by Louise Penny,
This is the first Inspector Gamache book. I have read four of the most recent books in the series and was curious to read the first one to see how the series started. I enjoyed most of the books except for one (Bury Your Dead) which I found a bit tedious.
I enjoyed the books as I have most of the others. I have to say that Penny has become my favourite mystery writer. I like her stories for the story lines, but more than that, I really enjoy the extensive character development that she provides for all the people in the book, not just the inspector. You get to feel that you really know all the people, their strengths and their foilbles.
In this story one of the oldest, most beloved people, of three pines is found murdered n the woods. She has been killed by an arrow to the heart. Surprisingly, there are many archers in the town, so many potential suspects. But, why would anyone want to kill this former school teacher? And, why would she never let anyone beyond her kitchen in her house? And why, now that she has had a piece of her art accepted in a local art show, has she announced that she will have a party in her living room, after the art show? After her murder, the inspector and towns people are shocked at the gawdy Happy Face wallpaper and pink floors in the living room. Was this why she never invited anyone in? No, her niece who coveted her house, and has now inherited it, has covered the walls with gaudy wallpaper to cover her aunt's aritistic output. And, then we find out there is a more recent will... As the niece is a realtor and has a house decorated exquisitely if lifelessly, why did she choose such gawdy wallpaper? That seems a bit weird, if she wanted the house you would think she would put her efforts into something more tasteful.
Though the book is the first in the series, the book hints at some previous cases, and some trouble Gamache had in his career in the past. Beauvoir is his 2IC already in this book. In addition there is a young female who is brought on to help with the case but though Gamache tries to mentor her she seems to do everything wrong and is only hurt and spiteful when she is criticized, rather than repentant and willing to learn.
Many of the quirky characters who will continue to appear in future mysteries set in Three Pines are introduced in this book. I look forward to reading all the books in the series.
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