Judith L. (jlautner) reviewed on 3/21/2022 + 105 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

This is a substantial entry in the Gamache series. In addition to solving a murder, Gamache has to face the culmination of years of efforts by known and unknown forces to undermine Gamache's work and proceed with nefarious plans. What plans, Gamache is not sure, but he knows they are dastardly.

The case: Constance Pineault disappears. She was expected to spend Christmas with friends in Three Pines but she never got there. What happened to her? Her friend and former therapist, Myrna, calls on Chief Inspector Gamache for help. He is more than happy to make the trip to Three Pines, where he is appreciated and even loved, as compared to the desert he deals with in Montreal.

Because Chief Superintendent Francoeur had ripped apart Gamache's department by transferring all of his loyal detectives - except one - to other departments. And replacing them with people who had no respect for Gamache and who would openly mock him. It was an untenable position, thought Inspector Isabelle Lacoste, his remaining loyalist. She wanted Gamache to fight hard against these evil forces but instead he appeared to be succumbing to them.

When Gamache and Lacoste investigate the disappearance of Pineault they find that she had another last name, a famous one. Did her fame have anything to do with her disappearance?

While studying her background, which revealed a number of lines of inquiry, Gamache also sets to work on a plan to figure out what Francoeur and friends are planning, and to stop whatever it is.

The plans are complex. The investigation is complex. The story is loaded with tense moments and a momentous climax. This is one not to miss.

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