The Most Popular Louise Penny Book, Ranked

Choose the book you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:43
For fans of mystery and detective novels, deciding which Louise Penny book to pick up next can be a delightful challenge. With numerous titles celebrated for their intricate plots and deep character development, each reader might find a different title that resonates most. Creating a list where enthusiasts can vote for their favorite helps to highlight which books stand out in the crowd, offering guidance to both new and seasoned readers of her work. Through the collective opinions of numerous readers, this dynamic list not only aids in discovering which titles are cherished the most, but it also fosters a community of discussion and shared insights. Whether you are a long-time fan or curious about diving into Louise Penny's books for the first time, this ranked list can serve as a valuable resource. We encourage you to contribute your vote and see how your preferences compare with those of other readers.

What Is the Most Popular Louise Penny Book?

  1. 1
    90
    votes
    This book is the fifth in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series and was a New York Times bestseller. Its intricate plot and character development have made it a favorite among readers.
    The Brutal Telling (2009) is a mystery novel written by Louise Penny. It follows the story of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he investigates a murder in the peaceful village of Three Pines in Quebec, Canada. The book delves into the secrets and hidden motives of the villagers, while Gamache tries to unravel the truth behind the crime. With its intricate plot and compelling characters, The Brutal Telling has captivated readers and cemented Louise Penny's reputation as one of the most popular authors in the mystery genre.
    • Publication Year: 2009
    • Genre: Mystery
    • Setting: Three Pines, Quebec, Canada
    • Protagonist: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache
    • Themes: Murder, Secrets, Hidden Motives
  2. 2
    19
    votes

    A Fatal Grace (2007)

    Louise Penny
    The second book in the series, A Fatal Grace, won the Agatha Award for Best Novel in 2007. It follows Gamache as he investigates the murder of a woman during the Christmas season in a small Quebec town.
    A Fatal Grace (2007) is a mystery novel, written by Louise Penny. It is the second book in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series. The story takes place in the fictional village of Three Pines, Quebec, where Christmas is about to arrive. Amidst the festivities, a murder occurs and Gamache must unravel the truth behind the mysterious death. The book explores themes of jealousy, revenge, and the complexities of human nature.
    • Publication Year: 2007
    • Genre: Mystery
    • Series: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache
    • Setting: Three Pines, Quebec
    • Themes: Jealousy, Revenge, Human Nature
  3. 3
    24
    votes
    Still Life (2005)
    Willem Kalf · Public domain

    Still Life (2005)

    Louise Penny
    This is the first book in the series and introduced readers to Chief Inspector Gamache. It won the New Blood Dagger Award in 2006 and was a finalist for several other awards.
    Still Life (2005) is a mystery novel written by Louise Penny. The book is the first installment in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series, which has gained immense popularity. The story is set in the idyllic village of Three Pines, where the body of an elderly woman named Jane Neal is discovered during the annual Thanksgiving weekend. Chief Inspector Gamache and his team are called in to investigate the suspicious death, which turns out to be a murder. As Gamache delves into the lives of the residents, secrets, jealousy, and unexpected connections begin to unravel. The village's charm and the complex characters make this novel an engaging and captivating read.
    • Publication Year: 2005
    • Series: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache
    • Genre: Mystery
    • Setting: Three Pines, Canada
    • Protagonist: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache
  4. 4
    23
    votes
    The tenth book in the series, The Long Way Home, won the Agatha Award for Best Novel in 2014. It follows Gamache as he searches for a missing friend in a small Quebec village.
    The Long Way Home (2014) is a mystery novel written by Louise Penny. It is the tenth book in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series, following the renowned detective as he embarks on a new investigation. In this intriguing story, Gamache is no longer serving as the head of the homicide department in Quebec, but instead has retired to the peaceful village of Three Pines. However, when a friend of his wife goes missing, Gamache is drawn back into the world of crime-solving. He sets off on a journey that takes him to some unexpected places, both physically and emotionally, as he seeks to uncover the truth and bring the missing person home. As with all of Louise Penny's books, The Long Way Home offers a mix of complex characters, atmospheric settings, and intricate plotting that keeps readers captivated until the very end.
    • Genre: Mystery
    • Publication Year: 2014
    • Series: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache
    • Setting: Three Pines, Quebec
    • Protagonist: Armand Gamache
  5. 5
    11
    votes
    This book takes place in a secluded monastery where the monks sing ancient Gregorian chants. It was a New York Times bestseller and won the 2013 Agatha Award for Best Novel.
    The Beautiful Mystery (2012) is a mystery novel written by Louise Penny. It is the eighth installment in her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series. The story is set in a remote monastery in Quebec, where Gamache and his assistant Jean-Guy Beauvoir investigate a murder that takes place within the secluded community of monks. As they unravel the secrets and motives behind the crime, they are also confronted with the mystical power of Gregorian chants, which play a significant role in the story.
    • Publication Year: 2012
    • Series: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series
    • Setting: Monastery in Quebec
    • Genre: Mystery
    • Main Characters: Armand Gamache, Jean-Guy Beauvoir
  6. 6
    7
    votes
    This book was a New York Times bestseller and won the Agatha Award for Best Novel in 2013. It follows Gamache as he investigates corruption in the Quebec government and attempts to solve a murder case.
    How the Light Gets In (2013) is a crime fiction novel written by Louise Penny. It is the 9th book in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series, which follows the investigations of Chief Inspector Gamache in the small fictional town of Three Pines, Quebec, Canada.
    • Series: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series
    • Publication Year: 2013
    • Genre: Crime fiction
    • Setting: Three Pines, Quebec, Canada
    • Protagonist: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache
  7. 7
    7
    votes
    The fourth book in the series, A Rule Against Murder, was a New York Times bestseller and won the Dilys Award in 2008. It follows Gamache as he investigates a murder at a luxurious hotel in the Quebec countryside.
    A Rule Against Murder (2008) is a mystery novel written by Louise Penny. In this captivating book, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache finds himself investigating a murder that takes place during a luxurious weekend retreat at the Manoir Bellechasse. As Gamache delves into the secrets and tensions of the wealthy Finney family, he uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal that spans decades. With his characteristic insight and compassion, Gamache unravels the complex motives behind the murder, while also facing personal challenges of his own.
    • Publication Year: 2008
    • Genre: Mystery
    • Series: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series
    • Setting: Manoir Bellechasse
    • Main Characters: Armand Gamache, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, Clara Morrow
  8. 8
    10
    votes

