The Cruelest Month
The Cruelest Month is the third book in Louise Penny's award winning Three Pines mystery series featuring the wise and beleaguered Inspector Armand Gamache.
"Many mystery buffs have credited Louise Penny with the revival of the type of traditional murder mystery made famous by Agatha Christie ... " -Sarah Weinman
Welcome to Three Pines, where the cruelest month is about to deliver on its threat.
It's spring in the tiny, forgotten village; buds are on the trees and the first flowers are struggling through the newly thawed earth. But not everything is meant to return to life. . .
When some villagers decide to celebrate Easter with a séance at the Old Hadley House, they are hoping to rid the town of its evil---until one of their party dies of fright. Was this a natural death, or was the victim somehow helped along?
Brilliant, compassionate Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec is called to investigate, in a case that will force him to face his own ghosts as well as those of a seemingly idyllic town where relationships are far more dangerous than they seem.
Louise Penny
Louise Penny, born on July 1, 1958, is a distinguished author celebrated for her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels. With a #1 New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling status, she has garnered a plethora of accolades, including multiple Agatha Awards and a CWA Dagger. A finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Novel, Penny resides in a quaint village located to the south of Montréal, bringing her stories to life in the enchanting backdrop of Quebec. Her captivating narratives and skillful storytelling have earned her a devoted following in the world of mystery fiction.
Chief Inspector Gamache
Chief Inspector Gamache is the compelling protagonist in Louise Penny's mystery series. Gamache, a thoughtful and empathetic police officer, heads the Homicide Division of the Sûreté du Québec in the picturesque village of Three Pines, Quebec. His character is multi-dimensional and relatable, and the series weaves together intriguing murder mysteries with character growth and a strong sense of community, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
Chief Inspector Gamache consists of nineteen books, and the series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.