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A Rule Against Murder
A Rule Against Murder: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel | Louise Penny
118 posts | 208 read | 5 reading | 48 to read
"What happened here last night isn't allowed," said Madame Dubois. It was such an extraordinary thing to say it stopped the ravenous Inspector Beauvoir from taking another bite of his roast beef on baguette. "You have a rule against murder?" he asked. "I do. When my husband and I bought the Bellechasse we made a pact....Everything that stepped foot on this land would be safe." It is the height of summer, and Armand and Reine-Marie Gamache are celebrating their wedding anniversary at Manoir Bellechasse, an isolated, luxurious inn not far from the village of Three Pines. But they're not alone. The Finney familyrich, cultured, and respectablehas also arrived for a celebration of their own. The beautiful Manoir Bellechasse might be surrounded by nature, but there is something unnatural looming. As the heat rises and the humidity closes in, some surprising guests turn up at the family reunion, and a terrible summer storm leaves behind a dead body. It is up to Chief Inspector Gamache to unearth secrets long buried and hatreds hidden behind polite smiles. The chase takes him to Three Pines, into the dark corners of his own life, and finally to a harrowing climax.
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swynn
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(2009) Fourth in Penny's series featuring Quebec detective Armand Gamache. In this one, Gamache investigates murder at a forest resort where he & Mme Gamache celebrate their anniversary. Penny's mysteries strike me not so much as mysteries but as stories about being human that just happen to involve murder. This one is about families and how they feed and fail us. It made me squirm repeatedly.

This was my #BookSpin read for March
@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3w
bthegood Starting this series this month - sounds interesting - 🙂 3w
rretzler It‘s a great series! 3w
CarolynM I think you are right about the nature of Louise Penny‘s stories. The mystery isn‘t the important bit. 2w
45 likes4 comments
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swynn
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Here are my #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin picks for March, a couple of genre reads from authors who deliver consistently. Looking forward to both.

Thanks @TheAromaofBooks !

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Enjoy!! 4w
Bookwomble I love Moorcock! (Hmm - better not say that out loud!) 3w
swynn @Bookwomble You can say it on *my* posts! 3w
28 likes3 comments
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Twainy
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Pickpick

These are getting better and better! Our inspector is celebrating his anniversary out of town with his wife in a secluded place when a bad storm hits …. And of course there‘s a dead body. A rich family are the main suspects. And no one knows the inspector is a member of the constabulary until he‘s ready to solve the crime.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

CogsOfEncouragement Great series. I just started The Nature of the Beast. 6mo
Twainy @CogsOfEncouragement I‘m reading book 5 in October. I started this journey because of a recommendation … The Hangman. Great novella. 6mo
30 likes2 comments
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kspenmoll
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This month I read a combination of buddy reads(4), rereads, historical fiction, mysteries, audiobooks. #AprilReads

Gissy Great! A lot of books! 📚📚📚📚👏👏👏👏 11mo
53 likes1 comment
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staci.reads
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Pickpick

And this one rounds out the weekend. I finished it up on the road trip home. It's the 4th in the Three Pines series, and they just keep getting better and better! We learn more of Inspector Gamache's backstory, and Peter and Clara Morrow also take a central role in this one, as Peter's dysfunctional family reunion sets the stage for the murder.

61 likes2 stack adds
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mesquite
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Pickpick

A continuation of the adored Inspector Armand Gamache series. Despite it (the series) having death as the holding point of the story, it‘s more so about the characters in Three Pines. The supporting cast is just as strong as the central characters (Gamache, Jean Guy Beauvoir, and Lacoste). 4⭐️

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mcctrish
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Pickpick

The Burghers of Calais by Auguste Rodin. I love LP and her Gamache series. I feel like I‘m home when I read them. I loved her references to Musée Rodin in this book. We took our oldest there when he was 2 and we were doing a multi month tour of France on my husband‘s year off. It‘s a great museum for kids, inside and outside, sculptures to walk around and see from all angles, poses to emulate. It‘s time to go back

