When a peculiar letter arrives inviting Armand Gamache to a spooky abandoned farmhouse, the former head of the Sûreté du Québec discovers that a complete stranger has named him one of the executors of her will. Still on suspension, and frankly curious, Gamache accepts and soon learns that the other two executors are Myrna Landers, the bookseller from Three Pines, and a young builder. None of them had ever met the elderly woman. When a body is found, the terms of the bizarre will suddenly seem less peculiar and far more menacing. But it isn’t the only menace Gamache is facing.
The investigation into what happened six months ago–the events that led to his suspension–has dragged on, into the dead of winter. And while most of the opioids he allowed to slip through his hands, in order to bring down the cartels, have been retrieved, there is one devastating exception. Enough narcotic to kill thousands has disappeared into inner city Montreal. With the deadly drug about to hit the streets, Gamache races for answers.
Reading Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache literary mystery series in order (mostly) over the years has been such a delight. I usually get to one every year and it’s almost with a sigh of relief that I descend into Three Pines yet again. One of the (by now) well-known and beloved characters deserves an honourable mention–I have gained a great deal of respect for Reine-Marie, Armand Gamache’s wife. She is so long-suffering, self-assured, calm and wise. The relationship they have is exemplary, especially considering how they regularly navigate the stark reality of tragedy and the constant threat of danger.
When the series ends one day, I will be bereft, and will be tempted to quote Ruth Zardo’s duck Rosa by using a bad word. 🙂 But there is good news! Penny has another one coming out October 2024 called The Grey Wolf. Whew! 🙂
Joanne's Reading Blog 
I, too, love the character Reine-Marie, and would love to invite her for a cup of tea. You could come, too.
How lovely that would be!
Ahhh, I have just finished this installment in the Detective Gamache series as well. When I need comfort, I go to the familiar characters and town of Three Pines. I come for the comfort, but leave with another fantastic, smart, riveting story under my belt. I am savoring each and every book in the series.
Me too! I’ll be sad when the series is finished. Happily she is still adding, a new one is coming out in October called The Grey Wolf!