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A World of Curiosities
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
57 posts | 49 read | 1 reading | 8 to read
Chief Inspector Armand Gamache returns in the eighteenth book in #1 New York Times bestseller Louise Penny's beloved series. Its spring and Three Pines is reemerging after the harsh winter. But not everything buried should come alive again. Not everything lying dormant should reemerge. But something has. As the villagers prepare for a special celebration, Armand Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir find themselves increasingly worried. A young man and woman have reappeared in the Sret du Qubec investigators lives after many years. The two were young children when their troubled mother was murdered, leaving them damaged, shattered. Now theyve arrived in the village of Three Pines. But to what end? Gamache and Beauvoirs memories of that tragic case, the one that first brought them together, come rushing back. Did their mothers murder hurt them beyond repair? Have those terrible wounds, buried for decades, festered and are now about to erupt? As Chief Inspector Gamache works to uncover answers, his alarm grows when a letter written by a long dead stone mason is discovered. In it the man describes his terror when bricking up an attic room somewhere in the village. Every word of the 150-year-old letter is filled with dread. When the room is found, the villagers decide to open it up. As the bricks are removed, Gamache, Beauvoir and the villagers discover a world of curiosities. But the head of homicide soon realizes theres more in that room than meets the eye. There are puzzles within puzzles, and hidden messages warning of mayhem and revenge. In unsealing that room, an old enemy is released into their world. Into their lives. And into the very heart of Armand Gamaches home.
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Geemom1118
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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A co-worker brought me this one to read. New author for me to try and it does sound interesting. #15of2024

Cheryl_Russell_BookNotes Love this series. Louise Penny is an autobuy author for me. The only thing I would say is this is book #18 in the series. (Book 19 releases on Oct. 29th.) So you may be lost starting with this one. I read some out of order without realizing it, and I was confused while reading. They aren‘t really stand-alone novels. 🙂 6mo
3 likes1 comment
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Mpcacher
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

I love every visit I make to Three Pines and this book was no exception. This one had a bit of everything including reference to real things in history including the École Polytechnique massacre, the accused witch Anne Lamarque and The Paston Treasure painting. It also went back to a couple of earlier cases, one of which was when Armand met Jean-Guy. The story was dark and complicated but very good. 4.5/5 stars.

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readwithcori
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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4 ⭐️ I will forever love this series. Louise Penny is exceptionally talented in how she weaves together art, history, poetry, and murder mysteries. Highly recommend! #LitsyLoveReads

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful cover 💚🤎 10mo
21 likes1 comment
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Susanita
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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#12booksof2023 February selection

Andrew65 Another popular choice. 10mo
36 likes1 comment
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mom2bugnbee
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Andrew65 Brilliant choice! 10mo
AnnR Nice graphic.🎄 10mo
23 likes2 comments
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ShelleyBooksie
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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1. Fresh cut trees (especially evergreen and cedar)
2. ☕️ ☕️ Coffee
3. "Clean house"

Wanna play @TheLudicReader , @DinoMom , @LiseWorks

LiseWorks Since I can never get a copy of this to my own phone to repost, I will answer here. I love the Forest in the fall. The smell of wild roses and lilacs. 12mo
dabbe What does #3 smell like? I don't think I'll ever get there! Thanks for sharing! 🧡🖤💜 12mo
dabbe @LiseWorks I need more lilacs in my life! Thanks for sharing! 🧡🖤💜 12mo
23 likes3 comments
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ShelleyBooksie
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Saturday vibes.

dabbe Hello there, cuddliest pup! 🖤🐾🖤 13mo
PageShifter I have only read the two first books in the series! 12mo
31 likes2 comments
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rabbitprincess
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
Pickpick

This book takes us back to the Gamache and Beauvoir “origin story”: the first case they worked on together, in which a woman was murdered, and her two children deeply damaged. The children are now adults and in Three Pines, and their presence is unsettling for Gamache in particular. Later on, another ghost from the past is unleashed into the village. I liked this better than The Madness of Crowds.

