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nancyflanagan's review against another edition
4.0
Another good one. Window into the cutthroat art world that frames the story and full of the usual bon mots, subtle ironies and amusing bits.
Found myself occasionally irritated by Penny's pet conventions as a writer (and I've read most of the series back-to-back, so that might be part of the problem). Sometimes, a croissant is just a croissant--but every bit of food that appears in this book is melting, tender, succulent or savory. And Penny loves the "wrong trail" technique--an overdose of leading readers toward those red herrings. Worst of all are the "let us all gather together and I will tell you who the killer is and why s/he killed" moments.
But those are quibbles. Penny doesn't disappoint here.
Found myself occasionally irritated by Penny's pet conventions as a writer (and I've read most of the series back-to-back, so that might be part of the problem). Sometimes, a croissant is just a croissant--but every bit of food that appears in this book is melting, tender, succulent or savory. And Penny loves the "wrong trail" technique--an overdose of leading readers toward those red herrings. Worst of all are the "let us all gather together and I will tell you who the killer is and why s/he killed" moments.
But those are quibbles. Penny doesn't disappoint here.
carolsnotebook's review against another edition
4.0
This is the 7th of Penny’s Inspector Gamache mysteries, a series I love, so I had no choice but to read it. Listen to it actually, read by Ralph Cosham.
Reasons I liked and/or disliked this book:
While this is not my favorite in the series, I had a hard time putting it down. The characters are all so well-drawn, both the returning ones and those that will just show up in this book, I feel like I know them. I get drawn into their lives, into their feelings and thoughts, problems and loves.
Penny’s books are always about more than just the mystery. This one deals with hope and disappointment, hurt and forgiveness, relationships. There’s a depth to them that a lot of mysteries, cozy or traditional just don’t have. She understands people, that we’re each a mix of black and white and grey. No one is perfectly good or perfectly bad.
While A Trick of the Light does work better as a stand-alone than the previous, I still would rather recommend the series as a whole. It’s one of those where, yes, you can read one book without having picked up the others and be okay, but they are so much richer and fuller if you start at the beginning, see the characters change and grow, understand the couple of arcs that carry through more than one of the books. Really, if you like mysteries, traditional or cozy, give this series a try. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Reasons I liked and/or disliked this book:
While this is not my favorite in the series, I had a hard time putting it down. The characters are all so well-drawn, both the returning ones and those that will just show up in this book, I feel like I know them. I get drawn into their lives, into their feelings and thoughts, problems and loves.
Penny’s books are always about more than just the mystery. This one deals with hope and disappointment, hurt and forgiveness, relationships. There’s a depth to them that a lot of mysteries, cozy or traditional just don’t have. She understands people, that we’re each a mix of black and white and grey. No one is perfectly good or perfectly bad.
While A Trick of the Light does work better as a stand-alone than the previous, I still would rather recommend the series as a whole. It’s one of those where, yes, you can read one book without having picked up the others and be okay, but they are so much richer and fuller if you start at the beginning, see the characters change and grow, understand the couple of arcs that carry through more than one of the books. Really, if you like mysteries, traditional or cozy, give this series a try. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
nsmargaretanne's review against another edition
4.0
Another good book from Louise Penny - Reading them in order. . . all seem good - some better than others. Easy reads. . . Glad I started reading them - very relaxing. . . Like that they are in Canada/Quebec and this one had an AA theme.
All very familiar.
All very familiar.
dlvs2read's review against another edition
4.0
Louise Penny does not disappoint once again in this book seven, I believe, of her series about the little town of Three Pines and chief inspector Armand Gamache. I don’t know how she consistently produces such great books in this mystery series! So, now on to book 8 for me!
elainesloan's review against another edition
5.0
love seeing the characters evolve, can't wait to see if Jean Guy tells Annie he loves her!
corliss12000's review against another edition
4.0
I think I’m going to take a break from this series for a while. I’ve been binging on it since I discovered it. Sadly I don’t really like the direction that she’s taking the series. I know they are her characters and her stories. I may come back to them later
juliebean1020's review against another edition
5.0
Clara has her first solo art show and it is a major success. But what should be one of the best days of her life is spoiled when a murder victim is found in her garden. And it turns out to be a woman who was Clara's best friend growing up but who later turned into a bitter enemy.
maria_rb's review against another edition
3.0
Another good addition, in which the characters face their fears.
haverlandt's review against another edition
5.0
I always enjoy reading about Chief Inspector Gamache!
christyduke_5117's review against another edition
5.0
Whoa. This was an emotional journey. So much going on in the background outside of the murder mystery.