In The Brutal Telling, Penny explores how appearances can be deceiving. There are many truths to a person because humans are complex. For example, Inspector Gamache intuitively decides that the victim found in Olivier’s bistro is unhoused. This deduction is based on the victim’s clothes, which are worn, frayed, and dirty. However, a laboratory analysis reveals the truth, that the victim is clean and healthy—suggesting he was not unhoused. This heightens the mystery of his identity because his interior doesn’t match his exterior.

Another example of this theme is the way Olivier is perceived throughout the novel. Olivier has a sterling reputation in Three Pines, known to be neighborly and wealthy. But under the surface, Olivier keeps secrets, even from Gabri, his partner. While Olivier is kind and generous, he is also dishonest and greedy. His relationship with the Hermit—Jakob—proves the lengths he is willing to go for money, highlighting his ability to manipulate. He takes advantage of Jakob’s paranoia and imprisons him in his cabin by using a mythological story as a scare tactic. This manipulation allows Olivier to keep Jakob’s wealth for himself. Furthermore, Olivier repeatedly lies to Gamache, finding ways to mislead Gamache’s investigation.