A Better Man: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel

Chief Inspector Gamache/Three Pines Series, Book 15

By: Louise Penny

Narrated by: Robert Bathurst

"Robert Bathurst's intelligent narration captures every nuance, every emotion, and each of Louise Penny's subtle revelations about the unique, completely engaging residents of Three Pines." — AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award winner

Catastrophic spring flooding, blistering attacks in the media, and a mysterious disappearance greet Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he returns to the Sûreté du Québec in the latest novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Louise Penny.

It’s Gamache’s first day back as head of the homicide department, a job he temporarily shares with his previous second-in-command, Jean-Guy Beauvoir. Flood waters are rising across the province. In the middle of the turmoil a father approaches Gamache, pleading for help in finding his daughter.

As crisis piles upon crisis, Gamache tries to hold off the encroaching chaos, and realizes the search for Vivienne Godin should be abandoned. But with a daughter of his own, he finds himself developing a profound, and perhaps unwise, empathy for her distraught father.

Increasingly hounded by the question, how would you feel…, he resumes the search.

As the rivers rise, and the social media onslaught against Gamache becomes crueler, a body is discovered. And in the tumult, mistakes are made.

In the next title in this “constantly surprising series that deepens and darkens as it evolves” (New York Times Book Review), Gamache must face a horrific possibility, and a burning question.

What would you do if your child’s killer walked free?

Praise for A Better Man:

“‘A Better Man,' with its mix of meteorological suspense, psychological insight and criminal pursuit, is arguably the best book yet in an outstanding, original oeuvre.” —Tom Nolan, The Wall Street Journal

"Enchanting... one of his most ennobling missions." —Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review

"With an uncompromising eye, Penny explores the depths of human emotion, both horrifying and sublime. Her love for her characters and for the mystical village of Three Pines is apparent on every page." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Bathhurst can't do Brooklyn

Penny's books are usually ones I would buy in hardcover after listening to them. In this one, however, while returning to Three Pines is always a delightful reprieve from contemporary news, neither the plot nor the narration are up to usual standards. Obvious clues go missed by our normally perspicacious Gamache & Beauvoir, and too often I found myself thinking, "But they wouldn't DO that...." The biggest downer, though, is Bathhurst's attempt to render a trendy Brooklyn artist's accent. If Dominica is to become a long-term Three Pines resident, I can only hope that someone with a clue about American/Quebecois patois takes over the narrating duties.

Not my favorite gamache

Big fan of the series but I tire of having old storylines dragged into new books too much. I realize it is done somewhat to acquaint the new reader who may be dropping in to the middle of the series but really too much is retold, it almost feels like it’s done to fill pages for some publishing requirement. I hope not. This book somewhat dragged on and I think the chunks of retelling history might be why. Good basic story though. Hoping to see Amelia again in future, she is an interesting character.

Very Good Mystery

I read some of the other reviews of A Better Man, and I do understand their comments. However, I want to say that all in all the mystery is a good one. I like that the author addresses cycles of abuse, the abuse of women everywhere. It's good that Inspector Gamache brings in a consultant, an expert. I also liked this consultant as a most colorful character.

Congratulations to Robert Bathurst. His reading and character voices were superb. His performance brought the story to life.

However, I feel with others, there were too, too many references to "what if it were Annie". Enough already.
Also too many back story explanations. I understand an author would want to use these for first time readers to the series, but they are tedious for those of us who have read and loved all her earlier books.
And please, no more political intrigue. We have enough in the real world!

I appreciate the author bringing the character's dogs into the stories. For me, this adds so much.
In spite of my above negative comments, I enjoyed this book and would happily purchase another Inspector Gamache Novel.

3 Pines your on my mind.

I hardly ever listen or read a book twice. I decided to re listen to this since it’s been a while since I listened and her new book will be out soon. It was fantastic. Even better then the first time listening, this time ovoid focus on the writing instead of the plot. The narrator does a great job. Highly recommend.

Love spending time in Three Pines!

Another winner from Louise Penny. Love coming back to the lives of these characters and watching them grow.