Review: A Better Man

 

A Better Man

Louise Penny

After being suspended and demoted, Armand Gamache is back as Chief Inspector of Homicide. A position he is sharing with Jean-Guy Beauvoir before Beauvoir leaves the force for a job in Paris. Quebec is in the grip of a hundred-year flood but, a woman is reported missing by one of Gamache's team, Inspector Cloutier, a friend of the woman's family. They all set out to find her, even as Gamache's village of Three Pines is threatened by the raging Bella Bella river. What has happened to Vivenne Godin? Did her abusive husband kill her? It sure looks that way to Gamache but, will this case present more questions than answers?

A Better Man has to be one of Louise Penny's finest works; she is clearly a master of the mystery. It's brilliantly plotted and oh so hard to put down. Captivating and engaging throughout, it has to be one of the best mysteries I've read this year. Like a fine wine, Penny and Gamache seem to get better with time. I'm addicted to her sleight of hand and ability to whisk me off to the village of Three Pines, where I find old friends from past books. Without a doubt, this is one not to be missed.

This review was written by me and originally published by City Book Review.

Review: Fatal Roots

 

Fatal Roots

Sheila Connolly

Maura Donovan is busy trying to manage her pub in the Irish village of Leap. Her estranged mother has just returned from Chicago with Maura's half-sister, Susan, in tow. It's the first time Maura and Susan have met, and Maura's hoping Susan will be able to spend some time in the pub while her mother tends to her business dealings in Cork. At the same time, three graduate students arrive at Maura's cottage, looking for fairy forts. Maura doesn't know anything about these prehistoric sites, but it appears she owns the land where at least one fort exists. When one of the students disappears without a trace, Maura and her friend Mick decide to take a look around the fort. That's when they find a decade's old body, which might hold some clues to Maura's past.

Although I felt this one started a bit slowly, it did get better the further I got into the story. The best thing about Connolly's writing is that she can make the reader feel like they are just as much a part of the community in her book as the characters she creates. This is a cozy and charming mystery. Fans of this series will feel like they've returned home to reconnect with old friends.

This review was written by me for City Book Review.

Death in Paris: A Review

Death in Paris

Emilia Bernhard

Rachel Levis and her friend Magda are two Americans living in Paris. When Rachel discovers that her once boyfriend Edgar Bowen, also an American expat and successful banker, has drowned in his soup, she can't believe it. The police find nothing suspicious and decide it was an accidental death. However, when Rachel learns that there was a glass of Rosé wine on the table, she knows there is something wrong; Edgar couldn't bear the stuff – he never recovers.

It doesn't take Rachel and Magda long to decide they need to investigate Edgar's death. It may be a difficult since neither of the ladies has a connection to Edgar's social circle or the police, but two headstrong women like Rachel and Magda aren't going to let that hold them back. They are determined to find a way to discover the truth. Death in Paris is a witty, charming, and cozy mystery set in a beautiful city. When the characters aren't busy honing their detective skills they are enjoying the sites, sounds, and flavors of the best districts in Paris. This captivating mystery will leave you wanting more of Rachel, Magda and the place they call home.

This review was written by me for City Book Review.