Wednesday 6 February 2019

Book Review: A Trick of the Light

A Trick of the Light: A Chief Inspector Gamache NovelLouise Penny is a prolific Canadian author. I cannot remember where I saw the name. Hubby printed up a list, and has been reserving them at the library for me. He is an excellent Personal Assistant!

I just finished A Trick of the Light (2011), and I am on to the next. You MUST read them in order, which I've been doing. Our hero, Chief Inspector Gamache, as well sa the other characters, are carefully fleshed out. She has a grasp of human nature, psychology, art, and character. She researches and then paints her settings most beautifully, whether it is the imaginary town of Three Pines, or an old Québec City library. Penny throws in some French, and I find this interesting, it gives such flavour to the books. While we're on the topic, she regularly makes my mouth water, as she describes the gourmet offerings in the Three Pines bistro.

This is a lovely idea, Gamacheseries.com, a virtual bistro, Louise Penny calls it, where people can see the cultural inspirations for the town, and look at the art, literature, poetry, music, and philosophy behind the themes.

From her website...
Have you ever heard of the term “chiaroscuro”? Michael told me about it after his art class yesterday. It means the play of light and dark. Am thinking of making that a theme in the book I’m about to start - hmmm.”
Louise Penny is a Canadian author of mystery novels set in the Canadian province of Quebec centred on the work of francophone Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec. Penny's first career was as a radio broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

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@Barrie Summy

13 comments:

pattinase (abbott) said...

I have read two of her books. I don't feel up to series reading anymore but she is certainly a terrific writer and her setting and protagonist is sensational.

Barrie said...

That Armand Gamache is a good one! I don't think I've met a mystery reader who didn't love Louise Penny's books. :) Thank you for sharing the virtual bistro link. Fun!

Anvilcloud said...

She's a fave. I enjoyed the last book very much, and her next one has been sent to her publisher for editing.

Linda said...

Hubby has read lots of her books, they are on my long list of books to read.

Christine said...

Thanks for this intriguing review.

William Kendall said...

I haven't read any of her work yet. I'll have to remedy that.

Linda McLaughlin said...

I have friends who rave about her books. I'm generally not a series reader, nor do I read many mysteries, just the occasional cozy. Glad you are enjoying her books.

Phyllis Wheeler said...

I'm glad to learn about this author!

Sarah Laurence said...

You hooked me with the virtual bistro. So cool!

Stacy said...

Sounds good. This American has not read enough Canadian authors.

Linda W. said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! It's always good to find new fellow bloggers. :)

Lucy said...

I haven't heard of this author but I love a good mystery! Thanks for reviewing.

Powell River Books said...

I love finding Canadian authors. I'll put her on my list. In a way this books sounds a bit like the ones written by Mike Martin. - Margy