    Bury Your Dead (2010)

    Louise Penny
    This book won the Macavity Award for Best Novel in 2011 and was a New York Times bestseller. It intertwines three different storylines, including Gamache's investigation into a murder in Quebec City.
    Bury Your Dead (2010) is a crime fiction novel written by Louise Penny. Set in the fictional village of Three Pines in Quebec, Canada, the book features Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he investigates a murder in the village's old Hadley House. Alongside the current investigation, Gamache is haunted by a previous case and the tragic events that transpired in the Gamache family. The novel weaves together multiple storylines, past and present, as the complex plot unfolds.
    • Publication Year: 2010
    • Genre: Crime Fiction
    • Setting: Three Pines, Quebec, Canada
    • Protagonist: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache
    • Themes: Murder, Mystery, Past Trauma, Family
  9. 9
    3
    votes
    This book was a New York Times bestseller and won the Agatha Award for Best Novel in 2015. It follows Gamache as he investigates the death of a young boy in a small Quebec village.
    The Nature of the Beast is a crime fiction novel written by Louise Penny. It is the 11th book in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series.
    • Publication Year: 2015
    • Genre: Crime Fiction
    • Series: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache
    • Number in Series: 11
    • Setting: Village of Three Pines, Canada
  10. 10
    3
    votes

    Glass Houses (2017)

    Louise Penny
    This book won the Agatha Award for Best Contemporary Novel in 2017 and was a New York Times bestseller. It follows Gamache as he investigates a mysterious figure who has appeared in the small Quebec village of Three Pines.
    Glass Houses (2017) is a compelling mystery novel written by Louise Penny. In this book, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, the beloved protagonist of the series, is faced with a complex case that takes place in the picturesque village of Three Pines. As the story unfolds, Gamache must navigate the treacherous line between justice and personal sacrifices, while uncovering the truth behind a mysterious figure who stands on the village green, shrouded in dark robes and a mask.
    • Publication Year: 2017
    • Genre: Mystery
    • Series: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache
    • Setting: Three Pines
    • Protagonist: Armand Gamache

Missing your favorite book?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular book

  1. Sales figures
    One of the key factors is the number of copies sold worldwide. A higher number of sales usually indicates greater popularity among readers.
  2. Reviews and ratings
    Reader reviews and ratings on platforms such as Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble can provide insight into the general opinion of the book. A higher average rating and a greater number of positive reviews suggest better reception by the reading community.
  3. Awards and recognitions
    If a Louise Penny book has received any prestigious literary awards or has been shortlisted for such honors, it can be considered a significant factor while ranking its popularity.
  4. Book club selections
    If the book has been selected by influential book clubs, such as Oprah's Book Club or Reese's Book Club, it can be an indication of the book's popularity and mainstream appeal.
  5. Adaptations
    Books that have been adapted into movies, television series, or stage plays may have wider recognition and popularity.
  6. Recommendations
    Personal recommendations from friends, family, or online communities can influence the popularity of a book. A greater number of recommendations can suggest higher popularity.
  7. Publication history
    The number of editions, translations, and reprints of the book may also indicate its popularity among readers.
  8. Social media buzz
    Online discussions, retweets, and mentions about the book on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can provide insight into its popularity.
  9. Media coverage
    Attention from newspapers, magazines, radio, and television can contribute to a book's popularity.
  10. Author's reputation
    The overall reputation of Louise Penny as an author can also play a role in determining the popularity of her books. A well-respected and popular author is more likely to have a higher-ranked book.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Louise Penny book. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or book is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3280 views
  • 189 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each book once every 24 hours. The rank of each book is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most popular louise penny book

Louise Penny is a renowned Canadian author who has captivated readers with her mystery novels featuring the iconic Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. Penny's books are known for their intricate plots, vivid characters, and beautiful settings in the charming village of Three Pines. Over the years, Penny has published many books that have won critical acclaim and a massive fan following. In this article, we dive into the world of Louise Penny's books to find out which one is the most popular among her readers. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to her work, you're sure to find something intriguing in the pages of Louise Penny's books.

Share this article