This was a major improvement on the last few books. It feels like Penny is getting her groove back. This book featured an implausibly large conspiracy, and I didn’t even think to complain about it once!
The whole book takes place in Paris. Gamache and Reine-Marie are in Paris because Annie and Beauvoir’s baby is coming, and they want to be there for the birth (they moved to Paris last book, if you recall). The Gamache’s other son Daniel, who I dislike, also lives in Paris with his family. Also in attendance for the birth is Gamache’s godfather, who along with his adoptive grandmother, basically raised Gamache after his parents died. We met Stephen last book (and maybe before that, who even knows), but I didn’t quite catch on that he was basically a millionaire. After a family dinner, Stephen is hit by a car, and everyone who witnessed it is convinced it was done on purpose. Then, a body is found in Stephen’s apartment while he remains in critical condition at the hospital.
The investigation opens up a can of worms for the entire Gamache extended family. I read this book very quickly, because it was twisty and turny and had high emotional stakes. Also, the twists and turns, unlike the last couple of books, were much more plausible.
The only thing that I didn’t like was the sub-plot with Daniel. This will all be spoilers. SPOILERS He made me so angry! You have a loving and kind father who is there for you, and spend your life hating him because you overheard a conversation that you misunderstood one night when you were eight? Give me a fucking break. He didn’t once try to ask his father about it? Instead, he’s like, my father hates me, against all fucking common sense?????? He’s an idiot and an asshole. He can have my father and I’ll take his END SPOILERS.
I can’t believe I only have one more book until I’m caught up with this series. I feel like I’ve been reading it forever.