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Still Life by Louise Penny
Genre: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Thriller
Length: 293 pages
First Published Year: 2005
Series: Three Pines series
Literary Awards: Barry Award for Best First Novel (2007)
ISBN: 9780312948559
Language: English
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Publisher’s Description Summary
Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his investigative team from the Surêté du Québec are pulled into a mysterious case in a quaint village south of Montreal.
They’re looking into the death of Jane Neal a well-known figure in the small community of Three Pines close to the U.S. border.
Found dead in the forest the initial thought is it’s a hunting mishap. However Gamache suspects foul play and believes Jane’s death was no accident but a deliberate act.
“Still Life” the first book in a series introduces us to the calm and determined Inspector Gamache.
He leads his team with integrity showcasing the writing prowess of Louise Penny who crafts a compelling mystery set against the backdrop of a seemingly peaceful village.
As Gamache digs deeper during the investigation over Thanksgiving Weekend he’s baffled by the motive behind Jane Neal’s murder.
Three Pines is known for its tranquility and lack of crime to the point of not having its own police force.
Despite the village’s serene facade Gamache is convinced that a sinister presence lurks within ready to unveil its dark secrets.
Quotes from Still Life by Louise Penny
- There are four things that lead to wisdom. You ready for them?’ She nodded, wondering when the police work would begin. “They are four sentences we learn to say, and mean.” Gamache held up his hand as a fist and raised a finger with each point. “I don’t know. I need help. I’m sorry. I was wrong’.
- Life is choice. All day, everyday. Who we talk to, where we sit, what we say, how we say it. And our lives become defined by our choices. It’s as simple and as complex as that. And as powerful. so when I’m observing that’s what I’m watching for.
- Myrna could spend happy hours browsing bookcases. She felt if she could just get a good look at a person’s bookcase and their grocery cart, she’d pretty much know who they were.
- I think many people love their problems. Gives them all sorts of excuses for not growing up and getting on with life.
- Life is change. If you aren’t growing and evolving, you’re standing still, and the rest of the world is surging ahead.
- I’ve been treating you with courtesy and respect because that’s the way I choose to treat everyone. But never, ever mistake kindness with weakness.
About Louise Penny
Louise Penny, a famous writer created the popular Chief Inspector Armand Gamache book series, topping bestseller lists in the New York Times and Globe and Mail.
Her work has earned her many accolades, like the CWA Dagger and multiple Agatha Awards, and she was even in the running for the Edgar Award.
In 2017, her impact on Canadian culture was recognized with the Order of Canada. She resides in a quaint village near Montréal.
You can visit the author’s website for more information.
