ALL THE DEVILS ARE HERE, by Louise Penny, narrated by Robert Bathurst

    

Mystery/Thriller -- 5 stars

Audiobook Narration -- 5 stars

Chief Inspector Gamache - Book 16

Book: The Gamache family has gathered in Paris in anticipation of the birth of their granddaughter.  Invited to the family celebration is Inspector Gamache's godfather, Stephen Horowitz.  When Mr. Horowitz is the victim of a hit and run, the Inspector is sure it was not an accident.  As his son-in-law's new job seems to be at the epicenter of this unfolding mystery, even those closest to the Inspector cannot escape suspicion. ----- It is easy to see why Chief Inspector Gamache was voted Favorite Fictional Detective in a recent New York Times poll. With all the detectives in book-land who are divorced or estranged from their children or are alcoholics or in conflicted relationships with their superiors, it is always a joy to open an Inspector Gamache book.  Armand Gamache is the antithesis of the modern detective--a gentleman, an educated and kind and caring man, a man who loves and is loved by his family and friends wholeheartedly.  This time around, memories of his childhood in Paris add facets to his personality that, even after 15 previous novels, make him a more fully realized character, a man anyone would want to know.  But first and foremost, he is, even in the face of personal tragedy, a detective, one who is ruthless in finding the truth.  He'll need this trait to sort his way through this complicated and minutely plotted mystery.  So many suspects, even among old friends, make choosing the good from the bad impossible until the very end.  One of Ms. Penny's best.

Narration: Robert Bathurst has been the voice of Armand Gamache through this series finding the balance between relentless seeker of truth and loving family man every time.  Moving the series out of its Three Pines comfort zone might have been uncomfortable, but the ease with which he intones the many Paris streets and landmarks brings the city alive in a way few others could.  Mr. Bathurst is the reason I prefer audio over paper books for Chief Inspector Gamache mysteries.