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readeatretreat's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
dkatreads's review against another edition
2.0
2.5
Not a bad read if you enjoy murder mysteries (generally not a fan personally), but I found this book to be pretty frustrating. Many of the characters felt poorly developed, and their choices often seemed unfitting. The dialogue felt so calculated and sterile, and the humor almost never landed for me.
More importantly, I was particularly unimpressed with the author's reflections on evil, abuse, trauma and felt like I was reading a pop psychology book more than a thoughtful story on what a damaged human psyche is capable of and why. Penny has potential as a writer, but I don't think this work showcases it well.
I did enjoy the main character Gamache though, and the portrayal of the community of friends that the Three Pines folks find themselves in. Those were both the highlight of the story for me.
Not a bad read if you enjoy murder mysteries (generally not a fan personally), but I found this book to be pretty frustrating. Many of the characters felt poorly developed, and their choices often seemed unfitting. The dialogue felt so calculated and sterile, and the humor almost never landed for me.
More importantly, I was particularly unimpressed with the author's reflections on evil, abuse, trauma and felt like I was reading a pop psychology book more than a thoughtful story on what a damaged human psyche is capable of and why. Penny has potential as a writer, but I don't think this work showcases it well.
I did enjoy the main character Gamache though, and the portrayal of the community of friends that the Three Pines folks find themselves in. Those were both the highlight of the story for me.
georgialamb's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
kng247's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
bibliobrandie's review against another edition
3.0
Trying to increase my mystery reading for RA...also Louise Penny is coming to Portland so I felt I should read something of hers. Mystery reading is not for me, but this was a quick read. I enjoyed the setting and like the writing.
fabelfuchs's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
tammybarrett's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
rebekahy's review against another edition
4.0
A great first book, I guessed completely wrong who had done it!
gdsunshine's review against another edition
5.0
SO. GOOD. Just the depth of the characters -- no one is flat or cliché. They are personal and unique and very human. This is why I love to read.
dmercier577's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
I enjoy mystery but this book was extremely slow and at times didnt make sense at times. Characters bored me. I did like inspector gamache at least...his character was really well written and likeable. As someone who heavily studies the human psych, i dont think the murderer/ motive was believable. Overall an ok book if theres nothing else to read.