What readers think of How the Light Gets In, plus links to write your own review.

I hesitated on the 'doorstep' of this novel before entering; having read all the previous Chief Inspector Gamache books I knew (or I thought I knew) what was in store. Ms Penny has over the years woven such a tapestry of characters leading to this new release and they are all assembled here to provide the reader with a story rich in personal and societal chaos and ultimately redemption.
This novel could, unlike previous books, 'stand alone'..but to have taken this journey as a 'constant reader' through the previous eight books we are rewarded with a delicious and surprising story.
Draw up a chair...offer Ruth a Scotch..settle before the fireplace at the Bistro...you are in for a treat.
Quel merveilleux voyage cela a été.....

Fans of Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache will welcome her latest book, "How the Light Gets In", (much better, IMHO, than the preceding "The Beautiful Mystery").
In this novel, we have both the seemingly motiveless murder of an older woman, once world-famous because of the circumstance of her birth, and Gamache's continuing suspicions of corruption within the Sûreté du Québec, the provincial police force. His young former second-in-command, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, has been left in
a parlous state following the previous situation.
This is a richly atmospheric book, Gamache's frequent visits to the remote hamlet of Three Pines evoking Christmas card scenes of snow-covered cabins, and quaint inhabitants enjoying la cuisine Québecoise. The plethora of individuals can be confusing to the reader encountering them for the first time; and the references to computer technology can be baffling (but aren't they always, to the layman?). That said, "How the Light Gets In" is a very entertaining read, which could spark interesting discussions if it were a book club choice. Amusez-vous bien! (Have a good time!)

First of all I must be honest- I have read nearly all of Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache books and eagerly look forward to the next one. Her books are character driven and each one in the series seems to highlight 2 or 3 of the people living in Three Pines. How The Light Gets In features Ruth and Myrna and of course the imaginary Quebec town itself plays a major role. There are really 3 stories wonderfully interwoven in this book and I could not stop reading to find out how each one affects the other. While the reader does not have to have read all the other books in this series it would help to start with one of the earlier ones to get familiar with the characters- believe me you will get hooked!

As I began this book, I felt as if I were sinking into an armchair in Olivier's bistro, anticipating the appearance of familiar characters I loved (Armand, in particular) and those I didn't. (Ruth) My sense of comfort disappeared rather quickly. Of all the mysteries she has written, this was by far the most intense. It was riveting, one of those can't-put-it-down books. If 5 stars = very good, this book deserves even more.

I recently read the first book in Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series and just finished this ninth. This book is a most impressive mystery. The characters are well-developed and memorable, the plot subtle and ingenious, and the mystery complex. A definite five-star rating is warranted. It was helpful to have read the first book in the series. My task now is to read the second, followed by the remaining novels.

This is book #9 in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series. If you haven't read the others, I'm sure you will want to read them after reading this one. In this book Gamache investigates unimaginable corruption at the highest level of Montreal's government, and the death of the last living member of a famous family of quintuplets. There are many joyous moments in this series - particularly life in the village of Three Pines. Each book is complete in its own right and has a continuing story that involves a small cast of characters. You will get caught up in the story in the first few pages and then you can't read the last pages fast enough. The ending implies this may be the final case for Chief Inspector Gamache - I certainly hope this is not the case.

I was so happy to be chosen to read Louise Penny's latest Armand Gamache mystery. I was excited to see what had happened in Three Pines since the last time we visited. Mysteries are usually heavily plot driven but Penny pays keen attention to the characters too. She fleshes them out so well! She also layers plots on top of plots and makes the scenes sparkle. I couldn't put this book down. If you haven't read her other books I highly recommend that you do. It'll give you a better background on what is going on.
This is not your mother's mysteries!

This is my first experience with Louise Penny and her Inspector Gamache series. I had long heard whispers about how good the series was but did not take it seriously. "What a fool am I!" What seems like a straight forward plot is filled with twists and turns and surprises that left my mouth agape. What was even more special, is how I really came to care for many of the characters who each had a very distinctive voice. This book is not simply a wonderful mystery, but a wonderful saga of a group of people, a town and a land whose beauty shines throughout the pages. I know I am one of those who are now going to go back and read the whole series. I dare anyone to not like this book.