A Great Reckoning

by Louise Penny
A Great Reckoning cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Mystery
Technical:
  • ID: 1944
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781405529471
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2016-08-30
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Former Chief Inspector Gamache, now commander of the Sûreté Academy, is tasked with combating corruption and brutality within the force. However, his mission becomes more complicated when a former colleague and professor is found murdered, with a mysterious map of Three Pines in his possession. As suspicion turns to Gamache himself, the investigation unfolds in the village of Three Pines, where long-hidden secrets threaten to upend everything. This twelfth installment in Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache series is a gripping and evocative crime novel that explores themes of power, corruption, and redemption. Winner of multiple awards, including the Barry, Macavity, Anthony, and Agatha Awards, A Great Reckoning is a masterful blend of mystery and atmosphere that lingers long after the final page.

Reviews
Literary Hoarders · 2017-10-24
fantastic 4.50

The book is filled with wit and charm, making it a delightful read. They particularly enjoyed the easy banter and layered storytelling.

The reviewer found 'A Great Reckoning' to be excellent, filled with wit and charm that made it a delightful read. They laughed out loud at the easy banter and appreciated the layered storytelling that added depth to the narrative. The reviewer also noted that the mystery is well-crafted, keeping them engaged until the very end.

Quick quotes

    A Great Reckoning was excellent!

    It had a great deal of wit and charm, I laughed out loud many times at the easy banter.

    It includes a layered story with multiple threads that come together beautifully.

Reading on the Run · 2017-09-03
excellent 4.50

The writing evolves with each book, making this novel a satisfying read. They appreciate the development of the characters and the intricate mystery.

The reviewer finds that Louise Penny's writing continues to develop with each book, making this novel a particularly enjoyable read. They highlight the intricate mystery and the satisfying twists that keep the reader engaged. The characters are well-developed, and the reviewer appreciates how Penny's writing style evolves with each installment, making it a rewarding experience for long-time fans.

Quick quotes

    You won't regret picking up this book.

    The great thing about these novels is that Louise Penny's writing just develops along with each book she writes.

    Yes, these novels are always a joy to read.

The New York Times · 2016-09-02
good 4.00

The book is beautifully written with lyrical prose and complex characters. They appreciate the depth of the themes explored.

The reviewer praises the lyrical prose and beautifully written narrative, highlighting the complexity of the characters and the depth of the themes explored. They note that the book is a disquieting mystery that carries a huge weight of grief, making it a poignant and thought-provoking read. The reviewer appreciates Penny's ability to create layered characters that are both flawed and fascinating.

Quick quotes

    As usual with Penny, the book is beautifully written, with lyrical prose, and the characters are lovingly described.

    Her themes include the weight of grief and the complexities of human nature.

    A huge weight of grief bears down like a marble tombstone on A GREAT RECKONING.

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