A Rule Against Murder

by Louise Penny
A Rule Against Murder cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Mystery
Technical:
  • ID: 1950
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780748129652
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-04-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

The wealthy Finney family gathers at the Manoir Bellechasse to honor their late patriarch, but tensions rise as old rivalries resurface. When a violent storm hits, a body is discovered, and Chief Inspector Gamache, who is staying at the manor, finds himself in the midst of a locked-room mystery. With a building full of suspects and a murderer cornered, the stakes are higher than ever. Louise Penny's acclaimed novel combines a gripping plot with rich character development and a setting that adds to the suspense. The story is praised for its intricate twists and satisfying conclusion, making it a standout in the Chief Inspector Gamache series.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-11
engaging 4.50

The book is praised for its elegance and depth, standing out in the traditional mystery genre. The characters and setting are highlighted for their richness and complexity.

This reviewer loves how Louise Penny elevates the village mystery genre with her signature touch. They appreciate the intricate characters and the way the story unfolds, making it a standout read. The setting and atmosphere are particularly noted for their depth, creating a rich backdrop for the mystery. The reviewer feels that this book is a great example of how a traditional mystery can be both elegant and deeply engaging.

Quick quotes

    Louise Penny applies her magic touch to A RULE AGAINST MURDER, giving the village mystery an elegance and depth not often seen in this traditional genre.

    The characters are well-developed and the setting is rich and atmospheric.

    This book is a great example of how a traditional mystery can be both elegant and deeply engaging.

Schatjes Shelves · 2024-03-22
intricate 3.50

The reviewer found the Finney family obnoxious but appreciated the clever storyline and twists. The characters and setting were noted for their depth.

This reviewer wasn't particularly fond of the Finney family, finding them obnoxious and unpleasant. However, they appreciated the clever storyline and the twists that kept the mystery engaging. The characters, despite their flaws, were well-developed, and the setting added to the overall atmosphere of the book. The reviewer felt that the book's strengths lay in its intricate plot and the way it kept them guessing.

Quick quotes

    There is little to like about the Finneys; they are totally obnoxious, always making nasty comments to each other.

    The clever storyline and twists kept the mystery engaging.

    The characters were well-developed, and the setting added to the overall atmosphere.

Cannonball Read · Jake · 2021-04-30
satisfying 4.00

The reviewer enjoyed the effective clue dispersion and the satisfying conclusion. They found the mystery engaging and well-crafted.

Jake really enjoyed how the clues were dispensed throughout the book, making the mystery engaging and the conclusion satisfying. They appreciated the way the story kept them guessing until the very end. The reviewer also noted that the characters were well-developed and the plot was cleverly crafted, making it a enjoyable read overall.

Quick quotes

    I also really liked how this concluded. Though I had a good idea of who the murderer was, Penny dispenses clues in an effective manner.

    The characters were well-developed and the plot was cleverly crafted.

    The story kept me guessing until the very end.

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