peppypenguin's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't expect to like this book so much. I definitely intend to read more from this series.
Yes, this is a murder mystery. But if that's all you see it as you won't like this book very much.
It's about people, and human nature, and life itself. The very basic plot isn't much to write home about in my opinion. But its about the vivid, real characters, and the process of the investigation. Gamache is an amazing character who I look forward to following in the series. And while there are beautiful characters, there are ugly ones, but no matter which one it is the author uses them as a catalyst to say something meaningful.
The fact that this is set in Quebec makes the issues brought up resonate more for me, but I think others can still appreciate the insight into Quebec life.
Overall this was an excellent read that I would recommend in a heartbeat.
Yes, this is a murder mystery. But if that's all you see it as you won't like this book very much.
It's about people, and human nature, and life itself. The very basic plot isn't much to write home about in my opinion. But its about the vivid, real characters, and the process of the investigation. Gamache is an amazing character who I look forward to following in the series. And while there are beautiful characters, there are ugly ones, but no matter which one it is the author uses them as a catalyst to say something meaningful.
The fact that this is set in Quebec makes the issues brought up resonate more for me, but I think others can still appreciate the insight into Quebec life.
Overall this was an excellent read that I would recommend in a heartbeat.
heykylie's review against another edition
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
A delight to read a cozy murder mystery and even more delight when it's the first in a series! I'm definitely going to read the next one, but I did find that the POV switching to be a bit clumsy and I'm hoping for a lot of character development for the Gamache's police force comrades. I love the Gamache character, though, and the setting is super charming.
kessleragain's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
acbh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.25
nicolaspratt's review against another edition
2.0
It's frustrating to read a book that is obviously set-up for future books. The plotl ine was a bit manic at times, jumping to all sorts of seemingly random storylines, and adding unnecessary plot points. It was pretty difficult to follow the characters and their development seemed very stunted (it will probably get better in subsequent books). The characters seemed rather fake in their very dramatic lives, lack of money, homosexuality, painting abilities etc. Also, this style of book is not something I personally enjoy, so my review is definitely biased.
bigsexy's review against another edition
5.0
This is how to write a mystery. I am so glad I picked up the first Inspector Gamache mystery and I can’t wait to dive into more. Louise Penny is amazing!
awildernessofbooks's review against another edition
5.0
When I set out to read Louise Penny I knew I had to start here and I recommend you do too. This book was so charming and it was so fun to get to know all of the characters. I just didn’t want to leave Three Pines. Sometimes in a small town book the characters become too overdone or oversimplified, becoming either caricatures or stereotypes. Not the case with this one. Penny’s writing has a way of giving depth to the characters while not giving you too much. She allows the reader to create a picture and think critically about the plot. The mystery was one I was guessing at until the end and it was not predictable. I can’t wait to read more in the Inspector Gamache series.
julie_h's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0