The Brutal Telling: A Three Pines Mystery

I've listened to all of the Three Pines novels now, having started with Still Life and fallen in love with the seemingly idyllic town and truly eccentric but delightful characters. Penny does a very fine job of drawing out the souls who people her novels as well as the settings, so much so that I wish I could find a Three Pines and move there.
As another reviewer had done, once I listened to Still Life, I downloaded and essentially devoured the remaining novels. I do hope Penny has another novel planned; this last one--The Brutal Telling--shook my gestalt as much as it did the citizens of Three Pines and the police. Although Penny is consistent in her story-telling, it wasn't until this last novel that I realized what it is that I like so much about her work: while her mysteries are traditional police procedurals, there's also an strong undercurrent of philosophy and psychology. The Chief Inspector's ruminations on human nature are what saved this particular novel from devastating me, leaving me with a tinge of hope, but also with an heightened understanding of how none of us is saved from those things that are "supposed" to happen to other people.
Like the Chief Inspector, I find myself ruminating about Three Pines and its inhabitants long after the "case is closed." And I hope I don't have to wait too long before there's another installment in this series.

I simply adore her books and her writing. I find her use of theme to tie all of her subplots together just wonderful...not since reading my first Sayers novel, The Nine Tailors, have I found a mystery writer more inspiring.

If you are looking for a very well written mystery, this is it. I did not want to miss a word.

A lovely weaving of mystery and small town charm. Characters are beautifully developed and the plot keeps you listening for the next twist. Funny too. lovely.

I have listened to many great books but have never written a review. This book left me feeling completely satisfied. Can not wait to get another by this wonderful writer.

Louise Penney has written another of her beautifully worded stories - I've loved them all - but for those of you who want even more twists and turns this is it! All of your favorite characters, with an ending that is truly a surprise.

I have loved all the books in this series. Especially, I have enjoyed listening to this narrator as he makes Gamache, all the characters, and the settings come alive.

"The Brutal Telling" is a particularly engaging entry. The mystery is unusual and fascinating, and the resolution changes things in ways that I won't give away. This story stands out in this great series.

I thought the reading was flawless, thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the story left room for waffling.. as if the next book is going to begin on a clue which exonerates the character the crime is pinned on, depending on the public's outcry over the choice of the guilty party.
I was not happy with the ending, but I do love the reader.

I like this series, this one did not disappoint.

Hearing this book prompted me to order and listen to the rest of the Three Pines mysteries--from the first book "Still Life" to this, "The Brutal Telling", the 5th in the series. I didn't want to miss a thing about these characters. More importantly, I didn't want to miss a word of this author's work--she's that good.

I also bought the paperback versions because my husband prefers to read rather than listen. Louise Penny is a keeper in our library!