The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny, 320 pgs.
It is Easter in Three Pines, and the townspeople are having a seance. Inspector Gamache returns to this place and group of people he has come to know and care deeply for--this time to investigate the mysterious death of one of the seance attendees. While he is able to get away from the bustling city life, searching for answers in this idyllic village, he realizes that he cannot escape the past which rushes toward him, emanating destruction like a wintry storm in spring.
The questions that Penny raises in this novel about psychology and betrayal and kindness are at the heart of why this story works so well. Particularly the idea of the "near enemy" (compassion/pity, love/attachment, equanimity/indifference) changed my perspective on life. The Surete subplot with its devastatingly real connections to recent, real-life Canadian (and US) history steals the show and leaves a lasting impact on both the reader and the series. The narrative does have its faults, namely the final explanation sequence which feels a little clunky and out of place. Despite this issue, I would definitely recommend this book as a solid mystery which leaves you with some interesting ideas to ponder.
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