Still Life (Chief Inspector Gamache Series #1) by Louise Penny
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Web ID: 1439099812 reviews
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
Easy, fast read
Still Life (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #1) by Louise Penny Even though this is the first in a series, the book is a stand-alone book. In the quiet Village of Three Pines, Quebec, Canada, in a forest near a dear path, a 76 y/o woman by the name of Jane Neal is found dead from an arrow wound. Benjamin (Ben) Hadley found the body. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Quebec is assigned the case. The first thing that is suspicious is that within a week, Timmer Hadley, Ben's mother, died after a long bout with kidney cancer. Coincidence? The second thing that is curious, is if it was an accident, no one seems to have claimed responsibility. After asking around, it is found that Jane had quarreled with three people who were pasting manure at the local B & B, Olivier's Bistro, owned by two gay people: Olivier Brulé and Gavriel (Gabri) Dubeau. The third thing that is curious is that Jane never allowed anyone inside her house and she was killed a week after she submitted a painting to the Williamsburg Art Contest. She opened her house to a few people after her art piece was accepted for the contest. Gamache decides to inspect the wound and it turns out that it was from an old wooden arrow - not the new metal ones - and it had real feathers, instead of synthetic material. The arrow pierced Jane's heart, so it must involve a very experienced archer. Gamache cannot understand why anyone would want to deliberately kill well-loved artist Jane Neal, especially any of the residents of Three Pines - a place so free from crime it doesn't even have its own police force. But Gamache knows that evil is lurking somewhere behind the white picket fences and that, if he watches closely enough, Three Pines will start to give up its dark secrets. Narrated from the third person point of view, this is an easy, fast read. The characters are real and come out of the page. My only problem is that there are too many of them - and I believe some of them distract from the plot. The plot is interesting, a typical "who done it." Even though I enjoyed the book, I don't think I will read any of her other work.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com