The Beautiful Mystery
The brilliant novel in the New York Times bestselling series by Louise Penny, one of the most acclaimed crime writers of our time.
No outsiders are ever admitted to the monastery of Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups, hidden deep in the wilderness of Quebec, where two dozen cloistered monks live in peace and prayer. They grow vegetables, they tend chickens, they make chocolate. And they sing. Ironically, for a community that has taken a vow of silence, the monks have become world-famous for their glorious voices, raised in ancient chants whose effect on both singer and listener is so profound it is known as "the beautiful mystery."
But when the renowned choir director is murdered, the lock on the monastery's massive wooden door is drawn back to admit Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir of the Sûreté du Québec. There they discover disquiet beneath the silence, discord in the apparent harmony. One of the brothers, in this life of prayer and contemplation, has been contemplating murder. As the peace of the monastery crumbles, Gamache is forced to confront some of his own demons, as well as those roaming the remote corridors. Before finding the killer, before restoring peace, the Chief must first consider the divine, the human, and the cracks in between.
The Beautiful Mystery is the winner of the 2012 Agatha Award for best novel, the 2013 Anthony Award for best novel and the 2013 Macavity Award for best novel.
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.