A Great Reckoning: A Novel 

Former Chief of Homicide for the Surete of Quebec, Armand Gamache has decided to take on the role of heading up the Surete Academy in order to root out corruption. In doing so, he admits candidates previously excluded. One is Amelia Choquet, who Gamache is particularly drawn to, even though she isn’t the usual candidate, considering her numerous body piercings and tattoos. Before the courses begin, Gamache is given a mysterious map by a friend back in his village of Three Pines. While several cadets are investigating the mystery of the map, Professor Serge Leduc is found dead at the academy. Gamache must figure out whether the murderer was a cadet or another member of staff. He must also find out why the murdered man had a copy of the mysterious map. Is it possible that all roads lead back to Armand Gamache and the village of Three Pines?

Louise Penny writes in an intelligent manner, exploring the lives of her characters with a sensitive and caring hand. The intricately plotted story reveals layers of secrets and intrigue that kept me guessing until the end. The moody atmosphere and the gripping dialogue made this a stunning novel and one that was hard to put down.