Bury Your Dead question

I agree with Kathryn -- read them both. For me, the difference is in the character development. Ms. Penny's characters are flawed, sometimes brutally nasty, but so very human that I can't help but love them all. When a new book comes out, I can't WAIT to get back to Three Pines to see what's happening there.

I also believe that Ms. Penny has an unparalleled understanding of the human condition, and her insights have made me think about her books long after I've finished them. A TRICK OF THE LIGHT made me laugh and cry almost at the same time, and I've never read anything quite as beautifully structured as BURY YOUR DEAD. Man, I wish I had Ms. Penny's skill set!

Michael Connelly's books are quite different. They're less about character (and overall, less about human nature) than Louise Penny's, and more about solving the crime -- more traditional mystery -- and great police procedurals. I've read almost all of them, liked most quite a lot, especially THE POET. Lots of suspense, satisfying conclusions, interesting characters, especially Harry Bosch.

For me, the difference is in the emotional pull. If that's what you're looking for in a mystery, start with Louise Penny. But don't ignore Mr. Connelly forever!

Louise Penney's book should be read first.. I have read all her other books and have enjoyed then. I cant wait till the new one comes out...

If I were you, I would choose the first in the Gamache series and the first in the Harry Bosch series and read them both to see for yourself whose writer appeals to you more.
Although I greatly enjoy books by both these writers, some titles, as it often happens in book series written and published for a long period of time, were better and some worse than others.

Alex wrote: "I am an avid reader of mystery and thriller novels. I am confused whether to start reading the works of Louise Penny or Michael Connelly?"

With winter coming on, I'd start with Louise Penny--her books are so conducive to being in a place, getting to know people, settling in with a series of amazing books. I'd suggest starting at the beginning (although you do not need to read in consecutive order, it helps in character knowledge). Good reading!!

I love Louise Penny. All her books are excellent with wonderful characters. I care about all of them like they were family. What a wonderful writer. Eileen

I love Louise Penny's books and have just finished her latest one, Long Way Home. A heart breaker of a book but a must read. Having visited Old Quebec, it is a thrill to visit all the places she mentions in Bury Your Dead - they actually exist. Louise Penny is worth reading in order.

I have also read every Harry Bosch novel but you can read them out of order. for the most part, as they really stand alone as a novel.

Very different styles indeed.

Well of course you'll read both authors. But whom to read first? Although I enjoy Connelly's Harry Bosch, I'd say read Louise Penny first. Her books just have the most engaging atmosphere to them, and they have beautifully drawn characters. Connelly is a little more hardboiled, though that doesn't put me off; but his books are more depressing in some ways. They're gritty, which you'd expect for L.A., whereas Penny's books are elegant in their sensibility. But that's me. In the end, read one of each, and that will tell you which way to proceed.

I am a fan of both, but they are quite different types of books. I always listen to audio versions of Penny's books because her reader, Ralph Cosham, is the best. His reading and her words combine for a real treat on my commute.

I have no idea who suggested I might like Penny's Three Pines and Gamache but I owe that person a HUGE thank you. Like others though, I do recommend you read them in order. The thread of the "factory" really confused me, thinking I must have missed reading one of the books since I DIDN'T read them in order. Only when I double checked and saw I had not missed any did I appreciate how skillfully she wove it into the series. Give me more of her books.

I think there are many other highly developed and interesting mystery writers, as well. But those two are both very good, and quite different from each other. I could read a Connelly on vacation with lots of noise or on a plane- you name it. Penny not at all- a much more difficult nuance read. But that's just me.

Three others that I have loved in depth- great characterizations over long series are: Ian Rutledge in the Charles Todd series (Charles Todd is actually a mother and son writing team, I think.) Another is Karin Fossum's Seijer. He is in a much grittier world, a Scandinavian culture- much bleaker and starker than Penny- but very deep characterizations, as well. Also Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce is far more whimsical, but also has a protagonist with complex thought pattern and relationships.

Lots of gems out there.

Love Michael Connelly! Read the Poet, then all the Harry Bosch series. Louise Penney is good a little cosier than Connelly.

Ditto to all of the above...love, love, love Three Pines and its skillfully-drawn residents. Inspector Gamache is remarkable. Kudos to Louise Penny.

I haven't read Connelly, but I love all the books that Louise Penney has written. Armand Gamache is a compelling and complex character, the people of Three Pines are quirky and surprising, and the stories are delightfully convoluted, compelling and suprising. Her writing is head and shoulders above the writing of most contemporary mystery writers. She is very adept with character development and very insightful about the deep and hidden motivations of people and circumstances of the human condition. A very gifted writer.

I enjoy both, but have to admit...while I like to read Connelly, it is Louise Penny's series that has me pre-ordering her books and re-reading them.

Both are terrific. Connelly has a faster pace, I think; Penny is a bit more thoughtful. You can't lose with either one.

Louise Penny for sure.

Lp's books are very interesting. You will feel like your in the scene and feel connected to the characters.

Louise Penny's books are AMAZING! The first book is good and they just get better and better! I sat in my car and cried at the end of one of them. I have not read Michael Connelly so I can't compare.
BTW If you are an audio fan- Ralph Cosham does a terrific job!

I, too am an avid mystery reader.

I have read The Lincoln Lawyer series and a few of the Harry Bosch series by Michael Connelly and have enjoyed them both and pick up older ones at used book sales. Disadvantage if you want to read all is that Michael Connelly has more books to catch up on!

I really enjoy Louise Penny's series about Armand Gamache and enjoy all the characters who show up. A few less books to catch up on if you are just beginning. She does refer to prior book happenings from time to time so it does help to have read them in order.

My suggestion: read them both! But start at the beginning. They are different styles, though, so you may end up picking one you enjoy better.

penny...fantastic mystery...luv gamache and crew

These 2 are on the top of my favorite authors' list. While their style is different, they are both equally enjoyable. I find both Harry Bosch and Armand Gamache to be interesting and believable characters.