The most recent Chief Inspector Gamache book.
If you are a fan of Louise Penny’s Chief Inspector Gamache novels, the title of this blog (with all its implications) will be immediately clear. If not, I highly recommend the series and, furthermore, I suggest that they be read in order beginning with Still Life, published in 2005.
The stories are centered on the village of Three Pines which is located somewhere in Quebec, about an hour and a half from Montreal and not far from the Vermont border. Three Pines does not show up on any map. Like Brigadoon (and Oysterville, I sometimes think), you must just happen upon it. When you do, if you have read the books, you will not only recognize the village green which is bordered by the new and used bookstore, the bistro and the B & B, but you will also recognize many of the folks who live there.
Where oh where is Three Pines?
There is the cantankerous poet Ruth with her beloved duck, the artist Clara with her disheveled hair and paint-daubed clothes, Oliver and Gabri who own, respectively, the B & B and bistro, and of course Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, his wife Reine-Marie and… so many more. Not only will you recognize them, but you will actually know them – know them as well as you know your own neighbors and family members. Such is the magic of Louise Penny.
Mystery Book Club Founders, 2009
Our Mystery Book Club is thinking of going to Three Pines for a visit, perhaps next fall. Of course, while we are in the area, we will take sightseeing tours in Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and the historic Ile d’Orleans – maybe even a catamaran cruise at Niagara Falls and a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum. Between times, we will be searching the byways for the illusive Three Pines and keeping our eyes open for familiar characters.
Planning this trip is a little tricky, especially if, like most of us who plan to go, that line between fantasy and reality is mega-blurred. It’s hard to plan sight-seeing excursions visit to “far-off” locations like Montreal or Quebec City when you know in your heart-of-hearts you should be exploring the no-name country roads. I can’t wait!
I believe anticipation and planning are a large measure of a pleasurable activity so enjoy and if the trip comes to fruition, definitely “take” us with you.
Sydney–you are SO right about Louis Penny. I read all twelve books as fast as I could. My friends in Three Pines feel as real as my friends in Oysterville. All we need is a Bistro.
Couldn’t agree more! Have you considered a second career?
I’ve always thought about a restaurant. I love to cook (and feed people). My grandfather owned a restaurant. He made everything from scratch ( bread, soup, dressings, ice cream, French fries, halibut fish and chips, pies, you name it). That’s the way I cook as well–I haven’t purchased a salad dressing in years. I think I would last about seven days, though, max. It is SO much work. Maybe a B & B?
Well, first, let’s get you to Oysterville! lol