The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny

The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny is another fantastic nominee. This book is actually the 5th entry in Louise Penny's Three Pines Mystery series. Let me tell you that I absolutely love this series. I have read them all and am anxiously awaiting the 6th. Why is this one of my favourite series of books ever? Well, I love the Canadian setting, somewhere in the eastern townships of Quebec. Three Pines is a seemingly idyllic little village with a lot of interesting characters. As the series progresses, Louise Penny develops these characters and you really get to know them warts and all. In each entry, a murder occurs and Chief Inspector Armand Gamache from the Montreal is called in to investigate. The character of Armand Gamache is very very likeable. He's kind, insightful, intelligent, a great mentor, and well dressed. Clara, an artist who is finally on the verge of being recognized after years of struggling is another favourite character of mine. Louise Penny concentrates on a lot of character development and successfully brings each of the characters personal stories along with the murder investigation. I'm flushed just talking about this series. I highly recommend it.