Review: THE HANGMAN, Louise Penny

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 208 KB
• Publisher: Grass Roots Press (October 24, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005ZI33HE
• Source: I bought it ($2.99)

Synopsis (Amazon)

On a cold November morning, a jogger runs through the woods in the peaceful Quebec village of Three Pines. On his run, he finds a dead man hanging from a tree.
The dead man was a guest at the local Inn and Spa. He might have been looking for peace and quiet, but something else found him. Something horrible.
Did the man take his own life? Or was he murdered? Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is called to the crime scene. As Gamache follows the trail of clues, he opens a door into the past. And he learns the true reason why the man came to Three Pines.
This book is a quick and easy read for people on the go.

My take

The (Good Reads) label was the clue that this novella was written as part of the Canadian Government's Literacy Project.

Louise Penny says

It's written as part of a programme called GoodReads Canada, which was created by national literacy organizations to publish books aimed at emerging adult readers. THE HANGMAN is written at a grade 3 level, for adults. Very clear, very simple. Not really the most complex plot or style, for obvious reasons. 

Nevertheless, despite the lack of detail and the limited vocabulary level of the book, it was a quick and  enjoyable read. There was nothing wrong with the plot construction. It is still a mystery with red herrings and a trail of clues.
It really only featured 3 of the usual residents of Three Pines, one of whom is a suspect for the murder.
It really didn't add to my knowledge of the village, and it did feel different to Penny's usual well thought out writing style.

But there's some humour for those of us who are regular crime fiction readers. Watch out for Arthur Ellis!

I like to see authors involved in literacy projects. It shows me that they are in touch with the real world.

My rating: 4.5

My other Louise Penny reviews:
4.8, THE CRUELLEST MONTH
4.9, A RULE AGAINST MURDER
4.9, THE BRUTAL TELLING
5.0, BURY YOUR DEAD
5.0, A TRICK OF THE LIGHT