A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny

◊ A GREAT RECKONING by Louise Penny

◊ Series: Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, Book #12

◊ Narrator: Robert Bathurst

◊ Audio CD: 11 Discs

◊ Listening Length: 13 hours and 33 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Macmillan Audio

◊ Scheduled Release Date: August 30, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 1427274401

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1427274403

*This book is available for pre-order!

SYNOPSIS:

When an intricate old map is found stuffed into the walls of the bistro in Three Pines, it at first seems no more than a curiosity. But the closer the villagers look, the stranger it becomes.

Given to Armand Gamache as a gift the first day of his new job, the map eventually leads him to shattering secrets. To an old friend and older adversary. It leads the former chief of Homicide for the Sûreté du Québec to places even he is afraid to go. But must.

And there he finds four young cadets in the Sûreté academy and a dead professor. And, with the body, a copy of the old, odd map.

Everywhere Gamache turns, he sees Amelia Choquet, one of the cadets. Tattooed and pierced. Guarded and angry. Amelia is more likely to be found on the other side of a police line-up. And yet she is in the academy. A protégée of the murdered professor.

The focus of the investigation soon turns to Gamache himself and his mysterious relationship with Amelia, and his possible involvement in the crime. The frantic search for answers takes the investigators back to Three Pines and a stained glass window with its own horrific secrets.

For both Amelia Choquet and Armand Gamache, the time has come for a great reckoning.

New York Times best-selling author Louise Penny pulls back the layers to reveal a brilliant and emotionally powerful truth in her latest spellbinding audiobook.

It’s strange when you find yourself saying, ‘He wouldn’t do that, he’s not that type of man’ and you’re talking about a character in a book you’re reading.

Author Louise Penny has created such rich, detailed characters that as a fan I feel the core cast of characters are real when I’m immersed in one of her stories. Such is the case in her soon-to-be released book, A GREAT RECKONING.

Narrator Robert Bathurst does a wonderful job giving unique voices to these characters as they come to life. His cadence and accent draws you in and his timing and pitch is spot on. His interruption of the emotions enhances this gripping story. This book is wonderful in audio format. The language heard as it should be spoken adds another layer to this enthralling story.

Penny’s mesmerizing style of writing draws you in, pulling you deeper into the story so you don’t want out without knowing the outcome. The characters are well-developed and extremely likable. New readers will come away feeling they know the characters well. Returning fans will find even more reason to cherish these exceptional characters.

The settings, both real and fictional, come to life through Penny’s luscious descriptions. She combines real history to blend a fascinating tale of mystery and intrigue.

The story flows smoothly and at a steady pace. The suspense is breathtaking and just when you have a clue another door is opened and your opinion will change. The story builds to a pulse-pounding conclusion with a surprise twist at the end.

Three Pines has its secrets and pain, but it’s an enchanted place to visit. The village and its diverse residents will feel like home and family. While you’re anxious to know the why and why, you’re not ready to say goodbye when things settle down.

A GREAT RECKONING takes readers/listeners on a ride of highs and lows as it brings clarity to returning fans without leaving new readers/listeners in the dark. Another beguiling tale from a master storyteller.

The Great Reckoning by Louise Penny, Chief Inspector Gamache Novel (Book #12), Narrated by Robert Bathurst, Macmillan Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1427274403, Unabridged, 11 CD Discs, Run Time: 13 Hours and 33 Minutes. (*This book is also available in eBook, hardcover, and Audible.)

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Are you a fan of the Chief Inspector Gamache novels? If so, do you have a favorite character?

The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny

Opening a book to Three Pines is like visiting with old friends. When those characters come to life through audio, you feel surrounded by their essence and a part of their world.

Listeners/readers can return to Three Pines with the release of author Louise Penny’s latest Chief Inspector Gamache novel, THE NATURE OF THE BEAST.

Narrator Robert Bathrust becomes the voices of the eclectic residents of Three Pines taking over for the late Ralph Cosham who passed away late last year. Bathrust does a fine job of giving his own take on the numerous dwellers in Three Pines. His mannerisms and cadence works well portraying the varying emotions of the story.

