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A Trick of the Light
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A Trick of the Light Paperback - 2012

by Louise Penny

A chief inspector in Quebec is called to a tiny village where he finds luminaries of the art world gathered, and with it a world of shading and nuance, a world of shadow and light, where every sweet relationship hides a broken heart.


About this book

Originally conceptualized as "The Shattered Mirror," Louise Penny's initial title for the book depicted a metaphorical reflection of the characters' inner struggles. However, as discussions progressed with the publisher, the title evolved into "A Trick of the Light." This new name encapsulated the deceptive nature of appearances and the exploration of hidden truths that lay at the heart of the story.

The cover art for "A Trick of the Light" went through several iterations, each capturing the essence of the novel's intriguing premise. The first edition featured a vibrant and ethereal design, with an enigmatic figure enveloped in radiant light against a dark background. This cover art effectively conveyed the juxtaposition of light and darkness within the narrative, enticing readers to explore the shadows of the story's secrets.

Different editions of "A Trick of the Light" may bear identification marks and occasional misprints that contribute to the book's collectibility. Early printings might display the original price or include unique ISBN numbers. Some copies may feature slight variations in font sizes or pagination, inadvertently becoming prized possessions among collectors and avid fans of Louise Penny's work.

Critical reception for "A Trick of the Light" was overwhelmingly positive upon its release. Critics praised Penny's ability to craft a gripping narrative filled with suspense, psychological depth, and nuanced character development. The novel's exploration of human nature, ambition, and the power of art resonated strongly with readers, earning high acclaim within the mystery genre.

Readers embraced "A Trick of the Light" with fervor, resulting in notable sales figures. The novel experienced robust initial sales, and the buzz surrounding it only grew as enthusiastic word-of-mouth recommendations spread. While specific sales figures for "A Trick of the Light" are not readily available, it undoubtedly contributed to the overall success of the "Chief Inspector Armand Gamache" series, solidifying Louise Penny's status as a bestselling author.

The enduring popularity of "A Trick of the Light" and its impact on readers' hearts can be attributed to its thought-provoking themes and expert storytelling. The novel invited readers to confront their own perceptions, challenging the notion of truth and revealing the intricacies of the human psyche. It demonstrated Penny's ability to interweave complex plotlines with richly developed characters, captivating readers with each page.

In conclusion, the publication history of Louise Penny's "A Trick of the Light" showcases the evolution of titles, cover art, and the allure of identification marks or misprints that add to the book's collectible nature. Its critical acclaim, along with the continued success of the "Chief Inspector Gamache" series, underscores Penny's reputation as a masterful mystery writer. "A Trick of the Light" remains a testament to her storytelling prowess, enchanting readers with its exploration of hidden truths, artful deception, and the complexities of human nature.


From the publisher

A New York Times Notable Crime Book and Favorite Cozy for 2011
A Publishers Weekly Best Mystery/Thriller books for 2011

With A Trick of the Light, Louise Penny takes us back to the deceptively peaceful village of Three Pines in this brilliant novel in her award-winning, New York Times bestselling series featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache.

"Hearts are broken," Lillian Dyson carefully underlined in a book. "Sweet relationships are dead." But now Lillian herself is dead. Found among the bleeding hearts and lilacs of Clara Morrow's garden in Three Pines, shattering the celebrations of Clara's solo show at the famed Muse in Montreal. Chief Inspector Gamache, the head of homicide at the Sret du Qubec, is called to the tiny Quebec village and there he finds the art world gathered, and with it a world of shading and nuance, a world of shadow and light. Where nothing is as it seems. Behind every smile there lurks a sneer. Inside every sweet relationship there hides a broken heart.
And even when facts are slowly exposed, it is no longer clear to Gamache and his team if what they've found is the truth, or simply a trick of the light. "Penny has been compared to Agatha Christie [but] it sells her short. Her characters are too rich, her grasp of nuance and human psychology too firm...." --Booklist (starred review)

Details

  • Title A Trick of the Light
  • Author Louise Penny
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition 4th Print
  • Pages 368
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Minotaur Books, New York
  • Date 2012-07-03
  • ISBN 9781250007346 / 1250007348
  • Weight 0.7 lbs (0.32 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.22 x 5.47 x 0.95 in (20.88 x 13.89 x 2.41 cm)
  • Themes
    • Cultural Region: Canadian
    • Demographic Orientation: Rural
    • Demographic Orientation: Small Town
    • Geographic Orientation: Quebec
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

Media reviews

Citations

  • New York Times Book Review, 08/19/2012, Page 24

About the author

LOUISE PENNY is the author of the #1 New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling series of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels. She has won numerous awards, including a CWA Dagger and the Agatha Award (six times), and was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Novel. In 2017, she received the Order of Canada for her contributions to Canadian culture. Louise lives in a small village south of Montral.
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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7) (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7)
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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7) (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7)

by Penny, Louise

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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7) (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7)
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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7) (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7)

by Penny, Louise

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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7) (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7)
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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7) (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7)

by Add Penny, Louise

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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7) (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7).
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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7) (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7).

by Penny, Louise.

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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7)
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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7)

by Louise Penny

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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7) (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7)

A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7) (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7)

by Penny, Louise

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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7)
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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7)

by Louise Penny

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A Trick of the Light : A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel
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A Trick of the Light : A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel

by Penny, Louise

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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7) (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7)
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A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 7) (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7)

by Penny, Louise

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A Trick of the Light : A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel
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A Trick of the Light : A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel

by Penny, Louise

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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