Winner of the New Blood Dagger, Arthur Ellis, Barry, Anthony, and Dilys awards.Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surêté du Québec and his team of investigators are called in to the scene of a suspicious death in a rural village south of Montreal. Jane Neal, a local fixture in the tiny hamlet of Three Pines, just north of the U.S. border, has been found dead in the woods. The locals are … the woods. The locals are certain it’s a tragic hunting accident and nothing more, but Gamache smells something foul in these remote woods, and is soon certain that Jane Neal died at the hands of someone much more sinister than a careless bowhunter.
Still Life introduces not only an engaging series hero in Inspector Gamache, who commands his forces—and this series—with integrity and quiet courage, but also a winning and talented new writer of traditional mysteries in the person of Louise Penny.
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I listened to the audio version of this book. I don’t know if that was my downfall or not, but I found it very difficult to get into. In fact, I found the narration by Ralph Cosham a good sleep aide. I really don’t know if it was just his low, soothing voice or if the story played into it. For the audio, the French names also made it very hard to figure out what some of the character’s names actually were. I’m still not sure of the names of most of the police and inspector characters. I feel like I missed a lot. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I’d actually read the printed book.
We read this for book club, or I just might not have finished it.
Hooked on this series by Louise Penny. Inspector Gamache is easy to relate too and realistic. I want to go to Three Pines!
Three Pines does exist and so does Inspector Gamache. You’ll never convince me otherwise.
Louise Penny knows how to tell a great story. I always look forward to visiting the inviting fictional town of Three Pines in Canada and the wonderful main characters that live there. Ms. Penny invites you into her story and you cannot wait to see what develops in every story she writes. She is definitely one of my favorite murder mystery writers today.
This book was surprisingly cute for a murder mystery novel. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, including Jane. It also felt very quaint and I enjoyed that it was Québécois, which is a change for me. It is also more than a mystery novel and says important things. Lastly, it was a very quick read. The only thing I did not enjoy was the character of Nichol
If you’re looking to begin a new series of who-dunnits, this is a terrific book to begin one. A quiet village in Canada, indelible villagers, and Inspector Gamache and his wife. It will leave you with a lovely, friendly feeling, and ready for more Gamache.
Normally a fan of the cozy mystery genre, but this one was too slow-paced to be tolerable. Nearly gave up on it many times because I was simply bored. Characters poorly fleshed out and the ending was completely unbelievable- and not in an exciting twist kind of way. Lots of social issues (discrimination of women, poc, and lgbt+) discussed but only superficially. The women are all written to be more or less hysterical fools and gay characters are offensively stereotypical. Somehow we’re supposed to believe that the main inspector is the only person in the entire area of Quebec who has both kindness and common sense despite how cruelly dismissive he often is.
Anything by Louise Penny is a wonderful read. Over time I have come to be quite invested in all of the characters in these books.
I Love the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny, I was hooked from this first book. The audio narrator if Excellent.
Every book in this series is better than the last. Her outstanding writing is addictive!
I love this book and recommend it all the time.
Great scenery and character descriptions. Most characters were well developed.
Enjoyed the small town atmosphere and the food
I have read several books in this series, and am finally going back to start this wonderful series from the beginning. It was so interesting to see Gamache in Three Pines for the first time and meeting the residents there. I loved the mystery and hearing about Jane’s art. The writing is so descriptive that I could see her paintings in my mind. This is an excellent series and I can’t wait to read them all in order!
Very nice for a first novel in a series of 10. This mystery certainly kept me guessing right up until the end. The village of Three Pines was created so that I felt I’d been there, and I’d like to live there. It seemed I could visualize it vividly
Loved the laid back small town and the high powered police work running along together.
A dear friend recommended this series to me. This is the first and so far my favorite. Strongly recommend!
I have read all of Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache books and each of them have been gripping mysteries. Gamache himself is a giant man of integrity and compassion and i am attracted to these qualities in a time now where the quest for justice and honor seems so evasive. Characters are interesting to watch in their developments throughout the series. The village of 3 pines is so attractive, especially the fellowship at the bistro.
The pace is like taking a leisurely stroll in the park. I enjoyed the location, learning the history of Three Pines, and the customs of the people. Once I understood what was going on with character development, I felt like one of the residents wondering who amongst us could do such a thing. However, I would have preferred less rambling and misdirection.
I describe this as a Cozy Mystery because of the humor and the fact that a local women solves the murder instead of the inspector. The audiobook narrator did a great job.
Canadian Homicide Chief is always getting in deep. The entire series is good, yet can be read out of order and individually without being lost.
An outstanding book.