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his wife, Reine-Marie, have retired to Three Pines for peace and quiet. But when a young local boy is murdered, the residents soon realize his tall tale of a huge gun and a monster in the woods could be true. The boy who cried wolf so many times finally told the truth and it cost him his life.

As Gamache aids Jean-Guy Beauvoir and Isabelle Lacoste in looking deeper into the boy’s death, another resident is killed. Are the two deaths related and which of the Three Pines residents is hiding a long-kept dark secret that could destroy the peaceful little town?

Penny skillfully weaves bits of history and lore into this mesmerizing thriller. Her almost hypnotic writing technique lures listeners/readers in and holds them spellbound until the end. The story moves at a steady pace blending information from several directions as it comes to a heart-pounding conclusion.

Through Penny’s rich descriptions and vivid details, listeners/readers are absorbed into the quaint village. The characters, well-developed and realistic, are likable. The close-knit feeling of the sleepy little town washes over you.

While the story gives you a sense of friendship and belonging, it is also filled with suspense and foreboding dread. This spine-tingling thriller will keep you guessing and wondering.

THE NATURE OF THE BEAST shows the residents of Three Pines aren’t isolated from the world of danger and terror as they had hoped. An enthralling mystery with worldwide connections of mass destruction.

The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny, Chief Inspector Gamache Series (Book #11), Narrated by Robert Bathrust, Macmillan Audio, @2015, ASIN: BOOXZ13TO4, Unabridged, Run Time: 12 Hours and 41 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I have read a number of reviews saying this was not one of Penny’s best stories and some saying it’s not her usual style, but I found it to be quite good. I try to appreciate the book for what it has to offer and not compare it so much to previous installments as long as there isn’t a huge difference in the style and characters. Are you a fan of Three Pines and its residents? If so, do you like the fact that Gamache is retired?

*This post contains affiliate links.

Designated Daughters: The Long Way Home and Remembering Tina

Today I’m sharing my thoughts on two amazing series that are among my favorites. While the style is different, both authors offer readers/listeners an incredible journey through their books. Hope you enjoy. I'm also remembering a wonderful blogging friend, who recently passed away.

DESIGNATED DAUGHTERS by Margaret Maron

Stories by author Margaret Maron bring to mind visions of family reunions, summer get-togethers and the feeling of being surrounded by love.

Maron writes of family, loyalty and a look back at Southern life once upon a time, even as she incorporates a couple of murder mysteries into the mix. Her latest release, DESIGNATED DAUGHTERS, is a wonderful example of her blending talents.

Maron also serves as the narrator for this installment in the Deborah Knott series. It’s enlightening to listen to the author read her own work. She brings out the emotions of the characters.

When Judge Deborah Knott and her family are called to her elderly Aunt Rachel’s bedside, they are greeted with good news. Aunt Rachel is awake and talking, though it seems to people only she can see. However, tragedy strikes within hours when Aunt Rachel is found murdered in her Hospice bed.

Deborah’s husband, Deputy Sheriff Dwight Bryant, is determined to find out what happened. He believes it had something to do with the rambling stories Aunt Rachel was telling prior to her death. There’s a long list of suspects including the Designed Daughters, a support group of caregivers that Rachel’s own daughter is a member of.

In the search for the killer, Maron takes readers/listeners on a journey back and forth in time. She weaves a tale of life in the old South without sugar-coating it. She also blends in current social problems plaguing the elderly and those caring for them.

DESIGNATED DAUGHTERS is a jumble of events taking place like with any family, but the story flows smoothly with twists, turns and red herrings to keep you guessing. The characters are warm and likable, country folk with good hearts and a love of family for the most part.

In this 19th installment in the Deborah Knott series, readers/listeners get a glimpse into the past of the extensive Knott family and life in Colleton County in days gone by. New readers to the series can easily keep up.

Blending Southern charm with a search for justice, Maron has once again crafted a captivating murder mystery.

