Title: A Trick of the Light
Author: Louise Penny
First published August 30, 2011
339 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780312655457 (ISBN10: 0312655452)
Rating: 4.31
Overview
In the quaint village of Three Pines, hearts are shattered when the celebrated artist Lillian Dyson is found dead amongst the flowers in Clara Morrow’s garden. Chief Inspector Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec is summoned to investigate, and soon discovers a world of art, shadows and light.
As he delves deeper into the lives of those around him, secrets and lies are uncovered, and the truth becomes increasingly elusive. With every new revelation, Gamache wonders if what he sees is reality or just a trick of the light.
About the Author
Meet Louise Penny, a bestselling author known for the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels. Her work has earned her a plethora of accolades, including seven Agatha Awards and a CWA Dagger.
She was also a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Novel. In 2017, she was awarded the Order of Canada for her contributions to Canadian culture.
When she’s not writing, Louise resides in a charming village just south of Montréal.
Editoral Review
A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny is a mystery novel that was first published on August 30, 2011. The author, Louise Penny, is a Canadian novelist who has written over fifteen books in the same genre.
Penny’s writing style is characterized by her use of vivid imagery, well-crafted characters, and complex plot structures that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The novel is set in the small town of Three Pines, Quebec, and revolves around the murder of Lillian Dyson, a former friend of the main character, Clara Morrow. The plot thickens when the investigation reveals that Dyson had been working on a controversial art project that could have led to her death.
The investigation is led by Inspector Armand Gamache and his team, who must navigate a web of lies and deceit to uncover the truth.
Penny’s writing is excellent in this novel, with well-crafted characters that are unique and relatable. The pacing of the plot is slow, but it builds up the tension that keeps readers engaged.
The plot structure is also impressive, with several subplots that come together to create a compelling story. The themes of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness are explored in the novel and are relatable to many readers.
One of the significant strengths of the novel is its setting. Three Pines is a charming and quaint town that is described in great detail, making it feel like a character in the story.
The historical and cultural significance of the town is also highlighted, giving readers a glimpse into the lives of the people who live there.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the slow pace of the plot to be tedious, while others may find the ending to be predictable.
Additionally, some of the characters may come across as stereotypical, which could be a turn-off for some readers.
Overall, A Trick of the Light is a well-written and engaging mystery novel that is sure to please fans of the genre. It is an excellent addition to Louise Penny’s oeuvre and a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted plot, relatable characters, and beautiful writing. I give this book a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
