I was first introduced to Louise Penny’s Chief Inspector Gamache of the Surêté du Québec a couple of years ago when my book club read The Madness of Crowds. A different kind of murder mystery, the story was set in the Canadian town of Three Pines. The Chief Inspector is knowledgeable while kind and caring. He sees what others do not. He reasons, never jumping to unfounded conclusions.
I learned at that time that Penny had written a series with the characters Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, his second-in-command Jean-Guy Beauvoir, and another trusted team member Inspector Isabelle Lacoste. Residents of Three Pines were introduced in the first book and continue to be characters in subsequent books.
A few weeks ago one of the ladies in my book club suggested reading The Grey Wolf, a new book by Louise Penny. I did not have a clue what it was about but trusted my new friend’s opinion, so I picked up the book after our meeting at our local Barnes and Noble. I was delighted when I started reading and found familiar “friends” on the pages. Upon finishing the book, I decided to start reading the series from the beginning.
I hadn’t yet acted on the decision to read the entire series. However, I made it to a hotel without a book. Luckily, a lovely outdoor mall was nearby, and I noticed a Barnes and Noble there. This would be the perfect time to dig in from the beginning! So I went to inquire about the first book in the series. That night I began reading the book. (I read in bed; it helps me relax and fall asleep easier). Within two days I had read the entire book, Still Life. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. While a murder mystery, it is “light” reading. The characters are inimitable and engaging, each with his or her unique personality.
On the Gamache Series website, Louise Penny writes: “These books are murder mysteries, but they’re not about murder. They’re about love and belonging, about loyalty and choices. And the courage to be good.” I think this is much of the reason I enjoy the books.
Penny is a good writer. The stories are easy to read. I find it fascinating to read the clues along with the investigative team and try to figure out who the culprit was. While each book can be read stand alone, I am enjoying solving murder mysteries along with Chief Inspector Gamache and his team … and the people of Three Pines.
I encourage you to check out Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache / Three Pines books if you enjoy catching clues and solving puzzles. And following the lives of quirky individuals whom you begin to include in your list of friends.
Silver Sage Sisters 