Another Armand Gamache novel--another successful murder mystery. I really enjoyed listening to this one, about a murder that happened at a resort-ish hotel where Armand Gamache was staying with his wife to celebrate their wedding anniversary. The woman killed was there as another guest with her family, and they naturally become the prime suspects. Much of the plot is investigating the family's very messed-up dynamics, and examining how they treated each other and hurt each other in important ways. It was depressing to see how much they all were hurting at times--Penny is very good at letting us see characters' thoughts when it's helpful--and how they lashed out at each other. She is also good at showing that everyone has some reason behind their hatefulness, if they are indeed being hateful: they are usually hurt somehow by someone else. It makes all her characters more well-rounded and makes you feel more compassionate towards them all.
This book had a more dramatic finish than the last few, with Gamache almost dying in his attempt to save another potential victim. I have to say, I love how he manages to figure out each mystery without compromising or changing his standards. I love how he is solid and strong and emotionally in tune and in love with his wife. He seems like the best person everywhere he goes and is able to deal with all sorts of really damaged people. I think Gamache's character is the reason why this series is so popular and works so well.
I'm moving on to the next one, although our library doesn't have an audiobook copy, unfortunately... so I'll have to read it on the Kindle.
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