I'm not a big mystery reader but I had fun with this one. I read it in audiobook format while I was doing other things a lot - very low commitment for me but I enjoyed that. It was good, and the ending took me by surprise but I suspect people more acquainted with mysteries would've had it wrapped. 

I also loved how casually funny it was. The bear grease thing really had me going for a minute. 

Also, Nicole was the most infuriating side character on the planet. The way Gamache kept trying to check her attitude and she kept thinking she was God's gift to the investigation was sending me over the edge.