Still Life, Week 3

Welcome to Week 3 of the Online Book Club discussion of Still Life by Louise Penny. 

What did you think of the reading this week? Are you enjoying the story? Are you feeling like you have figured out the crime? 

Do you feel like you've grown closer to any of the characters? I definitely find myself rooting for Clara and Peter. I don't expect that they have anything to do with the murder of Jane, but if that were the big twist at the end of the story, I would be really heartbroken. I really appreciate Inspector Gamache. I like that he is a positive figure in the story, and I like that he doesn't have some dark secret or dark backstory. I am curious about the past case that has gotten him in so much hot water, but it seems like he wasn't in the wrong. He might have been too on the ball about his investigating. 

A lot of this section followed Matthew Croft. Do you think he's innocent of the crime? I know he looks guilty because the bow was at his house, and they were trying to hide evidence. But, I really think he was just covering for his son. I think, if he were responsible for the crime, he would not have spent so much time talking about archery in the town hall meeting. I think he was too open about his knowledge and expertise, and I think he would have been more secretive if he were the perpetrator. 

What do you think of Agent Nichol? I felt sorry for her at the beginning of the book because she seemed like she was trying hard but was awkward. But, now, I feel like she is just really unpleasant. I think she's so busy trying to make a name for herself, and she is not interested in working with everyone else. What did you think about the fact that she lied about the will? She didn't investigate at all to make sure that it was the latest will. I just can't imagine that the will they found is the most recent. It's just so weird that Jane would leave her house to her niece when it seems like they don't have a relationship. 

What do you think of Yolande, Jane's niece, and Andre, her husband? They seem so weird. I feel like they are both hiding something. Why do you think Yolande is so set on being inside of Jane's house? I really feel like there is something in there that is really important. Do you think Jane had a lot of hidden money or priceless antiques? There must be something really important in her house. 

Do you have any guesses about who could have committed the crime? Who do you think is the most likely suspect? What do you think will happen in the last section? 

Before you go, check out the video below to learn more about author, Louise Penny. She seems like such a nice person! I really enjoyed getting to see more about her in this video. 

Thanks for following along this week! I can't wait to hear what you thought of the section and what you're thinking about the mystery. Make sure to leave a comment to let me know what you thought! Check back next week after finishing the book!