レビュー要約

• シリーズの人物関係と謎の組み立てを評価する声が多い。警察学校を舞台にした重さと村の温かさの対比も読みどころとされる。

レビュー

• Great detective novel

  Like every other book she writes. Keeps you on edge and a pleasure to read

• A very powerful thriller, with so many layers that the reader has...

  ... to be very careful to get all the twists and turns. Not only the places change, from the Sûreté Academy to Three Pines - the village that does not exist. And we will learn in this book the reason for the absence of this - mostly - peaceful place on earth. But also the times, they are a'changin' - from the present to a time long ago - through a hidden and forgotten map from around the Great War, which is by pure case found in the wall of an old house... Former Chief Inspector Gamache has been hunting killers - and ultimately a lot of corrupt police officers - in his career. Now, as the new Commander of the Sûreté Academy, he is given the chance to combat the corruption and brutality that has been planted right into the mind and souls of the most vulnerable - his cadets. Who shall later on become the pride of the Canadian force. To help him his old friend Michel - who had to leave the Sûreté because he was found the most corrupt officer of all - has to return. To help to eradicate the evil a certain professor has planted over the years, simply for his own pleasure and... simply because... he could! When this secret czar of the Sûreté Academy is found dead - and killed, Gamache has to make a secret pact with the devil himself. But suspicions will arise about his role in the murder, too. And his sudden flight away from the killing place. Because he has taken the recently found but old old map and the most promising four of his best cadets to the security of Three Pines. Where all the secrets lie deeply hidden, partially for more than a century. And he will find a way into the mind and hearts of his young cadets - everyone of them unique. But infused with thoughts future police officers should not harbor - not if Monsieur Gamache, Ex-Chef de Police can do something about that! There are different showdowns in several places, and lives are in danger - and one will be irrevocably lost. But grieve will make place for the joy the newest member will bring into the Gamache famliy. And a very old guilt will be forgiven, too. Finally! This has been a highly demanding book - so many different places, so many secrets, both new and old. And the corruption that once again is ready to rise its numerous and awful heads, like a hydra: cut one head and three new ones will come out. But there finally is that "great reckoning" that gives this very interesting and masterful written book its rightful title. The highly acclaimed author Louise Penny has once more delivered a great masterpiece. I am - as always - waiting for the next one! (Review first written for the kindle eBook edition, bought and verified on amazon.it)

• GREAT STORY FROM A GREAT WRITER

  Louise Penny writes about Chief Inspector Armand Gamache’s new job in “A GREAT RECKONING.” As Director of the Surete du Quebec’s cadet academy, Gamache finds the body of a professor who has been shot, four cadets with secrets, many people with motives, and an old map that doesn’t make sense but that becomes very involved in the story. Further investigation reveal his own partial fingerprints on the murder weapon, his manipulation of the faculty and curriculum, his odd behavior prior to and during the investigation, and his apparent closeness to a suspicious girl; actions that put him right at the top of the list of suspects. Penny, a master at creating mysterious plots takes the reader on a journey of puzzling activity. It doesn’t seem likely that Gamache, the beloved central character of her most successful mysteries would be involved in a murder but the story creates doubt in the reader’s mind and poses the question of how will he extricate himself from the suspicion. Many characters in the novel have long standing roles in the Gamache series, many others surface, and all are unique in their participation. The author is adept in developing her characterizations with their various eccentricities. It’s not likely they will become bosom buddies with the reader but they will be unforgettable. Their roles add depth to the exciting and perplexing story. Some are pompous, some are officious, some are eccentric, some are disrespectful, some are distasteful; but their oddities add surprise as the investigation unfolds. Penny has a great website that invites close regard by visitors. All the usual entries are there, arranged in a manner that strongly encourages one to poke around. There are no secrets, Penny is loquacious and open, and the information is intriguing. Extensive detailing of her books and an impressive listing of her awards attest to her writing skills. One could, and should, spend hours there reviewing her thoughts and the details of her many mystery novels. Particularly touching is her tribute to her late husband, the driving force behind her devotion and sensitive approach to life. I admire Louise Penny and her love of writing. I also consider her to be a thoughtful and caring person with an immaculate mind and knack for telling stories. Does Gamache wriggle out of his dilemma? You know the answer to that. What you don’t know is the inventive scheme developed by the author to make it all happen. Read the book. Schuyler T Wallace Author of TIN LIZARD TALES

• One of her very best

  If you love Gamache, you will love the Great Reckoning. If you don't you're lucky because there will be many Gamaches to read, and this one may be her best.

• Comme d'habitude

  Que dire encore de Louise Penny? Que son Inspecteur Gamache est génial? Que la femme de l'Inspecteur et tous les habitants de Three Pines sont géniaux? Que les livres de Louise Penny me donnent envie de déménager au Canada pour m'installer à Three Pines? Je crois que tout cela a déjà été dit et donc, je ne fais que le répéter. Si vous ne connaissez pas, vous ratez quelque chose. A lire de toute urgence.

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