This week Kerrie Smith is hosting books related to “P” on her blog, Mysteries in Paradise for the ongoing meme of the Alphabet in Crime Fiction. My post is “P” is for Louise Penny, a Canadian author residing in Quebec
She spent a significant number of years working for the national public broadcasting system, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, as a journalist, producer and host of radio programs.After getting married in her late 30’s she gave up her broadcasting career and turned to writing.
Penny’s series featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Quebec Surete has become the most famous current mysteries by a Canadian author.
She has won an impressive list of awards for her books four Agatha award and Canada
I have read all 6 books in the series and enjoyed every one of them.
The setting for most of the mysteries, Three Pines, is a beautiful Quebec
In addition to fine characterization and interesting plots the early mysteries were remarkable for the distinctive means of murder. One victim was killed by an arrow while another was electrocuted during a curling game.
While her books are excellent mysteries I most appreciate that the people, communities and plots are clearly a part of Quebec
As the series has matured her hero, Gamache, has become a fascinating complex man blessed with a loving marriage to Reine Marie. I heard Louise say during a radio interview that Gamache is her dream husband. She said that if she had to live with a fictional character because she spent so much time with him while writing she wanted someone she would marry.
In Bury Your Dead Gamache is the rare mystery hero challenged by past mistakes who perseveres amidst his doubts and regrets.
It is a wonderful series.
Here is a link to my review of Bury Your Dead.
I have read the two first, I think. While I enjoyed the setting and the plots very much, Gamache annoyed me a bit because he is almost too good to be true. Some readers say he has become more nuanced in later volumes, and if that is true, I may consider returning to the very cosy series.
ReplyDeleteDorte: Thanks for the comment. I never thought of Gamache as too good to be true. He had seemed to me a well balanced wise man who was a contrast to the quirky or deeply flawed personalities of many mystery characters. I think you will enjoy the series if you try again. If you are going to read The Brutal Telling and Bury Your Dead they are best read in order and as a two part story.
ReplyDeleteI should probably give her a second chance :)
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