Fifth in the Inspector Gamache series by Louis Penny, we find ourselves once again in Three Pines. This is a series that really must be taken in order to fully understand the dynamics between the characters--between husband and wife Peter and Clara Morrow for example. The Hadley house again plays a role in the murder--almost as another character--although this time brought back to life by yet another family that has fallen for the seemingly idyllic village. I have to say that the book, although still loving portrayal the characters and setting, is a bit of a disappointment and even a heartbreaker in the end. We don't really get much interaction with Armand Gamache except in his role as head of the homicide division. And a character who has been a benign and endearing presence in previous Three Pines mysteries turns out to have a dark side that even his partner and lover did not know about. So many hearts are broken--those who love this character in the story as well as those who have fallen in love as readers. We are launched into another investigation of the emotions that corrode in the dark and turn to murderous action when a body turns up in Olivier and Gabri's bistro. The new family in town--the Gilbert's--have poured money into the Hadley house in preparation for turning it into a high end restaurant, inn and spa. Perhaps they would take customers away from the bistro and B and B run by Gabri and Olivier, and perhaps not. But the enmity between the two sets of proprietors has developed and they are currently not on speaking terms. Clara meanwhile has been "discovered" by Denis Fortin, notable art dealer, and is scheduled for her own show. But during the negotiations, Denis insults Gabri and Clara is torn about whether or not to stand up for her friend and potentially damage her relationship with Fortin in the process. Husband Peter's advice, as always, is suspect due to his fear of being eclipsed in reputation by his wife's art. Gamache listens intently and follows where the clues and his understanding of human nature take him, even though we are reluctant to follow. Worthwhile as always and I am no less keen to pursue the next in the series, but a little sadder, nevertheless. Three Pines will never be the same.
