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.
more
A good mystery there was a part towards the end that had me tickled.
It’s very atmospheric, describing a small town in French Canada. The people seem to live ordinary lives, but there are a few surprises.
Wonderful, almost magical, setting for murder most foul. The characters are fully realized and will stay with you.
Louise Penny has a way of keeping you involved and trying to solve the mystery of who killed Jane Neal.
I love Louise Penny’s imagination. Her novels should be on everyone’s reading list.
Eager to read the next book in the series!
I love the Chief Inspector Gamache series. It has a deep understanding of humanity, a long arc of development of several characters and interesting insights on art.
Louise Penny is one of my favorite authors and I decided to reread her first novel. I thought it even better the second time through tham I did the first. I heartily recommend it.
Wonderful characters, beautifully written. Must start with book 1 of the series to get the full background on all the marvelous people living in Three Pines. Can’t wait for the next installment!
Having read all of Agatha Christie’s mysteries, it’s wonderful to find a modern author writing murder stories in a cozy Canadian village I wish really existed, with a warm and fascinating detective from the Surete. A perfect read.
I absolutely love the way Ms. Penny tells a story. The characters seem like next door neighbors that you’d enjoy knowing.
I REALLY enjoyed this book! Well written, great character development, lovely little town, great mystery! Definitely going to read the rest of the series!
It reminded me a bit of the BBC series Midsomer Murders, only set in the Quebec area instead of England. I’m curious to see if more of the stories take place in this town, or if we’re just following around inspector Gamache. Either way I still want to read them!
Characters were unique and quirky with pasts that unfolded in surprising ways. The main character had a philosophical nature and was likeable.
Great story line. You need to start with the first inspector book and continue on. These are books you just can’t put down.
This is the first book in the author’s series on the happenings in the small Quebec village of Three Pines. It introduces Inspector Garmache and many residents who will recur in subsequent volumes. I was immediately hooked! I have read all the subsequent titles and look forward to the upcoming title which is due for
November publication. I really care for the characters who populate these books .
Miss Penny is a literate, compelling and compassionate writer who brings her characters to life and makes us want to know more about them. Although every book can stand alone, it is much more rewarding to read them in sequence. Louise Penny is my favorite contemporary author and her books have given me many hours of pleasure.
Well developed characters and story line , kept me guessing.
This entire series is one of my favorites. I love her caricatures.
The death of a retired school teacher shocks the community of Three Pines. But was it an accident or murder? It took me quite a while to sort out the characters. Once I did, I really got hooked on them and the story.
The entire Three Pines series is brilliant.
First in the Inspector Gamache series. The author creates intriguing characters, haunting locations, and a great plot. The interaction between the detective squad, the unique characters, keeps the reader wondering where this mystery is going.