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A Better Man
A Better Man: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel | Louise Penny
The new Chief Inspector Gamache novel from the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Kingdom of the Blind. The air is thick with excitement and anxiety as Sret du Qubec agents gather in the conference room for the Monday morning meeting of the homicide department. This will be Armand Gamaches first day back since his demotion from head of the entire force, to head of homicide. Complicating matters, hell be sharing the duties with his former second-in-command, Jean-Guy Beauvoir. Amid blistering social media attacks, Gamache sets out on his first assignment to find a missing woman. The search for Vivienne Godin is played out against a backdrop of catastrophic spring flooding. Three Pines itself is threatened, as the Rivire Bella Bella breaks its banks. A province-wide emergency is declared and desperate efforts are underway to save towns and cities, dams and bridges. As Gamache leads the search for Vivienne, he develops a profound empathy for her distraught father. With a daughter of his own, he finds himself haunted by the question, how would you feel, if... As the rivers rise, and the social media onslaught becomes crueler, a body is discovered. And the victims father contemplates a murder of his own. And the question facing both Gamache and Beauvoir shifts. What would you do, if... your childs killer might walk free?
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Singout
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Pickpick

Another excellent Inspecteur Gamache mystery: set in Three Pines and exploring a painful family tragedy, with background narratives of both a flooding of the St. Lawrence river and internal conflict within the police force.

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Tonton
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All out of order, but bingeing my way through all of the Inspector Gamache series this Christmas break. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, love and light to all!

Soubhiville Cool illustration! Merry Christmas. 1y
30 likes1 comment
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Caroline2
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Pickpick

I‘ve bailed on the last couple of Three Pines books but this felt like a return to form for me. If a little long winded at time. I‘ll give the next book a go tho. 👍

Tamra I think the series gets better as it progresses and you come to know the characters & their dynamics. I didn‘t even read them in order! 1y
Crazeedi The series does get better as you go, definitely worth trying! 1y
91 likes2 comments
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ShelleyBooksie
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Thank you for the tag @KateReadsYA - My favorite A book us A Great Reckoning by Louise Penney. Also loved A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah Mass.

@DinoMom , @DebbieGrillo

Wanna Play?

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readwithcori
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Well it‘s been a hot minute since I‘ve posted on Litsy!

I‘m still here 🙋🏻‍♀️ just in the biggest reading slump of my life and really only wanting to watch Netflix. But my book buddy was ready to read A Better Man and goodness, how I‘ve missed Gamache! Already loving how this one is starting 🤓

#LitsyLove I have been so behind, I‘m very sorry! I was able to get out a few letters last week and hope to get more out soon. 💌

dylanisreading What a cute book buddy. 🐕 2y
CarolynM Nice to see you back🙂 2y
readwithcori @dylanisreading oh she is the sweetest 🐾💕 2y
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readwithcori @CarolynM ❤️❤️❤️ 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks No worries!! I‘m behind too! 2y
24 likes6 comments
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sarahgreatlove
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Pickpick

Well this book took me about 2 years to read. I love Gamache and I can‘t really say what wasn‘t doing it for me to be honest, I just stalled part way through. However I got covid recently and returned to the last third of the book and really enjoyed it. Turns out detective fiction is just what you need when you feel like crap. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

kspenmoll Glad you are feeling better, and revisited your book. 2y
6 likes1 comment
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canbku
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Pickpick

Definitely a favorite of the last few. I wouldn't have guessed by the description that I would like it as much as I did. I think getting away from so much Surete intrigued helps (tou6gh there is still some) and Gamache sharing the spotlight more with Beauvoir and Lacoste. Good one!

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canbku
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Murder mysteries shouldn't be comfort reads, right? I wouldn't need a murder to keep me interested in Three Pines, though!!

Suzze Never. My ancestors lived in Quebec near the Vermont border. I always say my roots are in Three Pines. 2y
canbku @Suzze that's so cool. 😁 I would totally read a multi generational family saga set in Three Pines 😊 2y
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ImperfectCJ
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Pickpick

A pick for the main mystery, a so-so for the internal Sûreté intrigue, which is hampered by a few too many twists.