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mom2bugnbee
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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1. Tagged

2. The Count of Monte Cristo has been on my "currently reading" Goodreads shelf for a few years. I really do need to finish, as I was enjoying it!

3. My 21yo & 18yo daughters. ♥ ♥

@Eggs

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Susanita
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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I love Louise Penny, but I don‘t love covers where the author‘s name is bigger than the title of the book. #sundayfunday

BookmarkTavern I didn‘t even think about this one! But I totally agree! Thanks for posting! 1y
34 likes1 comment
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ImperfectCJ
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

After going quickly through the series in 2021, I took a long break while waiting for it to be easier to get her latest from the library, reading all of Michael Connelly's Bosch series and dabbling in a lot of others, and I didn't realize how much I missed Three Pines and Penny's writing. The mystery piece of this one felt a little unsatisfying, but the rich emotional/internal lives of the characters hit the spot for me.

kspenmoll I am rereading her series right now & having such fun. 1y
52 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Mshookquilts
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

Wow! Another page turner! A monster from Gamache‘s past (or should I say monsters) came back. Interestingly, Penny uses a painting as one of the main clues. But, this story also fleshes out the history and personality of some of the characters and reflects on forgiveness and the struggle with forgiveness.

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Lcsmcat
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Finished the latest installment on the treadmill this morning. As some have said, it is darker than earlier installments. But I love my Three Pines friends and will visit them whenever I can. 🙂

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EadieB
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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#20in4 #Readathon #Friday24thMonday27thMarch
#BookSpinBingo #SeriesLove2023

A young man and woman have reappeared in the Surete de Quebec investigators‘ lives after many years. The two were young children when their troubled mother was murdered, leaving them damaged, shattered. Now they‘ve arrived in the village of Three Pines. It is the case where Gamache and Beauvoir met and introduces Fiona and Sam Arsenault who were 13 and 10 yrs. old.

EadieB It involves a drug addict and the rescue of abused children. It is a story of revenge with lots of twists and turns. A letter written by a long-dead stonemason is discovered. In it, the man describes his terror when bricking up an attic room somewhere in the village. Every word of the 160-year-old letter is filled with dread. When the room is found, the villagers decide to open it up. 2y
EadieB As the bricks are removed, Gamache, Beauvoir, and the villagers discover a world of curiosities. But the head of homicide soon realizes there‘s more in that room than meets the eye. There are puzzles within puzzles, and hidden messages warning of mayhem and revenge. This is one exciting book that I read to the end and loved every minute. If you like old mysteries then you would love this book. 2y
Susanita This book is dark…but so good! 2y
See All 8 Comments
EadieB @Susanita yes it was dark but I did enjoy it! 2y
TheSpineView Great job! 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
Andrew65 A brilliant series that I need to get back to. 2y
EadieB @Andrew65 Would be a good idea! 2y
45 likes8 comments
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Tamra
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

This is a pick because once you get hooked into the characters and setting of the series, well, you‘ll forgive a lot. 😉 The plots seem to get more & more implausible, but are still entertaining.

I want more Ruth! 🦆

Cathythoughts I have we this stacked already. I must get back to this series , I‘ve watched some on Tv too. 👍🏻 Ruth❤️ 2y
FlowerFairy I‘m only on book three of this series but loving it! And yes, Ruth is the best! 2y
62 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Susanita
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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1. I don‘t think I‘ll finish anything else this month, so I‘m calling it at the tagged book.
2. Reading: More countries for #ReadingTheAmericas
Life: One last outing with my friend before she moves across the country
#two4tuesday

TheSpineView Hope your March is fabulous! Thanks for playing 2y
25 likes1 comment
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Tamra
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Oh my, this Three Pines installment has a very dark element. Perhaps the darkest yet? 😱😳😧 Made my gut sink when I heard it. (Just started it yesterday, I‘m not too far in, but far enough!)

TrishB Yes it is very dark and twisty this one. 2y
Cathythoughts I think I‘ll have to stack this one ! 2y
54 likes2 comments
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Deblovestoread
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Entertaining is not my strong suit and because I‘m lazy today I‘m choosing a comfort food potluck with all of my favorite Three Pines characters from the tagged series. I can look forward to lively and weird conversation with a few f*cks thrown in from Ruth‘s duck. That and a glass of wine would make a perfect evening.