SilversReviews Love her books. Did you see PRIME has a two-episode show called THREE PINES? It isn‘t about her books, but has Gamache and a few notable characters. 1y
mcctrish @SilversReviews I did see that, I haven‘t watched yet. Maybe now that I finished this. Truthfully I‘m a bit afraid that it won‘t match the vision in my head 😆 1y
SilversReviews @mcctrish I hear you. I didn‘t expect Gamache to look like that…the build yes..the face perhaps not. :) 1y
37 likes3 comments
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mcctrish
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A wee bit of calm before the day gets really started. I think it‘s important to eat really good food while reading LP because her food descriptions are drool inducing

Tamra They are indeed! 🤤 1y
Caroline2 Totally agree. Although I miss all the food references in the later books. 😞 1y
mcctrish What @Caroline2 ? ☹️ 1y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks So pretty 😍 1y
mcctrish @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks last day of this reading spot, the tree is UP 1y
53 likes1 stack add5 comments
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mcctrish
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I will just be over here hiding out in Gamache land

54 likes3 stack adds
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Bookwormjillk
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Bookwormjillk
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Pickpick

This is the first Gamache book set outside of Three Pines, but that doesn‘t stop Three Pines from following Gamache.

50 likes7 comments
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Magpiegem
Pickpick

42/22 I finished this book a couple of weeks ago & forgot to review! I‘ve thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series, but I must say this one made me realise that part of the appeal is 3 pines itself. And as this book didn‘t take place there it felt like a magic ingredient was missing. Though I completely understand why Penny has to spread the murders a little further then the village or there would soon be no one left! 🌲🌲🌲 # 192025 #2007

MrsK Agree that the setting is one of the draws of the series. But it‘s hard to have murders in a town if you kill off the citizens 😜. 2y
18 likes1 comment
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elkeOriginal
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Pickpick

Continuing my #Gamache reading spree. Book 4 of the series was a slower read and set in a remote luxury lodge and not in #ThreePines. Focusing on a dysfunctional well-to-do family and the lodge employees, the mystery was satisfying and all of the characters were well drawn. Was a definite plus to see more of Madame Gamache! While the locale was quite atmospheric and interesting, I look forward to the next book in our favorite murderous village 😉

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Blueberry
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Pickpick

Just finished. The continuing story characters are cozy. In this story tho (#4 in series), the extra characters are definitely not.

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Blueberry
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1. The Nature Fix
A Rule Against Murder
2. Lilac and plumeria
3. Reading, BBQ

#WeekendReads @rachelsbrittain
@NataliePatalie

42 likes1 stack add
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ImperfectCJ
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Mehso-so

I took a break between books 3 and 4...of about 12 hours. I read a review that said the series really hits its stride with book 5, so I figured I'd binge my way there and see what happened. Although I loved the setting (and was relieved Three Pines got a little break), a couple of characters acted out of character in this one, and it felt weird to me. Still fun, just disconcerting.

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Librarybelle
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My rereading quest of the Gamache mystery series (as I‘m leading discussions of the series) takes me to book four. This one carries all the emotions - love and loss and hope and despair, not to mention hate and desire and ugliness and acknowledgment of failings. This is beautifully written, with thought provoking passages and a soft, gentle look at humanity and one‘s own life.

And, I am now caught up, so the rest will be true new adventures.

kspenmoll I am thinking of rereading series too- you are way ahead of me! 3y
Librarybelle @kspenmoll It has been so much fun going back to Three Pines! 3y
Desha I‘m reading my way through the series...currently at A Trick of the Light. Really enjoying it so far! That‘s great that you‘re leading discussions on them! 3y
Librarybelle @Desha There‘s so much to discuss in these books! Penny is a terrific writer! 3y
89 likes4 comments
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MittenGirlPeach
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Pickpick

I loved this book. I love this series so much; simply poetic. And it was my #BookSpin! Working on a bingo. @TheAromaofBooks

As an aside, I don‘t like reading books “out of season.” No beach reads in the winter for me. No Christmas books at Easter. Each book in this series (through the first four) are set in a different season: Autumn, New Year‘s, Easter, Midsummer. But it‘s hard with a mystery series to always make the seasonal aspect work. 👇🏻

MittenGirlPeach I read the first two books around Christmas, which basically worked. Then I waited and read The Cruelest Season at Easter, waited again and just finished Rule at the height of summer. Will I always be this patient? Well, the upside is I‘m not rushing through the series! But the next book is set late summer, and I‘m thinking about starting it next. 3y
TheAromaofBooks I'm not sure I'm patient enough for the seasonal aspect!! 😂 Great progress!! 3y
10 likes2 comments
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CogsOfEncouragement
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Pickpick

A clever mystery with themes of regret, forgiveness, sibling rivalry, and love.

