Review of BURY YOUR DEAD by Louise Penny

 3 Stars

This is the sixth book in the Armand Gamache series.

Gamache is in Quebec City when Augustin Renaud, an historian/amateur archaeologist obsessed with finding the remains of Samuel Champlain, is found murdered in the basement of the Literary and Historical Society. Though he is on leave, Gamache is asked to assist the investigation.

Jean-Guy Beauvoir, meanwhile, also on leave, goes to Three Pines to quietly re-investigate the murder of the hermit as outlined in the previous book, The Brutal Telling. Olivier, the owner of the bistro in Three Pines, was convicted but Gamache is having second thoughts and wants to determine if errors were made.

Then there’s a third case told in flashbacks. It is this case which explains why Gamache and Beauvoir are both on leave. It’s a hostage situation with a possible terrorism connection.

As with the other books in the series, I have issues with this one. The motive for Renaud’s murder is definitely weak and far-fetched. The great reveal of the hermit’s identity is difficult to accept given the identity of the murderer. And given the identity of the victim, why would “Woo” strike such fear in him? There’s a definite lack of logic.

Again, the lack of proper procedure stands out. Gamache agrees to help the investigation in Quebec City, but then he doesn’t meet or share his findings with the lead investigator? Beauvoir relies on the help of Three Pines residents despite their potentially being involved in the murder?

The deification of Gamache continues. He single-handedly solves the Renaud murder case! Everything he does, he does better than anyone else. Even a photo of him is identified as an epitome of grief. We are even supposed to admire him because he claims responsibility for events over which he has no control. A martyr complex is supposed to be admirable? Gamache admits to making a mistake in arresting Olivier and asks for his forgiveness, but there is no mention made of Olivier’s many secrets, lies, and stupid decisions.

What was most interesting for me was the information about the founder of Quebec. I didn’t know that Champlain’s remains have never been discovered. I also enjoyed the descriptions of Quebec City because I have visited often and have special memories of the city. References to places like the Épicerie J. A. Moisan were wonderful because my husband and I were actually married in the L’Auberge J. A. Moisan above the grocery store.

I think Louise Penny’s novels appeal to readers who enjoy revisiting the familiar. Most people read them as they are published, so a year passes between books. My listening to them consecutively, without break, may be the problem. Weaknesses just seem to multiply. Friends keep saying the books get better, but I haven’t yet seen this improvement.