katienunnery's review
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
k_lee_reads_it's review
5.0
"That twisted reality, until malice and truth were intertwined and indistinguishable." - A Better Man
“Words are like feathers… It is so easy for them to come out, and they scatter on the wind before you know it. But like feathers, our words are not easy to gather back up again. Once out of your mouth, you simply cannot take them all back.” - The Witness Wore Red
I have just read two books in a row in which words play an important part. One book fiction; the other non-fiction. Both books, interestingly and not intentionally on my part, about abused women and the cycle of abuse.
Louise Penny highlights social media and it's effects on society today in her book, A Better Man. She also wraps an abusive relationship up into a murder. And through the main character, Gamache, she present to the reader three questions to ponder before speaking: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
There is some language in this book.
“Words are like feathers… It is so easy for them to come out, and they scatter on the wind before you know it. But like feathers, our words are not easy to gather back up again. Once out of your mouth, you simply cannot take them all back.” - The Witness Wore Red
I have just read two books in a row in which words play an important part. One book fiction; the other non-fiction. Both books, interestingly and not intentionally on my part, about abused women and the cycle of abuse.
Louise Penny highlights social media and it's effects on society today in her book, A Better Man. She also wraps an abusive relationship up into a murder. And through the main character, Gamache, she present to the reader three questions to ponder before speaking: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
There is some language in this book.
sssnoo's review against another edition
4.0
Another Gamache installment finished. Sigh. Now I have to wait for the next book. Not only was this a stellar mystery with twist and turns and surprises, it builds on the characters of Three Pines. The sub plot with Clara was exceptionally strong this time. If you are a Penny/Gamache fan there is no need for this review as you are already devouring this book. If you are not a Penny reader and you like crime mysteries with strong character development (think Elizabeth George or JK Rowlings’ Comoron Strike books) then you will likely fall in love with Three Pines and its entire cast of characters.
As a side note, I attended an author event with Louise Penny last weekend. I wasn’t sure what to expect from an author talk held in a large (1000 plus) capacity theater here in San Diego. The event exceeded my expectations a thousand-fold. Penny was so gracious, relatable and fun. She talked about her journey to become an author, her fears and triumphs. I have been impressed with her books since I first read them and now I am even more impressed by the woman behind them. If you get an opportunity to attend one of these events I recommend it. I was very happy to learn that the next volume is already drafted.
As a side note, I attended an author event with Louise Penny last weekend. I wasn’t sure what to expect from an author talk held in a large (1000 plus) capacity theater here in San Diego. The event exceeded my expectations a thousand-fold. Penny was so gracious, relatable and fun. She talked about her journey to become an author, her fears and triumphs. I have been impressed with her books since I first read them and now I am even more impressed by the woman behind them. If you get an opportunity to attend one of these events I recommend it. I was very happy to learn that the next volume is already drafted.
raesbook's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
mkaber's review
5.0
Louise Penny is an absolute treasure and I am consistently blown away by how layered, intricate, emotional, terrible and beautiful this series is. I went in without reading the synopsis and encourage you to do the same. Don't worry, there is both poetry and poultry.
For newbies: This is not a series to pick up midway through, there has been so much growth, so much change (good and bad) for all our beloved characters, that we owe it to the genius of this body of work, to start at the beginning.
For newbies: This is not a series to pick up midway through, there has been so much growth, so much change (good and bad) for all our beloved characters, that we owe it to the genius of this body of work, to start at the beginning.
bibliobabe94's review
3.0
Not my favorite in the series, but still a solid read. And as always, lots of lessons and thought provoking moments.
bethreadsandnaps's review
3.0
Vivienne is missing and pregnant, and her husband is known to be an abuser. This book was So. Long. given that was the plot. Tedious. I was so pleased with Kingdom of the Blind, and then this one takes away the mojo I had finally acquired. This one was actually an “easier” crime than some of the previous books, but maybe it got too mired in the investigation and Three Pines-ness that I was turned off.
anjreading's review
3.0
3.5 stars. For some reason. Penny’s sentence fragments. That she uses. All of the time. Really irritated me in this book. I also admit I’m a little tired of the endless vile corruption in higher-ups. Nevertheless, I was eventually pulled fully into the story (Gamache is trying to help a man find his missing daughter while catastrophic floods loom) and there were some interesting twists. Curious to see what the next book will bring...