Designated Daughters by Margaret Maron, Deborah Knott Series Book #19, Performed by Margaret Maron, Hachette Audio, @2014, ASIN: BOOLWA3YG4, Unabridged, Digital Download, Listening Time: 7 Hours and 49 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

THE LONG WAY HOME by Louise Penny

There’s something magical, almost ethereal about a Chief Inspector Gamache novel by author Louise Penny, which may seem a bit odd since there’s always murder involved.

Narrator Ralph Cosham does a superb job bringing the characters to life, giving each their own distinct voice. His rich, soothing voice varies in pace and inflection to match the characters’ emotions and their situation. Cosham’s voice is slightly hypnotic as he shares the story with listeners. His accents and mannerisms enhance the already rhythmic flow of the story.

With Armand Gamache’s retirement as Chief Inspector of Homicide for the Sûreté du Québec, readers/listeners can expect a different edge to the usual adrenaline-fueled pace of previous stories. With retirement, Penny gives readers a different, more philosophical look at the makeup of Gamache and the residence of Three Pines.

Settling into life in Three Pines, Gamache is enjoying the peace and quiet with his wife, Reine-Marie. He and his former second-in-command (and now his son-in-law), Jean-Guy Beauvoir, are both recovering from emotional and physical scares. But Gamache knows their neighbor, Clara Morrow, is troubled and needs help.

Clara finally asks Gamache to help her find her husband, Peter. The couple had agreed to a year separation planning to meet on the anniversary of that decision to determine the outcome of their marriage. Peter didn’t return on the date and Clara hasn’t heard from him. Peter, struggling with jealously over Clara’s sudden fame in the art world, seems to have just disappeared.

Agreeing to help, Gamache, Jean-Guy, Clara and their friend Myrna set off to find Peter. Their search takes them across the Canadian wilderness retracing Peter’s journey to possible discover the Tenth Muse in hopes of reawakening his own painting career. Their pilgrimage leads them to discoveries that impact their lives forever.

There is no fast-action adrenaline rush to make you catch your breath, just the ability to see a beautiful landscape through the eyes of one who has learned to appreciate life and see some good in all. The story is thought-provoking blended with historical morsels and artistic influence.

The poetic flow of THE LONG WAY HOME is captivating as readers/listeners once again visit with old friends in Three Pines.

The Long Way Home by Louise Penny, Chief Inspector Gamache Novel #10, Performed by Ralph Cosham, Macmillan Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1427244291, Unabridged, 10 Discs, Listening Time: 12 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

REMEMBERING TINA …

Today numerous people throughout blogdom are remembering a kind soul that was recently taken from us – Tina Downey, who blogged at Life is Good.

Tina had been struggling with pulmonary hypertension, hypoglycemia and severe asthma when she passed away on Aug. 23 (2014).

I didn’t know Tina for that long, but in the time I knew her I was amazed at her energy and zest for life. Her posts and comments were always so positive and happy. I don’t think I ever read anything that Tina wrote when I didn’t smile.

She loved sunflowers, so today we are celebrating Tina’s life and the impact she had on ours by displaying sunflowers. This is a close up of a sunflower from a field of sunflowers a friend of mine planted this year. Thinking of you Tina and missing you.  

 

          

Thanks for visiting today. If you knew Tina, share a thought with us. In addition, I hope I’ve enticed you to check out these wonderful books. They are both part of fascinating series. Have you ever read or listened to a book that was hard to describe to others, not because it was bad but because it was so good? 

*This post contains affiliate links.

HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN by Louise Penny

When you combine the wonderful writing of author Louise Penny and the mesmerizing voice of narrator Ralph Cosham, you have a masterpiece. Penny’s latest Chief Inspector Gamache novel, HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN, is a fine example of their talented work.

Cosham brings the characters to life with his rich French/Canadian accent. His cadence is captivating. His vocalization of the emotions throughout the book enhance Penny’s fascinating story. Between Cosham’s charming voice and Penny’s fervent details, listeners are transported to Québec and Three Pines leaving all else behind.

