A Trick of the Light

A Trick of the Light is a mystery novel by Louise Penny, and it is the seventh book in the Inspector Gamache series. The audiobook version of the novel is narrated by Ralph Cosham, who is known for his work on the previous books in the series.

The story of A Trick of the Light is set in the picturesque village of Three Pines, which is located in the province of Quebec, Canada. The main character of the story is Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec. He is called to Three Pines to investigate a murder that takes place during a party at the home of one of the village's residents, Clara Morrow. The victim is a woman who was once a close friend of Clara's and who had recently achieved fame and success as an artist.

One of the strengths of A Trick of the Light is its focus on character development. The novel delves deeply into the lives of the characters in Three Pines, and the audiobook does an excellent job of bringing these characters to life. Ralph Cosham's narration captures the nuances and quirks of each character, and his delivery is nuanced and understated, which adds to the sense of tension and suspense in the story.

Another strength of the book is its exploration of the art world and the concept of fame. The victim in the story, Lillian Dyson, had achieved great success as an artist, but her success was also marked by controversy and scandal. The investigation into her murder leads Gamache to uncover a web of secrets and betrayals that threaten to destroy the reputation of not only Lillian but also Clara and other members of the Three Pines community.

The pacing of the novel is excellent, with a steady buildup of tension and suspense as the investigation unfolds. The audiobook version of the novel captures this tension well and keeps the listener engaged throughout the story. The action sequences are thrilling, and the audiobook does an excellent job of bringing them to life.

One potential weakness of A Trick of the Light is that it is part of a larger series, and some listeners may feel lost if they are not familiar with the previous books. However, the audiobook does provide some context for those who are new to the series, and the strength of the writing and the narration make it worth the effort to catch up on the previous books.

In conclusion, A Trick of the Light is an excellent audiobook that combines compelling characters, a gripping plot, and nuanced exploration of complex themes. The narration by Ralph Cosham is excellent, and the pacing and suspense of the story make it a must-listen for fans of mystery and crime fiction. If you are looking for a well-written, well-narrated mystery audiobook, then A Trick of the Light is definitely worth checking out.