Bury Your Dead

by Louise Penny
Bury Your Dead cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Mystery
Technical:
  • ID: 1949
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780748122493
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2010-09-28
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

In the heart of winter, Quebec City's ancient stone walls crack under the cold, setting the stage for Chief Inspector Armand Gamache's most perplexing case yet. A man is found murdered in one of the city's oldest buildings, a library where the English citizens of Quebec preserve their history. The crime opens a door to the past, revealing a mystery that has remained hidden for centuries. To solve the present-day murder, Gamache must unravel this historical enigma, delving into the rich, atmospheric setting of Quebec City and its layered past./n/nLouise Penny's 'Bury Your Dead' is a masterful blend of suspense and wit, showcasing her signature ability to create compelling characters and intricate plots. The novel is steeped in luscious atmosphere and brimming with the elements that have earned Penny a massive global following. With its ingenious storytelling and surprising twists, this book is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense.

Reviews
Gamache Series · 2023-01-01
brilliant 4.00

The book masterfully weaves together multiple storylines and uses flashbacks effectively. The plot twists are surprising and add depth to the narrative.

This review praises the author's ability to handle multiple storylines and flashbacks seamlessly. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the plot twists, which they find surprising and well-executed. They appreciate how these elements add depth and complexity to the story, making it a standout in the series. The reviewer also highlights the emotional resonance of the characters and their development throughout the book.

Quick quotes

    With Bury Your Dead, Louise Penny brings us not one, not two, but three brilliant storylines.

    She uses flashbacks to tell the tale of a rescue gone awry.

    The plot twists are surprising and add depth to the narrative.

The Pump Don’t Work · Patrick Treardon · 2021-03-11
intriguing 3.50

The emotional depth of Gamache's past trauma is a central focus, making it a compelling read. The mystery is intertwined with personal reflection, adding layers to the narrative.

Patrick Treardon delves into the emotional core of the book, highlighting how the protagonist's past trauma shapes the story. They appreciate how the mystery is not just about solving a crime but also about Gamache's personal journey. The reviewer finds the book's strength in its ability to blend a compelling mystery with deep emotional exploration. However, they also note that the pacing can be slow at times, which might not appeal to everyone.

Quick quotes

    The first mystery and the strongest emotional thread in the book has to do with those traumatic events.

    The book's strength lies in its ability to blend a compelling mystery with deep emotional exploration.

    The pacing can be slow at times, which might not appeal to everyone.

Rohan Maitzen · Rohan Maitzen · 2015-07-28
disappointing 2.00

The writing feels clunky and the suspense contrived, which detracts from the overall experience. The reviewer feels the book might have missed its mark.

Rohan Maitzen expresses disappointment with the writing style, finding it clunky and the suspense contrived. They feel that these issues detract from the overall reading experience and might have caused the book to miss its potential. Despite this, they acknowledge that the book has its moments, but the flaws are significant enough to overshadow them. The reviewer suggests that this might not be the best entry point for new readers to the series.

Quick quotes

    Between the clunky writing and the contrived suspense, then, Penny might have forfeited her chance with me!

    If I'm underestimating the series, the flaws are significant enough to overshadow any positive aspects.

    This might not be the best entry point for new readers to the series.

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