A review by saguaros
A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny

4.0

4.5 because I liked it more than the first two to which I’d given 4 stars so. Probably my favourite to date—I think partly because it didn’t contain any drama about Gamache’s career or the politics around his work. And, perhaps a little unfortunately, also a little because it DIDN’T take place at Three Pines. I like the village, but can’t quite fall in love with the whole cast so it was good to have a respite from them. Plus, I always love a bit of a huis clos (somewhat) mystery. This made me think of those old mysteries taking place in old manors or country houses, à la Christie.

The mystery was great—the first in this series where I absolutely didn’t see who the murderer was coming. It was much more focused and interesting than the other books, I think. Perhaps Penny is just getting better at her craft. I still struggle with some aspect of her writing including, it feels to me, some subtle fatphobia which kinda ruins things for me every time it shows up. And while I definitely enjoy that these books take place in Quebec and mostly in the region I’m from—which is such a delight as it doesn’t happen often—there’s always the danger of getting caught on details that ring false to you, or not quite right. Nitpicky, but a little annoying.