Trying to connect the dots, Gamache turns to some of his fellow villagers, who use social media to coax out a slew of information. The receding waters reveal much, including a potential murder scene, with the perfect suspect who denies having anything to do with his wife’s death. With no signs of the pregnant Vivienne Godin, Gamache tries to determine if there may have been foul play, which is exacerbated when a body is discovered amongst some cracked ice close to a bridge.

His community of Three Pines is set to flood, which could be devastating if the floodwaters don’t drop soon. Gamache gets a bad feeling about it all, but is equally distracted when Quebec’s spring thaw begins to cause issues. When Gamache arrives, he meets the woman’s husband, a known abuser, who explains that he has no idea where his wife might be, but could not care less. While many are worried about how it will resolve itself, Gamache wants only to work and agrees to investigate a query of a pregnant woman whose gone missing. After serving his suspension, Armand Gamache is back in his position as Chief Inspector within the Sûreté du Québec, though there is a whispered power struggle within Homicide.

This explosive series, set in rural Quebec, gives not only the feel of a wonderful mystery but also hones in on all things Canadian. After getting my hands on the latest Louise Penny novel, I could not wait to get started.

A better man by louise penny summary