Appearances

Gamache and others in the novel intentionally cultivate deceiving appearances in order to achieve a goal. For Gamache, he makes himself and his department look inept in order to lure the drug cartel leaders into becoming complacent. Gamache and the Chief Crown both take their animosity a step further during Katie’s murder trial so they can give themselves a better opportunity to catch the drug cartel leaders. Anton also presents a deceptive appearance because it appears on the surface that he is only a man who wants to be a chef. In reality, he is the leader of a powerful drug cartel.

The most significant example of a cultivated appearance comes with Gamache’s decision to make himself and the Sûreté appear incompetent. Gamache has his officers focus on uncovering the identity and location of the head of the drug trade in their area...