The Nature of the Beast
Ratings48
Average rating4.2
I enjoyed this intricately plotted novel. When I found out that one aspect of the story was factual, I was even more intrigued. I am finding that the series is getting better as I get deeper into it and am looking forward to the next installment.
I think I like this one better than the previous one. I appreciated the historical aspect (which I was unaware of until I finished the book), and enjoyed the story told around it involving our favorite little village. From reading the reviews here, some people didn't enjoy this one as much as the others because of the “outside-ness” of the story, but I think it works with the setting and the cast of characters involved.
In “In the Nature of the Beast” - a young boy discovers a secret in the woods that causes a ripple effect in Three Pines. Although Inspector Gamache is retired, he takes part in resolving the issues caused by the discovery.
One of the things I enjoy about Penny's novels is the little touches - the quirky characters, the food descriptions and the special nature of Three Pines. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend the Three Pines series to readers that enjoy mysteries and unique characters.
4 stars
Second reading: The first time I read this, I hadn't read the series in order. In light of reading the whole series - I am upping my rating to five stars. Penny has grown this series into such amazing heights. I love everything about it.
I tried to draw out this book as long as I could, but in the end, the last few chapters I flew through. It was so full of suspense that my heart was pounding, my mouth was dry....I needed to finish!
Short Review: I was thoroughly engaged with the book and enjoyed it. But as with many series books (especially murder mysteries) my credulity is being tested. I don't really want to find the answer early, I want to enjoy the ride.
But there seems to be an inevitability that the longer the series goes on, the more likely the mystery becomes a conspiracy theory and reaches beyond the immediate story line. This ones moves to international arms deals, war crimes, and state intelligence agencies. Which is all a far cry from the small town mysteries that really made the series.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/the-nature-of-the-beast-chief-inspector-gamache-11-by-louise-penny/