Dead Cold (Chief Inspector Gamache)

The book started slow for me, perhaps because I wasn't in the right frame of mind. Too distracted, needing something quick and catchy. I found myself finding it pretentious and thinking that the charm of the first book was a fluke and the second was trying too hard. I kept reading a few pages and then putting it down and going to do something else. But at some point, maybe when I was about halfway through, I picked it up when I was in a different state of mind and I once again found myself under the spell this author and these characters can cast. Either the second part of the book was different or I was, but I've just finished it and I'm probably going to buy book 3 right away and that says a lot.

This is the second novel in Inspector Armand Gamache, and revolves around two Christmas deaths: one of a vagabond, bag woman, and another of a resident of Three Pines, the mythical, happy village that Louise Penny has created in the middle of Quebec. There is also the Arnot case ghost which is lurking in the shadows.Armand Gamache solves both the cases, with his usual elan, sensitivity, humanity, empathy and personal courage. The solution, as usual, is unexpected and clever - though the reader can place some of the pieces early on. It is also rather tragic.Louise Penny does a skilful job of mixing extremes: the desolate, haunting beauty of Quebec, the warmth and humanity of Three Pines villagers, the chilling ugliness of the victim's psyche, and the companionship of a white Christmas. She also uncovers a darker parochialism through comments on the 'madness' of 'Anglos', on the 'darkness' of Czech psyche, on the 'craziness' of Hindu philosophy.All in all, a good and gripping read.

Once again Lousie has done a fabulous job of writing such a good crime novel. This novel keeps you hook till the end. If you are die hard fan of Detective Crime fiction or Murder mysteries, this one should definitely be on your list.One piece of note to all readers, if you want to understand the characters more deeply then do read Gamache first novel - Still Life

Loved the book and thrilled to discover a mystery writer who builds the characters and sense of place so well. Three Pines is an enchanting village and light lives alongside darkness in this book. If you haven't read her, start now !

Definitely recommend this book. Narration is indulging and the story has a mind blowing climax. Louise penny is one of the finest mystery writers.

love Louise Penny and Gamache. I love the entire series.

an absolute must read for anyone who loves a good murder mystery.

So not living up to the hype

Inspector Gamache always gets his man, or woman, and it all takes place with the idyllic Canadian village of Three Pines, and after the first novel the characters are a bit like old friends. There are plenty of twists and turns and many interesting participants in the mystery.

How very glad I am that I discovered Louise Penny and her series of Three Pines books, quite by accident at my local library.I enjoyed book one so much I couldn't resist buying this book, the second in the series.Once again I have been charmed by Gamache and his quiet, unobtrusive and somewhat tender and empathetic demeanour. This contrasts beautifully when he has to do a complete about turn and change into someone who can be quite ruthless and almost unfeeling at times, but to a greater end - that of solving the murder mystery at the heart of the story.The myriad of supporting characters, both the police and also the residents of Three Pines, are developing from book one into some wonderful people - I love the occasional affectionate insults between Gabri and Ruth, I think I may be seeing cracks appearing in the marriage of Peter and Clara, the Three Graces are lovable old ladies with a somewhat darker more sinister side.And just what is Agent Nichol up to???? Off to buy book three now to get myself lost even more deeply into the lives and the heads of this wonderful mix of characters.

This book was beautifully written and the sense of the coldness of the Canadian winter was conveyed to perfection. Gamache was not your usual gloomy, angst ridden bore like so many modern detectives but a happily married man which was a refreshing change. However, as a murder mystery it did not have the page-turning quality that is a key element of the whodunit. I guessed who the murderer was and what the motive was from the very beginning. There were a number of what looked as though they were going to be interesting sub-plots but were never resolved or followed through which was really annoying. I shall give this author one more go as it is an early book and she obviously has potential but that will be the last unless it is a lot better.

Living in the Highlands of Scotland, sadly these novels are hard to find especially in our libraries so thank goodness for Amazon! Book two sees the team back in the tranquil setting of Thrre Pines, an almost Brigadoon setting where life and times are almost totally contained within the forests of outback Canada. Others have done justice to the plot so all I want to say is how quickly this series of mysteries have become a firm favorite and now sit on a keepers shelf on a bookcase in my home. I can't remember enjoying a full series, read almost entirely without interuption by other reads waiting in my bedside pile. I have become imersed in the village, the characters and the mysterious goings on at the infamous Surette. Gamashe is a wonderful creation but it is in conjunction with his trusty team and inhabitants of Three Pines which makes this series of books such a delight to read. A cosy village murder mystery is not the way to describe the novels as too much depth is seen in all the characters and storylines. I adore the way Louise Penny uses poetry to move a story on or elaborate a moment or thought, often by Gamashe as he struggles to solve another case. His team are a well balanced varied cast with just enough quirkiness to make them real and flawed and this I think is what makes these books stand out. There is no format here, no "typical" senario which most "cozy mystries" have. There is intelligence and feeling and much emotion as the team pull together to bring a murderer to justice. I also love the way the murders are not always cliched, hate and evil and pure brutality; many are done through love or passion or a deep belief in something, however misguided that might be. I think much credit should go to this author for giving us book lovers something a wee bit different and maybe make us pause for thought while enjoying her novels set in such a wonderous place.

I have read several of the Inspector Gamache novels and have to say I have been gripped by everyone. The auther introduces you to a new set of friends and acquaintances. Once you start reading the book your immediately transported to and almost Brigadoon like place where good is disturbed by the bad that surround it. I love the characters, it's like visiting old friends and relaxing into another world. I would read the first book and then if it's your cup of tea you'll be hooked.