The Beautiful Mystery
Louise Penny

It's more than 5 years since I wrote my first book review, and that was for Louise Penny's second novel featuring the Canadian Surete detective Armand Gamache. At the time I describe Penny's creation as audacious, and as I read this, her eighth novel in the series, I continue to be astounded by the way she writes.

I've never come across another genre author who so comprehensively bares the souls of her characters, exposing everything to the harsh light. Their insecurites, misgivings, petit prejudices and most importantly the gaping flaws that make them human.

This is a quiet, contemplative novel, struggling to hide a seething mass of rage and fury.