"Calm was not a word anyone would apply to CC de Poitiers, despite her placid, frozen exterior." (3) Penny takes an interesting approach to the description of the featured antagonist in Three Pines. Not only does CC possess the usual cruelty, she is physically daunting and highly unlikable.
"For Ruth Zardo, dull was one of the greatest insults. It ranked right up there with kind and nice." (97) This quotation summarizes Ruth's bold personality, and conveys her eccentric manner and cynical mindset. Ironically, she acts as a capable firefighter for the village, and provides invaluable emergency assistance in the fire at Saul Petrov's estate and of course, in the death of CC de Poitiers.
"But while Clara knew (replacing the old windows) was the sensible thing to do, most of her decisions weren't really sensible. But they suited her life." (9) Clara Morrow is a talented artist and kind person, but she underestimates her own poise and abilities. She lacks proper self-confidence, clings to unrealistic dreams, and acts helpless when dealing with everyday decisions.
"His body spoke of meals enjoyed and a life of long walks rather than contact sports." (66) Immediately, the reader is aware of Gamache's grace. This simplistic sentence gives us a great understanding of his physique, and provides an early glimpse of the detective's professionalism.
Without uttering a single word in "Dead Cold," Crie decidedly emerges as the most powerful character. The obese, unwanted, somber, yet brilliant girl is not someone you would expect to methodically plan a murder, but motivation is what carries her through life. Unfortunately, she deeply craves respect from her incapable mother CC and strives to gain respect from peers.
"The other girls' mothers had helped them, but Crie had done her own. To surprise Mommy, she'd told herself, trying to drown out the other voice." (8) This quotation shows that Crie went out of her way to make her snowball costume, persistent in hopes of finally impressing her mother. However, her continued hope begins to backfire. Eventually, Crie briefly displays a previously unknown vocal talent, but is scorned by her mother in front of the entire village.
"'Everyone was staring at you. You humiliated me... Are you crazy, Crie? Is that it? Is that it?'" (49) Once Crie realized her desire to receive some form of love from her mother would never be founded, she likely constructed her plans for murder, and did so with brilliance extending past her "Straight A" grades.
"'You're wrong there,' said Ruth, following Myrna's gaze. 'This used to be my drug of choice. In my teens my drug of choice was acceptance, in my twenties it was approval, in my thirties it was love, in my forties it was Scotch. That lasted a while,' she admitted. 'Now all I really crave is a good bowel movement." (55) In the midst of a natural conversation, Penny incorporated a great deal of humour, making a common situation entertaining for readers. The comedic elements of "Dead Cold" are never forced, which allows for a more realistic and enjoyable read.
"Toss a toaster into your spouse's bath these days and all you'll get is a blown fuse, a ruined appliance and a very pissed-off sweetheart." (77) While Gamache peruses evidence, Penny prevents monotony by engaging readers with hilarious imagery that incorporates electrocution, and this bright moment sets the tone for the breathtaking mystery "Dead Cold."
By Nick Medline
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