Two more to go in the series!

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Suelizbeth
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Pickpick

I have lately been wondering if I am “enjoying” these books. They affect me deeply and they are extremely well written and they read quickly, but sometimes the emotion is almost too much. That being said, this book gutted me. The ending was a series of *gasp*, oh no, why, don‘t, I can‘t take this, that was quite a ride. I worry that the characters I love so much aren‘t going to make it. Why do you put me through this, Louise Penny, why? 5⭐️

TiredLibrarian I love this series. Not up to this one yet, but looking forward to it. 3y
53 likes2 comments
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StephMC82
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Another grear author I've been introduced to by @Breanne1 . I love how even after years of not reading a Louise Penny book, I can jump right back in remembering all the wonderful characters.

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Susanita
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Pickpick

I was going to wait a bit to read this, but it was calling my name! Only a mild pick though.

The actual murder case annoyed me. The team made a couple obvious mistakes that I recognized right away, and then they were shocked when those came back to bite them. I‘m also getting a little weary of all the internal politics as well as some of the silliness in Three Pines. Good thing the next book is set in Paris!

#seriesread2021

Susanita I did like the dog stuff, both in the book and in the acknowledgments. 3y
TheSpineView Great job! 👍📖 3y
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rabbitprincess
Pickpick

Another great addition to the Gamache series. The only quibble I have is that pretend social media posts always sound just a little bit off to me, no matter who the author is. Maybe because the same author is writing the main text as well as the social media. Will have to ponder this!

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Gracelovesreading
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Thank you so much @Texreader for sending my lovely book swap parcel on such a long journey! Also for recommending a new author to me. Excited to read this book alongside some dark chocolate. ❤😍🍫📖
Thank you @candority for your patience and for organising! 😊 #BookCupidSwap

Texreader I‘m so happy it finally arrived!! And glad you like it! 3y
candority Yay! So glad it made it 💖 3y
10 likes2 comments
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bookishdawg
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Pickpick

Finished the next-to-latest Louise Penny... this is now one of my favorites of hers. Reading about Gamache and Three Pines feels especially poignant around the holidays ❤️ Now onto a book that I‘ve heard nothing but good about! Continuing on with #dashingdecember!!

Andrew65 Well done 👏👏👏 Loved The Switch. Enjoy. 3y
20 likes1 comment
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MallenNC
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Pickpick

Having finished this one, I‘m finally caught up to the new book in the series. I liked Kingdom of the Blind better, but this was still good. This case was pretty tough, and I didn‘t guess how it ended. This is on my BookSpin Bingo card.

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OutAndAbout
Pickpick

This was my third Penny book and my husbands first. It was fun to watch him discover the characters and enjoy the writing style. The audiobook narration was engaging and easy to follow. That‘s a relatively new format for me and I still prefer reading, but it was a fun experience to enjoy the mystery together. I have the next one on hold for us, and he‘s already asking about the backlist!

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OutAndAbout
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Currently listening to this on audio with my husband. I'm a big fan of Louise Penny. This one is good but not as compelling as some of the earlier ones.

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Esmerelda1rm
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Happy Labor Day to everyone! I treated myself to a little trip to Half Priced Books and found a signed copy of “A Better Man” by Louise Penny. I have a weakness for signed copies, the fan girl in me can‘t resist! #bookhaul

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TrishB
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Pickpick

Took a while for the actual mystery to get going, this was definitely more about moving the personal plot lines on. But the mystery had twists and turns when we got there.
The authors acknowledgments were sad and about her husband and dogs 🐶

Cathythoughts Nice review! I need to try her once more 👍🏻😁 4y
Caroline2 Sounds good! Stacked! 😉 👍 I‘ve got the next Penny (think you‘ve read it) and that‘s Penny‘s last chance with me! 😬 4y
TrishB @Caroline2 I have only really disliked one. I‘m up to date now apart from the new one just out this week. 4y
TrishB @Cathythoughts I always give an author 2 chances, just in case! 4y
88 likes4 comments
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TrishB
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#3booksiplantoreadthismonth
A Better Man is my current read and the others will likely crop up this month 😁

Cathythoughts Looking good got the month 👍🏻❤️ 4y
OriginalCyn620 Awesome! 👍🏻 4y
73 likes2 comments
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cathysaid
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Pickpick

Not my favorite of this series but still a good one. Flooding in Quebec and nearby Three Pines causes chaos and possibly covers a murder. And the quirky cast of characters including Inspector Gamache rally. Now I wait for the next one in the series: #16. #audiobook

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kspenmoll
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#WonderoysWednesday

1)have read the entire Louise Penny‘s series snd eagerly await her next book!