@RaeLovesToRead #ihavequestions

RaeLovesToRead Aww, sounds chill! (I was planning on getting someone else to do the actual murder mystery arrangements and catering, hahaha!) 2y
Amiable Oh, I would attend that dinner party! As long as the person who is going to be killed in Three Pines that day is already dead. Because I don‘t want to become the plot line for the next party. 😀 2y
Karisimo That's exactly who I thought of when I read this prompt! 😉 2y
37 likes3 comments
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Susanita
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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I caved! Despite the pile of books on my plate right now (sorry for the mixed metaphor), I grabbed this yesterday as soon as it came out of hold status. I‘m about halfway through it, and I‘m anxious to find out what happens!

Nice way to start a #readathon

Bookwormjillk This was the best one in a while I thought 2y
Andrew65 Can definitely see why you went to this, enjoy 😁 2y
dabbe I love when a book does that! ❣️ 2y
34 likes3 comments
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suvata
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

#OUABC 2023 Challenge: Prompt: 7. A Book borrowed from the library

Five years ago I read the first book in the Detective Gamache series. At the time, I really didn‘t enjoy it. So, I never read anymore from the series. I picked up this one (No. 18) because the cover intrigued me. Guess what? I really am a Louise Penny fan. Never abandon a book or a series completely. Maybe, just maybe, if you go back later, you‘ll find out you really do like it.

AvidReader25 I didn‘t like the first one either. But they just keep getting better! She hit her stride in the fourth book. 2y
suvata @AvidReader25 Good to know 👍🏻 2y
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Amiable
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

Yes. I know the plot strains credibility and you really need to suspend disbelief. A LOT of disbelief. But every time I open a new Louise Penny novel I just fall headlong into the pages and I can‘t look up until it‘s over. There‘s something so familiar and comforting about these characters and this village. Even when there‘s a serial killer on the loose. 🤷🏻‍♀️

TrishB Agreed 😁 2y
Tamra Yes, spot on! 2y
87 likes2 comments
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AnnieMcC
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
Pickpick

I feel like each book is better than the last (mostly) with Louise Penny. Although the actual storyline was somewhat farfetched, I was totally engrossed. I thoroughly enjoy my yearly visit with the characters of Three Pines.

Suet624 Still haven‘t read one of hers. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y
3 likes1 comment
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Jnnlb
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

BookNotes I‘m reading this one now. Penny is one of my favorite authors. ❤️ 2y
AnnieMcC I am reading this one too. . . almost finished and thoroughly enjoying it. With maybe one or two exceptions, I find her books just keep getting better.
2y
Jnnlb I thought that this was one of her best and reeled you in from page one 2y
50 likes1 stack add3 comments
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kspenmoll
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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With the exception of A World of Curiosities, all are buddy reads with specific chapters each week. #lousePenny #literarycrew #Pemberlittens #goldenagecrimeclub #adventuresinphilosophy #deadphilosopherssociety #RebeccaGoldstein #bookclub

Cinfhen Im hoping to start Peach Blossom Spring this week - are u enjoying it?? 2y
Librarybelle Yay! 2y
62 likes2 comments
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kspenmoll
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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#bookreport
Finished:
The Godmothers- I just could not put it down! #sundaybuddyread
Shot of Murder - A so-so for me #serieslove2023
Still reading:
Middlemarch #chapteraday #Pemberlittens
The Murder at the Vicarage - Enjoying Miss Marple as she annoys everone #goldenagecrimeclub
Plate at the Googleplex - Prologue poses fascinating questions #platoatthegoogleplex #deadphilosopherssociety #adventuesinphilosophy
A World of Curiosities #audio

Andrew65 Some great books in there r, well done on a good week. 2y
TheBookHippie 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🖤 2y
Cinfhen I had to hold back with Godmothers!! Im excited to reach the conclusion this week!!!! 2y
TheSpineView Great progress! 2y
67 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Preciouz29
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
Pickpick

I think this might be my favourite

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kwmg40
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

The plot seemed far-fetched, but in the end, that didn't matter. I found myself totally immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading. This was an excellent installment in the Inspector Gamache series, with a mix of new characters and familiar Three Pines friends.

