Praise for A Better Man

“‘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, Wall Street Journal

“Enchanting…one of [Gamache’s] more ennobling missions.” —Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review

“Pensive and moral Quebec police inspector Armand Gamache is justly beloved, and Penny’s evocative prose is unfailingly admirable.” —Seattle Times

“The deeper reward lies in how the books probe the psyches of Gamache, his family and colleagues, as well as this circle of small-town bohemians, the author picking off her characters, psychologically at least, one by one.” —The Globe and Mail

"The appeal of this series and especially of Gamache himself has always been Penny's ability to show her hero moving from the tangible, brutal facts of murder to the emotions within, the stories in the blood. There are multiple stories, often contradictory, to be found in the many-tentacled web of human tragedy and suffering that Gamache teases to the surface in this moving exploration of ties that both bind and destroy." —Booklist, starred review

"Wrenching... Penny explores the depths of human emotion, both horrifying and sublime. Her love for her characters and for the mystical village of Three Pines is apparent on every page."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Penny's lyrical writing opens up Gamache's soul-searching in an almost poetic way. "A Better Man," it turns out, isn't so much a novel to wrap up certain story lines in this 14-book series, but one to breathe new life into them.” — Minneapolis Star Tribune

“This title brings several character arcs to a close while resetting others to make this psychological mystery serve both as a beginning for new readers and a satisfying continuation for series fans. Gamache is an explorer of the human psyche, and the care he takes with the victims, their friends and family, as well as his own allows this series and his character continually to surprise, delight, and enthrall. Highly recommended for lovers of psychological, character-driven mysteries." —Library Journal, starred review

12/01/2020

Armand and Reine-Marie Gamache have come to Paris to await the birth of a new granddaughter. That first night, they have dinner with Armand's godfather, the billionaire Stephen Horowitz. But after leaving the bistro, Stephen is hit by a vehicle and critically injured in what Gamache knows was a deliberate attempt on the elderly man's life. A strange key found in Stephen's possession sends Armand, Reine-Marie, and his son-in-law and former colleague at the Sûreté, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, from the top of the Eiffel Tower to perfume counters around the city and into the bowels of the Paris Archives looking for answers. The more they learn about the secrets Stephen kept from them, the more confused and despairing they are. And when a corpse is found in Stephen's apartment, the Gamaches realize there's even more at stake than their personal histories. Robert Bathurst provides resonant, perfectly paced narration. VERDICT Fans who may have been skeptical about an installment being set outside Three Pines can relax. A temporary move to the City of Lights allows Penny to explore relationships among the Gamache family, as well as set in play one of her classic twisty mysteries. Essential for series fans.—Stephanie Klose, Library Journal

04/01/2020

In A Better Man, the sixth straight No. 1 New York Times best seller in the durable "Chief Inspector Armand Gamache" mysteries and the 15th title overall, Penny took Armand's story in refreshing new directions. No word yet on where this 16th series title is heading, but the 750,000-copy first printing speaks loud and clear.

Robert Bathurst is just about perfect delivering the 16th Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novel. The Gamaches have left Three Pines, Québec, for Paris for the birth of their newest grandchild. Gamache spends time with his godfather, billionaire Stephen Horowitz, and with his estranged son, Daniel, a Paris banker. When Horowitz is nearly killed in a deliberate hit-and-run, Gamache and son-in-law Jean-Guy Beauvoir uncover a conspiracy reaching into the highest international corporate echelons. Louise Penny’s intricate plotting and colorfully drawn characters never disappoint. Filled with stunning surprises and moments of tenderness and love, Bathurst’s gently nuanced performance offers insights into Gamache’s childhood; his relationships with his children; his deep bond with wife, Reine-Marie; and with Horowitz, his surrogate father. Listen to all the Gamache audiobooks for maximum satisfaction. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2020 Best Audiobook, 2021 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine