Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec and his team of investigators are called in to the scene of a suspicious death in a rural village south of Montréal and yet a world away. Jane Neal, a long-time resident of Three Pines, has been found dead in the woods. The locals are certain it's a tragic hunting accident and nothing more but Gamache smells something foul this holiday season…and is soon certain that Jane died at the hands of someone much more sinister than a careless bowhunter.
With this award-winning first novel, Louise Penny introduces an engaging hero in Inspector Gamache, who commands his forces--and this series--with power, ingenuity, and charm.
I kept hearing about this author and this book series. Still Life is the first in the series of books about Chief Inspector Gamache. The setting is Canada. So, the fact that I was hearing so much about this book from others is why I read this book. I am not always pleased with books others suggest. Sometimes I am! But this was not one of those times, I am sorry to say!
I love mysteries and "whodunits". This is the genre of this book. I didn't feel the characters were very well developed. I didn't feel like I "knew" this Chief Inspector. Unlike, James Patterson, who writes the Alex Cross books, Chief Inspector Gamache didn't stir enough interest in me to jump right over to Barnes and Noble and download the next series. (To be fair I have to say that James Patterson books have lost their appeal for me, too).
The story didn't flow right for me. I don't know why. The ending wasn't credible. I like endings to be incredible! The plot just wasn't there.
In reviews I have read that the series gets better. But I just don't have time to read books that don't grab me and hold me until the end. This was only a 'eh okay' book.
Two stars**
Sorry you didn't love this book. I've never read this author, but used to read Patterson. I'm more into lighter books now.
ReplyDeleteI used to finish a book even if I wasn't enjoying it, hoping it would get better. Very rarely does that happen. So now, if after about 50 pages I'm not excited about what I'm reading, I put it down and go to the next book.
I have a really hard time stopping a book! I need to work on that and quit wasting my time!
DeleteWell...the "eh, only okay" books make the five star books sooooo much better! The same has happened to me with Patterson.
ReplyDeleteSad! I used to love Patterson so much! He just doesn't write with much substance anymore! And this book Still Life has so many 5 start ratings. I guess we just don't know until we read them, do we?
DeleteThanks for the review. I'll stay away from it :) Now lately I've been reading reviews on Amazon, etc., before I buy any book. Got a few lemons that were promoted to be good books, so being a bit more cautious these days :)
ReplyDeletebetty
This book got a lot of very positive reviews. I just didn't find it that great! Others loved it!
DeleteI love love your honesty!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Holli! I tell it like I see it!
DeleteToo bad. But sometimes they just aren't that good. Hopefully your next book will be more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI am into Love Warrior right now and enjoying it very much!
DeleteI have this but haven't read it yet. I'm familiar with this part of Canada (it's just a few hours away)--that's why I got it.
ReplyDeleteThat may help you to enjoy it more. Part of the reason I didn't enjoy it was because I was so unfamiliar not only with the setting but with many of the references to the culture and the people. But I'm sure you will enjoy it!
DeleteThank you for saving me the time!
ReplyDeleteAnytime Myra! LOL
DeleteI have read, or actually listened to, all of the Penny/Gamache books. The first book grabbed me because I think I was enamored with the descriptions of the location. You know these kinds of books are called Cozies, or Cozy mysteries. Cozy mysteries are most likely set in a picturesque location, or small town. Sort of like, Jessica Fletcher’s Cabot Cove. So I guess “Three Pines” was the main character for me.
ReplyDeleteThe Author, Louise Penny, her story is actually quite interesting. I follow her on Facebook.
I have to say, overall would give the books an average of 3 stars.
I think that is possibly why I didn't enjoy it Lynda. I wasn't enamored with the location. Or all the references to a culture I know nothing about. Maybe I should give another book a second chance. I just don't know. I just didn't enjoy the story all that much.
DeleteAmen. Too many books and too little time to read something mediocre
ReplyDeleteAmen Wendy!
DeleteI have a few friends who LOVE this series. I think I started the first book, but had to return it before I got too far into it. Maybe I should give it another go, but I have so many books I REALLY want to read, that I'm not sure I'll get to this one. Maybe mysteries aren't my thing.
ReplyDeleteI know that many people have loved this series. And that is okay! I just couldn't get into it! I love mysteries. I just didn't care for THIS mystery!
DeleteHi Paula - pity .. it sounded like Louise Penny was on to a winner ... I used to read all the mystery-crime books when I was growing up - but now rarely do ... thanks for letting us know - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI still love mysteries. I just didn't like this one!
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