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  • A Better Man: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel

  • Chief Inspector Gamache/Three Pines Series, Book 15
  • Written by: Louise Penny
  • Narrated by: Robert Bathurst
  • Length: 13 hrs and 8 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (408 ratings)

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A Better Man: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel

Written by: Louise Penny
Narrated by: Robert Bathurst
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Publisher's Summary

"Robert Bathurst's intelligent narration captures every nuance, every emotion, and each of Louise Penny's subtle revelations about the unique, completely engaging residents of Three Pines." — AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award winner

Catastrophic spring flooding, blistering attacks in the media, and a mysterious disappearance greet Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he returns to the Sûreté du Québec in the latest novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Louise Penny.

It’s Gamache’s first day back as head of the homicide department, a job he temporarily shares with his previous second-in-command, Jean-Guy Beauvoir. Flood waters are rising across the province. In the middle of the turmoil a father approaches Gamache, pleading for help in finding his daughter.

As crisis piles upon crisis, Gamache tries to hold off the encroaching chaos, and realizes the search for Vivienne Godin should be abandoned. But with a daughter of his own, he finds himself developing a profound, and perhaps unwise, empathy for her distraught father.

Increasingly hounded by the question, how would you feel…, he resumes the search.

As the rivers rise, and the social media onslaught against Gamache becomes crueler, a body is discovered. And in the tumult, mistakes are made.

In the next title in this “constantly surprising series that deepens and darkens as it evolves” (New York Times Book Review), Gamache must face a horrific possibility, and a burning question.

What would you do if your child’s killer walked free?

Praise for A Better Man:

“‘A Better Man,' with its mix of meteorological suspense, psychological insight and criminal pursuit, is arguably the best book yet in an outstanding, original oeuvre.” —Tom Nolan, The Wall Street Journal

"Enchanting... one of his most ennobling missions." —Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review

"With an uncompromising eye, Penny explores the depths of human emotion, both horrifying and sublime. Her love for her characters and for the mystical village of Three Pines is apparent on every page." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

©2019 Three Pines Creations, Inc. (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

What the critics say

"The appeal of this series and especially of Gamache himself has always been Penny's ability to show her hero moving from the tangible, brutal facts of murder to the emotions within, the stories in the blood. There are multiple stories, often contradictory, to be found in the many-tentacled web of human tragedy and suffering that Gamache teases to the surface in this moving exploration of ties that both bind and destroy." —Booklist, starred review

“This title brings several character arcs to a close while resetting others to make this psychological mystery serve both as a beginning for new readers and a satisfying continuation for series fans. Gamache is an explorer of the human psyche, and the care he takes with the victims, their friends and family, as well as his own allows this series and his character continually to surprise, delight, and enthrall.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Louise Penny’s latest offers suspense galore, well-drawn characters… and some of the finest prose to grace the suspense genre.” —BookPage

What listeners say about A Better Man: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another exceptional sequel

Louise Penny has achieved another brilliant instalment in this wonderful series. Living in northern Ontario her description of the evolution of spring resonated with me. I highly recommend this fantastic author and am looking forward to the next book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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  • cj
  • 2020-10-23

A good read

Despite the ongoing distractions made by inauthentic character presentation and mispronunciation of far too many French words, the story held my attention, as have almost all other Louise Penny stories. Future books will be read and not listened two as my brain just cannot seem to reconcile the gap between performance and story context.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Another Penny Excellence

A great combination of story and narration
Carrying forward the Gamache journey with multiple story lines and very credible characters

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A Better Man indeed...

This novel is full of depth.... of understanding... of character. What makes a better man even better? What are the intangible characteristics that make a man stand apart from all others?

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A good story. A good mystery.

Love the orator. Soothing and talented. Clear and without pauses or hesitations that could disjoint the prose.
The story is a good mystery. Love the hero. Reminds me of someone I cared for very much.
Absolutely stunning that it’s set in Canada. How refreshing. How nice to have that degree of reality. Unexpected but so pleasing. First book I’ve given up TV for on a daily basis. Way better than anything on the tube for sure.

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A Better Man

Penny doesn’t disappoint. Once again Armand is wonderful, compassionate and obsessed with truth and life’s meaning. All characters remain interesting and each book brings us new depths to explore. I’m still looking for a Three Pines in my life!! Oh for the peace, tranquility and companionship of such a community.

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Great performance

Love every book of Louise penny. Great performance and story. Always a thrill to listen.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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it was excellent.

Disappointed by a couple of twists as I saw them coming but still so enjoyable.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I loved it

Gripping and full of twists and turns. I couldn't predict anything! Want to read it again!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A gift for all fans of Three Pines

As always, Louise Penny has created a story of layers - beauty, humanity, complexity and simplicity. Her descriptions take you there, to Three Pines, and you feel as though you know the characters. You are the silent character, observing, witnessing it all, participating.
Her novels are a gift - they are love.

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