The investigation is now considered a murder allowing Gamache to enter Jane’s house. Philippe admits to it and Gamache is put back in charge of the investigation. Gamache and Beauvoir determine that this was the arrow Philippe shot but that he mistook the arrow in Jane’s body for his and panicked. Gamache refuses and is suspended and Beauvoir is put in charge.ĭuring a ceremony in the woods where Jane was killed, Clara discovers an arrow in a nearby tree. Gamache doesn’t believe him however he is ordered to arrest Matthew. Gamache believes that Matthew’s son Phillipe accidentally shot Jane however on interviewing Philippe he accuses his father of murdering Jane and tells Gamache he helped cover it up. On searching the basement, they find an arrow head with Jane’s blood on it and a bow that was about to be burnt in the furnace. Matthew and his wife look very anxious during their interview and Gamache determines they are hiding something in the basement. He is unable to go into Jane’s house as Jane’s estranged niece, Yolande Fontaine, forbids it.ĭuring the investigation, Gamache along with his second in command, Jean Guy Beauvoir, and rookie detective Yvette Nichol, interview Matthew Croft at his home. He becomes curious as to why Jane never let anyone into her house beyond her kitchen during her lifetime.

He realizes that Fair Day was painted at the same time of Timmer’s death. He is also suspicious of the death of one of Jane’s friends, Timmer, who died a few weeks before of cancer. He finds this interesting as Jane had never shown her art to anyone before. Gamache finds out from Jane’s best friend and neighbor, Clara Marrow, that just before Jane died she submitted her painting Fair Day to be shown at the Arts Williamsburg opening. Ben claims no one would have murdered Jane as she was loved by everyone. He interviews Ben Hadley, the man who found the body and a close personal friend of Jane’s. Three Pines is a popular spot for hunting so initially it is believed this could be a hunting accident.

The wound is determined to be caused by a wooden arrow.

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté is in charge of the investigation and on seeing a small puncture wound in Jane’s chest, he determines this is an unnatural death. Jane was an ex-school teacher and well-liked and respected in her town. Jane Neal’s body is discovered in the woods of her home town, Three Pines. The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Penny, Louise.

Still life by louise penny synopsis