This is the first of this series, number eight, that has no connection to the charming village of Three Pines, nor its amusing cast of eccentric characters. That said, it is just a good as the previous books, even without vicariously sitting in front of a cozy fire enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. Oh, but there are chocolate covered wild blueberries…. Inspector Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir are called to a remote monastery deep in the Quebec woods. There a group of 24 monks spend their days working in silence at the tasks that keep their order fed and sheltered and gathering to sing Gregorian chants as the day progresses from Vigils to Compline. The order, Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups, is all but unknown to the outside world, including even Rome. It’s founder fled from various persecutions and established this safe haven centuries ago. However, a CD of their chants has been released to the world and gone viral, threatening their obscurity, and now murder has intruded – the choirmaster is found dead in the abbot’s private garden. Working entirely within the confines of the monastery and its orderly days, Gamache finds comfort in the chants, while Beauvoir chafes under the monotony of both the day and the music. Also, Beauvoir is concealing a secret, he is in a serious relationship with Gamache’s daughter, Annie. When Gamache’s arch nemesis, Superintendent Francoeur shows up, ostensibly to check on the investigation, things become really interesting. Up to Penny’s high standard, and a lovely exploration of Gregorian chant as well. 373 pp.
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