2) Agree with @Eggs regarding the love triangle in One Day in December

3)lots of sneakers/ hiking shoes, flip flops! Maybe 30?
Tagging @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Laughterhp @JoScho

Laughterhp Thanks for the tag! I‘ve already done it ☺️ 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you ❤️ 4y
JoScho Thanks for the tag 🥰❤️ 4y
Eggs Thanks for playing my friend 👏🏻📚👟🤗💕 4y
42 likes4 comments
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Mshookquilts
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Pickpick

A woman disappears and her body is found trapped at the bend in the Bella Bella near Three Pines on the night of near catastrophic floods. Did her abusive husband do it or is there more to her story? Now that I‘m caught up on Louise Penny‘s series, I‘m feeling the loss and want time with Gamache, his family & friends.

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mom2bugnbee
Pickpick

Good grief, I love the Gamaches. And now, for the first time since I started the series, I have to wait for the next book like everyone else. 😭

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Booksnchill Me too! 4y
Crazeedi ❤❤❤❤❤ 4y
24 likes2 comments
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AvidReader25
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Pickpick

I'm officially caught up on this series & eagerly awaiting the next book. This one focuses on a missing woman who was trapped in an abusive marriage. It also includes a new start at the Sûreté du Québec for Gamache & the last case for Beauvoir before he moves to Paris. Each book has a theme & this one is men who abuse their power. This is the first times I saw the twist coming, almost from the beginning, but it didn't make it any less enjoyable.

BusyBookmark I‘m working my way through this series too! Just finished number 3. Can‘t wait to see what happens with this crew next! (edited) 4y
AvidReader25 @BusyBookmark You‘ll love it! The first three were just average to me. They keep getting better and better! 4y
BusyBookmark That is exciting news, @AvidReader25 !! 4y
20 likes3 comments
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CarolynM
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Pickpick

It's always a pleasure to spend time with the residents of Three Pines and their friends in the Surete (apologies to the Francophones - don't know how to include the accents on this keyboard) the story had quite a few aspects that required a significant suspension of disbelief. Not a highlight of the series. Before anyone judges me for the stickers on the cover, the book is on loan from a friend😬

LeahBergen I like your book stacks in the background. 😄 4y
CarolynM @LeahBergen I'm trying to get everything shelved, but the stacks just keep growing...🤔😉 4y
Rissreads Read faster! 🤣 4y
57 likes3 comments
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sherryvdh
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1. Escapist, magical, suspenseful
2. When the kids are sleeping, curled up in bed.
3. Best: Tagged, I read the last 2/3 yesterday when I was under the weather. Couldn't put it down! Worst: Beyond the Grave by CJ Archer. It was ok, I'm just tired of the circling relationship issues and the direction the MC has gone.
4. ❤
#wondrouswednesday @Eggs

Eggs Great responses, thanks for joining in ❣️ 4y
25 likes1 comment
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Bookwormjillk
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Up early to finish this book before work because crimes don‘t solve themselves people. 🌲🌲🌲

TheAromaofBooks Needing to finish a book before work is the worst - I've stood at the counter in my coat with my keys desperately reading the final pages before haha 4y
Anna from Gustine I've only read the first of this series, but really enjoyed it and hope to continue. Glad there are so many! :-) 4y
44 likes2 comments
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sherryvdh
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I'm still working on Wintersong, but I got a surprise hold in today from the library. I'm in the perfect mood this evening to curl up in bed and read some familiar characters. I've got my stack of pillows, my tea, and the pup. I'm all set to jump in. #mommytime

