The Brutal Telling

I listened to this book.  I had a lot of driving this week so it was nice to reduce the boredom of driving on the interstates. 

Once again, I chose a Louise Penny Book.  I so love the characters in her books.  In my opinion her best books are the Three Pines series.  The Brutal Telling is number 5 in the series.

Even though it is not necessary, I am trying to read them in order.  In the first book, Still Life you are of course introduced to the many characters. Every subsequent book adds depth and dimension to each of these characters.  I feel that if I was to stumble into the Bistro in Three Pines I would immediately recognize Olivier and his partner Gabre. Oh and who could miss Ruth Zardo the anti-social famous poet. I can imagine walking up to her and telling her how much I admire her work and her telling me to piss off. 

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Quebec is the man sent to this sleepy village when there is a murder.  Surprisingly there are many murders in this small town so Gamache is there frequently. He is a great character.  Everything you would want in a person investigating murders.

In this book a man is found dead in the bistro and Olivier is devastated and a prime suspect.  It's a good book.  Read it! or Listen to it.  If you don't have Audible consider trying it by tapping on the banner below.

The Fallen

I am swinging into my summer reading mode which means, mysteries, thrillers and of course romance novels.  I am starting off with my go to guy David Baldacci.  He has written another book, The Fallen ,with Amos Decker back again and I loved it!

It always seems like I read so much more in the summer which is kind of ironic since my amount of free time does not change from season to season.  I think it is the fact that the days are longer and I find it harder to fall asleep so I stay up and read. Please weigh in on this if you have your own theory.

The book opens up with a one two punch, a double murder.  Amos and his partner Alex were taking a much deserved vacation. They went to visit Alex's sister who lives in Baronville, Pa.

Baronville is a dying town.  The businesses owned and operated by the Baron family have all been closed and the people in the town are struggling.  Many have turned to drugs and alcohol and drugs to ease their pain.  Others are just trying to do their best.

Baronville is not the only thing dying.  Bodies are beginning to pile up and Amos just happens to find two more.  When he discovers the crime scene it just doesn't add up and the more he investigates the more he puts himself in harm's way.

If you like Baldacci and haven't read this book yet, Read It! Also don't forget MemoryMan,  The last Mile and The Fix.