All the Devils are Here

Louise Penny never disappoints and this latest installment in the "Inspector Gamache" series is totally engrossing plot wise, with rich description of settings and satisfying development of characters and relationships. Gamache and wife, Reine-Marie, have come to Paris to await the arrival of their daughter Annie's 2nd child. Annie's husband, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, was formerly Gamache's second in command at the Sûreté du Québec when Gamache was Chief Superintendent. He now works for an engineering firm. The Gamache's son Daniel and his family also live in Paris; Daniel is in venture capital at a large bank. On their first day, Gamache reunites with his godfather and surrogate parent, Stephen Horowitz, for a stroll down memory lane to the Rodin sculpture garden. The family and Stephen dine together that evening, but while walking home, Stephen is injured in a life-threatening hit-and-run, which Gamache is sure was not accidental. When Gamache and Reine-Marie visit Stephen's Paris apartment the next day, they find it ransacked and they also find a dead body. Gamache has a long-time professional acquaintance with the Prefect of Police in Paris, but as time goes on, Gamache comes to think his old friend may be involved in the secrets behind the attempt on Stephen's life. Everyone in the family becomes involved. Reine-Marie's skills as a research librarian and archivist help to uncover planted clues. Daniels does his own research on Stephen's recent financial maneuvers, and Gamache, as usual, tries to plumb the hearts of  those involved, including his son's. Gamache's relationship with Daniel, which has been strained for years, is tested in extraordinary ways, and Gamache faces the possibility of losing not only his friend Stephen, but also his son. 

Kirkus advises, "If you're new to Penny's world, this would be a great place to jump in. Then go back and start the series from the beginning." The NY Journal of Books says, "...the combined mystery—tension—stakes—people—place are drawn so well that it’s nigh impossible to put the book down...The rest of the story is a deep dive into human psychology and the eternal battle between good and evil." The NYT call's this Penny's "most haunting novel yet," and goes on to say, "Although Penny touches on a wide range of subjects in this expansive story, her main concern is with the sacrifices we make for those we love." Highest recommendation as for all her books.