The Nature of the Beast felt like a transitional novel (number 11!) in the Three Pines Series - it’s always great to revisit these characters, but I felt as if their interactions took a backseat in this installment. The crime didn’t grab me, either. It felt slightly messy and convoluted with too many red herrings and suspects I couldn’t keep straight.
I am curious about the very Hannibal Lecter-esque villain that was introduced, and if we will see more of him. And a little bit of happy news was dropped at the end of the book, which I hope Penny will devote time to in subsequent novels!
Books in a very long series are not usually my thing, but these are something special. I also feel connected to my mom when transporting to Three Pines.