Karen S. (MKSbooklady) reviewed A Better Man (Chief Inspector Gamache, Bk 15) on + 952 more book reviews
Number 15 I think in the Gamache series. While you know he'll find the killer, and you know Ruth and her duck will cuss, it's till an enjoyable read. The characters are familiar, the setting familiar. Enough twists to keep you guessing.
Ron K. (WhidbeyIslander) -
Not particularly a better book from Penny. Still written well with some snappy dialogue, but too long and drawn out, and too many instances of Gamache and his wife and associates musing about âwhat would I do?â if they were in the same situation as the father of the missing woman.
The solution to the mystery was unsatisfying, since so many of the people involved were lying or withholding information that Gamache miraculously finally infers the meanings of. Also, the 10-page recounting of the government officials meeting to discuss options about the flooding was boring and unnecessary (and why was the Surete Homicide Department involved in the discussions?) The flooding subsides and has little to do with the story except to facilitate one of those annoying coincidences that move plots along.
Also, please move on from that ambush in the factory from years ago; I have. Although her cast of characters in Three Pines still hold some interest, Clara's art trauma was a bit boring as well. Especially since we never see the miniatures (or her other works) in question. Perhaps the series has run its course.
The solution to the mystery was unsatisfying, since so many of the people involved were lying or withholding information that Gamache miraculously finally infers the meanings of. Also, the 10-page recounting of the government officials meeting to discuss options about the flooding was boring and unnecessary (and why was the Surete Homicide Department involved in the discussions?) The flooding subsides and has little to do with the story except to facilitate one of those annoying coincidences that move plots along.
Also, please move on from that ambush in the factory from years ago; I have. Although her cast of characters in Three Pines still hold some interest, Clara's art trauma was a bit boring as well. Especially since we never see the miniatures (or her other works) in question. Perhaps the series has run its course.
Eadie B. (eadieburke) -
Catastrophic spring flooding, blistering attacks in the media, and a mysterious disappearance greet Chief Inspector Armand Gamache in the latest novel by Louise Penny.
I found this book a bit disappointing. I am tired of the rehashing of the factory raid. There definitely was not enough about the magical, charming Three Pines that we all love to read about. Penny is an excellent writer and her plots are complex and her characters are unique but there was not much character development in this book. I really enjoy the early books but the last few have been very dark and dreary. Penny needs to get back to Three Pines so we can smell the bread baking and spend time with our characters that we so love from this series.
I found this book a bit disappointing. I am tired of the rehashing of the factory raid. There definitely was not enough about the magical, charming Three Pines that we all love to read about. Penny is an excellent writer and her plots are complex and her characters are unique but there was not much character development in this book. I really enjoy the early books but the last few have been very dark and dreary. Penny needs to get back to Three Pines so we can smell the bread baking and spend time with our characters that we so love from this series.
