Still Life – The Book

Still Life by Louis Penny is the first book in the Inspector Gamache series. There are 13 (and a half) books in the series with rumors of a fourteenth in November. In Still Life, we’re introduced to a slew of characters in small Canadian Village. When one is found dead, Inspector Gamache and his team are brought in to determine if this is murder and if so, the culprit.

It’s different than other mystery series I’ve read in that the supporting characters, in this case the villagers, are developed extremely well. For example, the story starts with the village. We’re given a sense of the inter-relationships and backgrounds before we meet the Inspector. Furtheremore, we’re introduced to one of his team, before him. Not only one of his team, but a new member who may or may not work out. As a matter of fact, as I sit here, I realize that some of the supporting characters are more defined than the main. I have clear visions of the many villagers. Yet, not so much of Inspector Gamache’s team. And I do not know if this supporting team member will even return in the next book.

Still Life – My Thoughts

Someone in a Facebook Group to which I belong recommended this book (well the series). As a fan of mysteries, it didn’t take much to convince me to read it. I have to say, it’s one of my favorites. As a matter of fact, rarely does the first book in a mystery series satisfy, yet this one did. As I’ve already said, characters were well developed. It also created a sense of place within that village. I enjoyed it so much, that though it started as a Library book, when I didn’t finish in time, I went out and bought it. Not only did I buy it, I bought the first three books in a multipack. I’m looking forward to reading the next!

If you’re a lover of mystery series, police procedurals, cozies, give this one a go. Over on GoodReads I’m giving it four starts and updating my Favorite Mystery list!