A Better Man: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel

Chief Inspector Gamache/Three Pines Series, Book 15

By: Louise Penny

Narrated by: Robert Bathurst

"Robert Bathurst's intelligent narration captures every nuance, every emotion, and each of Louise Penny's subtle revelations about the unique, completely engaging residents of Three Pines." — AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award winner

Catastrophic spring flooding, blistering attacks in the media, and a mysterious disappearance greet Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he returns to the Sûreté du Québec in the latest novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Louise Penny.

It’s Gamache’s first day back as head of the homicide department, a job he temporarily shares with his previous second-in-command, Jean-Guy Beauvoir. Flood waters are rising across the province. In the middle of the turmoil a father approaches Gamache, pleading for help in finding his daughter.

As crisis piles upon crisis, Gamache tries to hold off the encroaching chaos, and realizes the search for Vivienne Godin should be abandoned. But with a daughter of his own, he finds himself developing a profound, and perhaps unwise, empathy for her distraught father.

Increasingly hounded by the question, how would you feel…, he resumes the search.

As the rivers rise, and the social media onslaught against Gamache becomes crueler, a body is discovered. And in the tumult, mistakes are made.

In the next title in this “constantly surprising series that deepens and darkens as it evolves” (New York Times Book Review), Gamache must face a horrific possibility, and a burning question.

What would you do if your child’s killer walked free?

Praise for A Better Man:

“‘A Better Man,' with its mix of meteorological suspense, psychological insight and criminal pursuit, is arguably the best book yet in an outstanding, original oeuvre.” —Tom Nolan, The Wall Street Journal

"Enchanting... one of his most ennobling missions." —Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review

"With an uncompromising eye, Penny explores the depths of human emotion, both horrifying and sublime. Her love for her characters and for the mystical village of Three Pines is apparent on every page." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

©2019 Three Pines Creations, Inc. (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"The appeal of this series and especially of Gamache himself has always been Penny's ability to show her hero moving from the tangible, brutal facts of murder to the emotions within, the stories in the blood. There are multiple stories, often contradictory, to be found in the many-tentacled web of human tragedy and suffering that Gamache teases to the surface in this moving exploration of ties that both bind and destroy." —Booklist, starred review

“This title brings several character arcs to a close while resetting others to make this psychological mystery serve both as a beginning for new readers and a satisfying continuation for series fans. Gamache is an explorer of the human psyche, and the care he takes with the victims, their friends and family, as well as his own allows this series and his character continually to surprise, delight, and enthrall.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Louise Penny’s latest offers suspense galore, well-drawn characters… and some of the finest prose to grace the suspense genre.” —BookPage

Bathhurst can't do Brooklyn

Penny's books are usually ones I would buy in hardcover after listening to them. In this one, however, while returning to Three Pines is always a delightful reprieve from contemporary news, neither the plot nor the narration are up to usual standards. Obvious clues go missed by our normally perspicacious Gamache & Beauvoir, and too often I found myself thinking, "But they wouldn't DO that...." The biggest downer, though, is Bathhurst's attempt to render a trendy Brooklyn artist's accent. If Dominica is to become a long-term Three Pines resident, I can only hope that someone with a clue about American/Quebecois patois takes over the narrating duties.

Not my favorite gamache

Big fan of the series but I tire of having old storylines dragged into new books too much. I realize it is done somewhat to acquaint the new reader who may be dropping in to the middle of the series but really too much is retold, it almost feels like it’s done to fill pages for some publishing requirement. I hope not. This book somewhat dragged on and I think the chunks of retelling history might be why. Good basic story though. Hoping to see Amelia again in future, she is an interesting character.

Very Good Mystery

I read some of the other reviews of A Better Man, and I do understand their comments. However, I want to say that all in all the mystery is a good one. I like that the author addresses cycles of abuse, the abuse of women everywhere. It's good that Inspector Gamache brings in a consultant, an expert. I also liked this consultant as a most colorful character.

Congratulations to Robert Bathurst. His reading and character voices were superb. His performance brought the story to life.

However, I feel with others, there were too, too many references to "what if it were Annie". Enough already.
Also too many back story explanations. I understand an author would want to use these for first time readers to the series, but they are tedious for those of us who have read and loved all her earlier books.
And please, no more political intrigue. We have enough in the real world!

I appreciate the author bringing the character's dogs into the stories. For me, this adds so much.
In spite of my above negative comments, I enjoyed this book and would happily purchase another Inspector Gamache Novel.

3 Pines your on my mind.

I hardly ever listen or read a book twice. I decided to re listen to this since it’s been a while since I listened and her new book will be out soon. It was fantastic. Even better then the first time listening, this time ovoid focus on the writing instead of the plot. The narrator does a great job. Highly recommend.

So many adventures in one tiny village!

Seriously inspiring, true edge of the cliff situations, so many twists I was thouroughly wound up until the very last page. Penny is a genius!

Superb storytelling

Louise Penny has a way at twisting and turning the story in unexpected ways. She will have you wanting to skip to the end for the reveal, but be patient. The journey is worth the wait.

Superb

Never disappointed in any of Penny's marvelous writings. Gamache is my hero. Bon chance Jean Guy

inspector Gamache rules!

Another fast paced, terrific story with the quirky residents of 3 Pines and also the familiar Surete. inspector Gamache as always is steadfast, noble and inspirational.

Best story yet

loved it. was best book yet. a must read. kept me thinking. couldn't put it down

How does Penny do it?

Louise Penny's Inspector Ganache series is richer and more profound with each new volume. The characters and plot are always stunningly developed but each one contains more varied and more deeply explored insights into the problems and situations humans encounter. Penny's writing is often poetry so well- selected are her words. The narrator of this audible book ( my first experience with her writing as listening) is so powerful. I suggest reader's keep a box of tissues at hand for the most dramatic moments.
Feeling certain I knew the killer early only heightened my awe at the action and analysis.
This is a series worth reading in order as character study, too.
I hold Louise Penny with J. K. Rowling as my most respected modern authors examining human behavior and philosophical insights while presenting exciting story lines.