Louise Penny Author - Official site (2024)

Is it important to read the books in order?

Well, it's not essential. Each book is written to be self-standing, and most newcomers to the series have no difficulty picking up on issues that are explored in more depth in past books. Indeed, it's vital to me that readers know the characters have pasts, and the particular book they're reading is part of a continuum - a glimpse at their lives at that moment. If anything from the past is important, I'll explain it. Otherwise, some issues are alluded to, but only as a means of showing the characters have lives.

Having said that, there is a strong, and growing, character development arc throughout the books. I think of the books as having
two streams - one is the plot - the crime. The other is the personal life of the characters. The first will, for the most part, be
contained in a single book. The character development, though, gets deeper and deeper across the series.

The short answer? It's not necessary to read previous books - but it is recommended.

What is the order of the books?

From the first to the most recent:

STILL LIFE
A FATAL GRACE / DEAD COLD
THE CRUELEST MONTH
A RULE AGAINST MURDER / THE MURDER STONE
THE BRUTAL TELLING
BURY YOUR DEAD
A TRICK OF THE LIGHT
THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY
HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN
THE LONG WAY HOME
THE NATURE OF THE BEAST
A GREAT RECKONING
GLASS HOUSES
KINGDOM OF THE BLIND
A BETTER MAN
ALL THE DEVILS ARE HERE
THE MADNESS OF CROWDS
STATE OF TERROR (co-written with Hillary Clinton)

As you can see, some books have different titles. The first listed is for the US, the second is for the UK and Commonwealth, including Canada.

Why do some books have different titles?

It's not ideal - that's for sure. The publishers in the US and UK felt, in some cases, that the title just wouldn't work for their
readers. It wasn't done for extra money, or to annoy, or as any sort of scheme. It was done purely because they felt their title was
better, for the book and the market. And titles, whether I like it or not, are quite important - especially for readers new to a series. It
can turn people off, or draw them to a book.

What is your book The Hangman?

The Hangman was written for a literacy campaign, for emerging adult readers. It's a novella, and while it features Gamache and is set in Three Pines it is not really part of the series.


How do you decide on the cover for your books?

I wish I could take credit for them, but cover design just isn't my forte. Happily, the publishers have whole departments for that. When they come up with one they like, they'll send it to me and ask what I think. I first look to see how big my name is, and whether it's correctly spelled. The rest is gravy. Actually, I'm kidding. I know how vital a great cover is - what an advantage it is to having people pick up the book in the store, especially people unfamiliar with the series. A great cover can make the success of a book (clearly the content must be good too) - and a poor cover can terminally handicap a book. A poor cover can be many things, from just cheap and derivative, to misleading. Some covers are simply there to grab attention, but have nothing to do with the book, or even the tone of the book.

In some of the books, Chief Inspector Gamache tells new agents the four sayings that can lead to wisdom - four sentences his own mentor taught him. What are they?

I was wrong
I'm sorry
I don't know
I need help

Are the books Being and Loss referenced in your first novel available in English? I have not been able to locate them and would like further information about obtaining them if available?

Those are books I made up - but they're inspired by the book, Becoming Human by Jean Vanier.

Is Bean a boy or a girl? (A RULE AGAINST MURDER / THE MURDER STONE)

Which book mentions Gamache's wedding prayer?

It's in Bury Your Dead.

Does Three Pines exist? Where can I find it?

Sorry to have to tell you that the village only exists on the page, and in your imagination. But it is inspired by the communities I know in Quebec's Eastern Townships. Knowlton, Sutton, North Hatley, Georgeville - to name a few.

How do I sign up to receive your newsletter?

Click here if you wish to join my mailing list, we only require your name and email address and never pass this information onto anyone else. My Newsletter is sent out on the 1st of each month.

What does FINE stand for?

I'm FINE stands for -
F**ked up
Insecure
Neurotic
Egotistical

Do you have bookclub questions for the Armand Gamache books?

We have some discussion questions that you might find helpful. Just click the book titles below to download them.

Book club questions

Do you have directions to visit your husband Michael's memorial bench in Central Park?

If you'd like to visit Michael, and relax in his peaceful, bright presence, click here to view the map and walking directions.

Do you have a Three Pines characters list

Here's a list of the repeating characters from the Three Pines series: -

Armand Gamache – Chief Inspector Surete du Quebec
Reine Marie Gamache – Armand’s wife
Jean-Guy Beauvoir – Armand’s #2 at the Surete du Quebec
Isabelle Lacoste – of the Surete du Quebec
Clara Morrow - Artist
Peter Morrow - Artist
Ruth – Poet
Myrna – Bookstore owner
Olivier – Bistro co-owner
Gabri – Olivier’s partner – runs the B&B
Monsieur Beliveau – Runs the General Store
Sarah – The baker – runs the Boulangerie
Henri - The Gamache’s German Shepherd
Rosa – Ruth’s duck

Do you have a map showing some of the real life places that have inspired Louise's writing?

Click here to view or download the Three Pines inspirational map.

Do you have a pronunciation guide for the books?

Click here for our guide on how to say the characters names etc.

Are there any tours available when visiting Quebec City?

Exciting news - GAMACHE / BURY YOUR DEAD guided tour of Quebec City is now available exclusively through Marie Legroulx click here to visit her website - for further information contact her via email info@buryyourdeadtours.com
The good people of the Literary and Historical Society (Morrin Centre) are also onboard. Bon voyage et Vive Gamache!