I just finished the book. I’m sorry I didn’t join the discussion earlier. I started reading late, and have been avoiding the thread, in case it held spoilers. As it happens, it doesn’t, and I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s take on it. Quite divergent opinions.
I enjoyed the book, primarily because I liked Garmache as a leading character, and enjoyed seeing his regular team in action. Plus, I found the mystery interesting, though guessed a few things ahead of time. I thought it was well crafted. I also really enjoyed the little references to Québécois food and culture.
That said, I would have dropped this book part way through the first chapter, if not for the bookclub. I found the writing painful and distracting. It was overwritten, and seemed like an unedited first draft. To me, the setting wasn’t too twee, but the character descriptions and their activities certainly were. Plus there was too much trembling, quivering, and obvious red herrings. I just wanted to grab a pen or give up.
But surprisingly, as soon as Garmache was introduced in the second chapter, the writing became much crisper, and the characters more believable. Instead of wanting to edit, I found myself engaged by the story and kept reading. So I’m pleased I kept going, and will try another book in the series.
I won’t know until I try another book, but I suspect Penny’s inexperience was chiefly to blame for the first chapter. What’s puzzling is that a good editor could easily have helped with revisions.
In terms of other comments, I don’t see the similarity between this book and golden age fiction. The Eastern Townships are next door to Cabot Cove, but I didn’t find that off-putting. However, Three Pines is such a small village, that I can’t see how one could shoehorn another murderer in there, let alone a whole series of them. At least Christie gave herself a whole island to work with, so I’m definitely curious as to how Penny can pull it off
