The Cruelest Month: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel

Great characters, community, rich writing

characters well developed and mystery intense.

Inspector Gamache again tackles another Three Pines murder. Ms. Penny again, shows the depth of characters as well as a ripping plot. The inspector is a likeable character and she has the ability to endear him to the reader. Other characters are not so likeable but engaging just the same. Her description of this rather insulated village in such an ideal setting, makes one want to visit three pines, eat at the bed and breakfast, walk the green, see Ruth and her "pet" goose and live to be insulted by her as well. The underlying story of "his shame" with the Canadian police haunts the reader but the admiration on how Gamache handles this stituation. The loyalty of his subordinates is interesting.

If you like Agatha Christi, you will love this novel by Louise Penny. It has all the facets of an old English mystery: good character development, a wonderful setting, and a brillant detective with a well developed personality and flaws that make for a sympathetic character. I have not enjoyed a novel of this quality for many months.

Beautifully written; finely crafted; if you enjoyed the first two you will love this one. It is my favorite of the series thus far. Thank you, Louise Penny.

This is a fantastic book and it is the third book in a fantastic series. Any mystery lover looking for a new series should definitely read Louise Penny's books. It is a series where you want to start with the first book which is Still Life. You will then quickly want to read A Fatal Grace followed by The Cruelest Month. Her books have won the following mystery awards: the Barry, Agatha, Anthony, Dilys, New Blood Dagger and the Arthur Ellis award. Louise Penny is an amazingly talented writer.

I just finished The Cruelest Month which I had pre-ordered after thoroughly enjoying the first two books in the Three Pines series. This author's character development is amazing. I want to know Clara, Peter, Myrna, Ruth, Gabri and Olivier in real life. They are such caring neighbors and genuinely love each other in spite of their flaws like true friends do. I grew up in such a town and miss it every day. If I could find Three Pines I would visit it soon. I just want to thank Louise Penny for taking me away from everyday life for a few hours again and making me smile, cry, shudder, cringe and laugh outloud. Can't wait for the next installment!