In this ninth book, Christmas is approaching and Québec is a hub of festive activities, but life isn’t that joyous for Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. His Homicide Department has practically been dismantled, his friend and lieutenant Jean-Guy Beauvoir will have nothing to do with him, and forces from higher up are closing in on him.

Myrna Landers from Three Pines contacts Gamache concerning her friend that has failed to arrive for Christmas. He welcomes the change of scenery. In Three Pines Gamache soon discovers more than he imaged. The missing woman was once one of the most famous people in the world. She has changed her name and her appearance and was unknown to all expect Myrna and Three Pines’ resident crazy poet Ruth Zardo.

As he searches for the killer of Myrna’s friend, Gamache is also trying to find the thread that has unraveled his department and his world. As he and his few still-loyal colleagues dig deeper, an unthinkable plot begins to emerge. Is the exposure of a corrupt superior and others worth the risk to Gamache, his career and those he loves?

Penny has the knack for beginning with seemingly unrelated events that cascade into major turning points. She gives tidbits that take you to the brink and then dangle you over the edge.

Her detail descriptions are vivid and breathtaking. Penny’s characters are well-developed, realistic, and extremely likable - as well as ones you’ll hate. Her ability to bring the characters’ many traits, both good and bad, to surface adds to the complexity of the story. Characters so plausible I catch myself disagreeing or pleading with them as they take actions I wish they won’t. Totally enamored by these characters I hold my breath for fear of what they are about to do, not do.

HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN moves at a steady pace. Switching between numerous on-going events, readers/listeners have no problem keeping up. The action is fast-pace with highs and lows for a roller coaster ride of emotions and adventure. Just as you catch your breath, the ground drops from beneath you for another twist in the plot. The ending came with a series of surprises that left me wondering, hoping.

This is the ninth installment in the Chief Inspector Gamache series, but can be read as a stand alone. There are numerous references to prior events, but enough background is given to keep new readers up to speed and refresh the memories of returning fans.

As the temperature reaches 90-plus in the lower 50 states, I eagerly escape to Three Pines, its quaint residents, snow-covered landscape, and the calming presence of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache.  

Author Louise Penny’s website is http://www.louisepenny.com/
 
How The Light Gets In by Louise Penny, A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel #9, Performed by Ralph Cosham, Macmillan Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-1427233011, Unabridged, 12 Discs, Listening Time: 15 Hours

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. 

NOTE: HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN is scheduled for release August 27th. Pre-order your copy now!!
 
Thanks for stopping by today. Author Cristiane Serruya was scheduled to visit with us today, but due to unforeseen circumstances wasn’t able to. Hopefully we can reschedule her visit for a later date.

The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny

Some authors pen 2 or 3 books a year (a wonderful treat for us readers), while others pen only one.

Author Louise Penny is one of those authors who pens only one book a year and what a book she has this year. Penny’s latest release is THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY, a Chief Inspector Gamache novel, well worth the wait.

The book is intense, powerful, suspenseful, nerve-racking, moving - an out-and-out great story. The narration by Ralph Cosham just boosts the story up a notch further. The audio also offers snippets of the enchanting music featured in the story. 

Cosham does an excellent job portraying Chief Inspector Armand Gamache interrupting his emotions, his highs and lows. In addition, Cosham gives unique voices to each of the other characters. He brings the characters to life with his distinct accents and cadence drawing the listener into this amazing tale. Not to disparage Penny’s wonderful story, but Cosham has an alluring voice that would make even the reading of a phone directory captivating.

The choir director of a forgotten order of monks in northern Quebec has been murdered. Gamache and his second in command, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, of the Sûreté de Québec are called in to investigate. They are the first outsiders allowed in the monastery of Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups (St. Gilbert Among the Wolves). The monks’ vow of silence has been lifted, but still they are not forthcoming with information.

The Gilbertine monks have been forgotten for hundreds of years. A recording of their beautiful ancient chants has made them world-famous and caused a division among the monks. Something tipped the scales causing one brother to kill another.

