Jane Neal, a 76-year-old former schoolteacher, is found dead in the woods near the small town of Three Pines, Quebec, Canada, on the Sunday morning before Thanksgiving. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec examines the scene.

The narrative shifts back two days. Jane arrives late to drink coffee with her friend and neighbor Clara Morrow. Jane tells Clara about an incident she witnessed that morning, in which three masked boys threw duck manure at Olivier Brulé and Gabri Dubeau, a gay couple who run the local bistro. Thinking she recognized the boys, Jane called out three names. The boys ran away.

Jane tells Clara that she has decided to submit a painting for an upcoming local art show. This comes as a shock to Clara since Jane has never shown any of her art to anyone. An artist herself, Clara is on the jury to decide which works will be admitted to the show. Jane cries after revealing her decision, telling Clara that she is “surprised by joy” (7).

That afternoon, the jury meets to consider Jane’s submission and others. Jane’s work, titled Fair Day, depicts the parade that concluded the county fair in childish strokes and bright colors.