Police

Inspector Gamache is truly a treasure, though; he's reminiscent of Simenon's classic character Maigret, being just as sensible, intelligent and level headed as the great Maigret himself. While I remember Maigret frequently alone, however, author Louise Penny has given Gamache a team to work with who are almost as interesting as he is himself. Most memorable is the willfully rude and superior (in her own humble opinion) Agent Yvette Nichol. While Gamache gives her the benefit of his years of experience - he tells her the four sentences to remember are "I'm sorry, I don't know, I need help and I was wrong" - she ignores them to her cost. I've never encountered such an unfortunate assistant in any mystery; it's a real twist that adds some interesting spice to the story. The way of Gamache is to announce to all and sundry that he will be spending lots of time in the café, and then wait for everyone to come and talk to him, which they do.

The town is populated with artists Clara and Peter; an heir to a fortune, Ben, who has just lost his mother; a bookseller, a hefty black woman named Myrna; the gay owners of the town bed & breakfast and pub; a cranky and opinionated poetess, Ruth; and the Crofts, who are able to explain to the police the finer points of bow hunting, as the unfortunate Jane was apparently killed in a hunting accident with a bow and arrow. The characters are believably drawn, and more importantly, their lives are intertwined in interesting ways that add depth and tension to the unfolding story. One of the great moments of discovery is the interior of Jane's home - she's never allowed anyone past the kitchen - and her friends, after her death, are finally allowed to see inside. The whole is drawn with a sure hand that is obviously well acquainted with the work of Ngaio Marsh, Agatha Christie, Margery Allingham and Josephine Tey - but thankfully, this is an author who works in our own time who we can all savor now. I also can't remember any of the above mentioned ladies - despite the many hours of reading pleasure they have afforded me - ever bringing a tear to my eye, which happened frequently throughout this book, sometimes through the sheer loveliness of the prose. This is a new author to be treasured and above all, enjoyed. If there is a more perfect novel written this year, I would be very much surprised.