As Gamache and Beauvoir search for clues, they each are tormented by demons of their own. In their search for the killer there are twists and turns to provide a number of plausible suspects. When Superintendent Sylvain Francoeur shows up unexpectedly, Gamache is faced with new emotions and uncertainness that could effect his entire family.

The powerful emotions of the lead characters pulls you into the story. Penny does an excellent job describing the monastery in such a way it becomes a character as well. 

Throughout the story one phrase/action is repeated - ‘deep breath in, deep breath out.’ Penny’s writing goes along these actions. She takes you to a critical tense moment only to change course in the next paragraph giving you time to catch your breath before returning to take you over the edge. The characters are well-developed with flaws listeners/readers can relate to. Listeners/readers become invested in the characters anticipating, dreading their next action for fear where it will lead while eagerly rushing for more.

THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY is the 8th installment in the Chief Inspector Gamache series, but is a stand alone book. Back story from previous books is scattered throughout, but will only heighten a new reader’s interest (in the series) while not leaving them in the dark.

Once you begin THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY, you won’t be able to stop and it will stay with you long after the end. The book takes you on a wonderful journey of highs and lows, good and evil, friend and foe before leaving you breathlessly at the stunning conclusion gasping for more.

Author Louise Penny’s website is www.louisepenny.com
 
THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY is slated to be released Aug. 28. 

The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny, A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, Read by Ralph Cosham, MacMillan Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1427226099, Unabridged, 11 Discs, Listening Time: 13 Hours 30 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Are you easily pulled into stories? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Hope your day is filled with peace, wonderful friendship, a good book and maybe even a little music.

A TRICK OF THE LIGHT by Louise Penny

I enjoy books that keep you guessing, keep you changing your choice of killers, and then surprises you at the very end.

A TRICK OF THE LIGHT by Louise Penny is a book like that. There are numerous suspects, each with strong motives and ample opportunity. Just when you decide on one suspect, a new lead is revealed that takes you in another direction.

Artist Clara Morrow finally has a solo show at the famed Musee in Montreal. All of the right people from the art world are there. Afterwards, a private party is held in Three Pines, the village were Clara and her husband Peter live. But Clara’s joy is short-lived when a body is found in her garden the next morning. To complicate matters, the body is that of Clara’s childhood friend Lillian Dyson. The two had a bitter falling out years before when Lillian wrote a horrid review of Clara’s work which almost caused her to quit painting.

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surete du Quebec homicide unit and his team are called in to investigate. Gamache and his second-in-command, Inspector Jean Guy Beauvoir, are very familiar with Three Pines and its villagers. As the team begins to investigate the death and life of Lillian Dyson, they learn more about the art world and how Alcoholic Anonymous plays a role in the tragedy.

While Lillian’s murder takes center stage in this book, there are several sub-plots that are superbly woven in. There was a police tragedy the previous year that weighs heavily on Gamache and Beauvoir for different reasons. A TRICK OF THE LIGHT deals with the contrast between not only good and evil, but between forgetting and forgiving and hope and fear.

One of my favorite characters could be considered a minor player, Ruth Zardo. Ruth, the crusty and loud poet with a heart of gold. Ruth, who talks brassy and crude to cover that her heart is broken and lonely.

Author Louise Penny’s writing is fluent, almost mesmerizing. She holds you transfixed with her descriptions of Three Pines, its people and those who come to visit. She has created a quaint village with a serene landscape. Three Pines isn’t on any map, but is found by those who need to be there.

The narration by Ralph Cosham is like delectable icing on a triple chocolate cake. Listeners quickly become immersed in the world of Three Pines as Cosham’s soothing, yet commanding, voice brings the French accents to life.

A TRICK OF THE LIGHT is the 7th installment in the Chief Inspector Gamache series, but is a stand alone book. Penny delivers a moving end to this book while continuing the story.

Author Louise Penny’s website is www.louisepenny.com

A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny, A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, Read by Ralph Cosham, Macmillan Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1-4272-1320-4, 10 Discs, Listening Time: 13 Hours

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this audio book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. A special thanks to Margot Kinberg at Confessions of a Mystery Novelist...for pointing me in the direction of this great find.