A Trick of the Light

A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel

By: Louise Penny

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

A New York Times Notable Crime Book and Favorite Cozy for 2011
A Publishers Weekly Best Mystery/Thriller books for 2011

With A Trick of the Light, Louise Penny takes us back to the deceptively peaceful village of Three Pines in this brilliant novel in her award-winning, New York Times bestselling series featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache.

"Hearts are broken," Lillian Dyson carefully underlined in a book. "Sweet relationships are dead."

But now Lillian herself is dead. Found among the bleeding hearts and lilacs of Clara Morrow's garden in Three Pines, shattering the celebrations of Clara's solo show at the famed Musée in Montreal. Chief Inspector Gamache, the head of homicide at the Sûreté du Québec, is called to the tiny Quebec village and there he finds the art world gathered, and with it a world of shading and nuance, a world of shadow and light. Where nothing is as it seems. Behind every smile there lurks a sneer. Inside every sweet relationship there hides a broken heart.

And even when facts are slowly exposed, it is no longer clear to Gamache and his team if what they've found is the truth, or simply a trick of the light.

"Penny has been compared to Agatha Christie [but] it sells her short. Her characters are too rich, her grasp of nuance and human psychology too firm...." --Booklist (starred review)

©2011 Three Pines Creations, Inc. (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“The superbly gifted Louise Penny is on my secret shortlist of must-read authors, and A TRICK OF THE LIGHT proves why. Artist Clara Morrow is about to have a prestigious show of her paintings when her childhood friend is found murdered, and the finger of suspicion points to Clara. Chief Inspector Gamache is called to investigate, and using his trademark powers of deduction and his intuitive knack for the right question at the right time, he exposes the darkness that underlies the bright stars of Montreal's art world, where competition between friends, and even between husband and wife, can turn lethal. Ultimately, of course, it's Louise Penny who steals the show, and A TRICK OF THE LIGHT will not only keep you engrossed from start to finish, it will teach you something new about love, truth, and the human heart.” —Lisa Scottoline

“Penny, elevating herself to the pantheon that houses P.D. James, Ruth Rendell and Minette Walters, demonstrates an exquisite touch with characterization, plotting and artistic sensitivity. And there could be no better explanation of A.A. than you will find here.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Outstanding….With her usual subtle touch and timely injections of humor, Penny effectively employs the recurring motif of the chiaroscuro, the interplay of light and dark, which distinguishes Morrow's artwork and which resonates symbolically in the souls of the author's characters.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Another Stellar Performance

What did you love best about A Trick of the Light?

It is complicated and approachable all at the same time. Her stories are are written on multiple levels and keep you fully engrossed.

What about Ralph Cosham???s performance did you like?

His performance is clear and without being exaggerated, very exciting. His presentation of the French makes it clear even to me - a non-French speaker.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, because Penny makes you want to know more and more. Instead it is wonderful to dole it out in smaller bits and make it last longer.

Any additional comments?

I can hardly wait for her next book - especially because she left so many loose ends (which I don't think she did in previous stories)

Is life a trick of the light or a miracle?

The story as engrossing as Louise Penny always promises, read so well that I enjoy listening repeatedly. The gems are in Penny's insights about relationships and the miracles which our journeys can be.

Another great one!

The story is excellent and the narration is fabulous. I use Whispersync to both read and listen depending on location. I hear the narrator's voice in my head now as I am reading.

Another Winner

Another really enjoyable book. Ruth Zardo is a hoot and all the characters are great.

Another compelling Louise Penny listen

The newest of the series does not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.I will note that I couldn't imagine reading these out of order--each book builds on the previous one, particularly with respect to character development.

Another wonderful read.

I can’t get enough of these characters the setting the stories. The narrator is perfect. Perfection all around. Thank you Louise.

Love it

Love the author, the narrator, the characters, the settings, the plot twists and the humor. Really nothing I don’t love about these books

A Great Community in these stories

I wandered into Louise Penny by accident of adventure and have not looked back since. I found in her stories an exquisite writer who paints fleshly characters that have evolved continually over the series. I want to move to Three Pines, regardless of the murder rate. I am glad Ms Penny decided to continue the series. I loved the questions she weaves through the narratives: here she asks about the play of light in life, in a painting that really offers food for thought. The mysteries are also wonderful. The narrator has never failed to deliver an excellent performance either. Treat yourself to this book.

Love these books!

Louise Penny’s books on Audible are the place I go for soothing time. The narrator is a special part, with his wonderful voice and accents. I love the food, scenery, Ruth’s poetry and the names people call each other.

Keeps you guessing

I have enjoyed all the books in the Gamache series, but especially like getting into depth with the various characters, not his Gamache. This one kept me guessing until the end and can't wait to start the next book!