Crazeedi Can't wait to read° 4y
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Bookwormjillk
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I read this so fast when it came out that I figured a re-read was in order. I‘m hoping returning to a favorite will get me out of this reading slump. 🌲🌲🌲

Penny_LiteraryHoarders I thought this one was so great! Loved it! 4y
Tamra It‘s good - not my favorite, but hopefully it will do the trick for you! 4y
Bookwormjillk @Tamra which one is your favorite? 4y
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Bookwormjillk @Penny_LiteraryHoarders I liked it too, but read it so fast I don‘t really remember what happened! 4y
Tamra @Bookwormjillk I really enjoyed this one - loved both the setting and the working through the murder mystery. 😁 4y
Tamra @Bookwormjillk I haven‘t read that one yet! Thanks for pointing it out! (I do the audio for this series and I don‘t go in order. I know some have strong feelings about that.😀) 4y
Bookwormjillk @Tamra it‘s really good on audio! 4y
47 likes1 stack add8 comments
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Amiable
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All of my library holds came up at once —-ahhh! Started “Bad Blood” and “A Better Man.” Barbara Bush is going to have to be patient. 😬

ELH I‘m about halfway through The Matriarch 4y
Amiable @ELH Is it good? 4y
ELH @Amiable Yes, I don‘t always like the bio style (I prefer memoir- bio is too he said, she said), but I am learning a lot! 4y
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Amiable @ELH Good to know! I wasn‘t a fan of her husband as president, but I think that Barbara was a fascinating woman. I‘m looking forward to the book now! 4y
Tamra Enjoy the Penny! 4y
ELH @Amiable same! 4y
Tanisha_A I just checked out Bad Blood from the library too. High-5! 😁 4y
Amiable @Tanisha_A It's good so far! But it seems like there were sooo many red flags about Holmes and Theranos. I'm puzzled that it went on for as long as it did. 4y
Amiable @Tamra I always do! I want to move to Three Pines. :) 4y
Suet624 So many red flags. 4y
63 likes10 comments
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Tamra
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Pickpick

This latest installment is a pick, but with some reservations. This one seemed a bit repetitive, e.g. commentary why partners don‘t leave abusive relationships. The solution seemed to drag on and defies a statistical reality, which I have concern about. But it is a work of fiction after all!

I loved how she incorporated the very important legal doctrine that checks police power: fruit of the poisonous tree. 👏🏾

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Christinak
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The #bacon sizzled and popped. The coffee perked. The fire in the woodstove roiled as the women went into the study to continue whatever they were talking about, and Jean-Guy left to find Armand.
A mist was rising from the thinning layer of snow. The air warmer now than the ground. Giving the pretty village an otherworldly feel. Except for the mud. #QuotsyDec19

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agrondin44

My second book of Louise Penny. I am usually not a fan of that kind of book and I just could not put it down, loved it!! A good mix of intrigues and good people you want to be friend with.

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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
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Pickpick

This was fantastic! Her Acknowledgements at the end had me crying so hard because of who she dedicated this book to and why. 😭 She wonderfully fit in the scourge of social media into this story - having impact on both Gamache and Clara Morrow. So good! Great book to finish this year. This decade!

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thea-block
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Pickpick

I‘ve loved and cherished these new releases each year, and this was no exception! This installment included all things I love about Penny‘s work (deep character work, an interconnected story, character growth) while also expanding into beautiful imagery and personification of place and objects. I wasn‘t as surprised by the mystery but the story was so well done it didn‘t matter. Love these books!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

TrishB Love them too 👍🏻 4y
12 likes1 comment
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Christinak
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“April in Quebec was a month of cruel contrasts.of sublime afternoons spent sitting in the #bright sunshine with a glass of wine, then waking to another foot of snow” #QuotsyDec19
#PrettyEndPapers

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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
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Time to break out the Christmasy bookmark! 🤣☃️

Sace I love it! 4y
26 likes2 comments
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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
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Even though my holiday break doesn't start until Monday after work, a good old mystery series always makes me happy and feeling like it's the holidays. Usually it's an Elizabeth George, but Louise Penny will do absolutely fine too! 🌲🌲🌲

Annl I agree English mysteries are my go to comfort books! 4y
TiredLibrarian Two of my favorites! I also have a Deborah Crombie to look forward to. 😻 4y
32 likes4 comments
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EadieB
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Day 18 - #MysteryMan #DearDecember #ABetterMan #LouisePenny

Inspector Gamache is the better man who solves all the mysteries in this series.

