A World of Curiosities

What do we expect from a Louise Perry mystery? A World of Curiosities has all the well-known ingredients of her series: chief inspector Armand Gamache, in charge of homicide in Montreal, and his trusted assistants, Three Pines, the village far away from the turbulence of the big city, and a case that initially looks simple, but turns out to be much more complex and challenging, requiring not only the full involvement of Gamache but also the support of the whole team.

In this instance, a serial killer becomes the detective’s highly intelligent and vengeful opponent. The more the reader gets… show more.

I loved this book because I’m in love with the central character, the very distinguished Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surete’ du Quebec, who works and plays well with his investigative team. He lives in the fictional community/neighborhood of Three Pines, and I wondered for a while if there were any homes for sale. He is smart, kind, thoughtful, and very married—to a woman who is a retired art librarian and could be my friend. As a solo ager, I can dream, can’t I?

Louise Penny is the croissant pastry chef of the mystery world. Every new Inspector Gamache book she writes doubles the layers of complexity and characterization.

By the time I got to A World of Curiosities, I was ready to dive into a rich, layered, and deliciously satisfying treat—and tempted to finish it in one sitting. You could read any of her mysteries on its own, but the more time I spend in the intriguing town of Three Pines, the more I want to live there.

Brilliant book. I love the way this author’s mind works.

I will read anything written by Louise Penny! The more you read, the more you want to move to Three Pines, the tiny village in Quebec.

I liked this book, especially because Gamache, the loveable inspector, acknowledges what he has learned in therapy. As a psychologist, I love that the author doesn’t stereotype or satirize therapy and that an understanding of human emotions can help solve so many of life’s problems.

As a writer, I read Louise Penny for the pure enjoyment of a great read and because there is so much to appreciate and learn from in her narrative.

She is a great storyteller, with remarkable characters and a delicate plot that unravels bit by bit, piece by piece, into a complete and fascinating tale. She has a talent for grabbing readers by the neck and pulling them forward, curiosity blazing, which is partly why A World of Curiosities is such a telling title. The world she creates is both authentic and impressively imaginative, and I enjoy her stories every… show more.