A Fatal Grace Audiobook By Louise Penny cover art

A Fatal Grace

Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 2

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A Fatal Grace

By: Louise Penny
Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
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About this listen

Winner of the 2007 Agatha Award for Best Novel!

From the Dagger award winning author Louise Penny comes the second Armand Gamache mystery set in the stunning countryside of Quebec.

Welcome to winter in Three Pines, a picturesque village in Quebec, where the villagers are preparing for a traditional country Christmas, and someone is preparing for murder.

No one liked CC de Poitiers. Not her quiet husband, not her spineless lover, not her pathetic daughter—and certainly none of the residents of Three Pines. CC de Poitiers managed to alienate everyone, right up until the moment of her death.

When Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, of the Sûreté du Quebec, is called to investigate, he quickly realizes he's dealing with someone quite extraordinary. CC de Poitiers was electrocuted in the middle of a frozen lake, in front of the entire village, as she watched the annual curling tournament. And yet no one saw anything. Who could have been insane enough to try such a macabre method of murder—or brilliant enough to succeed?

With his trademark compassion and courage, Gamache digs beneath the idyllic surface of village life to find the dangerous secrets long buried there. For a Quebec winter is not only staggeringly beautiful but deadly, and the people of Three Pines know better than to reveal too much of themselves. But other dangers are becoming clear to Gamache. As a bitter wind blows into the village, something even more chilling is coming for Gamache himself.

©2006 Louise Penny (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc
Detective Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Traditional Detectives Village Winter Suspense

Critic reviews

“The cozy mystery, which aims to charm as much as challenge, has a graceful practicioner of that artful dodge in Louise Penny.” —The New York Times Book Review

“Gamache, a smart and likable investigator--think Columbo with an accent, or perhaps a modern-day Poirot--systematically wades his way through the pool, coming upon a few surprises along the way....This is a fine mystery in the classic Agatha Christie style, and it is sure to leave mainstream fans wanting more.” —Booklist

“For all the perplexing mechanics of the murder, and the snowed-in village setting, this is not the usual "cosy" or even a traditional mystery. It's a finely written, intelligent and observant book. Imbued with a constant awareness of the astonishing cold, this perfect blend of police procedural and closed-room mystery finds its solution, as in the best of those traditions, in the slow unlayering of a sorrowful past.” —Houston Chronicle

Featured Article: Best Mystery Series—Listens That'll Take You Right to the Crime Scene


While a standalone mystery is great when you're in the mood for a one-and-done, sometimes you want to feed your craving with an entire mystery series—knowing there's a world and characters you can keep coming back to for the satisfaction of solving crimes. With audiobooks, you get the added bonus of sinking deeper into the setting, clues, and suspects as the story is performed for you, so you'll feel like you're alongside detectives, ready to bust a case.

What listeners say about A Fatal Grace

Highly rated for:

Intricate Plot Engaging Mystery Excellent Narration Vivid Descriptions Unexpected Twists Soothing Voice
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

The Least Suspected is the Best Suspect.....

I really enjoyed most all of Louise Penny's Three Pines novels. I believe that I have read them all. This one was really intriguing. Maybe it's because I like the style of Chief Inspector Gamache. Maybe it's because I like all of the characters of the Three Pines village. It is difficult to write a review on this one without giving away too much. The synopsis written by audible is a good description. A despicable woman has been murdered in front of many potential witnesses but nobody saw a thing or they saw but are not telling! If you like a story that is more mystery/suspense and some thriller aspects, then the Three Pines novels might be of interest to you. The narrator, Ralph Cosham, is an excellent performer. He is the voice of Gamache for me.

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20 people found this helpful

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A graceful entry into the Three Pines series

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

An excellent mystery with excellent characters. I was thoroughly invested in the entire plot.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely. In fact, I practically did. One of the best modern mysteries I have read.

Any additional comments?

To date, I have read or listened to four of the Three Pines mysteries. So far, this one is my favorite. I would, however, recommend checking out the first book, Still Life, first. There are spoilers.

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Better than the last!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Each character is so beautifully described and we get more and more into each character. Inspector Gamache is our hero but then each character has his/her unique charm. Cannot pick one.

Any additional comments?

With each book I am trying to find a way to move to this mystical hamlet. Knowing there are more in this series keeps me going.

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magical and dear

This series of Armand Gamache novels in three Pines are so rich, so lovely, so satisfying. . I adore all the characters. It feels like home

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Moving and Wonderful

I am now a part of this Three Pines universe. Merci beaucoup Louise Penny. On to number three.

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Warm, Witty and Wicked

Except for the odd murder, Three Pines is where I want to settle down. Warm, Witty and Wicked.

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intricate characters

love the world created by the author. The best elements are the characters. Always promoting kindness in the face of tragedy.

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Addicted

Love the town and the characters. Now getting ready for next listen in the series

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Great series!

I love this series! Wonderful characters, beautiful writing, the story is touching, funny and the mystery is well crafted. I’m getting the next book now.

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Perfection!

What a delicious listen! I never wanted it to end. The characters are like old friends.

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