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Jane Neal is a beloved member of the community in small Three Pines, Quebec. She’s in her 70s and loves to create art, though few people have ever seen it. When she is found dead in the woods on Thanksgiving weekend, it seems likely her death must have been an accident. The area is a popular place for hunters, after all.
Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is sent to the scene to investigate and make a pronouncement. As he conducts thorough interviews and gathers information, it begins to be apparent the death isn’t a simple accident. But again, why would anyone want to kill Jane?
I’ve heard a lot about these novels by Louise Penny, and I finally decided to read this first one in the series (a visitor to Rated Reads asked!). I thought it was pretty good but not as amazing as I would have expected given all the attention and awards. A solid mystery, but it didn’t particularly stand out to me.
I think what may be one of its attractions is the ongoing story about the inspector and other recurring characters in the series. Penny is skilled at writing people and creating characters. Those who appreciate all the dramas that can surface in small towns will enjoy all that Gamache digs up from under the surface of a nice average-seeming community.
The book is largely clean, except for the few spots with strong profanity. It feels a touch out of place when otherwise it’s mild reading. I’d give Still Life about a 3.5 stars out of 5.
Rated: Moderate. Profanity includes 5 uses of strong language, around 20 instances of moderate profanity, about 30 uses of mild language, and about 30 instances of the name of Deity in vain. Some violence, of course, and some descriptions of wounds, but nothing graphic or disturbing.
