Still Life

Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 1

By: Louise Penny

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Winner of the New Blood Dagger, Arthur Ellis, Barry, Anthony, and Dilys awards.

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surêté du Québec and his team of investigators are called in to the scene of a suspicious death in a rural village south of Montreal. Jane Neal, a local fixture in the tiny hamlet of Three Pines, just north of the U.S. border, has been found dead in the woods. The locals are certain it’s a tragic hunting accident and nothing more, but Gamache smells something foul in these remote woods, and is soon certain that Jane Neal died at the hands of someone much more sinister than a careless bowhunter. Still Life introduces not only an engaging series hero in Inspector Gamache, who commands his forces - and this series - with integrity and quiet courage, but also a winning and talented new writer of traditional mysteries in the person of Louise Penny.

©2005 Louise Penny (P)2006 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

An Easy Listen....

I like listening to Ralph Cosham. Generally, he uses a calm tone and use increased tension and excitement in his voices when needed. For me, his voice makes the novel easy to listen to for 9.5 hours of narration. It is character development and personality quirks that help him to distinguish his voice for each character.

I did not read Book 1 first.. I read three of the novels before reading this story (book 1) and I have three or four more books in the series to go. So far, all the stories have held my interest throughout, however, I would strongly suggest reading this series in order if possible which will help the listener appreciate and fully understand the back stories that are referred to in each story.

What I've found is that Ms. Penny builds each novel upon the previous story in some way. Yes, I have had to "suspend my disbelief" a little too much but I think the stories give me what I am after and that is a good whodunit while transporting me to another place even if its a fantasy/made up place. Three Pines is described so well that I feel that I could find it. Character development is very good, you get to know the reoccurring characters very well.

In addition to the whodunit aspect which has good twists and turns, there are mystical and otherworldly undertones in this little village where everybody knows everybody and it's become a second home for investigator Armand Gamache.

A Remarkable Detective In A Remarkable Setting

I admit to trying this book and this series after going some time without any new additions from my favorite authors. It has proven to be a wise and wonderful decision. As of this writing I am on my 3rd Gamache novel. Let me tell you why I have fallen in love with the series.

Inspector Gamache is a smart and extremely humane hero. He doesn't have flaws or demons like Robicheaux or Hole, but he does share their extreme sensitivity in crime solving. And unlike those two great detectives, he doesn't resort to violence, or at least he hasn't been forced to yet. What sets him apart is the absolute devotion he receives from his peers and everyone he meets. His squad loves him, the community loves him and even his enemies respect and fear him.

The second feature I love is the setting. the village of Three Pines is quite literally a real life version of Narnia. It's filled with young and old living in cottages nestled in hillsides with one church, a general store and tavern. It is described on several occasions as a village no one finds until they are lost. It is never a destination, but once you've found it you'll never forget it. There's even a rundown mansion of sorts. The villagers are more like a family, in that they get along because they have too. They are rude, cantankerous, funny, diverse, talented and charismatic. There are poets, artists, drunks, gurus, Christians and atheists. In much the same way I felt when I read the Chronicles of Narnia, I find myself engrossed in the community of Three Pines.

Finally Still Life revolves around a baffling murder that takes great police work to solve. The clues are entirely unique and wonderful to discover. The story is top notch.

I liked the narrator a lot. He captures the ambience of Thrre Pines as well as anyone could.

Great new series

Any additional comments?

So nice to have books with recurring characters seeing the newest one advertised on audible made me get the first one and i have the others ready to read

Incredible book!

Where does Still Life rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The best book I've read, and the best audiobook I've listened to!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Inspector Gamache is just a lovely person, and then I adore Clara as well.

What does Ralph Cosham bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ralph brings the whole story to life - I am now reading the second book in the Inspector Gamache series, but without the audio book to complement it there is a distinct difference in the feel of the 2nd book. I really do prefer reading the e-book, whilst at the same time listening to the audio book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, definitely!

Any additional comments?

Incredibly gifted author - I am planning on reading every single one of her books!

Little slow, but a worthy listen

The beginning is slow, the narrator is difficult to enjoy and made me quit listening several times.
However I am pleased to write that I enjoyed the story, after adjusted my listening style and perspective.