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  • How the Light Gets In

  • Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 9
  • By: Louise Penny
  • Narrated by: Adam Sims
  • Length: 14 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (248 ratings)
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How the Light Gets In cover art

How the Light Gets In

By: Louise Penny
Narrated by: Adam Sims
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Summary

The number-one New York Times best seller.

A detective. As a fierce, unrelenting winter grips Quebec, shadows are closing in on Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. Most of his best agents have left the Homicide Department and hostile forces are lining up against him.

A disappearance. When Gamache receives a message about a mysterious case in Three Pines, he is compelled to investigate - a woman who was once one of the most famous people in the world has vanished.

A deadly conclusion. As he begins to shed light on the investigation, he is drawn into a web of murder, lies, and unimaginable corruption at the heart of the city. Facing his most challenging, and personal, case to date, can Gamache save the reputation of the Sûreté, those he holds dear and himself?

Evocative, gripping and atmospheric, this magnificent work of crime fiction from international best-selling author Louise Penny will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

©2013 Three Pines Creations Incorporated (P)2014 Isis Publishing Limited

Critic reviews

"Clever, full of twists and turns, a wonderfully satisfying -- and moving -- addition to Penny's atmospheric, distinctive series" (Kate Mosse)
"Penny's elegant style is deeply satisfying, while Gamache is contemplative even when under pressure, and remains a man you want to spend time with" ( Metro)
"Louise Penny twists and turns the plot expertly tripping the reader up just at the moment you think you might have solved the mystery" ( Daily Express)
"Another bravura performance from an author who has reinvented the village mystery as profoundly as Dashiell Hammett transformed the detective novel" ( Booklist)
"With skilful plotting and gift for creating atmosphere, Penny weaves a dark and suspenseful tale of deadly secrets, professional machinations and surprising twists" ( Good Book Guide)
"Subtle, elegant and beautifully written" ( Sunday Mirror)

What listeners say about How the Light Gets In

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Just brilliant!

I hope everyone who listens to or reads this book finds as much pleasure as I did! We’re all different so that’s unlikely and that’s ok. That’s part of what makes us human. And I’m in awe of the “humanness” (!) written into this book!

These characters are so real to me, the diabolical, despicable ones, I’ll be happy to see justice served and the good, flawed, broken, caring and talented ones I will miss dearly.

This book was so atmospheric, descriptive, just beautifully written and narrated, (Louise Penny and Adam Sims being a marriage made in audiobook heaven) and tense, made more so by the quite calm of Inspector Gamache.

I’m listening one after the other but I’m torn between wanting to know what happens or whether I should listen to something else between each, to keep these stories in my life for longer!

As you can tell, an author I am not! But a very grateful listener, thank you Ms Penny and Mr Sims. And I am going straight on to the next!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story, gripping, human and involving.

This is the best by far of all the Gamache books, I couldn’t sleep for listening avidly- there was never a place where I could switch the audio off! Brilliant, real and moving characters. Loved it!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
  • c
  • 16-11-14

Absurd Plots Completely Ruined What Was Left

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I was convinced within the first hour or so that I'd love this novel but the silly plots started to unravel and let the rest of it down so no, this wasn't time well spent.

Would you recommend How the Light Gets In to your friends? Why or why not?

No. Suspending belief isn't nearly enough to give this one the nod. Why on earth the author couldn't have directed her obvious talents towards crafting less ridiculous plots is a total mystery!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I just loved the evocative way that the author has of drawing you into the harsh but beautiful Canadian winter settings and you could almost forgive the wholly unbelievable plots-almost but not quite!

Was How the Light Gets In worth the listening time?

Sorry but for me it wasn't worth the listening time.

Any additional comments?

I was SO hoping I'd like this novel because there are about 9 others in the series and after reading notes from the author, Louise Penny, it seems that they're written in such a way that you don't absolutely need to read them in order. I might try one other of this series because they are so well written and are unusual too.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic, as ever

Plotting, drama, angst, characterisation - all utterly brilliant. The intricacies and the detail of the story and the stories within the story are so compelling. The final few chapters had me sitting down to do nothing but listen. And of course I had a little cry too :)

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

A fantastic story, had me totally gripped. I was so worried for the Inspector and Jean Guy!
the narrator is brilliant, they really add to the story.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very exciting and enjoyable

Loved it as always. Gripping, scary, loving and caring. I really do like Louise Penny 's descriptive wording, I always feel as though I have watched a video.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

Adam Sims is an amazing narrator and another suspense fill delight full of beloved characters.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Al
  • 13-06-23

Perfect

This is the best yet. And such a kind book. Lucky us - lots more in the series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Most enjoyable

I’ve really been enjoying this series so I’m sorry to think that the Inspector is coming to the end of his career.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story

What will happen next.!! Almost can’t wait to see what unfolds. Three pines lives on.

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