To Penny’s credit, she’s soon working twisted shadows into even the most benign and healthy seeming of people and places, introducing an old haunted house, and channeling her inner wiccan/psychologist. Starting The Cruelest Month (2008), the third Inspector Gamache novel by Louise Penny, was like reclining in a familiar chair by a crackling fire while snacking on a maple syrup garnished brioche while sipping a creamy café au lait. Three Pines, Spiritualism, Murder, and Arnot you are left to suss out what is steadfast. so are things like new age beliefs, seances, and other fleeting trends. are peppered through Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache books. references to Matthew 10:36 and other subtle biblical quotes. he manages to maneuver his way through the quagmire. keeping a cool head and vigilant, determination to listen, and seek truth. as the case comes closer and closer to resolution, Gamache deals with ever increasing personal attacks, (which go back to a former case, where he exposed the corruption of a fellow department officer).

as Gamache and his team work to solve the murder, it becomes more and more evident that he has a Judas on his own team. familiar friends and townsfolk from Three Pines return, artists Peter and Clara, poet Ruth, and former psychologist turned bookstore owner, Myrna.

as Chief Inspector Armand Gamache faces down evil in the old Hadley House in Three Pines, Quebec. The Cruelest Month, the third in the series, was just as satisfying as the first two. Gentle, Thoughtful, Thorough Inspector Gamache

The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny