A great reckoning

Louise Penny — 2016

"When an intricate old map is found stuffed into the walls of the bistro in Three Pines, it at first seems no more than a curiosity. But the closer the villagers look, the stranger it becomes. Given to Armand Gamache as a gift the first day of his new job, the map eventually leads him to shattering secrets. To an old friend and older adversary. It leads the former Chief of Homicide for the Sûreté du Québec to places even he is afraid to go. But must. And there he finds four young cadets in the Sûreté academy, and a dead professor. And, with the body, a copy of the old, odd map. Everywhere Gamache turns, he sees Amelia Choquet, one of the cadets. Tattooed and pierced. Guarded and angry. Amelia is more likely to be found on the other side of a police line-up. And yet she is in the academy. A protégée of the murdered professor. The focus of the investigation soon turns to Gamache himself and his mysterious relationship with Amelia, and his possible involvement in the crime. The frantic search for answers takes the investigators back to Three Pines and a stained glass window with its own horrific secrets. For both Amelia Choquet and Armand Gamache, the time has come for a great reckoning. #1 New York Times bestselling author Louise Penny pulls back the layers to reveal a brilliant and emotionally powerful truth in her latest spellbinding novel."--

Reviews

Maggie Gordon@maggieg

Aug 13, 2022

I was wrong I'm sorry I don't know I need help - Armand Gamache A Great Reckoning is a book about kindness. Compassion is really at the heart of the series, but this concept takes center stage in this 12th installment of the Gamache series. As long time readers know, Gamache's entire career as a police officer has focused on understanding crime in a way that respects the humanity of those involved. Importantly, he holds fellow officers to account for their interactions with the people they serve, be they victim or offender. Though each book features a new mystery, the overarching tale has been about Gamache's attempts to rid the Surete of corruption. In a world where so many police have seemingly forgotten what it means to serve the people and justice, Gamache is symbol of how policing can be done in a way that benefits society. This particular book sees Gamache take over leadership of the Surete Academy, the last stronghold of corruption in the Quebec police force. It was great to see him take on a new role after spending the past couple books decoupled from the organisation. Additionally, A Great Reckoning also shows that Gamache, for all his strengths, can make mistakes. He can act in ways that make his best friends doubt his actions, and he can make choices that hurt those he is trying to protect. But in the end, Gamache is always striving to be kind. He truly believes in the police as a force of good that can protect and serve, and he does everything he can to teach these beliefs to fellow officers, or, in this case, future officers. I wish I could place this book in the hands of all those interested in policing (well, the entire series to be honest). It highlights the importance of a police force that recognises its own limitations, that constantly seeks to understand people, and, most importantly, that always acts with compassion and humility. For those looking for a bit more of a description about the plot, Gamache attempts to rid the Surete Academy of corruption, but the former leader of the school is found dead, and some of his favoured students are the prime suspects. As Gamache tries to juggle protecting these four from potential violence, investigating the corruption of the former academy head, and solving the murder, suspicions begin to focus on him and his odd behaviour. Why didn't Gamache fire the previous leader? What is his relationship with the strange cadet? Why are his fingerprints on the gun?

Cindy Lieberman@chicindy

Mar 26, 2022

Another complex and character-driven murder mystery that manages to skillfully involve — yet not have the murder take place in — Three Pines. Although I found parts of this one to be a bit more predictable than others, I still enjoyed the time I spent listening to it.

Anna Adams@anna_adams_writer

Oct 18, 2021

Always enjoy Inspector Gamache. When I read the first book, I bought it because I was dying for something cozy and mysterious at the end of summer, and it needed to be winter. This series does fill that bill, even though it's a bit gritty while being cozy. The writing is fabulous, and the characters are complicated. I think that's why I can read it out of order as well. Louise Penny fills you in and moves you into the current story. I'm so glad there are plenty of Gamache stories.