At a glance
Still Life
Mystery
Still Life
Book 1 of the Chief Inspector Gamache series
320 pages · First published 2008
When beloved retired schoolteacher and artist Jane Neal is found dead in the woods near Three Pines, the residents of the picturesque Québec village are certain her death must have been a tragic hunting accident. But Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec suspects someone deliberately shot her with an arrow, and his investigation begins to expose the tensions and secrets hidden beneath the community's welcoming surface. As Gamache gets to know the village's eccentric residents, he discovers that Jane's artwork and the relationships she left behind may hold the key to understanding her death. Solving the mystery will require more than following physical evidence; it will take patience, compassion, and an understanding of the human heart. This atmospheric, character-rich mystery is perfect for a crisp autumn afternoon, a rainy day by the fire, or any time you're craving a charming village, memorable characters, and a cleverly constructed puzzle.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Orchard Mulled Cider + Maple & Orange Old Fashioned
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Murder by bow and arrow; discovery of a body and discussion of a violent death; grief, bereavement, and terminal illness; homophobic insults, harassment, and discussion of an earlier assault motivated by prejudice; bullying, insults, and body shaming; strong language and interpersonal cruelty. Includes an established same-sex couple among the recurring village characters.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Orchard Mulled Cider
Warm, fragrant mulled cider captures the comfort of a crisp autumn afternoon in Three Pines, where familiar neighbors, colorful leaves, and a troubling mystery await.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Warm the cider with spices and fruit for 5–10 minutes without boiling. Strain if desired and serve hot.
- Garnish: Cinnamon stick or orange slice.
- Glassware: Mug.
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Mug ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Maple & Orange Old Fashioned
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Rich maple syrup, warming bourbon, and bright orange evoke the brilliant autumn woods surrounding Three Pines, where Gamache discovers that even the most welcoming village can conceal dangerous secrets.
What you'll need
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/4 oz pure maple syrup ↗
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 wide strip orange peel ↗
- Ice
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How to mix it
- Add the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain over one large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Express the orange peel over the drink, rub it around the rim, and add it as the garnish.
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Rocks glass ↗Mixing glass ↗Set up the bar cart
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