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How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Adult Fiction, Crime, Detective
Length: 405 pages
First Published Year: 2013
Series: Three Pines series
Literary Awards: Agatha Award Nominee for Best Contemporary Novel (2013)
ISBN: 9780312655471
Language: English
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Publisher’s Description Summary
As Christmas nears in Québec, it’s not just about the festive lights and get-togethers this year for Chief Inspector Armand Gamache.
He’s facing tough times at work, with many of his best people gone and a rift with his close pal, Jean-Guy Beauvoir. Plus, there’s a lot of pushback against him from various quarters.
Then, Gamache gets a call from Myrna Landers from the small village of Three Pines, giving him a much-needed break from city life.
Myrna’s worried because a friend who was supposed to join her for Christmas hasn’t shown up.
The friend turns out to be a once-world-famous figure, now only recognized by a few, like the eccentric poet Ruth Zardo.
Back at work, things are heating up for Gamache. But as he digs deeper into the case in Three Pines, he’s not just looking for Myrna’s missing friend anymore.
He’s also on the lookout for a safe haven for himself and his loyal team, facing growing threats.
The big question is whether Three Pines can offer them the peace they’re searching for, and what it might cost Gamache and his loved ones.
Quotes from How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny
- How much more courage it took to be kind than to be cruel.
- Armand Gamache had always held unfashionable beliefs. He believed the light would banish the shadows. That kindness was more powerful than cruelty, and that goodness existed, even in the most desperate places. He believed that evil had its limits.
- While Henri had a huge heart, he had quite a modest brain. His head was taken up almost entirely by his ears. In fact, his head seemed simply a sort of mount for those ears. Fortunately Henri didn’t really need his head. He kept all the important things in his heart.
- Do you know what I’ve learned, after three decades of death? Gamache asked, leaning toward the agent and lowering his voice. Despite himself, the agent leaned forward. I’ve learned how precious life is.
- Who hurt you once, / so far beyond repair / that you would greet each overture / with curling lip?
- I think you might try leading your life as though it’s just you. If he comes back and you know your life will be better with him, then great. But you’ll also know you’re enough on your own.
About Louise Penny
Louise Penny, once a CBC broadcaster, found her calling in writing mystery novels based in Quebec, featuring the insightful Inspector Gamache.
Garnering multiple Agatha and Anthony Awards, Penny’s novels are beloved globally, available in 23 languages.
Overcoming personal hurdles, including battling alcoholism and caring for her husband with dementia,
Penny’s resilience shines through her life and work. Now living in Knowlton, Quebec, she’s been honored for her cultural contributions to Canada.
You can visit the author’s website for more details.
