'Still Life' - Louise Penny

I recently had the pleasure of delving into Louise Penny's "Still Life," our book club's chosen novel for the month. Gripped by the narrative, I managed to complete it in just two sittings.

The story unfolds with Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his team from the Surêté du Québec being called to the scene of a suspicious death in the tranquil village of Three Pines, situated south of Montreal. Chief Inspector Gamache, our initial encounter with whom paints him as an intriguing and intelligent man, leads the investigation. Throughout the book, we discover that his crime-solving prowess stems from a profound understanding of people, their nature, and the intricacies of their daily lives.

The victim in question is Jane Neal, an elderly and cherished resident of Three Pines, discovered lifeless in the woods. Despite the locals attributing her demise to a tragic hunting accident, Gamache harbours doubts and is soon convinced that Jane Neal met with foul play—she was murdered.

"Still Life" boasts a stellar cast of eccentric, complex, and endearing characters, with Clara playing a pivotal role in the unfolding narrative. The story introduces numerous suspects, some prompting exclamations of disbelief while others elicit a strong desire for their guilt. Throughout the book, it becomes evident that nearly every character harbours layers of secrets—some innocent, others decidedly dark.

In keeping with the mystery genre, divulging too much would spoil the intrigue. Suffice it to say, "Still Life" is a delightful mystery that kept me guessing until the very end—a puzzle I did not manage to solve.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10