princess_azula's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Chronic illness, Cancer, Police brutality, and Terminal illness
Minor: Car accident, Pregnancy, Alcoholism, Animal death, and Trafficking
jhbandcats's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I am really enjoying reading about Chief Inspector Gamache and his team, and all the familiar faces of the Three Pines residents.
This book, the third in the series, continued the ongoing backstory of the Arnot case that took place years before we meet Gamache in Still Life. The current mystery is of a woman frightened to death at a seance. Gamache’s team now includes Agent Yvette Nichol, obnoxious and grating, and Agent Robert Lemieux, as amiable as Nichol is repellent.
The convergence of the plot lines at the end didn’t work for me. It shook me out of my suspension of disbelief that’s necessary for any appreciation of a fictional tale. It was too improbable. Aside from that, I enjoyed it and I wanted to see the hand-painted wooden Easter eggs.
This book, the third in the series, continued the ongoing backstory of the Arnot case that took place years before we meet Gamache in Still Life. The current mystery is of a woman frightened to death at a seance. Gamache’s team now includes Agent Yvette Nichol, obnoxious and grating, and Agent Robert Lemieux, as amiable as Nichol is repellent.
The convergence of the plot lines at the end didn’t work for me. It shook me out of my suspension of disbelief that’s necessary for any appreciation of a fictional tale. It was too improbable. Aside from that, I enjoyed it and I wanted to see the hand-painted wooden Easter eggs.
Graphic: Alcohol, Murder, Animal death, Cancer, Eating disorder, and Grief
franklola's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Cancer, Grief, Murder, Toxic friendship, Violence, Animal death, and Death
carmen_et_error's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Animal death, Chronic illness, and Terminal illness
katypicken's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
My favourite Inspector Gamache book so far (I know I have a lot to go). Inspector Gamache's own past comes to haunt him in a big way in this book, and I like how his story relates to the mystery he came to Three Pines to solve. Atmospheric, intriguing Can't wait to read more - the question is whether to rush right on to the next one or to pace myself!
Moderate: Death, Murder, and Police brutality
Minor: Cancer, Grief, Racism, Violence, and Animal death
My favourite Inspector Gamache book so far (I know I have a lot to go). Inspector Gamache's own past comes to haunt him in a big way in this book, and I like how his story relates to the mystery he came to Three Pines to solve. Atmospheric, intriguing Can't wait to read more - the question is whether to rush right on to the next one or to pace myself!justagirlwithabook's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Giving this a 4-5 star, because the series does get better as it goes. I attribute this mostly to foundational characters of Three Pines and Gamache and his team; with every book that goes by, the more we get to know them and the more we love them!
I’m also starting to find that when I want a little bit of a comforting, cozy mystery, Three Pines is the first to come to mind. The only bad part about picking up one of these books is the cravings for croissants and other warm, baked goods that will hit you hard with nearly every chapter. Haha! You either need to have industrial strength will-power or a bit of something on hand in the kitchen.
I’ve ordered the next two in the series, so I’m all set for a little bit, but I fully plan on catching up!
I’m also starting to find that when I want a little bit of a comforting, cozy mystery, Three Pines is the first to come to mind. The only bad part about picking up one of these books is the cravings for croissants and other warm, baked goods that will hit you hard with nearly every chapter. Haha! You either need to have industrial strength will-power or a bit of something on hand in the kitchen.
I’ve ordered the next two in the series, so I’m all set for a little bit, but I fully plan on catching up!
Minor: Animal death, Death, Grief, and Terminal illness
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