This is the third book in the series set in the village of Three Pines. The book opens as the villagers are hiding Eggs for the children to find on Easter day. Three Pines is by all accounts a beautiful village which offers many attraction in its surrounding countryside, and a warm welcome at the local bistro, where wonderful French food is served, and where everything is for sale
With a visit to the village by a medium, the idea of holding a séance in the bistro takes root, but the ambiance is not quite the right so they go a step further by deciding to hold one at an abandoned house to cleanse it of evil, but they end up with death.
Called to investigate this suspicious death is Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surete du Qubec. Gamache is by all accounts an unusual policeman taking time to listen rather than make assumptions. With an impressive record of solved cases he also takes the time, and makes the effort to take under his wing misfits in the Surete—sometimes being their saviour. One not responding to his helping hand is Agent Nicole—a truly, and in my view, unpleasant character. But Gamache may have in his mind, keep your friends close and your enemies closer, for Gamache is aware that there are movements afoot to discredit him in the Surete, and Agent Nicole, could she be the planted spy? But for Gamache betrayal may come from another direction altogether. Meanwhile there is a suspicious death to investigate
At the heart of the village is artist Clara Morrow who is to a large extent unrecognised for her work —her partner Peter being the famous one, but Clara has painted her best work and Peter although he loves her is jealous—will his jealousy overcome his love for his wife?
The book is beautifully written, I wanted to copy our paragraphs because the prose was so haunting and yes I know it sounds a pun as at the heart of the death is a séance, but that aside this book has a really fey feeling about it.
So we have evil in a beautiful village, intrigue in the investigating officers, conflict and dilemma even with those who love each other—all makes for a marvellous murder mystery. Highly recommended.
Adam Sims, is perfect for this narration, his Gamache is my Gamache. A really great reading.
-----
Lizzie Hayes