All The Devils Are Here: a novel (Chief Inspector Gamache book #16) by Louise Penny. Macmillan Audio: unabridged, 13 hours and 59 minutes. 2020. Narrated by Robert Bathurst. *****
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here.” (Shakespeare) The latest Chief Inspector Gamache novel is set in Paris, the City of Light, providing the backdrop for murder, corporate espionage, and betrayal. The Gamache family is in Paris to await the birth of Armand's granddaughter. After a dinner at a local bistro, Stephen Horowitz, Armand's godfather, is run down and critically injured. A gruesome discovery in billionaire Stephen's apartment and a puzzling hotel key, sets into motion a series of events and questions that lead to the attempted murder of Armand and his son, Daniel.
I received a copy for a review. This is my first audiobook from start to finish and I thoroughly enjoyed it. (13 hours and 59 minutes)
I have read all 16 of the Inspector Gamache books since March and what an experience it has been. Penny has the ability to write a series of books, each one riveting and spell binding. All The Devils Are Here is the latest and the best so far. I laughed, I cried, and didn't want it to end. The thoroughness of the descriptions in Paris of the places, sounds, and sights adds to the authenticity and horror of the story. Armand ponders, "Where else would you find darkness except right up against the light?" in the gardens of the Musee Rodin at the Gates of Hell and in the novels of Louise Penny. Good triumphs over evil, but the reader is kept guessing as to who is the light and who embraces the darkness?
Louise Penny (from her website) "I live outside a small village south of Montreal, quite close to the American border. My husband Michael and I have long had dogs, all golden retrievers. Bonnie, Maggie, Seamus, Trudy and now Bishop. Some came as puppies, some were adopted as adults. All beloved.
Michael and I were together for 22 years and married for 20. He was the inspiration for Armand Gamache. Kindly, thoughtful, generous, a man of courage and integrity, who both loved and accepted love.
He developed dementia, and died peacefully at home in September 2016, surrounded by the love he'd put into the world for his 83 years.
So now it's Bishop and me. But we're far from alone. We have the village, and all our friends including My Assistant Lise, and the indomitable, happy spirit of Michael. And, of course, the company of Armand, Clara, Ruth, Gabri and Olivier et al." more information at https://www.louisepenny.com/louise.htm
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