At a glance
The Nature of the Beast
Mystery
The Nature of the Beast
Book 11 of the Chief Inspector Gamache series
A young boy known for elaborate stories disappears from Three Pines after describing a weapon too extraordinary to believe. When evidence suggests one of his inventions may have been real, Gamache must reconsider every dismissed warning. The case connects village secrets with the history of war and the danger of treating imagination as harmless. Dark and unsettling, this mystery suits a stormy weekend for readers interested in monstrous inventions, childhood vulnerability, moral responsibility, and truths hidden inside stories adults stopped hearing.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Pageant-Night Cocoa + Pale Ale
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Crime, danger, and death
Alcohol-Free Pour
Pageant-Night Cocoa
Brown sugar and vanilla deepen this cocoa, finished with a generous cloud of cream.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Whisk the cocoa and sweetener into the hot liquid until smooth. Add remaining flavorings, heat until steaming, and pour into a mug. Add any listed topping.
- Garnish: As listed.
- Glassware: Mug.
Cocktail Pour · 21+
Pale Ale
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A mellow, malty pour suits an evening of clues and clever sleuthing.
How to mix it
- Pour into a clean pint glass and serve at the appropriate cool serving temperature.
- Garnish: None.
- Glassware: Pint glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Pint glass ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.