Bury Your Dead

"It was a good read. The only thing was there are a lot of little details that I don’t think were necessary."

"As always, I'm a big fan of the Inspector Gamache series. However, this book really stands out to me. It was a bit of a departure of format--the book is about half-and-half "real time" versus flashbacks. Typically I find flashbacks an annoying literary technique but Penny wound them seamlessly into the present storyline in ways that were really believable and, often, quite poignant. I'm not sure I can say much about the particular plotline of the flashback without spoilers so no more there. I was just very moved by that part of the story.<br/><br/>In this book, Penny manages to actually present three mysteries in one book, and does it very well. Each story feels fully fleshed out, not short-changed at all. I appreciated the change of venue with Armand Gamache being in Quebec. Having visited Quebec a couple of times, it was fun reading a mystery set in streets and buildings I've been to myself--and in the winter, which was when we last visited, so I know personally how well those descriptions ring true! There was a fresh injection of some new characters through that storyline that I appreciated. Meawhile, Beauvoir was back in Three Pines, so I still got to spend time with characters I've grown to know and love. <br/><br/>I also enjoyed the issue of separatism and the complex relationships between francophones and anglos (the terms used in the book). Although I'm somewhat familiar with that history and current situation, not being Canadian I'm certainly unaware of all the nuances, and the historical events as it has played out through the years. I found myself fascinated by that part of history and politics that provide a backdrop for parts of the storyline.<br/><br/>Although I've always enjoyed the series, this is the first time I felt really emotionally connected with the main characters. Penny did a great job allowing both Gamache and Beauvoir reach beyond their usual depictions. The term "character development" is a rather dry description of what happens in this novel, but that's what this novel is really about, in my opinion. The mysteries are almost secondary. I thoroughly enjoyed it."

"Louise Penny is a masterful writer, and it was extremely evident in this book. She flawlessly wove together three different story lines while tying up loose ends from the previous book that truthfully were still bothering me, all while maintaining her incredible characterization. I love this series with every additional book and I’m so excited that she is still releasing more!"

"4.5/5 stars"

"I just came off of another series and was not prepared for the type of writing. The first few chapters were good, but I didn't finish because I wasn't giving it a fair chance. It reminded me of Alexander Dumas writing. Slow, steady, not in your face exciting but required for what it was leading up to...or what I hoped. It was recommended from a friend who has similar taste and she promised a good read."

"My favorite Inspector Gamache book so far!"