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks
#SeriesLove2023 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView

TheSpineView Fantastic!💙📖📚📚📚 2y
kwmg40 @TheSpineView Thank you! 2y
kwmg40 The reference to the Montreal Massacre hit close to home. I'm originally from Montreal, and though I didn't know any of the families directly affected, I was just starting grad studies in a STEM field when this happened. I remember the fear and anguish that I and my fellow students, especially the female ones, felt when this tragedy happened. 2y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 2y
Andrew65 A brilliant series. Well done 🥳 2y
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Eggs
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

Day 12: #12BooksOf2022

One of the best Armand Gamache yet! I would love to reread all of them but this time in order

@Andrew65

Andrew65 A brilliant choice and I need to get back to the series. Thanks for playing along, it has been a great way to review the Reading year. 2y
Eggs @Andrew65 It has been my pleasure! Thanks for hosting and looking forward to 2023 end-of-year! 2y
Andrew65 @Eggs 🤣 It will be here before we know it! 2y
64 likes3 comments
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Bookwormjillk
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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#12booksof2023

This is my favorite series so no surprise this was my favorite book of December.

Thank you @Andrew65 for hosting this fun trip down memory lane!

Andrew65 A fabulous series which I need to get back to.

Thanks, and thanks for playing along. A good way to review the year.
2y
48 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Eggs
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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#WinterReadathonDailyChallenge

My Christmas/winter favorite was The Christmas Shoes, while the non seasonal was the latest Armand Gamache mystery.

@Andrew65 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES

Andrew65 Can‘t go wrong with Louise Penny. 2y
Eggs True 🤗 @Andrew65 2y
DieAReader 🥳♥️🥳💜 2y
Eggs @DieAReader 🧡🧡🧡 2y
57 likes4 comments
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mom2bugnbee
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

Louise Penny never disappoints.

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#Booked2023 - set in 2+ time periods

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mom2bugnbee
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Yesssssssssssssss. I adore skip the line surprises!

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Kangaj1
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

Could not narrow it down as I read around 185 with over 100 4 ⭐ and 5 ⭐ reads...

jlhammar Yes! Tell Me Everything was in my Honorable Mentions as well. So good! 2y
22 likes1 comment
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Suelizbeth
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Having read every single Armand Gamache novel, I can say unequivocally that is the best one yet. Three Pines features centrally in this latest terrifying installment. All of our favorite characters are front and center. This book calls into play the very first interaction between Armand Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir. Not saying any more. If you haven‘t read this series, start now (reading in order for full effect). You won‘t regret it. 5⭐️

JenReadsAlot This series is on my list to start this next year! 2y
Suelizbeth @JenReadsAlot It is my favorite! 📚❤️ 2y
Bluebird Yay!! I love this series. So glad to hear the latest book is the best! I bought the audible version as soon as it was released. I will be reading Madness of Crowds in January and hopefully this one shortly afterwards 2y
See All 6 Comments
Bookwormjillk I really loved this one too 2y
Suelizbeth @Bluebird 📚❤️ 2y
48 likes1 stack add6 comments
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Sapphire
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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I‘ve been audiobook puzzling on this federal non holiday.

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TrishB
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

This was a dark and twisty one! Great to be back in Three Pines, though there‘s always something going on.

Aimeesue I live for écouter très with Ruth Zardo. ❤️ 2y
CarolynM On my Christmas list. Fingers crossed🙂 2y
TrishB @Aimeesue she‘s a great character 👍🏻 2y
TrishB @CarolynM 🤞🏻 this is a good one! 2y
93 likes4 comments
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Deblovestoread
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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I LOVE a good mystery series especially during a slump. Being with familiar characters in familiar settings with a little murder is comforting. These are 4 of the series I would like to get caught up on. I will read the tagged book after giving it my dad for Christmas and the new Winspear out in March. And I look forward to all the recs that this will bring.

