“I expect you to answer Misère” said Gamache, turning back to Vasan Gilbert and holding his eyes.

“Doctor” Gilbert said, his voice cold. “I will not be diminished by you or anyone else.” He looked again at his son, then back to the Chief Inspector.

“Désolé,” said Gamache and bowed slightly, never taking his deep brown eyes off the angry man.

The apology seemed to further enrage Gilbert, who realized one of them was strong enough to withstand insult, and one of them wasn’t.

I’m really enjoying Louise Penny’s book The Brutal Telling; what a great writer she is! Her characters are all quirky and fun in their own way and she writes with a poetic style that I absolutely love. I have always been a big fan of detective stories and so far Penny has proven to be a master at weaving a good mystery. In fact some have compared her to Agatha Christie, quite an honor I’d say.

Drawing by James Bills

Tags:Chief Inspector GamacheinsultLouise Pennymytery booksThe Brutal Telling