The Nature of the Beast
The Nature of the Beast is a New York Times bestselling Chief Inspector Gamache novel from Louise Penny.
Hardly a day goes by when nine year old Laurent Lepage doesn't cry wolf. From alien invasions, to walking trees, to winged beasts in the woods, to dinosaurs spotted in the village of Three Pines, his tales are so extraordinary no one can possibly believe him. Including Armand and Reine-Marie Gamache, who now live in the little Quebec village.
But when the boy disappears, the villagers are faced with the possibility that one of his tall tales might have been true.
And so begins a frantic search for the boy and the truth. What they uncover deep in the forest sets off a sequence of events that leads to murder, leads to an old crime, leads to an old betrayal. Leads right to the door of an old poet.
And now it is now, writes Ruth Zardo. And the dark thing is here.
A monster once visited Three Pines. And put down deep roots. And now, Ruth knows, it is back.
Armand Gamache, the former head of homicide for the Sûreté du Québec, must face the possibility that, in not believing the boy, he himself played a terrible part in what happens next.
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.