Still Life
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With this award-winning first novel, Penny introduces Inspector Armand Gamache, who commands his forces with integrity and quiet courage. Locals are convinced a murder is no more than a tragic hunting accident, but Gamache uncovers something more sinister. RThis cerebral mystery . . . is a rare treat.S--"People."
… More »With this award-winning first novel, Penny introduces Inspector Armand Gamache, who commands his forces with integrity and quiet courage. Locals are convinced a murder is no more than a tragic hunting accident, but Gamache uncovers something more sinister. RThis cerebral mystery . . . is a rare treat.S--"People." Martin's Press.
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Summaries
Add a SummaryChief Inspector Armand Gamache and his team investigate a suspicious death in rural Montreal. Instead of a tragic hunting accident it turns out to be murder.
murder in a small english town....centres around an artsy community and old grudges.....good
Quotes
Add a Quote"Now, can I interest you in a glass of wine, or perhaps a chandelier?"
The greedy antique dealer in him, which composed a larger part of his make-up than he'd ever admit,... [Ch.1; an omen for things to come in a later book!]
[Gamache] always felt a pang when looking at the hands of the newly dead, imagining... all the gestures... The most poignant were the hands of young people who could never absently brush a lock of gray hair from their own eyes. [Ch.2]
It was, reflected Gamache, one of the fundamental differences between anglophone and francophone Quebecers; the English believed in individual rights and the French felt they had to protect collective rights. Protect their language and culture. [Ch.3]
We choose our thoughts. We choose our perceptions. We choose our attitudes. We may not think so. We may not believe it, but we do. I absolutely know... It's about choice... Life is a 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 complex as that. [Ch.4]
Most of us are great with change, as long as it was our idea. But change imposed from the outside can send some people into a tailspin.... Life is loss... but out of that comes freedom. If we can accept that nothing is permanent, and change is inevitable, if we can adapt, then we're going to be happier people. [Ch.7]
The memorial service for Jane Neal was short and sweet, and had it been plump it would have been an exact replica of the woman. [Ch.10]
Nichol... ran the water, pretending to wash her hands, and looked in the mirror. A young woman... looked back... She leaned in closer and saw there was a sticker attached to the mirror. On it was written, 'You're looking at the problem.' Nichol immediately began searching the area behind her, the area reflected in the mirror, because the problem was there. [Ch.11]
Nichol... ran the water, pretending to wash her hands, and looked in the mirror. A young woman... looked back... She leaned in closer and saw there was a sticker attached to the mirror. On it was written, 'You're looking at the problem.' Nichol immediately began searching the area behind her, the area reflected in the mirror, because the problem was there. [Ch.11]
Nichol... ran the water, pretending to wash her hands, and looked in the mirror. A young woman... looked back... She leaned in closer and saw there was a sticker attached to the mirror. On it was written, 'You're looking at the problem.' Nichol immediately began searching the area behind her, the area reflected in the mirror, because the problem was there. [Ch.11]
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Add a CommentI really enjoyed this book. The charaters are well drawn and the plot twists and turns. Great mystery reading.
I had a hard time getting into the style of writing... ended up giving up around page 100. Disappointed.
This was a captivating little mystery. I loved that it was set in Quebec and so familiar. The visuals were lovely. I will probably read this again.
Suggested by a friend. An auspicious beginning to an interesting series. There is humour and compassion, as well as an engrossing mystery. Chief Inspector Gamache is an interesting protagonist, and the townspeople quirky eccentrics
Since I have worked with Canadians and been near Quebec during the autumn colors, I enjoyed the characters and setting as well as the mystery, which was well worked out. The interactions of the people were true to life, engrossing and integral to the story. I am definitely going to read the next in this series.
So many 'first novel' mistakes. Very amateurish character development. I may try one of the later books in this series, but the writing quality in this one is not good. Could not get past the first 20 pages.
We discussed this at our book club and I enjoyed it. I like cozy mysteries and this one had memorable characters and an interesting location.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and the quirky characters. It was my first Inspector Gamache book, which was recommended by a friend who is also an avid reader. Just enough suspense to keep you guessing; not too dark or too graphic. Descriptive writing for both scenes and characters. I could easily picture the small town and its people. Look forward to reading the rest of the series.
A gripping, well paced holiday read. Not too dark with believable, interesting, imperfect characters & setting. Haven’t quite got a good picture of chief detective Armand Gamache yet but look forward to reading more in the series.
Read this (the first of the Gamache/Three Pines series) after starting with "Bury Your Dead" and "A Trick of the Light." Enjoyed it as much of the others, both because of the story/characters and because it provided the origins/history of the Gamache team and the Three Pines residents. // As expected: suspense; mystery; evocative descriptions of people, places, and Quebecois culture; subtle humour. The relatively large number of key characters and the intertwining subplots may, however, discourage some readers. // Three down and four (so far) to go!