The #1 New York Times Bestseller“There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” –Leonard CohenChristmas is approaching, and in Qu bec it’s a time of dazzling snowfalls, bright lights, and gatherings with friends in front of blazing hearths. But shadows are falling on the usually festive season for Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. Most of his best agents have left the Homicide … Gamache. Most of his best agents have left the Homicide Department, his old friend and lieutenant Jean-Guy Beauvoir hasn’t spoken to him in months, and hostile forces are lining up against him. When Gamache receives a message from Myrna Landers that a longtime friend has failed to arrive for Christmas in the village of Three Pines, he welcomes the chance to get away from the city. Mystified by Myrna’s reluctance to reveal her friend’s name, Gamache soon discovers the missing woman was once one of the most famous people not just in North America, but in the world, and now goes unrecognized by virtually everyone except the mad, brilliant poet Ruth Zardo.
As events come to a head, Gamache is drawn ever deeper into the world of Three Pines. Increasingly, he is not only investigating the disappearance of Myrna’s friend but also seeking a safe place for himself and his still-loyal colleagues. Is there peace to be found even in Three Pines, and at what cost to Gamache and the people he holds dear?
How the Light Gets In is the ninth Chief Inspector Gamache Novel from Louise Penny.
One of Publishers Weekly’s Best Mystery/Thriller Books of 2013
One of The Washington Post’s Top 10 Books of the Year
An NPR Best Book of 2013
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Louise Penny ‘s How the Light Gets In is a book I picked up after missing all those since the first one. I found the pacing to be slow, but I persevered because I loved the vividness of her characters and setting.
For me, not having previously read since the first in series, the extended time on “office politics” between Gamache, Bouvoir and …
What an emotional roller coaster! This is only my second Armand Gamache mystery, as I am reading them in whatever order the library has them available, but I am thoroughly hooked. This story tugged at my heartstrings and left me saddened, overjoyed, panicked, in despair, and full of hope. Gamache understands and likes people, feels their hopes and …
This may be my favorite of Louise Penny’s books, but it’s hard to say. They all really need to be read as a whole because even the minor characters have interesting series arcs. Louise breaks some of the supposed “rules” of writing, but does so with fantastic results, a unique voice, and characters that stay with you between books.
How the Light Gets In was another fantastic read in the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny. I was gripped from the start, as I was not happy with the ending of The Beautiful Mystery and Jean-Guy Beauvoir’s situation. So, I knew that something had to give in How the Light Gets In, and I was right. Only there were more surprises than I’d …
Holy M O L E Y.
This book was just crazy. From the beginning to the end it was a roller-coaster of a ride. And I am not sure I took a breathe for the last 5 [or so] chapters. Wowsers.
This is the continuing story of Chief Inspector Gamache and the Sureté of Montreal, Quebec. Louise Penny draws us into a world of corruption, mistrust, murder, and greed by painting scenes with amazing visuals and characterizations you won’t soon forget.
I was especially drawn to the charming village of Three Pines and the eccentric, funny, …
After I finish each book, I think it is the best one in the series and that they can’t get any better, but they do. In this book Gamache gets a call from Myrna and he travels to Three Pines. Myrna’s friend was supposed to come to the village, but is a day late. Myrna thinks that something has happened to her and asks Gamache to look into it. I …
Louise Penny writes a wonderful series about Inspector Gamache which is pure joy to read. Her writing is so descriptive that you the reader feel you are right there in the village of Three Pines. Her characters are very well fleshed out and enjoyable, flaws and all. You will enjoy these novels.
Although I love Penny’s characters, this was not my favorite of her books.
Louise Penny took me through a hurricane of emotions with #9! I laughed, cried, feared, fretted, was on edge and rejoiced. So much happens in this one book, that you have to take a few moments when you finish it to readjust to the world around you. I want to talk details, but do NOT want to ruin it for you. Just read it. You’ll see what I mean. …
Another fabulous book from Ms. Penny. Combines a mystery with complex characters who reappear throughout the series, so the reader feels like they are reading about actual people they know. Can’t say enough good things!
Need to read this series in order for it to be the most meaningful
A wonderful series with realistic characters. Total integrity in police mysteries. I believe this to be #1 in the series
Brilliant!!!
All Louise Penny books get 5 stars! I love the Inspector Gamache series – for more, see my review on the boxed set.
Louise Penny’s 9th novel is as captivating as those that have come before! As the on going plot comes to fruition, the Gamache/Jean-Guy relationship moves forward, and the new story line involving one of Quebec’s famous quints takes off with a bang. The cozy winter setting with snow, cider/hot cocoa, and Three Pines neighborliness is a scene I …
Every visit to Three Pines is delightful and suspenseful.
Loved this installment in the Inspector Gamache series.
The Chief Inspector Gamache novels are addicting! Start with first and read in order to keep up with the continuation of stories and lives.
As usual a terrific book.