This is the 14 book in this very popular series, and the first one that I have given five stars too. This book clicked for me. To me it seemed to have just the right amount of words and the plot and story flowed along very nicely. Although Gamache kept secrets in this book, they weren't as jaw-dropping and unbelievable as I found them to be in previous books. His secrets seemed to enhance this story and added to the suspense. I particularly loved the secondary characters in this book, and look forward to reading about them in future books. My particular favourite was Stephen Horowitz (Gamache's godfather), and the relationship that begins with this man and one of my very favourite regular characters, Ruth Zardo. Louise Penny is a very accomplished writer and her books are popular worldwide. It is very pleasant that the books in this series are set in Quebec Canada. At the beginning of this novel Gamache finds himself still on suspension from the previous book when he single-handedly took on the drug cartels. It is mid-winter in Three Pines when he receives a letter from a notary informing him that he is the executor in the will of an elderly lady that he does not know. And so begins the tangled web of deceit, lies, murder, embezzlement, and old family feuds. As the case unfolds Gamache is also very involved with trying to ensure the completion of the drug case from the last book. Penny manages to keep all these various and complex threads from getting tangled up until solutions are found for both mysteries. Robert Bathurst won an award for his reading of this novel, and it was well-deserved. He does a fabulous job narrating these complex and beguiling books. Highly recommend this book and the entire series. ( )

Complex and surprising as usual. I do love the characters and am always startled by a surprising turn of events. ( )

I loved this book, especially the character of Amelia Choquet, the police rookie Gamache accepted into the academy previously. I also enjoyed learning about liquidators, very different than in the US. I was surprised by the ending. I also thought it was the last Gamache book and was quite surprised to see he continues. Yay! I love him. ( )

Hmmm. This is the second Gamache book in a row for which I've "solved," mysteries (there are always several,) before Armand and his team. In this case, I even guessed the murderer from the moment the murder took place. Louise typically does a better job of keeping me in doubt. And this story also ventured too far from Three Pines, both literally - with a direct dive into the seedy side of Montreal - and figuratively, with central characters ranging from drug-addicts to corrupt financiers.

And * sigh * the series is generally getting more heavy-handed in everything from plot foreshadowing and political statements to philosophical themes and tortured souls, to curse words and Myrna wanting to get laid ... er, I mean...Myrna wanting to meet a nice man.

I absolutely intend to return for the last four (as of now,) entries in the series a d remain eager to see what has everyone on the fainting couch over the newest release...but it's time for a break! ( )

Kingdom of the Blind - Penny
Audio performance by Robert Bathurst
4 stars

This book certainly had its moments. My expectations were high from the opening scene in the derelict house as Gamache and Myrna meet Bernard Pouliot; “ Dr. Seuss meets Charles Dickens. The Cat in the Hat was about to enter Bleak House.” I couldn’t wait to see how that would develop. The rest of the book did not quite maintain that delicious image, but I wouldn’t have missed the poetry duel between Ruth and Benedict for anything.

The new murder was mostly financial, requiring a great deal of internet and paper research before a criminal could be arrested. However, there was no lack of excitement. A sudden blizzard is followed by a collapsing house that buries victim, suspect, and investigators. Additionally, despite his suspension, Gamache is still in search of the shipment of illegal drugs that went missing at the end of a previous book. Cue the return of Cadet Amelia Choquet. I really like her. I also liked that this book spent more time with Myrna’s perspective. It was interesting to see her needing the support of other characters, a bit of a role reversal. ( )