Louise Penny’s skills using rhythm to create lyrical and poetic sentences and paragraphs, while telling fascinating stories and developing profound characters. From reading all of her books I feel like I know her fictional town of Three Pines as well as I know my own neighborhood. “A Better Man” is much more than just a tale of murder during a severe flood. It’s about redemption, life choices, self-improvement, and benevolence. This deeply moving book is one of her best and I very highly recommend it.
Louise Penny rules!
The series continues with the exceptional characters and plot twists!
Penny always makes me laugh and cry, all in the same book, sometimes in the same sentence. I can’t wait for my next visit to Three Pines.
I’m an avowed fan of the Three Pines mysteries. Like so many before, I flew through this one in two days! Louise Penny has created a charming world, chock full of interesting and often lovable characters.
If you haven’t indulged yet, each book stands nicely alone, but starting with Still Life and going through the series allows you to appreciate the character development and the back-stories that make each following book even more engaging.
Another adventure with the wonderful characters from the tiny village of Three Pines.
The best one of the series!!!!!
I love this series and this Specific book is stellar
How I would love to live in 3 Pines – another great story with the usual cast of characters. As always, a look at something that is a part of the less brilliant side of our modern society becomes a mystery that kept me guessing to the end.