Inspector Gamarche and the Academy

One of my all time favorite authors is Louise Penny. She has a knack for writing tense, taut mysteries. Her Inspector Garmarche mysteries leave the reader wrung out from the tension created in the books. A Great Reckoning is no different.

Taking on the task of cleaning up the damaged reputation of brutality and corruption surrounding the Surete Academy, Inspector Gamarche brings in his son-in-law Jean-Guy Beauvoir to serve as his second-in-command. But two troublesome hires include Michel Brebeuf and Serge Leduc, The Duke, as he is called. Both have been rumored to be involved in illegal activities, but with not enough evidence to prove the rumors true, they both have been allowed to remain at the Academy. The Duke had been heavily involved in shaping the curriculum and whipping the young recruits into his image. A dangerous problem in Gamarche's eyes.

This year's students could not be more different, but four stand out.

Amelia Choquet, tattooed, pierced and aloof; Jacques Laurin, arrogant, self-assured head cadet; Huifen, a third-year cadet without survival instincts and Nathaniel Smythe, shy and unsure. Inspector Gamache senses the danger surrounding these cadets and works to protect them, but still train them well.

Back home in Three Pines, Reine-Marie Ruth, Clara and Myrna spend their days reading through old historical papers found stuffed in the wall of the bistro.When a strange map is discovered, Inspector Gamarche uses it as a teaching tool for his four cadets. Before long there is a murder at the Academy and suspicion falls on Inspector Gamarche.

The Academy, the map and the mysterious relationship between Gamarche and Amelia leads to a thrilling conclusion. You will not be able to put this book down once you begin reading it.

For other books by Louise Penny, click here.