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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
Very well written and addictive. Just what I like in a mystery.
Reading this title out of order, I did appreciate the backstory it provides on the Morrow family and about Gamache's father. Only a bit of this story takes place in 3 Pines, reminding me that much of the appeal of this series comes from this idyllic location and its eccentric residents. Nonetheless, I appreciate each of these books as thoughtful diversions, referencing poetry (and here, myth), books, and good food and drink, along with engaging mysteries to be solved.
this was definitely one of the better inspector gamache books. the new setting and fresh set of characters was really exciting to read about. i still can’t believe that’s peters family and bitter ppl like that exist but anyway… as for the actual murder, it’s never as crazy or emotional as it seems in all these books. i felt that it would’ve been more impactful if one of the family members committed the murder, but the fact that it was some random employee… idk a little too convoluted for me but hey, i’m j reading for the vibes honestly
I love a good Inspector Gamache novel. These are my fillers when I don’t know what to read or a great palate cleanser between heavy books. They feel familiar because of the repeat characters and the Agatha Christie-like formula but each work is a new twisty adventure.
Loved this one. There was a lot of build up and it never got cloying or predictable with the change of scene. I like how Beauvoir can be both endearing and off-putting. Characters are complex. That’s one of the main things I love about this series. And of course Inspector Gamache. He’s so solid and calm and admirable. Also, Penny really writes a scene. You can picture the heat, the bugs, the rain, the linens and, most of all, the food! I spend a good portion of my reading time salivating over her food descriptions. I was actually glad for a little break from Three Pines. I think the characters were starting to get a little rote. 4.5
Reading Women Challenge #23: Any book from a series
Reading Women Challenge #23: Any book from a series
"The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of Hell, a hell of Heaven."
It's so fun to hate Peter!
It's so fun to hate Peter!
Perhaps taking cues from an [a:Agatha Christie|123715|Agatha Christie|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1321738793p2/123715.jpg] novel where the possible suspects are limited to guests or staff at a vacation resort, Penny missed the mark a bit on this one. Honestly, I have held off on writing this review, or rather I plowed ahead into the next audiobook for [b:The Brutal Telling|6449551|The Brutal Telling (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #5)|Louise Penny|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327952311s/6449551.jpg|6639657], and it was because of that book that I was able to better formulate my reasons for not liking this one as much.
Don't get me wrong, it's still a three-star book, hitting the middle of the road just right, but I expected more and got less from A Rule Against Murder. What I have found I love about Penny's writing is the complexity and insight she has for the world of the Arts. Many of her go-to secondary characters (Ruth and Clara, for instance) are creative beings and make their living from an artistic route.
Here, Penny takes a stab at exploring complex family dynamics. But somehow the characters never feel full and real. The depth is either not there or it isn't explored fully. Even with an artistic element, a statue created for this family and featuring heavily in the plot, Penny neglects this area in which she excels.
As old grudges and long-festering resentments erupt, Penny neglects to properly explore these wounds and instead of understanding the family members it seemingly only reinforces their flatness as created characters. Even Gamache, being out of Three Pines here, seemed distant and flattened, squashed down by situation or setting.
The plot suffered a little as well, and felt simultaneously predictable and outrageous, depending on the angle and corner explored. Though, I do admit to really liking the reveal for the method of the killing...something that puzzled Gamache and his team throughout the book. All-in-all, not bad, but not Penny's best. Let's head back to Three Pines.
Don't get me wrong, it's still a three-star book, hitting the middle of the road just right, but I expected more and got less from A Rule Against Murder. What I have found I love about Penny's writing is the complexity and insight she has for the world of the Arts. Many of her go-to secondary characters (Ruth and Clara, for instance) are creative beings and make their living from an artistic route.
Here
Spoiler
with Peter's wealthy family suddenly exposed and front and centerAs old grudges and long-festering resentments erupt, Penny neglects to properly explore these wounds and instead of understanding the family members it seemingly only reinforces their flatness as created characters. Even Gamache, being out of Three Pines here, seemed distant and flattened, squashed down by situation or setting.
The plot suffered a little as well, and felt simultaneously predictable and outrageous, depending on the angle and corner explored. Though, I do admit to really liking the reveal for the method of the killing...something that puzzled Gamache and his team throughout the book. All-in-all, not bad, but not Penny's best. Let's head back to Three Pines.
I've becoming wholly addicted to Penny's Armand Gamache mysteries this year. This one is no exception. I was kept guessing until the very last chapter. Beautiful, heart-felt writing, especially for murder mysteries.
