Homer Public Library 15 in '16 discussion

This author is new to me although she has written quite a few books with this main character, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, head of the homicide department of the Sûreté du Québec, and the town, Three Pines. Cozy mysteries are not my favorite; I was concerned at first that this fell into that category, but it was not.
I am a bit ambivalent about the book and reading any future books by Louise Penny. I believe the author has created a town in which she would like to live and characters she would like to have around her. I admired Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his approach to the crime of murder committed in Three Pines. I loved the people and food of the Bistro (Olivier and his partner Gabri) as well as Myrna and the bookstore, but I am unsure of others in the town. I am not certain these are people I would like around me...for instance, Jane's niece Yvonne and family. The more I write the more I realize I may have to wait a while and reread Still Life...perhaps there are lessons in there for me, however, I must say I wanted to like this book more than I do.

I haven't read this book yet. My only familiarity with it comes from a radio piece I heard about it once. Apparently there is a whole tour industry in Quebec based on this book series. I'm planning on listening to it sometime this year. I'll let you know what I think.

Louise Penny is one of the authors that I read everything she writes and anxiously await each new book. And although they have some of the characteristics of cozy mysteries, they are anything but if you read the whole series. Characters change and surprise me every time. Someone you were sure was one of the "good" guys turns out to have some dark corners that affect the entire village or the homicide department. And even if Ms. Penny has created characters she likes and would like to have around her, she is not above killing them off on occasion for the sake of the story. I think it really helps to read the series in order because so many changes happen to the people, just like in real life. I highly recommend them and if you had some troubles with Still Life it might be worth reading another.

Teresa...I am not surprised...apparently the series really took off and I know there are people really into her books. As with any author you love knowing the location really enhances the reading experience.

Anne....no, I realize they are not cozy mysteries...initially, I thought her books might be, but as soon as I was into the book just a few pages I knew it was not 'cozy'. :) I am definitely a person who reads an author's books in order...it really adds to the understanding of the characters. I can see just by reading Still Life this is a book you must pay attention to or you will be lost. I have so many books in my TBR pile, but I do plan on going back to either Still Life or the second book, A Fatal Grace. Thank you for your feed back.

I very much enjoy Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series! I just finished #6, Bury Your Dead, and I think it is my favorite one yet. I like the way she develops the characters in each book, and across books. That and the way she uses the 5 senses.

Cathy wrote: "I very much enjoy Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series! I just finished #6, Bury Your Dead, and I think it is my favorite one yet. I like the way she develops the characters in each book, and ac..."
Hi Cathy, yes, I know quite a few people who love this book and the series which is why I chose to read it. Frankly, it is "different" and I do not mean that negatively, I will reread it and work into the series...I truly hope to enjoy them more. There were underlying thoughts which I enjoyed and need to think more about...Thanks for the response.