A Fatal Grace

In Three Pines, Canada, it was a bitter cold winter and holiday season. In the second installment of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny, a Fatal Grace (or Cold Death), Chief Inspector Gamache was asked to investigator the murder of CC de Pointiers, a most despicable woman. At the same time, he looked in the murder of a vagrant woman who died right before her. When Gamache and his team returned to Three Pines, he interviewed the same people he met, a year ago, when Jane Neal died. This time, he learned about the emotional abuse of CC's daughter and the hunt for her heritage. While he understood why people hated her, he needed to get a closer look on who wanted to do her in and why, before it was too late. The ending had a shocking twist, too.

This was a compelling mystery series. I did feel sorry for Crie, for CC naming her that way and giving her emotional abuse. I don't blame her one bit for acting out. I did feel sorry for those who knew CC. I loved how Armand and Reine-Marie worked together in two complex mysteries. I loved the recurring characters from Three Pines, except for Ruth, who I didn't like so as much. Her poetry was terrible in my opinion. I love the Quebecois location for Three Pines in their small knit community. I loved the little bit of curling as an interesting tidbit in the storyline. Great suspenseful drama, good action, and an interesting story to boot for this mystery.

Ready to embrace a cold death? Pick up a copy today!

Still Life

If you love good mysteries, you'll enjoy the Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny.  In the first installment, Still Life, it was set in Canada. In the debut mystery, Jane Neal was found dead in Three Pines, a tiny village, which causes a bit of upset. It was up to Gamache and his police force to find out about her life and past, her friends and family, and who wanted to harm her and others, when a cast of suspicion was thrown to one person to another. Secrets and lies were exposed. In the end, they really get up and close to find out who've done it and why. A great debut!

This was a terrific read. I loved the small town community of Three Pines, Quebec, Canada. It was some remote and quiet for a crime scene. I loved getting to know everyone in Three Pines. I found Armand Gamache an interesting and robust chief inspector. His police team were quite interesting and amusing as well. I didn't like the way Jane died though. This was an enjoyable mystery, too. Great drama, nice action and suspense, and plenty of intrigue for a good read.

Ready to enjoy Still Life? Pick up a copy today!