The Madness of Crowds

The pandemic is over, and the small town of Three Pines in Quebec, Canada, is trying to enjoy the holiday season. But when a visiting Professor of Statistics decides to hold a speech at a nearby university, Chief Inspector Gamache is asked to head up security. Professor Abigail Robinson has a plan that will split the community; however, before she can finish her talk shots are fired into the crowded room. So Gamache has the task of protecting a woman whose views he can’t defend. Plus, he now has to investigate who wants her dead. Or was it a ploy to give her ideas more publicity?
The Madness of Crowds is another terrific novel by Louise Penny showing that although there is a new dawn in Three Pines, darkness is still lurking just under the surface. This complex tale weaves together the past and present, showing just how memories and tragedies come back to haunt us. She captures the feelings of delusion and what can happen when crowds start to latch onto shaky ideas during times of stress or confusion. But Three Pines still tries to hold onto that warm, familiar community spirit, even when tested by those from within and without. Fans of Penny will not be disappointed with this timely tale.