Introduction to the Series

Louise Penny’s ‘Still Life,’ the inaugural mystery in her acclaimed Armand Gamache series, draws Chief Inspector Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec to the village of Three Pines. This remote settlement in the mountains of Québec is home to a diverse group of residents who value their privacy.

The Unique Charm of Three Pines

Three Pines might seem like an unassuming backwater town, but it has much to offer: a bistro owned by a friendly gay couple, a solid boulangerie, a quaint used bookstore, and a volunteer fire department led by a cantankerous poet known for cursing at her adoring neighbors. Far from being an ordinary village, Three Pines is a place where its eclectic community draws readers in, revealing layers of intrigue and warmth.

A Mysterious Death

The tranquility of Three Pines is shattered when one of its residents is found dead in the forest. Initially deemed a hunting accident by the authorities, the death piques Gamache’s curiosity. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he refuses to see Three Pines as just another small town forgotten by time. Instead, Gamache’s moral compass and keen intellect uncover a community that is more complex and interconnected than it appears.

A Compelling Series and Audiobook

‘Still Life’ sets the stage for an engrossing series that sees murder after murder explore the depths of human nature. The village’s wholesome charm and stark beauty contrast sharply with its darker mysteries. For those who prefer audiobooks, Ralph Cosham’s exceptional narration brings the story to life, as delightful as a warm ham and brie baguette from the local bistro.