A delight, not your usual murder mystery
Louis Penny’s, A Trick of the Light, is the seventh in her series set in Three Pines a fictitious small town near Montreal. This is a new author for me and I loved the book. Penny is a skilled writer and has crafted her story so that it can stand alone. Unlike many mystery series that depend on a major detective, in this case Chief Inspector Gamache of the Surete du Quebec, this writer has created a montage of several characters as part of the investigative staff and the members of a small Canadian town. Indeed, I was more interested in the psychological development of Clara and her husband as well as Inspector Jean Guy Beauvoir, Gamache’s assistant than in the actual murder. When the book ended, I wanted more. I am now going to read the rest of the series.
Rated of 5
by Judy (Marysville, OH)
A new Chief Inspector Gamache book: always intriguing
I love a good mystery, and Louise Penny’s A Touch of the Light has everything I look for in a good mystery. (1) Wonderful writing. (2) Characters, both major and minor, who have depth, quirks, and their own element of mystery. For example, a recurring character in these books, Ruth, who is “an embittered old poet,” is superbly drawn, unlike any other character I’ve encountered. (3) A complex puzzle and surprising denouement. In this case, the question of whether the murder victim, Lillian Dyson, could have changed from being a very bad person to being a good person is central to solving the case. (4) Interesting issues that crop up as an integral part of the investigation, like the question of whether a person can truly change, and also in this book, what distinguishes the art of genius from the art of the predictable. (5) And did I mention excellent writing? I have not yet read all of Penny’s Inspector Gamache books where bad things happen in Three Pines, a community too small to be on any maps, crimes that keep drawing Gamache out of Montreal to investigate. He solves the crimes but the ensuing intrigues of the human heart and mind are not so easily tied up. I will be reading all of these books and eagerly anticipating the next new one from Penny.
Rated of 5
by Jane D. (Boulder, CO)
a gentle mystery
One of the strongest impressions I got from this book was that it was civilized, mannerly, even genteel. The art that is at the heart of the plot is described as being hopeful and optimistic, and Chief Inspector Gamache’s manner seems to embody these feelings. Although this is a murder mystery, there are also many more layers to this book. It explores addiction, secrets, contrasts, and the power of hope. It was the first Inspector Gamache novel I’d read, but I want to read more. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Rated of 5
by Carrol Ann S. (Ventura, CA)
Storytelling at its' best!
Louise Penny did it again, crafted another Inspector Gamache mystery that made me wish I could move to Three Pines, that little village the maps forgot. If you are not familiar with Louise Penny, do yourself a favor, read 'A Trick of the Light', you'll enjoy every word!
Rated of 5
by Helen M. (Petaluma, CA)
On the mark again
For the latest Louise Penny, I resolved to read very slowly, to savour each word. I am so glad I did. The characters keep developing, the mystery solved, the tension set for the next book. It all unfolded beautifully and made me glad. The strongest part seems obvious. Louise Penny gives us such a serene setting and maintains a very high level of tension and suspense. Yeah! You will not be disappointed.
Rated of 5
by Zonetta G. (Winter Springs, FL)
A Trick of the Light
Louise Penny never fails to delight. Her charming characters become friends you would like to take home. She create pictures with words like an artist with brush and palette. I would highly recommend this book, as well as the rest of the Inspector Gamache series, to anyone who wants to lose herself in mystery, appealing characters and a clever but subtle plot.
Rated of 5
by Linda W. (Walnut Creek, CA)
A Trick of Light
Louise Penny does an outstanding job on her character development. Her recurring characters seem like old friends, people you might like to meet. This time Clara is celebrated at a successful art show. A murder at the party afterwards dampens her spirits--especially when the victim is identified as someone Clara felt had betrayed her. as the story unfolds, we learn that this woman had harmed many others in her earlier life. At the time of her death she was trying to right things with those she'd harmed. With so many suspects, this mystery kept me guessing right to the end.
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by Liz GG (South Pasadena, CA)
