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.

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.