

Clara asks Gamache for help and so begins a journey, first to Scotland and then back to the St. He was supposed to return to Clara to discuss their failing marriage but he hasn't. Peter Morrow, husband of artist Clara, who departed Three Pines a year ago, is missing. There, surrounded by lovely people, great food, and beautiful sights, he'll heal. The Long Way Home has him and his wife happily retired to Three Pines, Quebec's own Eden. Fans know that Chief Inspector Gamache barely survived his last adventure, which ended with him wounded in body and mind and out of a career.

It is, in fact, the best story so far, thanks to strong characters, a deep and sophisticated plot, and just a soupçon of Joseph Conrad. Happily, that's not the case with Louise Penny's new Inspector Gamache novel.

When a series hits book 10, it often starts to falter.
