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Series Review
Picture-Perfect Quebecois Village Mecca for Murderers
So far, Chief Inspector Gamache of the Surêté du Québec, hero of the ten novels in the cozy mystery series that bears his name, has led eight investigations in Three Pines, the fictional village in Quebec, Canada that is the usual setting for this series of cozy mysteries. Three Pines has everything necessary for the well-lived life--natural beauty, great food, caring, if cranky, neighbors, historic homes, a good book store. It is also a magnet for murderers.
Gamache probes for emotional truth as well as for facts. What emerges is a rich world of complex characters: brave, funny, loving and, every so often, lethal.
Each book in this insightful cozy series is wittier, wiser and more wonderful than the last. My prediction? These books will stay in print forever. They're that good. ( And so are the meals dished up in the Three Pines bistro.)
Series Guide
If you can only read one, read Bury Your Dead (#6) because it is just a great book. But if you read it, you will want to read The Brutal Telling (#5) which is the beginning of a story that ends in #6. I like all of these so much I can't really pick. You should save A Trick of the Light (#7) until you read an earlier one and get up to speed on the characters. If in doubt, begin at the beginning with A Still Life ( #1) or at the end with The Long Way Home (#10). A Rule Against Murder (#4) is also wonderful--a bit lighter than my favorite, Bury Your Dead (#6).
Book Summaries
Below, a list of the mystery novels in chronological order:
Gamache and his team head to the village of Three Pines when a beloved citizen dies in suspicious circumstances.A Fatal Grace (2007, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books # 2, APA: Dead Cold)
A chilling murder at Christmas brings Gamache and the team back to town for another satisfying exploration of the darkness within the human heart. The Cruelest Month (2007, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books # 3)
When love turns to hate, all hell breaks loose in Three Pines and at Surêté headquarters in Montreal.A Rule Against Murder (2009, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books # 4, APA: The Murder Stone)
All the suspects gathered at the luxurious inn in the wilderness are carrying heavy baggage from childhood. But only one of them is a murderer. . . The Brutal Telling (2009, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books #5)
Until they discovered his corpse in the bistro, the good citizens of Three Pines were unaware that a man lived in the woods just over the hill from their village green. Bury Your Dead (2010, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books # 6)
Violent death follows Gamache to Quebec City where he has gone to recover emotionally and physically from a tragic encounter with a group of terrorists. A Trick of the Light (2011, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books #7)
Chief Inspector Gamache and his crack team of investigators return to Three Pines when artist Clara Morrow finds a corpse in her back garden. The Beautiful Mystery (2012, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books #8)
The director of a world famous choir of monks is murdered in their isolated monastery.How the Light Gets In (2013, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books #9)
A sad Three Pines Christmas for Gamache--his enemies are circling, his agents are deserting and the murderer of a celebrity eludes him. The Long Way Home (2014, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books #10)
Artist Clara Morrow enlists Gamache's aid in the search for her missing husband, which takes them to Canada's northern wilderness. The World's Most
Compassionate Cop
Gamache may be the most compassionate investigator plying his trade in the pages of contemporary fiction.
Like most great detectives, he has a philosophy of murder. Gamache believes that murders happen when emotions curdle and turn into poison within the human spirit. So, as he interviews suspects, Gamache probes for emotional truth as well as for facts. What emerges is a rich world of complex characters: brave, funny, loving and, every so often, lethal.
Chief Inspector Gamache may be the last honorable officer in the Surêté du Québec. He refused to turn a blind eye when his colleagues succumbed to corruption: now they will have their revenge. Can this cerebral and civilized cop prevail without losing his integrity--or his life?
Above, from top to bottom:
Quaint Quebec, Canada; Montreal Jazz Fest; Quebec City; Old Town Quebec City in snow
(2005, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books #1)
by Louise Penny
WINNER! New Blood Dagger, Arthur Ellis, Barry, Anthony, and Dilys Award
FINALIST! 2010 Barry Award for Best Novel of the Decade
Louise Penny breathes new life into a venerable form, the village cozy, with a cast of characters destined for immortality.
