The Beautiful Mystery

An older monk who is clearly distressed introduces himself as the abbot, Dom Philippe, and welcomes them. He opens a hidden panel on a bookcase to lead them to his private garden where they find the victim: “Gamache’s eyes went directly to the far end of the garden, and the figure crumpled there. And the two robed monks standing motionless a few feet from the body” (28).

The abbot explains that the dead monk was the monastery’s choirmaster and prior, Frère Matthieu. Though readers don’t know this yet, this particular monk’s death will affect the monastery significantly. Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les Loups has become famous because of its choir’s chant CD. The abbot is clearly in deep mourning; he and Frère Matthieu had a close bond. Gamache examines the body and finds the man was struck multiple times, and likely knew what had happened to him. Gamache invites Officer Charbonneau to examine the scene.

Charbonneau is intimidated by Gamache but specifically asked to take the assignment to see the monastery and meet the famed chief inspector. He recalls seeing speech from Gamache about the values of the Sûreté. Charbonneau bites back the urge to remind Gamache he has enemies inside the police force, feeling protective of this man he does not know but admires.