• How the Light Gets In

  • A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, Book 9
  • By: Louise Penny
  • Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
  • Length: 15 hrs and 1 min
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (6,362 ratings)

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How the Light Gets In

By: Louise Penny
Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
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Publisher's summary

How the Light Gets In is the ninth Chief Inspector Gamache Novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Louise Penny.

"There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." —
Leonard Cohen

Christmas is approaching, and in Québec 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 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?

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

©2013 Three Pines Creations, Inc. (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

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What listeners say about How the Light Gets In

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BEST OF THE SERIES

My absolute favorite of the entire series! It is as if all the others were leading us to this point in time, and of course they were. What a wonderful journey and what a wonderful way to tie it all together. I was a bit disappointed with the previous book (The Beautiful Mystery) but now I understand. It was a necessary slight detour to set up this WONDERFUL story. As always Mr. Cosham is OUTSTANDING! He IS the voice of Gamache!
I must admit that I have some trepidation about the next book as this one was so wonderful and tied everything together so well. I don’t want it to end here BUT I fear that maybe it should. I am hopeful and trusting however in Ms Penny’s literary skills; if anyone can pull it off I believe that she can.

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the best detective series

the is by far the best detective series I've read in years, can't wait to see where his journey takes him next.

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Love Gamache!

Wow, this book was action packed! So much came to a head, I was couldn't put it down!

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Hands Down, the Best Novel I’ve Read or Listened to in a Long Time.

How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny was my introduction to the author, and also to the narrator, Ralph Cosham. Simply stated,
Penny has a way with words, a way with characters, and a way with plot. Cosham’s narration is so good, I can’t imagine the story without his voice. Characters are Interesting and well-drawn. There is no sex, no lingering, gratuitous violence, and no strings left hanging.
I want to live in Three Pines, and I want to read all the other books in this series, starting from the beginning, as other reviewers have suggested.

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I'm exhausted

I've listened to all the books thus far. About to start #10.
There is suspense in them all.
I've held my breath at times in all of them.
This one was like a marathon almost orgasm with a huge finish. Bravo

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Listen to this - it is excellent on many levels

The plot and story line of course - intriguing. Characters all loveable - flaws, intellect, wryness, charisma and flaws. Disturbing and eye opening insight into the exploitation of quintuplets by government and commercial interests. I am taking this this book in on many levels - the intriguing plot concerning the murder, the profound intelligence of the characters, their stuggles and their humanity.

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My favorite, so far!

Love how you weave the larger storyline into each mystery. The imperfect characters and perfect little town of Three Pines make these books a home away from home.

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My Favorite Louise Penny book so far

Such a rich book. Not many authors can do such a satisfying job of weaving in themes and story arcs from previous books in a series so we see characters transform and develop in complex ways as the story unfolds. Highly recommended as long as you read the series in order so you can truly appreciate this book.

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Penny's Brilliance shines again

Perfect pitch again! Unpredictable plotting, unbearable suspense. emotional bells rung and beautiful evocative language. Jel'adore.

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Ganache

I enjoy the intrigue of this series
But I do not see the need for the foul language.
Many great mystery writers like you have done so without the language- I wish you did as well Ms. Penny.
I enjoyed the interview between Ms. Penny and Mr.Cosham

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