Reviews

A Better Man by Louise Penny

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amberreads247's review against another edition

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mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.0

cassiope_fastigiata's review against another edition

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4.0

Better than the last one, not quite as many irritating repetitions. These have been going downhill, the last few in the series, but I still enjoyed this one despite the annoying elements (such as the whole social media thing which felt exaggerated and forced).

rtimms's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

ataterhead2's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

cooperca's review against another edition

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5.0

I've had this book on my nightstand for several months. I couldn't wait to read it, yet I was dreading when I would finish it as I would have to wait that much longer for the next Gamache novel.

Ms. Penny is an absolute treasure. Gamache might age, but he only gets better. I so wish I could have his quiet and thoughtful persona. He doesn't ever seem to get flustered or let his anger get the better of him. In responding to Jean-Guy, Gamache imparts his wisdom so beautifully: "After I'd said something especially patronizing to my first chief, he just looked at me and said, 'Before speaking, Agent Gamache, you might want to ask yourself three questions.'"......"As he spoke, the Chief Inspector raised his finger, counting the questions. 'Is it true? Is it kind? Does it need to be said?'" (p. 184).

The intertwining tension at the beginning, with the rainwaters potentially flooding Quebec, the villagers of Three Pines racing against time to stop their small village from being flooded out, the hunt for a missing pregnant woman, and the shift of power between Jean-Guy and Gamache, was heartracing.

A great mystery with several red herrings and twists and turns. Always such a pleasure to read this series and always such a sadness when the mystery comes to an end. Can't wait for #16!

I'll just say as a footnote, I do hope the whole "world against Gamache" storyline goes away. It's just a little tiresome.