Still Life by Loise Penny

 When 76-year-old Jane Neal is found dead in the woods outside of her small Canadian village, Inspector Armand Gamache is called in to investigate. The town is full of colorful characters who all seem to have loved Jane, a retired school teacher and budding artist.  At first Gamache and his rookie assistant, Nichole, wonder if the death was the result of a bow-hunting accident, but eventually circumstances suggest there was malicious intent involved.  Which of Jane's ardent friends was also her killer?

This is an older book and the first in a 18-book series featuring Inspector Gamache.  Gamache is an Agatha Christie like character; a mild-mannered observer of human nature with decades of experience in dealing with homicide. His assistant is an interesting foil, young, impatient and hot-headed.  Penny does a pretty good job of setting up clues, red herrings, and multiple possible culprits.  She is also good a creating a whole village of well-rounded and interesting characters.  I look forward to reading more from this author. (2012, 481 p.)