My mother read this and really enjoyed it. Having read other Inspector Gamache novels, she enjoyed seeing where it all began.

I would concur with my mother's 7/10 rating. I finally read it – the first read of the summer – and enjoyed it. Great beach read, which is where I read most of it. In truth, I did figure out / guessed who the murderer was about at two-thirds of the way through the novel, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable. The obligatory explanation of the murder was only a titch disappointing. I thought the characters were engaging and the setting vivid in its description. A nice place that comes alive and makes you want to visit.

Hope you enjoy this summer read!