I consider George Simenon's Maigret one of the greatest literary detective and I think that Armand Gamache share with him a lot of characteristics: empathy, cleverness and the attention to people.
That said I loved this book and I think it's one the best mystery I read this year.
It's darker that the previous ones, well written, gripping and it kept me hooked till the last page.
I didn't read it, I inhaled it and was sad when it was over.
I love Ms Penny's style of writing and how well she develops her characters and plots.
It's a great reading experience and I strongly recommend it.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.