Other scars are evidence of his determination to protect the men and women he works with, and he literally puts his life on the line to help them. It sits on his shoulders, and while he carries it without complaint, it causes him sleepless nights, and it wears on his face like a steady stream of water eroding lines of worry into his forehead and cheeks. It’s a responsibility that he carries like a weighted cloak. Gamache often thinks outside the box, and he always understands that the buck stops with him, and that his decisions are ultimately his responsibility. He is kind to his fellow officers and those who follow his orders, and he asks nothing of them that he would not do. He is a man who wishes nothing more than to serve others and see that justice is met. In fact, readers quickly learn that Gamache is nothing if not humble. However, a recent scandal has seen Gamache suspended, and when he was offered a demotion that his superiors were certain he would refuse, allowing them the satisfaction of having Gamache retired and out of their hair, he surprised everyone by accepting the position. Not only does he command the respect of those he leads, he commands their affection and admiration. The main character, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is the main character in these novels, and he is a striking man. In “A Better Man,” author Louise Penny shares the stories of several men, some of whom strive constantly to be better men, others who should be striving for betterment, although they are not.

Louise penny book a better man