erine's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
4.0
A quarter of the way into this story, we already have a body, but no real suspects. And I am absolutely howling because one of the words used to describe Clara’s art, somewhat randomly, is chiaroscuro. I remember this word from The Tale of Despereaux, and I’m pretty sure means something like the interplay between light and dark. I am completely tickled to find a kids book word here.
This all starts out with Clara’s art show. She is finally getting some attention, and after a successful show opening, there’s a dead body in her garden. It turns out the dead body is someone she used to know, but no one’s sure why she was there. Lots of art world in-fighting, including between Clara and Peter, who have never seemed quite matched. Another interesting thread relating to Alcoholics Anonymous, in which Gamache comes across as far less empathetic and understanding than I have come to expect.
Bonus storyline with Gamache and Beauvoir, who are still reeling from the violent disaster that took place offscreen in the last book. Beauvoir has divorced his wife and has begun to notice his feelings for Gamache’s daughter Annie who is also having marital issues. Beauvoir’s relationship with Gamache also takes a hit, with the mystery of who leaked the video from that failed raid still lingering, Beauvoir becoming pretty clearly addicted to pain pills, and twisting the battle from that day into a betrayal by Gamache.
I would love to see more of Agent Lacoste.
Ruth and the duck may have been my favorite bit.
This all starts out with Clara’s art show. She is finally getting some attention, and after a successful show opening, there’s a dead body in her garden. It turns out the dead body is someone she used to know, but no one’s sure why she was there. Lots of art world in-fighting, including between Clara and Peter, who have never seemed quite matched. Another interesting thread relating to Alcoholics Anonymous, in which Gamache comes across as far less empathetic and understanding than I have come to expect.
Bonus storyline with Gamache and Beauvoir, who are still reeling from the violent disaster that took place offscreen in the last book. Beauvoir has divorced his wife and has begun to notice his feelings for Gamache’s daughter Annie who is also having marital issues. Beauvoir’s relationship with Gamache also takes a hit, with the mystery of who leaked the video from that failed raid still lingering, Beauvoir becoming pretty clearly addicted to pain pills, and twisting the battle from that day into a betrayal by Gamache.
I would love to see more of Agent Lacoste.
Ruth and the duck may have been my favorite bit.
maplegrey's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
doc_erinnicole's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is basically as good as it gets with Penny; a straightforward story with no structural weirdness or unnecessary tangents. Just a clear narrative with minimal fatphobia and a satisfying ending. That's all I can ask of her.
I do like where some of the interpersonal relationships are going and the potential messiness it may cause. I will say that Clara was more annoying that normal but I feel like we've been building to this for quite some time...she's fully in her Karen era.
Probably my second favorite Three Pines novel after Still Life, which only have a fondness for as it established the world, etc.
I do like where some of the interpersonal relationships are going and the potential messiness it may cause. I will say that Clara was more annoying that normal but I feel like we've been building to this for quite some time...she's fully in her Karen era.
Probably my second favorite Three Pines novel after Still Life, which only have a fondness for as it established the world, etc.
chanancrompton's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
nancyinoregon's review against another edition
5.0
I seem to love each book better. The construction of the mystery in this one seemed the best yet--but that's not why I read Louise Penny's books. She's a master at creating characters you wish you knew.
teacup02's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
erikamoody's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
nferre's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not much of a mystery/series fan to begin with, but I found Louise Penny's other books enjoyable for a change of pace. This one? Not so much. I like books that either have a great plot or wonderful writing and every now and then I find a book that has both. This one had a weak plot and I just don't find her writing style that great. Characters were wishy-washy and the whodunit part was lame. I have two other of her books on my kindle and I'll be in no big rush to read them.