Shout out to bookseriesinorder.com for providing all the lists!

Andrew65 I love the Gaslight Mystery Series, and need to continue with that one myself. Also love the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series and am working through his 44 Scotland Street Series. I don‘t know the Stephanie Barron Series. Best of luck 😁 (edited) 2y
34 likes1 comment
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TrishB
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Been Christmas shopping all morning. My lunch time reward 😁
Only a couple more shops, then home!
Loving being back at Three Pines.

batsy That looks delicious! 2y
Cathythoughts Very nice ! 2y
TrishB @batsy @Cathythoughts it was lovely! 2y
WJCintron Looks delicious! What‘s that pizza like dish? Quiche? 2y
TrishB @WJCintron yes it‘s quiche 😁 2y
81 likes5 comments
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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
Pickpick

An excellent instalment in the Gamache series. How was I to know when I started reading Penny would be featuring the Montreal Massacre, and I would be reading it on its anniversary and in tandem with me reading Because They Were Women”. This was an excellent mystery!

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Breanne1
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

I always love revisiting Three Pines and this time it was a nail biter of a visit. I loved the layered pieces to this story and how each character played their roles to a tee. I can‘t wait to revisit again.
The new series on Amazon Prime is great too!!

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Aimeesue
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

Inhaled this one today, on audio while working on Xmas presents. Brilliant, as always.
If there's any fictional place I'd want to live, it's Three Pines 🌲 🌲 🌲

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Bookwormjillk
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

I‘ve been reading this slowly trying to make the time to the next one as short as possible. I finally gave in and finished tonight though. What a ride. This installment was more dark and twisted than usual and I‘m here for it.

Texreader I‘ve read about three books from this series randomly. I‘d love to start from the beginning and read them through. But whew, that‘s an investment!! 2y
CarolynM This one is on my Christmas list. Fingers crossed🙂 2y
Bookwormjillk @Texreader they‘re really good on audio too. @CarolynM fingers crossed. 2y
64 likes1 stack add3 comments
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OutAndAbout
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

Thanksgiving has become the season of “when does Gamache get here”! Finished the audiobook in a few days. Great story, great narrator, and the hometown we all wish we had. Btw, the new tv series is okay too. But just okay.

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AvidReader25
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

What a ride! A dark start that was hard to read, but led to one of the best mysteries yet. I couldn‘t put it down. A hidden room, a complicated painting, and a threat like Three Pines has never faced. All your favorite characters are there, but this one really focuses on Gamache and Beauvoir and gives more detail on their first case together. Truly one of the best of the series, but be aware of the dark material at the beginning.

kspenmoll Just started this! 2y
33 likes1 comment
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kspenmoll
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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#weeklyforecast
At various stages with each book:

Northern Light, my classroom read.
A World of Curiosities- #audible
The Twelve Clues of Christmas- p.29 #winterreadathon
Always in December- last section #sundaybuddyread #winterreadathon
Christmas in New England-#kindle #winterreadathon
Shadow and Light- week 2

Crazeedi How was northern lights? I have it on my unread shelf 2y
Suet624 You are amazing! 2y
Cinfhen Wonderful!!! 2y
70 likes3 comments
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MallenNC
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

I thought I was going to have to wait a long time for my turn to come up at the library, but I got lucky when placed my Libby hold right when the book was added. This was another great one if you like the Three Pines series. The crimes in this one are pretty dark — Louise Penny does not write cozy mysteries. This one was complicated but I felt like it all tied together in the end.

30 likes2 stack adds
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Suzze
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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29 likes1 stack add
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ImperfectCJ
A World of Curiosities | Louise Penny
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❄️ Cool, rainy days.
❄️ All I want for Christmas is a little bit of a certain age to get a new one. (Umm, okay, phone. Whatever you say.)
❄️ Tagged (not officially on my Christmas wish list, but I do wish for it).

@Eggs #WondrousWednesday

Eggs I just finished the audio of tagged. Chilling…I think you‘ll like it👍🏼 2y
27 likes1 comment