Three Pines Review: A Murder Mystery Series That Confronts Colonial Injustice

Three Pines Arrives as A Rare Gem

In a world saturated with crime dramas and formulaic whodunits, Three Pines arrives as a rare gem—an intelligent, empathetic, and socially conscious mystery series that both entertains and enlightens. Based on the novels of Louise Penny, this Amazon Prime original may seem like a cozy Canadian murder mystery on the surface, but beneath the snow-draped streets of its titular village lies a searing indictment of colonial injustice. Most notably, the show courageously tackles the real-life epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women—a tragedy that remains far too invisible in mainstream media. This review explores the series itself, the haunting subplot that mirrors real-world horrors, and related works that expand upon these crucial themes.

A Mystery That Transcends Genre

Amazon Prime’s Three Pines is a murder mystery series that transcends the limitations of the genre. Based on the bestselling novels by Canadian author Louise Penny, the show stars Alfred Molina as Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, a deeply perceptive and morally centred investigator for the Sûreté du Québec. What begins as a typical small-town crime series quickly evolves into a powerful commentary on systemic injustice, intergenerational trauma, and the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women in North America.

The Indigenous Subplot: A Spotlight on Real-World Injustice

At its core, Three Pines is structured as four two-part mysteries, each with its own murder investigation. However, running concurrently is a haunting subplot involving the disappearance of Blue Two-Rivers, a young Indigenous woman whose case has been neglected by law enforcement. This storyline is threaded throughout the season, providing a grim reminder that not all lives receive the same urgency or care in the eyes of the justice system.

Gamache’s persistent involvement in the case highlights both his compassion and his quiet rebellion against institutional apathy. The subplot also delves into the devastating legacy of Canada’s residential schools, where Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and subjected to abuse, cultural erasure, and in many cases, death.

This Indigenous storyline is one of the most gripping and essential aspects of Three Pines. It stands as a firm critique of colonial violence while lending voice to communities that are so often silenced. The series is also notable for casting Indigenous actors such as Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Tantoo Cardinal, and for its efforts to include Indigenous languages and cultural elements in a respectful and non-tokenistic way. One particularly moving episode explores the ruins of a former residential school, where the ghosts of history echo through broken walls and fractured families.

Chief Inspector Gamache: A Refreshing Detective

While the social commentary is urgent and unflinching, the show doesn’t skimp on what makes mystery stories so enjoyable. The central character, Inspector Gamache, is a delight. He is gentle, intelligent, and profoundly empathetic—a refreshing break from the brooding, self-destructive detectives that populate much of contemporary crime television. His flashbacks, woven seamlessly into the narrative, give us glimpses into his past, enriching his character without ever overwhelming the plot.

A Cultural Mosaic in a Picturesque Setting

The setting is another triumph. Filmed in the snow-covered rural beauty of Québec, Three Pines presents a vivid cultural mosaic. The region’s French-speaking roots combine with Indigenous traditions and modern Canadian life to create a world that feels real, lived-in, and multi-dimensional. The juxtaposition of the town’s cozy cafes, frozen lakes, and festive lights with the darkness of its secrets only enhances the sense of unease and complexity.

Performances and Production

The acting across the board is solid, with Molina anchoring the series with quiet power. The supporting cast adds colour, tension, and texture, avoiding the clichéd roles often found in mystery dramas. The picturesque cinematography plays with light and shadow, reflecting the show’s central themes: hidden truths, moral ambiguity, and buried histories.

Binge-Worthy with Purpose

For fans of the murder mystery genre, Three Pines is utterly binge-worthy. It manages to be both engaging and enlightening—offering not just twists and turns but opportunities for reflection and education. It is a show for those who love the puzzle of a good whodunit but also want their entertainment to mean something.

The Novels Behind the Series

The series is adapted from Louise Penny’s Chief Inspector Gamache novels, which have captivated readers worldwide. Penny herself is a former CBC journalist who spent years living in a small village in the Eastern Townships of Québec, the very region where the fictional Three Pines is set. Her intimate knowledge of the land, its people, and their complicated histories infuses both the books and the show with a sense of authenticity and depth. Penny’s novels are beloved not only for their intricate plots but also for their insight into human nature, community, and redemption.

Want to Learn More? Related Works

If Three Pines has left you thinking, feeling, and wanting more, here are several other works that explore similar themes:

• Finding Dawn (2006) and Highway of Tears (2015): Documentaries that delve into the real-life crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada.
• Sisters Rising (2020): Follows Indigenous women reclaiming power and sovereignty in response to sexual violence.
• Little Bird (2023): A Canadian series about a First Nations woman adopted out during the Sixties Scoop who searches for her birth family.
• Reservation Dogs (Hulu): A dramedy that mixes humour with heartfelt depictions of life in an Indigenous community.
• Books like Highway of Tears by Jessica McDiarmid, The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King, and The Break by Katherena Vermette provide deeper dives into the lived realities of Indigenous people in North America.

Take Action: No More Stolen Sisters

The epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women is not fiction. The “Stolen Sisters” movement seeks justice and awareness for the thousands of Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or been murdered across Canada and the U.S.—many of whom have received little to no attention from authorities or media.

To learn more, support advocacy, or take action, visit:

• Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC)
• No More Stolen Sisters Campaign by Amnesty International
• MMIW USA

Three Pines Is More Than a Mystery Series

In conclusion, Three Pines is more than a mystery series. It is a beautifully shot, superbly acted, and thoughtfully written narrative that uses its genre to explore injustice, identity, and healing. It is the rare kind of show that entertains while it educates—and stays with you long after the credits roll.

Whether you’re a die-hard murder mystery fan, a justice-minded viewer, or someone seeking storytelling with soul, Three Pines is a series you shouldn’t miss.

Thank You for Reading!

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