The Brutal Telling

Three Pines is both an idyllic and violent place. How does Penny use both sides of Three Pines to present a theme?

Inspector Gamache is the hero of the story. What qualities make him heroic? Include examples from the text in your character analysis.

Three Pines is a tight-knit community, but also exclusive. Analyze the importance of the phrase “beyond the pale” to both Three Pines’ characterization and commentary on human nature.

What is the significance, literal and metaphorical, of art in the novel?

Though Gamache’s trip to the Queen Charlotte Islands isn’t fruitful in gathering evidence for his investigation, it is nonetheless formative. What makes this visit important? What does Gamache learn? Why does Penny draw her reader’s attention to the Haida people?

How do secondary characters like Jean Guy, Isabelle, and Thérèse enhance the narrative?

Olivier and Marc Gilbert find themselves in a resentful battle over business and reputation. What does this rift demonstrate about Three Pines?

Identify and analyze your own theories regarding Jakob’s murder. Before Gamache arrests Olivier, who did you think committed the murder and why?