Author Louise Penny
I do read a variety of genres but part of my heart is always drawn to mysteries. I am especially drawn to mysteries that are part of a series. Somehow, if I like the detective, I love reading more about them.
It all started with Agatha Christie. Well, probably really with the Trixie Beldon books of my youth. There is something about being able to follow a character and get to know them and all the quirks that are developed over time. In recent years, I have read the books by Donna Leon with Commisario Guido Brunetti – there are 24 books in that series. I have also read the Sue Grafton A-X (so far) books.
I have found a new author and I think she is wonderful. The author is Louise Penny. The 11th book in her series with Chief Inspector Armond Gamache will be out in August. I have read books 1-4 and am trying not to read them too fast.
So far, the books are connected to the small hidden away town of Three Pines in Quebec, Canada. The books actually have a double bonus in that many of the characters are in each book. As the books progress, you get to know the characters better and more characters are added in each story. The books are in the same vein of mystery as Agatha Christie in that they are not bloody but more psychological. We also find as time goes by that the Chief Inspector has trouble at work with his superiors due to his good nature. His belief in people at times bothers his staff.
In the first book (Still Life) there is a murder in the small town and everyone is wondering who could have committed the murder when they all know each other so well. The Chief Inspector set up an outpost in the town to track down the killer. During the course of the investigation they get to know some of the towns people. We also get to know the Chief Inspector’s team and the interpersonal problems with the team members. They do find the killer but not before the murderer almost kills again.
I would highly recommend the Louise Penny mysteries. In fact, I am not sure that I will make it through the weekend without picking up the fifth book in the series and starting it. Just thinking about them has whet my appetite to read more about the Chief Inspector.
Thanks for reading!
I just found these collections on Amazon. It is much less expensive to buy the group rather than the individual books. I don’t remember how I happened to read the first book in the series but I know that I read 2-4 because one day I received an offer from Amazon for the books at a reduced price of $2.99 each. (I wish I had bought more!) Make sure you are on the mailing list with Amazon to get their emails with book specials.
Also remember that you can go and look for free Kindle books on Amazon just type in “free books for Kindle” in the search box at the top of the page. If you need the Kindle app, please click on the link below.
Carol Early Cooney 