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Web ID: 1439099813 reviewssorted by Newest
Solid, if imperfect, into to series
I've been eyeing this series for awhile now, wasn't sure what to expect, maybe was hoping for too much and hence the less than perfect rating. Lots of characters (taking notes to keep them straight wouldn't be a bad idea), generally well-developed, including our Hero Inspector Gamache. I did find his protege for this investigation, Agent Nichol, disappointing - unidimensional, and seemingly for the narrative advantage of saying really one thing at a critical juncture that could've been accomplished without having to make her character so grating. Otherwise, pace was good (maybe a bit slow, but that does allow the atmosphere to develop), ending wrapped everything up nicely, and I'll probably dip back into the series in the future, maybe with more realistic expectations.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Good plot, Endearing Characters, Strong Writing
I first launched into the Louise Penny Inspector Gamache books by way of book #18, The Madness of Crowds, because I was looking for a new author/series and was very intrigued by the premise. Of course, I quickly fell in love with the characters, the setting, and the overall earnest and warm tone of the novels. After thoroughly enjoying book 18, I next picked up book 1, Still Life. Oddly, it took me two or three tries to get through the first 20 or so pages. Something about the setup/introduction felt backwards or less than engaging. Or, maybe I just wasn't in the right mindset for it; possible. However, once I worked through the first 20 or 30 pages, I once again fell under the spell of Three Pines, Inspector Gamache, and the warm and earnest tone of the books. The plot is interesting and creative, but, much like the Rex Stout Nero Wolfe mysteries, for me the real joy of the series is just getting to spend time in that world, with those characters and in that setting. Like visiting with old friends. That's a real testament to Ms. Penny's writing and storytelling, which creates a world that one wants to revisit over and over again. Overall, a good mystery novel that is both well-written and, after the first 20-30 pages, very engaging. Now, on to book #2!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Just Average for Me
I have never read this author before and this book was recommended to me. Penny did a good job with character building, especially Chief Inspector Gamache; however, it was somewhat confusing to keep track of all the towns people, and Officer Nichol's character was never fully fleshed out (was she a good guy or a bad guy). The premise of the story--Jane Neal being murdered and definitely by one of the towns people--was good, but the story took a long time to be told. And, it seemed like it rehashed some of the dynamics between characters throughout. It was just an average book for me, but I do think some people will enjoy it. (Clearly, the person who recommended it to me did.) I probably won't read this author again.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Cozy mystery fans will love this one!
The pacing of this one is slower than the average mystery/thriller these days, but that works for it. This story takes place in a small town, moving at light speed would feel unnatural. Instead, this feels like the pacing was done to match the vibe of the small town. Making progress and moving forward but not rushing. I loved that! This one also features beautiful descriptive language. Penny describes things in incredible detail, making it easy to picture the setting of this Quebec story. Overall, this one is an intriguing opening to the series. You know the detective well but still have a few questions about some of his choices. You’ve seen him solve one case and you’d give him another. The series has potential!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Character driven mystery series
A character driven murder mystery with such fully developed, engaging characters, and enough red herrings to keep you guessing that I read it straight through in two days. A bit of a slow burn, with focus on the interconnections of these small town characters rather than a fast paced plot but a thoroughly enjoyable read. This is the first book in the long running Inspector Gamache series, now on its 19th book. I will definitely be reading the entire series. Highly recommended
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Kept my interest
This is the first book I've read by this author. I wasn't sure what to expect because I normally don't read this genre, however, I was captivated! I also found several instances humorous, which was a delight. It was long, I must warn you. I read it over the Christmas Break while I was on vacation, which gave me ample time to read. Good book.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Maybe, just, pass
After high accolades from my Nana and Mama Lu, I finally came around to giving Louise Penny's Armand Gamache series a test by reading "A World of Curiosities" (the 18th of the series). Having enjoyed "A World of Curiosities" I decided to go back and begin the series from the start; mistake made. If "Still Life" had been my first read of Penny's I would not have picked up a second. Even having liked "A World of Curiosities" I still don't know if I'll continue on with the series or simply leave having enjoyed Curiosities at that. The cast of villagers in this cozy series, are pitiable rather than endearing making the reader feel as 'of course someone(s) were murdered here and y'all can't figure it out, I would expect nothing less from this lot'. Additionally, the writing was repetitive, repetitive, repetitive. (Annoying right?) As a generality, I don't read book series, preferring instead standalone reads. So perhaps I'm just not use to character build ups that you see in overtime in series, maybe all book 1s read similarly and I just don't know. But based on this book, I would not continue in the Gamache series. That being said, my Nana and Mama Lu devour everything Louise Penny writes, so she's definitely got her fans (else she would have never written 18 Gamache books!), I'm just not one of them.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Still Life-a wonderful beginning-exciting
When I bought this book I didn't realize I would be reading 20 books about Gamache and the town of Three Pines in Canada-a wonderful book and the way the author writes takes you there.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com