Eggs ❤️📚👏🏻📚❤️ 4y
42 likes1 comment
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Christinak
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“I‘ll let you think about what you just said. Unless something happens in the next few minutes, like a #meteor strikes, you‘ll be charged with the murder of —— —— ” #QuotsyDec19

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Kangaj1
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I am so excited to finally get my hands on this from the library. I have listened to most of the series on audio, so print is a fun experience as I pronounce names and phrases as I have always heard them. Off to yoga, then home to read before work!

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Preciouz29
Pickpick

I love Louise Penny‘s Armand Gamache novels, but instead of devouring this in a day like usual, it took me a week....I just had a harder time getting through this and I‘m not quite sure why. I think that the crime was less interesting to me somehow, but the ending was both expected and unexpected.

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kwmg40
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I finished the #MrBook1InAMillion #readathon with 11 hours and 5 minutes of reading time.

Congratulations again to @MrBook on his spectacular achievement, and thanks to #LitsyPartyOfOne and #24B4Monday for running the event! @Andrew65 @TheReadingMermaid @jb72

I started Louise Penny‘s new Inspector Gamache series. This photo is of the brand new Champlain bridge in Montreal, next to the old one that Gamache peers over in one scene.

Crazeedi ❤❤ the Gamache series!! 4y
kwmg40 @Crazeedi My feelings exactly. Such a great series! 4y
jb72 Pretty cool 😎 it looks similar to the Sunshine Skyway bridge in Florida. 4y
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MrBook Awesome!!! 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤗 4y
Andrew65 What a great picture with the old against the new. I bit like the recently built Queensferry Crossing Bridge in Edinburgh compared to the old Forth Bridges. 4y
Andrew65 A great time, well done and thanks for taking part. 👏👏👏😊👍 4y
kwmg40 @jb72 @Andrew65 It is an interesting picture indeed. My parents live south of Montreal, and recently, we crossed the new bridge, which was a strange experience with the old one right next to it. We did not get out of the car to look over the bridge like Inspector Gamache did! 4y
Andrew65 @kwmg40 This website shows the three bridges in Edinburgh in close proximity. https://www.heliair.com/store/edinburgh-and-bridges-helicopter-tour/ 4y
kwmg40 @Andrew65 Great photo. I would love to visit Edinburgh one day, especially after having read so many murder mysteries set there. 4y
Andrew65 @kwmg40 Think it would be my favourite city. 4y
15 likes10 comments
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Jen2
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Pickpick

I love getting lost in Three Pines.

Bookwormjillk 🌲🌲🌲 4y
Earlene I am number 9 for my library hold. I wish the people ahead of me would read faster. Enjoy. 4y
Jen2 😂😂😂 4y
89 likes3 comments
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Louise
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Pickpick

My response to this book was mixed. There were so many twists in the story of the crime that I‘m still not entirely sure what happened. (Perhaps that‘s the drawback of listening to the audiobook at night while falling asleep!) But that doesn‘t really matter because the main pleasure of the Three Pines books is spending time with the main characters. And now the wait for the next book begins. Godspeed, Writer, Godspeed!

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EadieB
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Mehso-so

Spring flooding, attacks in the media, and a disappearance greet Gamache in the latest by Penny.
This book a bit disappointing. Tired of the rehashing of the factory raid. There was not enough about the magical, charming 3 Pines that we all love. Great writer and plots are complex but not much character development in the book. Penny needs to get back to 3 Pines so we can smell the bread baking and spend time with our characters that we so love.

Crazeedi I've heard this isnt one of the better ones, I'm disappointed! 5y
EadieB @Crazeedi Yes I was disappointed too! 5y
64 likes3 comments