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cajunsyd
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Spending part of my Christmas Eve in Quebec. I have been thoroughly enjoying this series!

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Sassy_Steph
Pickpick

Every Louise Penny book I read just gets better and better! Can‘t stop, so good!!

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CoffeeNBooks
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I've borrowed and returned several audiobooks recently, in my quest to find the right one to listen to while walking on my treadmill. This one was finally available to download, and I'm happy to have returned to the beloved Three Pines and Inspector Gamache series. 🎧🌲🌲🌲🔎 #audiowalking

Trashcanman 🤗👋 4y
CoffeeNBooks @Trashcanman Hi George! I hope you're doing well!! 4y
BusyBookmark I also did this one on audio. So fun! 4y
71 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Bookwormjillk
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“But if you want murderous feelings? Hang around librarians.” confided Gamache. “All that silence. Gives them ideas.”

#ScreamathonPhotoChallenge

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ShelleyBooksie
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Pickpick

Although not my favourite Louise Penney book (which is the second book in the series), the mystery in this one was really interesting! I did not know how the murder was accomplished until it was revealed at the end. The last 10 pages.of the book really hit home - I loved the message. Although these books are works of fiction, the characters are so real and I love the snippets of wisdom that the books contain.

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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

So good! The Gamache mysteries just get better and better! I think this may be my favorite yet! #mystery

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Arob2011
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So, I loved this book, just as I loved the first 3. Typically, Penny leaves no stone unturned and answers all the questions. Now, I know this is irrelevant, but, IS BEAN A BOY OR A GIRL?!? 🤣

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Julsmarshall
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Immersing myself in Gamache‘s world again! #mystery

52 likes1 stack add
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mom2bugnbee
Pickpick

Catching up on a few reviews. I am late to the Louise Penny party. Wow, do I love Inspector Gamache.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#SummersEndReadathon @Clwojick

A book in the back list of a favorite author - #mmdchallenge

Clwojick I have a couple of her books but have yet to read them. I need to get on that. 5y
26 likes1 stack add1 comment
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mom2bugnbee
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I loved this description! A voice like a root vegetable! 😂

#SummersEndReadathon @Clwojick

Clwojick 😂😂😂😂 5y
Clwojick What do you suppose a root vegetable sounds like? 5y
mom2bugnbee @Clwojick Fantastic, right? And she's a chef, so all the better. I'm thinking deep & growl-like? 5y
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Texreader @Clwojick I‘m thinking Kate Mulgrew 5y
mom2bugnbee @Texreader Oooo, that's good. I loved her memoir on audio! 5y
31 likes6 comments
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Ashley_Nicoletto
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Pickpick

These get better and better as I go. I devoured book 4 in less than three days.

Book 2 of #summersendreadathon finished.

66 likes1 stack add
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Ashley_Nicoletto
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I‘m hoping to participate in the #summersendreadathon this week. I‘m still working, but I love any reason to read extra.

🤣🤣

Starting off with the tagged audiobook.

Clwojick Woohoo! Glad to see you‘re joining us! ♥️ 5y
Ashley_Nicoletto @Clwojick I love any and all reasons to readathon. 5y
BookNAround Wish I could do this but the next few days are so packed I don‘t think I‘ll be able to squeeze in much reading time at all. 5y
Ashley_Nicoletto @BookNAround I get that! Maybe next readathon you join us or even just still do what you can! I have a terribly busy work week, but oh well! 😊 5y
54 likes4 comments
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Susanita
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I learned a few things from this book.
-If you go to the #forest in Quebec in summertime, take bug repellent.
-The Morrows are one f‘ed up family.
-The Burghers of Calais is a famous Rodin sculpture I‘d never heard of before.
#letstraveljuly

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🌲📚🐜 5y
OriginalCyn620 👌🏻📚🌳 5y
42 likes2 comments
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Louise
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Pickpick

Some Littens had commented a while back that this series really picks up at book #4. They were right, of course! 😘 This #audiobook really took it up a notch with deeper characterization, snappy dialogue, and suspense. Looking forward to the next one!

