Summary

In Chapter 1, the novel begins with Chief Superintendent Armand Gamache testifying in a murder trial on a hot July day. It was Judge Maureen Corriveau’s first homicide trial. Gamache felt sorry for her because she did not know how much trouble the case would be. Meanwhile, Corriveau noticed an unusual animosity between Gamache and the prosecuting attorney, the Chief Crown, even though the two were supposed to be on the same side.

Corriveau listened as Gamache testified that the defendant had made a confession to him that had led directly to the murder charge. She noticed the scar on his temple, a physical mark his job had left on him, but also noticed the laugh lines on his face and the kindness in his eyes.

Gamache’s testimony continued. He explained he knew something was wrong when a black-robed figure appeared on...