(Bestsellers. Cozies. Police Procedurals. Set in Three Pines, Quebec, Canada)
Check out the video adaptation of this book.
Indexes
Book Reviews
Inspector Gamache Series
(From newest to oldest; Dates refer to publication in the US in English; # refers to series order)
(2014, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books #10)
by Louise Penny
Wonderful, moving story. Penny never disappoints. This book wraps up some of the stories that have continued from book to book and plants seeds of a new beginning for a beloved group of characters. If you haven't dipped into this series before, you can start with this book.
Gamache and friends are sadder and wiser in this emotionally satisfying tale of love lost and found. Gamache and Reine-Marie have retired to Three Pines and are enjoying their leisure until a new mystery, which takes them to Canada's far North, interrupts their serenity.
(Bestsellers. Cozies. Police Procedurals. Set in Three Pines, Quebec, Canada)
(2013, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books #9)
by Louise Penny
A moving story of love, loss and healing AND a cracking good mystery.
PLUS:
--A winter wedding
--Rosa's return
--Henri falls in love
--Ruth in rare form
--The grand finale of the Surêté corruption story
(Bestsellers. Cozies. Police Procedurals. Set in Three Pines, Quebec, Canada)
(2012, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books #8)
by Louise Penny
This is a fine, fine story concerning ancient music set in an isolated monastery. I only gave it 4 Hearts because it is Gamache and Jean Guy on their own-- no Three Pines at all. And I do love Three Pines.
(Bestsellers. Cozies. Police Procedurals. Set in Three Pines, Quebec, Canada)
(2011, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books #7)
by Louise Penny
WINNER! 2012 Anthony Award for Best Mystery
Stunning! Cozies don't get better than this.
PLUS: Dog lovers will find much to appreciate here.AND, fans find out:--If Clara's life-long dream has come true--If Peter has cracked yet--If Olivier has forgiven Gamache--If Rosa has returned--If Agent Nichol has found a good dry cleaner--If Gamache has discovered Brebeuf's true feelings--If Ruth has brained Jean Guy with her cane yet (Bestsellers. Cozies. Police Procedurals. Set in Three Pines, Quebec, Canada)
(2010, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books # 6)
by Louise Penny
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
WINNER! 2010 Agatha Award for Best Novel WINNER! 2010 Dilys Award
WINNER! 2011 Anthony Award for Best Mystery
WINNER! 2011 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel WINNER! 2010 Macavity Award for Best Novel WINNER! 2011 Nero Award
If you can only read one Three Pines mystery, read this one. It is simultaneously hopeful and heartbreaking. A great book.
(Bestsellers. Cozies. Police Procedurals. Set in Three Pines, Quebec, Canada)
(2009, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books #5 )
by Louise Penny
WINNER! 2009 Agatha Award for Best Novel
WINNER! 2010 Anthony Award for Best Mystery
Is our Olivier a murderer? If you read this, you must also read the next in the series, Bury Your Dead (#6).
(Bestsellers. Cozies. Police Procedurals. Set in Three Pines, Quebec, Canada)
(2009, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books # 4, APA: The Murder Stone)
by Louise Penny
Fabulous! Terrific mystery and a deep look into Gamache's past. Plus, Clara's in-laws are a hinky bunch! Fans of traditional "country house weekend" mysteries will appreciate the way Penny has updated the form.
(Bestsellers. Cozies. Police Procedurals. Set in Three Pines, Quebec, Canada)
(2007, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books # 3)
by Louise Penny
WINNER! 2008 Agatha Award for Best Novel
Highly recommended. Full of suspense and humor.
(Bestsellers. Cozies. Police Procedurals. Set in Three Pines, Quebec, Canada)
(2007, Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books # 2, APA: Dead Cold)
by Louise Penny
WINNER! 2007 Agatha Award for Best Novel
VERY GOOD mystery. Satisfying story. A winner!
(Bestsellers. Cozies. Police Procedurals. Set in Three Pines, Quebec, Canada)
Check out the video adaptation of Still Life (Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery Books #1).
Below: English actor Nathaniel Parker of Inspector Lynley fame plays Armand Gamache in the video adaptation of Still Life.
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