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

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

Critic reviews

“Louise Penny's Three Pines mysteries are eminently satisfying due to their imaginative variety. The stories include scenes of Montreal sophistication and gritty crime contrasted with the idyllic setting of Three Pines. There's also literary appeal, quirky humor, and – let's not forget – murder.” —AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award Winner

“Penny writes engagingly whether you're reading her books or listening to them. An argument for the latter is that her characters – not the least being Gamache, the gentle, brilliant, introspective and beleaguered head of the Surete division – are enriched beyond description through the distinctive voice of reader Ralph Cosham” —The Star-Ledger

"Narrator Ralph Cosham moves seamlessly from character to character, adding depth to each; his narration, coupled with a suspenseful writing style, make for edge-of-your-seat listening. Highly recommended for series devotees or fans of literary mysteries.” —Library Journal, starred review

Her best

This was the first one that made me cry - I love the series but this is by far my fave so far

Great Marriage of Text and Narration

The Gamache series is one of my favorites. These books are some of the best written I've run across. They are obviously written for the more intelligent reader, but they aren't condescending - there is something here for everyone and Book 9 is no exception. I started out reading this series, but then got tuned into Ralph Cosham's narration and haven't turned back. There's a wonderful marriage here with his reading and Penny's text. I hope this isn't the end of the series. I think I saw a crack of light leaving a chance of more.

I've listened to this one 3 times

I drive long distances often, and I find the climax to How the Light Gets In is so delicious that I've actually listened to the entire novel two or three times. This is Louise Penny's most entertaining Gamache novel. One thing that I treasure about her books is that they neither shy from nor wallow in humanity's most revolting aspects, as is too common in this genre. This book in particular, as the title suggests, achieves this tenuous balance.

A time or two, I have been frustrated by the degree of emotional intelligence she tends to impart in each of her characters, finding it inauthentic. Ironically, I previously thought Armande was the least vivid of her characters. Not everyone can possibly tell at a glance that Armande Gamache commands authority without ambition of power. If his eyes radiate kindness, tell me how that looks instead of smashing me over the head with the fact of it. This novel (and the two or three books prior) showed a more complex portrait of Gamache and lent action, imagery and context to this refrain.

As usual, I feel in good hands with her treatment of her characters. Many are so uniquely and fiercely likable that it would be impossible not to at least enjoy spending time with them, and it is a treat to learn so much history and politics in the course of a well crafted mystery. A delight, through and through.

It doesn't get much better than this.

Would you listen to How the Light Gets In again? Why?

Yes, I will definitely listen again.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

So many things came together from the whole series. I hope the series never ends.

Which scene was your favorite?

The final one.

One of her best

I am addicted to this series and thoroughly enjoyed this book and Ralph Cosham's narration. I love the characters and Louise Penny's writing. There is nothing better than to go for a long walk while listening to stories about my friends in Montreal and Three Pines. If you decide to discover Inspector Gamache and Three Pines, start with the first book, Still Life, and then keep going. It is a rewarding journey.

Technology is hilarious

I love this series and will continue to go through these books as fast as I can. However, I work in tech and the authors understanding of how hacking works leaves much to be desired. You can’t chase people around the internet. You can save files. Three Pines has had internet access before.

A conclusion...

Whilst ongoing themes are interesting they can sometimes reach a point where you wish they are over. In this book things finally come to a head with a few twists. Enjoyed listening.

Inspector Gamache rocks!

Would you consider the audio edition of How the Light Gets In to be better than the print version?

I read the previous Inspector Gamache novel in paperback and was hooked! I decided to select the most recent novel as my first audio experience and was immensely pleased. The characters and story line are very compelling and the audio experience was fantastic. Now I am starting back at the beginning! Bien fait, Mr. L'Inspecteur!

I couldn't put this one down until I finished it.

I had to listen all night and catch up on sleep the next day. It's a good thing I am retired.

Wheww

Such a cliffhanger! So much at stake for so many characters. Couldn't put it down.