Finding the little village of three pines was a marvel. The ensemble cast of odd bods certainly add to each of the stories. I have come to feel part of the village life albeit a dangerous place. Ultimately the story revolves around Chief Inspector Gamache whom now is the top policeman in Canada.
In this story a mysterious figure appears in the village green. The menace is palpable and each person starts to think that this conscience is there for their particular past misdeeds. We know there has been a murder as Gamache is in the witness box at the trial. So we begin a journey of discovery. Who is the murderer and the victim. Why is Gamache worried about his testimony. We build to an exciting climax where all is eventually revealed. We find that Gamache must wrestle with his conscience and puts his career on the line.
This is not an easy book to read. Louise uses the device of flashbacks to the events as the trial proceeds. There is more time travel than Dr Who episode. This really slows down the story as Louise only reveals the clues later in a chunk of flash back dressed as a witness statement. Most of these flashbacks start unexpectedly with a lot at the start of a new page. This interrupts any flow and a lot of rereading is necessary. A good knowledge of the characters in the village is essential so this would not be a good book to start reading the series.
As the underlying issue explored here is conscience we have a lot of introspection and discussion of philosophic issues. What is the higher court of Ghandi. Do we have different levels of conscience. Does the end justify the means. Again these weighty issues load the story to almost ponderous pace. Fortunately Gamache and Penny are not preaching and these issues are central to the story.
I thought that some of Louise's constructs were a little simplistic and stretched credulity. I cannot really discuss these without giving away some of the story. As in Agatha Christie the village is a metaphor for the world and Gamache its antithesis. He brings the world into the village which cannot contain it. A simultaneous telescope and microscope. Action which barely disturb the fabric of the larger society rend the little village.
There are a lot of surprises in this book a lot because of the trickle feeding of information. But it is enjoyable. There is great range for our village people and some will not escape unscathed. The underlying story of Carla the painter and the unfinished paintings is a joy. So settle in for a slow start because after half way you will have trouble reading fast enough.
Though the title is a bit of a mystery.
Flip to back
Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
See all formats and editions
Hide other formats and editions
|
Amazon Price
|
New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
Free with your Audible trial | ||
| Hardcover, 29 August 2017 |
—
|
— | — |
|
Mass Market Paperback
"Please retry"
|
$16.21 | — |
|
Audio CD, Audiobook, CD, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
$57.93 | — |
Releases March 2, 2021. Pre-order Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life now with Pre-order Price Guarantee.
If the Amazon.com.au price decreases between your order time and the end of the day of the release date, you'll receive the lowest price. Order now
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Start reading Glass Houses: A Chief Inspector Gamache Mystery, Book 13 on your Kindle in under a minute.
Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Releases March 2, 2021. Pre-order Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life now with Pre-order Price Guarantee.
If the Amazon.com.au price decreases between your order time and the end of the day of the release date, you'll receive the lowest price. Order now
Customer reviews
Review this product
Top reviews from other countries
Devon Lady
Oh dear, I seem to be in the minority with this one
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 September 2017Verified Purchase
Viv
Time for Gamache to retire?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 October 2017Verified Purchase
Kay Duggan
A bit disappointing?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 September 2017Verified Purchase
J2oh
I realised I had lost the plot totally ....
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 September 2017Verified Purchase
The Constant Gardener
Different to the others, and still great!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 May 2018Verified Purchase