Reviews

Still Life by Louise Penny

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alissamk's review against another edition

3.0

I'd probably rate this book somewhere between 3 and 3.5 stars overall because there were some really awkward moments, but overall I enjoyed this mystery. I also like the way Louise Penny writes so I'm excited to read more in the Armand Gamache series. I'm hoping the awkwardness improves later in the series (there were some one-note characters and it got a little distracting and repetitive) but I really love a story with a team doing teamwork-y things and the police procedural mixed with cozy mystery feel of this was nice.

carmelaannaimprota2023's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

callienicole's review against another edition

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2.0

I've tried this book twice now, and I just can't. I didn't finish it. The writing is good and the characters are interesting, but the author is just so ignorant about hunting and conservation. She writes as if hunters are complete bafoons who go out shooting anything that moves, and as someone who comes from a long line of hunters and conservationists, I was pretty offended. It would be one thing if it was one character who had this opinion of hunting, but no, the author is clearly trying to make a point with stating her own opinion of hunters, and as I said, her ignorance is showing. I might try the next book in the series, in hopes that it will be a straight-up mystery instead of a platform for the author's opinions.

reydeam's review against another edition

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4.0

This is one smartly written mystery. Not only did the story keep me guessing with the whodunit aspect, it engaged me thoroughly with the lives of the characters. I love it when a story brings me into its world so smoothly that I don't even realize how much I feel connected; not immediately. Every aspect felt plausible and the way the mystery was solved felt believable. The town, community and characters felt real.

Inspector Armand Gamache is an admirable character. I enjoyed every bit of his crime solving self. He is full of integrity and believability. I certainly gravitated towards this character and that excites me; I have found another character in this book world that engages me greatly. I am definitely a character driven reader, and this character is driving me to read more Armand Gamache mysteries. I seriously am plotting as to when I can start the next book...give me more Gamache mysteries...give me more.

For more of my review, you can read it at Polishing Mud Balls