Proceeding with my binge read of the Inspector Gamache mysteries, this novel (#2) returns us to Three Pines for the unusual murder of CC de Poitier. Life coach, designer, and self-proclaimed spiritual guru, CC professes an unusual philosophy Li Bien– which involves hiding all emotions beneath an air of calm and white. She even calls her enterprise “Be Calm.”

In fact CC is anything but calm, and is constantly lashing out at everyone around her including most virulent verbal attacks to her most intimate – her husband, daughter, and lover. The story abounds with potential suspects – no one likes CC. What is surprising is not the fact she was murdered but the elaborate way it was done, involving an induced hot flash, wiper fluid on ice, and an electrified chair.

As with the other Gamache novels, we are not bombarded with gory details, but rather enticed into the narrative through the quirky characters Penny develops. An enjoyable read as always.

I give Fatal Grace 3👍 out of 5👍.