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“Received great news today – Barnes and Noble has chosen THE BRUTAL TELLING for their Recommends Program! Off to the Brome County Fair with Michael to research the next book. Onward!”
The Brume County Fair was more than a century old, bringing people in from all over the townships. Like most fairs it had started as a meeting place for farmers, to show their livestock, to sell their autumn produce, to make deals and see friends. There was judging in one barn and
displays of handicraft in another. Baking was for sale in the long aisles of open sheds and children lined up for licorice and maple syrup candy, popcorn and freshly made doughnuts.
It was the last celebration of summer, the bridge into autumn. Armand Gamache walked past the rides and hawkers, then consulted his watch. It was time. He made for a field to the side of the barns, where a crowd had gathered. For the Wellington Boot Toss.
Standing on the edge of the field he watched as kids and adults lined up. The young man in charge settled them down, gave them each an old rubber boot, and standing well back he raised his arm. And held it there. The tension was almost unbearable. Then like an ax he dropped it.
The line of people raised their arms in unison and shot them forward, and to whoops of encouragement from onlookers a storm of Wellington boots was released.
Gamache knew in that instant why he’d gotten such an unexpectedly
good spot at the side of the field. At least three boots shot his way.
35 replies on “Postcards from Three Pines: The Brutal Telling”
When are you coming to Palos Verdes Peninsula, Ca.? We are in Los Angeles County, but a little hamlet within the county. When we moved here 40+ years ago, no one locked their doors even when they went on vacation.
That is no longer the case, but more horse trails than roads, gorgeous ocean view, city views and 11 climate zones. Really crazy, I know.
Want to do lunch/dinner with you and introduce you to my literary friends.
I truly don’t cry easily, but I did at the end of this book. Because Ruth wrote the poem before releasing Rosa, it was still a very sad and touching moment. I’m learning to be a lover of poetry because of your books, Louise. Thank you.
I live in Australia but my daughter lives in Canada, so I feel I have a connection. Ever since my daughter -in-law lent me “Still Life”, I have loved all of your wonderful books and especially Inspector Gamache. I eagerly await each book , as it is published and look forwrad to your newest one.
I recently found licorice pipes at a local store. It was a happy day. indeed, as I bought a few and pictured the Three Pines folks helping themselves as well.
Have so enjoyed the series. I am now rereading to be ready for the new edition. Thank you so much for sharing the Inspector and all those living in Three Pines!
It would be wonderful for you to swing by Tulsa, OK. Your books are so interesting and they lead me to read more . I wish you would write that Bistro cookbook. All of the food sounds delicious. Thank you for such engrossing reading and escape!
Love The Brutal Telling! My friends and I went to Maison Hovey for a lovely and delightful lunch on a balmy day in August. What a beautiful and serene place. We tried to imagine a murder happening there. You have quite an imagination. Keep writing!
I have read all your books twice but every time one of your post cards come I want to read them yet again. This was such a good idea and I’m so enjoying each one. I wish you were coming back to Luther Burbank Center, in Santa Rosa. Ca…hardly Three Pines, not even close but thankfully, you’ve created it for us and all we have to do is pick up anyone of your books and we’re back….November is almost here and I can’t wait to get Kingdom Of The Blind in my hands.
So glad you are coming to sandwich. Was in Nantucket alone, bringing 2friends this time!
See you on the Cape! So looking forward to it – your books just keep getting better. I’ve started a good number of people on this series and every one of them loves it. <3
Fun to reread this account. I had forgotten this pericope. Delightful. I look forward the post cards.
Very excited to see you in Concord, NH on my birthday. What a present! Was a little too late for the “Meet and Greet”, sadly. Still, it will be a joy to see you, along with my wife and some other dear friends.
Really enjoying the postcards….thanks, Louise. You have many many loyal fans on the West Coast, too!!
Brutal Telling gave me so much new history. It launched me on my own mini research journey, learning about Haida Gwaii. Thank you for opening so many new doors….and I’m sure I speak for more than myself. Looking forward to your NYC visit!
I have loved each and every one of the Gamache books…I need to find my own Three Pines! Right now I am patiently waiting for book 14 to come out in November. Louise, please consider coming to Salt Lake City on your book tours, we have a wonderful independent bookstore here called The Kings English that would welcome the opportunity to have you….not to mention all your ardent fans!
I loved “The Brutal Telling”….and the follow-up book “Bury Your Dead”. These are two of my favorites…but I do love them all. —- Now that Fall has arrived I long to be in Quebec. I’ll bet the leaves are changing right now.
My winter reading project is to start your Three Pines series again Louise
I have still life ready to go when the first snow flake drop ….let it snow I
Will be ready with Armand and all the others and a big pot of tea cheers
My daughter is taking me to Sandwick for your book signing on the Cape
I would love it if you did a book signing in Calgary. I just love your books and can’t wait till the next one comes out. I used to live in Montreal and Shawinigan. That is the reason I love your books so much; they remind me of home. Keep up the great work.
I am looking forward to your next book to see what my old friends in Three Pines are up to. Also hope to see you when you visit New York.