For an avid reader,
there’s nothing better than starting a promising new book series.
I can’t remember who introduced me to Louise Penny’s Chief Inspector Gamache series, but I recall it had already gained some traction among readers when I started the first book.
That book was Still Life (2005): a mystery that, on the surface, feels like a classic who-done-it. The first sentence reads: “Miss Jane Neal met her maker in the early morning mist of Thanksgiving Sunday.” And the mystery, as well as the police procedural element, is off and running
Within the first page, the reader is also introduced to two central characters of the book and series: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache (of the Sûreté du Quebec), and the secluded village of Three Pines. These characters remain integral and consistent throughout what is now an 18-book series.
As I shared in a previous post, I love a good mystery, and this series does not disappoint in that regard. But it's not main reason I come back to it time and time again. I come back for the people and place, and I suspect this is true for many successful book series.
Still Life introduces the reader to many of the characters who
will continue throughout the book series. As mentioned, we are introduced to
Chief Inspector Armand Gamache early on. And slowly, the rest of the main
characters are introduced: Reine-Marie, Armand’s librarian/archivist wife;
Olivier Brulé and Gabri Dubeau, partners in life and several hospitality
businesses; Myrna Landers, former high-profile psychologist now bookstore owner;
Inspector Jean Guy Beauvoir, Gamache’s second-in-command and eventually his
son-in-law; Clara and Peter Morrow, married artists; and Ruth Zardo, a cranky,
irreverent, award-winning poet. There are other less central (or transitory) characters,
but those listed above, with the exception of Peter, are mainstays throughout
the series.
I think most readers—of all ages—would agree that well-developed, engaging characters are what keep us coming back for more. The characters that have resonated most with me are unique, multi-dimensional, imperfect, and evolving. Louise Penny does a skilful job of developing such characters.
In creating the village of Three Pines, Penny also establishes a powerful sense of place, as my human geography professor would say. Many of the folks who end up in this tucked-away hamlet have been seeking a life or lifestyle change, and find sanctuary there. While there can be conflict among its residents, there is also a palpable sense of community, and deep comfort in that community. Gamache visits Three Pines for the first time during Still Life, and keeps coming back for various reasons before settling there permanently with Reine-Marie upon retirement (spoiler alert: retirement doesn’t last).
Another attractive feature of Three Pines is it’s Canadian location. For Canadian readers, this feels somewhat unique in such an internationally popular series. For those outside Canada, it is an effortless way to read/learn about the beauty and traditions of Quebec. The weather—often in fall or winter—seems to figure prominently, both as a layer of plot and as atmosphere. Exposure to the biting wind, snow, and freezing rain, is often remedied by a crackling fire and tucking into hearty soups and stews.
If I have one complaint about the series, it's that Armand Gamache sometimes seems a little bit too good to be true: he’s honourable, competent, respected, ever-judicious, and family-focused. It’s said his character was inspired by Penny’s beloved late husband, Michael Whitehead. Gamache’s choice of life partner also seems to be what some would call ideal: his wife is loving, intelligent, and wise, with her own professional pursuits and personal interests; her nurturing spirit is evident in cozy, nourishing meals and the safe-place-to-fall home she creates. Their marriage is built on attraction, deep respect, and companionship, with a mutual sharing of joys, challenges, and important decisions. Over the series, a few rough patches emerge in the Armand Gamache patina, but I would like to see a few more.
That said, too much reality can be over-rated in a work of fiction. Sometimes the sanctuary of Three Pines and an honourable, dependable character like Armand Gamache are just what’s needed at the end of another jarring day out in the real world. When I open up a new book in the Chief Inspector Gamache series, I look forward to a diverting adventure, but am just as eager to find the comfort of home. I hope you find the same escape and comfort in your favourite book series.
