"Everything is beautiful, in it's own way." Song lyrics

Nov 21, 2012

by mikedraper
posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

Exclusive to the Lunch Network

Rating:

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his second-in-command, Jean-Guy Beauvoir are called to investigate a murdered body at a cloistered monastery.

The choir director has been murdered and a complication is that the monks have taken a vow of silence, except for their chanting. Their music has been recorded and brought the monastery a welcome income.

Armand and Jean-Guy meet the leader of the community and he shows them the body. It's a good example of a locked room mystery where all of the suspects are in this wilderness area and one must be the killer.

Two other stories are interwoven into the mystery. Jean-Guy is in love with Armand's daughter and plans to ask for her hand. Also, Chief Superintendent Francoeur arrives and attempts to undermine Gamache's investigation. In a very nice show of loyalty, Jean-Guy sticks up for Gamache at every turn.

The novel is well done with good characterizations and a nice job in describing the monastic life and how that changed when the choir master recorded the monks' Gregorian Chants and the monastery became a place tourists tried to get to.

What did you think of this review?

Helpful

Thought-Provoking

Fun to Read

Well-Organized

Post a Comment

About the reviewer

Mike Draper (mikedraper)

Michael A.Draper is a financial planner with Mass Mutual in North Haven, CT. Married to Diana for 46 years, one son and daughter-in-law and two lovely granddaughters. … more