The Beautiful Mystery (Chief Inspector Gamache Series #8) by Louise Penny
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Web ID: 4131623The Title is Perfect as it's a Beautiful Mystery
Book six in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series and I am so hooked on these books. I’ve already got a stack of the ones which follow. This one was indeed incredible. I am astounded by Louise Penny’s writing and find it literary, incredibly meaningful, and thought provoking. And she writes amazing mysteries! What can happen in a monk’s monastery? To find out, you must read this beautiful mystery!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Unusual setting
I enjoy each book in this series and its wonderful characters. This book takes place at a monastery in the woods, far from civilization. A monk has been found dead, murdered, in a secluded garden inside a locked monastery. These monks are famous for their beautiful voices when they sing Gregorian chants. This is the only time that they use their voices, at all other times they are silent. Armand Gamache is sent to investigate with his second in command Jean-Guy Beauvoir. Gamache is a character of such depth. The kindness and understanding that he shows to the monks while still investigating the murder is an admirable quality to this character. I did not see the ending coming.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Nuanced Characters, Unusual Setting
The Beautiful Mystery, by Louise Penny, is in sharp contrast to most of the books in this series in that this eighth entry is set in a remote monastery where one of the monks has been murdered. Unlike the quirky and gregarious inhabitants of Three Pines, where many of the books have been set, the monks have taken a vow of silence, except for their devotion to Gregorian chants. Inspector Gamache and his trusted second, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, are called in to investigate and find the culprit. Louise Penny is a remarkable writer. Slowly, but with certainty, she removes the outer layers of intentional anonymity to reveal the monks’ individuality and the fissures that led to the death of one of their leaders. At the same time, we learn more about Gamache’s and Beauvoir’s recovery from a tragic event and their evolving relationship. Penny’s writing flows impeccably, drawing the reader into the plot, the characters, and the context of the mystery. With one caveat, this series has my very highest recommendation. I urge you, however, to read the series in the order it was written. So much of what makes these books great is the development of the characters over time. Although I am sure that each book is good as a stand-alone, I would hate any reader to shortchange themselves and miss the power of the series.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Ridiculous - No Mystery!
This is one of the worst books I've ever picked up. I put in the trash instead of donating it to the library! The mystery is a minor part of the story. The characters are unrealistically antagonistic to one another, and the antagonism has no purpose toward advancing the story. The setting is interesting as is the back story of the setting. The climax and its (sort of ) resolution have absolutely nothing do do with the mystery. Cut out all of the absurd, pointless character antagonism and you've got a nice little story of 1/3rd the size. Don't waste your time with this book!
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com