The Sûreté du Québec takes a beating in Ms. Penny’s novels as the kindly but formidable Chief Inspector Armand Gamache battles corruption as well as murderers.

A seemingly idyllic village in a remote, hidden section of Québec provides the backdrop for murder. But sumptuous descriptions of village life and humour provided by quirky characters lighten otherwise dark tales. Indeed, Ms. Penny’s depiction of life in the little hamlet of Three Pines that is rarely found on purpose but only stumbled upon makes one want to move there.

Have you read any books by Louise Penny?