Having watched all the way thru, I give it the following ratings:
Characters= 7
Setting=9
Mysteries= 5
Acting= 7.
True to book= ??
It is not a police procedural, really, however.
I agree- with the above- somewhat too bleak.
Can concur!
I liked the show very much. But what is odd is that I wasn’t able to binge it.
I had to watch it in small doses.
I can’t NOT try to figure out mysteries. It’s how my brain works. If the solution is clever and I guessed it, I don’t mind that I guessed it. I’m only annoyed if the solution came out of left field with no hints at all.
I read the first book in the series. Nicely done, but too many characters.
I think I prefer the TV series a bit.
I enjoyed the first season but I have to say the conclusion of the murder of Blue storyline was very weak.
The mysteries are not the best.
BTW- I want to live in Three Pines. A great bistro, a small town bookstore, etc.
I have not read the books (nor had even heard of them until this series), and am enjoying the series. I have only watched the first 4 episodes (first 2 mysteries). It is a bit of “Bosch” meets “Northern Exposure”, but I like the characters. And though it is kind of “in your face” in every episode, I like the First Peoples angle, and the injustices they were subjected to. (is this also present in the books ?)
One thing that really struck my in the first episode was seeing the Montreal policeman manhandling the mother, Missy. And even cursing at her while doing so. I’ve always had this (naïve) perception that Canadian law enforcement were always much more civil than American. Maybe this is what I’ve typically seen in other shows. So it was kind of a shock to see such behavior.
I’ll refrain from judgement until I finish the rest of the series, but from the first 2 mysteries it seems a pattern is kind of emerging with the murders. Something similar occurred in the early series of “Castle”. So we’ll see if it continues.
I agree completely!
Check out the series 19-2. 
I haven’t read the Three Pines books either. I’m on a waiting list for the eBooks at the library. There are something like 30 people ahead of me. 
…Canadian Police has a long, disgusting, sickening relationship with indigenous people. Look up “Starlight Tours.”
Here for starters:
Not as much, but it’s definitely there. And yes, the problems with law enforcement, excessive use of force, etc, is also a theme that runs through the books. One of the defining characteristics about Gamache is that he’s supposed to look like a college professor – which Molina does very well — but also be able to become very intimidating and stern when needed, which I do not think Molina is able to pull off (at least under the direction of the current directors/producers). His ability to be a tough but fair mentor and leader is a defining characteristic of the books.
Welcome to the club. I’ve had a thing about him for years…