Hooked_on_books And what a gorgeous cover! 😍 5y
Crazeedi A really great series, waiting for her next one! 5y
81 likes2 comments
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cookreadsleep
Pickpick

Although this book was a bit slower than the others in the series, it did not disappoint. Penny is a master of the mystery and the human condition.

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cookreadsleep

You can‘t get milk from a hardware store. So stop asking for something that can‘t be given. And look for what is offered.

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cookreadsleep

But privately Reine-Marie wondered. Wondered whether what people did in a crisis was, in fact, their real selves. Stripped of artifice and social training. It was easy enough to be decent when all was going your way. It was another matter to be decent when all hell was breaking loose.

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HollyBahling
Pickpick

Definitely my favorite Gamache book so far! The isolated setting brings a clue-esque excitement to it and I have to admit had me shocked by the end! So good and definitely worth reading the series to get to this point. Can‘t wait to see what mysteries the rest of the series brings!!!

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Jaimelire
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Pickpick

Spending some time in Mazatlan, Mexico. It‘s still cold in Canada where we live, so we headed for some real heat! I just finished the fourth book in the Inspector Gamache series. It did not disappoint. I love the setting and it was nice to visit with old friends from Three Pines again. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

CouronneDhiver Nice 👍🏽 5y
32 likes1 comment
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rebbyj
Rule Against Murder | Louise Penny
Pickpick

good as always. read it almost in one sitting

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bookwrm526
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Pickpick

This is my favorite of the series so far. I think because it‘s so claustrophobic, and because it didn‘t have any of the plot with somebody being out to get Gamache, and we got to know his wife a little more.

Erofan Gorgeous 😻 5y
Crazeedi Which book in series is this? I've read them all and I do remember this, just not the number. This one was good! 5y
bookwrm526 @Crazeedi this was #4, early days! 5y
30 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Mshookquilts
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Pickpick

Gamache and his wife are @ their favorite retreat to celebrate an anniversary when an unusual form of murder takes place. Even more than the “who”, the “how” teases his brain.

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stacybmartin
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Mehso-so

I recently started tackling this series after my IRL book club members couldn‘t stop raving about it. This one definitely wasn‘t my favorite so far as it didn‘t actually take place in Three Pines. I guess it would start to get really weird that SO MANY murders were happening in a small remote village in Canada. 🤣 On to the next book!

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Denisereads75
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Pickpick

A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny is the 4th in her Gamache series and the best one I have read so far. It actually takes place away from Twin Pines for the entirety of the story but a few of our beloved characters show up. I wasn't sure that I was going to keep reading this series but, after this novel, I look forward to reading the rest of the novels.

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Denisereads75
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Love this quote too!

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Denisereads75
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I love this quote from Gamche. It is really resonating with me. How often do people strike out at each other to distract them from the pain they are in?

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melissajayne
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Thank you for the wonderful #cupidgoespostal gifts @LA_Mead.

LA_Mead Glad you like them :) 5y
34 likes1 comment
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TrishB
The Murder Stone | Louise Penny
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Pickpick

Another great book in the series 👍🏻 Three Pines mostly a smaller part of the story this time, still great. I also loved the bit in the acknowledgments where Penny says Gamache is based on her husband, that love certainly shines through!

Melissa_J I need to get back to this series! I‘ve only read the first book. 5y
Jaimelire I read the first two books and am on the holds list at my library for the third. So good! (edited) 5y
TrishB @Melissa_J @Jaimelire I‘m really enjoying the series 👍🏻 5y
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JamieArc So interesting that the titles are different in different places. 5y
TrishB @JamieArc I hadn‘t realised that. It‘s bonkers when they do that! 5y
JamieArc @TrishB Yes! I was trying to figure out if I missed one, but it‘s also called A Rule Against Murder. 5y
TrishB @JamieArc doesn‘t seem to be any sensible reason for that! 5y
Caroline2 Oh I really enjoyed this one! 👍🏻 5y
140 likes2 stack adds8 comments