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A literate cozy

March 24th, 2009 Mary K. - Central

Louise Penny has quickly established herself as a first rate mystery author, setting her first three books in the fictional and charming Three Pines, Quebec.  In the latest book A Rule Against Murder, Penny proves that the series can be extended beyond Three Pines, although she does allow us a brief visit there.

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his wife Reine-Marie are on holiday and celebrating their anniversary at a remote resort, Manoir Bellechasse, not far from Three Pines.  There is also a family reunion of sorts going on in the inn, that of the Finney and Morrow family.  Much to Gamache’s suprise, a late arriving family member, is Peter Morrow.  Peter and his wife Clara are residents of Three Pines and are well known to Gamache.  Gamache’s holiday doesn’t last long once a murder occurs.

You see, the Morrow family has issues.  They’ve gathered to see a statue representing their deceased father installed in the woods.  And shortly after the ceremony, a member of the family is killed.  Due to the remote location, it is clear that either a family member or a staffer has committed the murder.

The case is solved in due course, but untangling the mystery is not the strongest part of the book.  Its strength is in the depiction of a family whose adult children are still resentful and bitter about their childhoods and who are keeping important parts of their lives from each other.  Add in the heroic and intelligent Armand Gamache and his team of investigators and you have a winning combination.

Entry Filed under: Mystery