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

I loved this book! It is the ninth Insp. Gamache mystery, and will be most enjoyed by regular readers. However, it is an excellent novel and could be enjoyed by first time readers. The characters are vivid and the setting memorable. Much of the novel takes place in the village of Three Pines near Montreal, a place where no electronic signals can penetrate, no cell phones, no computers. It represents the idyllic past, without intrusion from the modern world. The mystery seems to involve legendary quintuplets, but this is just a part. A complex plot against Gamache comes to fruition, as does his defense against it, with surprising allies. The outcome of this story shows that, as Penny says "Goodness exists."

I really enjoyed How the Light Gets In. This was the first time I had read a Chief Inspector Gamache novel. Armand Gamache is the head of the homicide division at Surete du Quebec, the police force for that Canadian province.
Being a first-time Gamache reader was no problem. Due to Louise Penny's great character development, I soon became familiar with all the characters. In How the Light Gets In there are two storylines: the first, of course, is a murder mystery; the second is about Gamache personally and the challenge(s) he is currently facing at the Surete.
A one-time world famous celebrity has been murdered. Ms. Penny expertly intertwines Gamache's investigation of this case with the problem he is having at work. His leadership is being challenged by a superior, and he has also lost his former second in command, who happens to have been his best friend and future son-in-law. His investigation will lead him to Three Pines, a small village located outside Montreal, where he has spent much time before and has many friends. Sound complicated? Well, it's not. You will soon become comfortable with Gamache, his friends and associates, and will accompany him eagerly as he not only investigates the murder, but also uncovers a sinister plot.
Mystery, action, suspense. I'm hooked. The success of a series such as this is determined by the affinity you develop with the main characters. I will be reading another Gamache novel very very soon.

Unlike most of the other reviewers, this is the first Louise Penny novel that I have read. Not that I haven't known about her Inspector Gamache series, but her books just had not made my reading list. So, I took the opportunity with "How The Light Gets In". I will say that I enjoyed it very much. The various mystery threads move at their own pace and are pleasantly not rushed or hurried. The writing is terrific. There is real character development and you can readily feel their emotions. And you can just picture and imagine the cold winter scenes outdoors (kids playing ice hockey, etc.) coupled with the holiday warmth of the people living in Three Pines. Would recommend this even as a stand-alone novel.

The book keep my interest throughout the story. I enjoyed both storylines. I kept wanting to know more about the Quintuplets. The other storyline kept me guessing how Gamache & his team were going to stop Superintendent Francoeur & his gang. I couldn't stop thinking that Gamache might be found in 3 Pines before he could stop Francoeur. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It kept my interest & thinking how events were going to turn.

"How the Light Gets In" is Louise Penny's 9th book in the Three Pines mystery series featuring her intrepid detective Armand Gameche of the Surêté du Québec.

I find her writing absolutely hypnotic. One almost feels like a resident of this village as she so excellently describes the residents and locale of this mythic village. Penny catches so well the feelings, passions and eccentricities of the villagers.

This book is suitable for book clubs, mystery book clubs and those who just enjoy a good read without the descriptive murder scenes. I strongly recommend, however, that the new reader start with Penny's first Three Pines mystery, "Still Life" then read chronologically, or critical background details may be lost or not understood.

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.....

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.