While I enjoyed the first book in the series (Still Life), I found this one more entertaining, at least in the writing. The plot is satisfyingly complex, although I found the solution to the murder a little too much of a stretch. I usually avoid mysteries that are marketed as "laugh out loud" funny, and even though this one isn't like that, some of the dialogue was pretty witty -- maybe Louise Penny needs to write screenplays and infuse some intelligence back into the movie world.

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I'm not sure why I like this new series, but I really do. I like Gamache, who is a very human, accessible cop and I like the recurring residents of Three Pines, a small, rural town outside of Montreal. The stories are not long nor terribly complex but they are entertaining. I'm looking forward to reading more of Penny's work.

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Really enjoyed this book -- interesting locale, and characters you care about in a decent amount of depth.

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Book 2 of the Inspector Gamache Series

I love this series! So many turns and twists, and just when you think you have it figured out, the author throws a new one your way.

Be sure to read Book 1 first as many of the characters reappear in this book with more insights into their lives and personalities.

A great read!

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Interesting and a bit different than some mysteries.

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Number 2 in the Gamache series. Back in Three Pines, Quebec, Gamache and team look into a really strange death: electrocution on the ice. CC de Poitiers, self-promoter and all-around disliked person, is watching a game of curling in the freezing cold when she takes off her gloves and stands up to grab onto a metal chair in front of her. And is electrocuted.

The chances of this happening accidentally are very small. The complexity of the act mystifies Gamache. It isn't an accident.

Again, Gamache moves into the B&B along with Beauvoir, his second-in-command, and tackles a really cold winter while solving the case. He encounters most of the same friendly (and not-so-friendly) residents as in the first in the series, and is welcomed by them. He also gets to know CC's husband and his very large preteen child, Crie. His heart goes out to the child, having known only criticism her whole life.

CC was such a force for no-good that there are many possible candidates for her murderer. While he and team are able to solve it, there is more than a hint of difficulty to come, from within the ranks. Someone is out to get Gamache and knows how to do it.

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Louise Penny's "Three Pines" series never fails to be a good read. I have not read the books in order but her ability to thoroughly invest in her characters in each book does not make this a problem. This is the second in the series and I now have the background on some of the individual story lines.This only adds to my enjoyment.
I only gave this 3.5 stars because I thought the resolution to the mystery not entirely believeable; getting there by her develpoment of the characters kept me involved to the end.

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I just finished this, the 2nd in the series, and liked it just as much, if not more than Still Life. I found it more difficult to figure out who the killer was early on, which I like. And even after I HAD figured it out, there came a moment or two at the end when I no longer felt so sure. Very satisfying! However, I am wondering where all of the mystery about Gamache and his underlings is headed. Is he about to be demoted from his position as Chief Inspector? If so, why?? Who exactly is it that is conspiring against him, and does it relate to his oft hinted at past when he went against police tradition to bring some dirty cops to justice? All of this happened off-stage so to speak, before the series began. Not all of it has been explained or told of, just yet. And, most vexing of all, what is Yvette Nichol up to, the nasty little creature? I hate being left with more questions than answers, but so it goes. I guess I'll just have to read the next in line. Oh dear, more very late nights.

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Very enjoyable fun reading. I highly recommend this for a relaxing pleasurable experience with a book.

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Masterfully plotted and full of heart.

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