STILL LIFE

If you only listen to one mystery this year, make it this one. Everything about this Inspector Gamache mystery is invigoratingly intelligent, as well as visually pleasing. The descriptions of Quebec—the woods, the interiors, the food, and the art—are exceptionally lucid. The cast is filled with remarkable characters, whose various accents are pitch perfect as read by Ralph Cosham. The Francophones and the Anglos have lots to say to each other, as well as much to say behind each other’s backs, and village life is as vivid as if it were written by Christie. Inspector Gamache commands with keen vision as well as kindness. Cosham has helped create this new series hero by giving his words and thoughts a deep and penetrating voice. B.H.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]