Louise Penny does a great job of interplay of interpersonal mystery with inner-personal mystery as an undercurrent to the nominal mystery- the “main” murder mystery around which the story is organized. Her characters are interesting, often funny and complex, and if guessing who-done-it is your goal, it’s a challenge. I really enjoyed this book- as I have her previous “Gamashe” mysteries.

The last line of this one is precious. I enjoy the characters and how they change and grow. The main character is well developed. The setting is like a fairy tale with realism. Just great, fun reading.

Such a satisfying book, from an author with the uncanny knack of combining a murder mystery with truly compelling characters, an understanding of the human psyche in its best and worst light, and the same element of hope and faith shown as a glimmer of light in a brilliant painting by central character, Clara. I very highly recommend it.

Louise Penny is a favorite author. Her stories never disappoint and I am always grateful to reconnect with "old friends" each time a new book is released. I cannot wait until August for her new book. She is a truly gifted writer who carries me along and I live in the story.

Louise Penny's novels are never ordinary. She paints her characters with broad strokes and fine detail. Her plot lines are never straight, but never stupidly complex. Each book has been a pleasure to read. A Trick of the Light is no exception.

I have spent much time reading perhaps too many mysteries but have been intrigued and entertained by many of them. This book too is highly entertaining and intriguing yet much more. There is a subtlety and grace to this that I found to be wonderful. Each of the characters are fascinating and you are gently introduced to each one as if meeting them at a social event. Most murder mysteries today seem to need to include dramatic, violent, and even gruesome scenes. This book does not need such extremes and theatrics in order to be dramatc and absorbing. In this book you are drawn into its murder mystery in a way as if you were right there talking with each of the characters. This is written along the classic lines of agatha christie and sir Arthur Conan Doyle and I loved it.

I have had the deep please of reading Louis Penny's earlier works. Her talent and voice grows with each novel. This novel, illuminating the truth of the human spirit and it's capacity for change is both inspiring and realistic. Hope is just that - hope. The human spirit is exposed with all is potential and all is resistance. It strikes the reader's soul with the uncomfortable truth that growth and change can proceed in positive and negative directions. The light of hope is fleeting and must be sought, challenged and ultimately desired for positive change to occur. It is a marvelous, thoughtful and deeply satisfying novel.

I love this author!

The books keep getting better and better. I can hardly wait for the next one.

I love the characters in these books. They are very well written.