another great Gamache story
345299
Louise is consistent with all the characters and has once again presented a really good mystery! Can't wait for the next book.
Penny
287552
I didn't read the Inspector Gamache books in order which might have been better.  Even so, I devoured them.  The setting is a small village near Montreal where Inspector Gamache and his wife spend their vacations.  There is a wonderful cast of characters to delight you with their human foibles.  Each book in the series has a murder to be solved (of course).  It also explores some of the great human characteristics: Greed, Envy, Love, Wisdom.  What impressed greatly was how she showed that these take various forms and even such things as envy can be part of a greater good.  I loved these books and wish there were more.
748331
As well written as are all Louise Penny's Gamache books.  Enjoy them all.
1522509
I received an ARC.
Gen Gericault really spins another great piece of the After brothers' story. Excellent writing, great characters, and enough romance to keep things interesting.
1216944
The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny is another engaging mystery in the Chief Inspector Gamache series. Although I am still partial to the Three Pines mysteries, this novel kept me interested until the very last page. This time the murder takes place in a locked monastery where unquestionably one of the cloistered monks is the murderer of their choir director. Inspector Armand Gamache and Jean Guy Beauvoir of the Surete de Quebec investigate this brutal act of violence at the Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups monastery where life is supposedly peaceful and revolves around prayer.

Louise Penny never disappoints. Her novels are well-researched, well-written, and always very intriguing. Her subtle humor makes the novel all the more enjoyable. The continuing friendship of Inspector Gamache and Jean Guy makes every new story feel familiar in the best of ways.

My biggest complaint was the difficulty in keeping the monks' names straight. There were many of them. I tended to forget their names and remembered them by what their responsibilities were in the monastery. Additionally, most of the Inspector Gamache stories include an enormous amount of history that is intense and sometimes complicated. At times, I tend to get overwhelmed by all of the historical facts and references.

I have become truly invested in this series. Each book gets better and better, and I love the recurring quirky characters and the charming settings. The books work best if read in order.
2797713
I am a HUGE fan of these books and this is one of the best yet. Penny has managed to create a world of characters that have become well loved friends of mine and for this book I ordered the audible version as well so that Gamache and company could accompany me on my hikes.  Robert Bathurst, narrator, has Gamache down pat.  The beautiful deep timber of his voice has captured this wonderful character perfectly and I hope he continues to narrate the books.  As usual, Penny winds several tales together and mingles all the familiar characters in to and out of the plot lines absolutely seamlessly.  It seems that Gamache has been given a new path to tread as new head of the Acadamie of the Surete. His old enemies finally get to face their fate at his hands and Gamache has to bear the brunt of mass suspicion thrown at him. Throw in a map, a tale of bravery and loss, a poet and her duck, all the usual quirky characters, and you have a wonderful story.  Brilliant possibilities lay ahead and I, for one, can rest assured that more Gamache is coming my way.  Cant wait!!
4206925
Really engaging read. This was one of my favorite Inspector Gamache mysteries. I recommend reading the entire series, though in order.
2436543
Louise Penny is a sensitive and  gripping writer. One becomes absorbed in the setting and characters of her stories and this is one of the hallmarks of a good writer. I will read all the Inspector Gamaches with great enjoyment.
1125977
Another great story from Catherine Gaskin.  I've yet to find a book of hers which I have any criticism for.
639480
Always look forward to reading the latest in the Three Pines series.  This was a good story actually based on some true facts.  From the story line, I would gather Louise Penny is conjuring up a few more plots for Chief Inspector Gamache to resolve.
1337015
I loved this small town, the well developed characters and the sense of community, and inspector Gamache!  Subtle, sensitive, many threads, but a good story!
4583617
As others have said, this is the 12th Chief Inspector Gamache novel of Louise Penny and could be considered her best, which is saying quite a lot. All 12 books have been fantastic, well-written mysteries. The series should be read in order starting with the first, STILL LIFE. The story is somewhat continuous with may references to earlier books as you read them. Get the series, catch up with all twelve. I can't wait for number thirteen.
1077833
As with previous Gamache books, I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the rich characters in Three Pines.  The balance of suspense mixed with wit, had me rereading some passages just for the pure joy of it.  As is typically the case, I reached the end with mixed feelings...learning the answers to all the questions but not yet ready to leave Three Pines.  Already looking forward to the next book.
914428
Penny's use of interior dialogue and detail for description make the reader feel as if he/she knows the setting and characters. Inspector Gamache leads us through his observations as he searches for resolution, and in so doing, reveals more of himself. As usual, Penny unveils new information about the familiar characters from Three Pines. Like everyone who experiences a Louise Penny, I am a fan.
1085546
I think this is my favorite Gamache novel so far. It was a good mystery, but the draw for me is the way Louise Penny creates realistic characters, with problems and flaws common to us all.
I think the inspector feels empathy for the criminals he hunts and this helps him succeed. This book would stand alone but you would have a better understanding of the main characters if you read the books in order.
4046906
I was afraid when Armond Gamache retired to Three Pines, his life would become charming and boringly syrupy.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book was as interesting with as much depth as the previous ones.  While Three Pines sounds like a wonderful place to live and is populated with quirky characters, it is a retreat for Gamache.  I wanted him to heal but I didn't want him to give up.  He hasn't and the book reflects that.  I thoroughly enjoyed this story and didn't realize the solution until Penny revealed it.  I would recommend this to everyone who is a fan of Gamache.  And if you don't know Gamache, you should make his acquaintance.
381664
I have truly enjoyed every one of Louise Pennys novels about chief inspector Gamache. In fact, I have liked each one more than the previous.  What part of that increased enjoyment is from the stories or from getting closer to the characters and locations is a mystery to me. But, at the end of the day it doesnt matter. The joy of reading these books is the only answer that matters.