AMAZING!!! I absolutely love anything Louise Penney writes . I see a new novel, I purchase it.

Never fails to disappoint with suspenseful plots, relatable characters

I have been reading all 13 of the Gamache books. It is amazing to see how far the character development has become.

You can certainly read the books out of order, as each book has a different case to investigate - but i have grown to love Gamache after so many books.

This was my first Louise Penny book. I sort of felt like I'd skipped ahead of the line and was given a book that is an ongoing series. I felt that I would be lost by not knowing the protagonists or secondary characters. To some degree, my assessment was on point. I would have liked to have known the top players a bit better. But as I was reading, the biggest issue for me was the "political" theme in the story when it came to drug trafficking. And yes, it's a big issue, however, it can be said that the creation of some of these opioids were legally made by the drug companies and addiction has come from that industry. I felt the conversation was a bit repetitive even though it was part and parcel to the story line and dilemma of the town. I did enjoy many parts of the writer's style, but I felt like I needed it to stay on one track and reduce the amount of the characters that were presented. It was hard for me to keep track of everyone. There were points where the pacing dragged on and parts where I couldn't get enough. So a healthy balance would have helped me to enjoy the novel more. All in all, I don't think I will stop at this book. I hope to read more books from the author, maybe her earlier stuff.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this novel.

Wow, how in the heck have I come this far in my life and never read Louise Penny before? I've known for a while that she has quite the following. And now, . . . I know why. Good Grief this was a great read for me.

I spent three quarters of this book immersed in a trial without even knowing who the defendant was, or even if they were female or male. The story went from present to back history to a little further back history, then like six months before and then back to the trial, then like a month before. I mean it was jumping all over the place. And I absolutely loved the characters in Three Pines. Especially the VERY quirky ones. Ha!!

Even though this was number 13 in the series of Armand Gamache, I still felt like I hadn't missed anything. I mean in the sense that I know there were other things that happened prior to this book, but I didn't feel as though I missed out on anything!!!

I know I am preaching to the choir when I say that I was so mesmerized by this book. It did go back and forth a lot, and being an advanced reader, it was hard to keep up as I had to stop for a few seconds and wonder where I was but that did not deter me, AT ALL!!!!!!

If you have not read Louise Penny, don't take as long as I did to figure out that it's an excellent read.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, laughed quite a few times and was definitely shedding some tears at the end. I grew to love these characters and really miss them now that I've left Three Pines.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

There’s nothing like stumbling upon an established author, falling in love, and finding out they have a substantial backlist of books. It’s even better when the books are part of a series because it means getting to go back to the beginning without having to wait for the next book—guaranteeing great reading for a long time. And in these days of meh/blah reading, having an author you can count on, whose books are readily available is the ultimate reading security blanket. I’ve just experienced this with Louise Penny, who many of you may already know. Her mystery series centers around Armand Gamache, a member of Quebec’s police force and the tiny village, Three Pines, where he lives with his wife, and an array of quirky, interesting friends and neighbors.

In her latest, Glass Houses, Gamache is now the Chief Superintendent and responsible for all units in the department. His promotion is seen as a move against the widespread corruption for which the Quebec government has become known. It’s also seen as a last ditch effort against the massive drug cartel problem the region faces. This was Gamache’s focus until a mysterious figure robed in a hooded black cape and mask appeared in the village square in Three Pines. It did nothing and said nothing, merely stared at various buildings without moving. Its presence causes unrest amongst the villagers, but things get substantially worse when it disappears and a body is found in the local church.

Here’s where things get tricky in reviewing mysteries—I can’t say much more without giving away all the best bits. Suffice it to say, Penny is wonderfully adept at creating a baklava of a book—lots and lots of layers dripping with goodness and surprise. If you are a Penny fan, then you already know how well she fleshes out every aspect in her books. Yes, there’s a dead body and a murderer in Glass Houses, but these are just two of the many elements that come together for the kind of reading you don’t want to put down. The people of Three Pines are all wonderfully distinct, each contributing to the novel with their humor, foibles and eccentricities. If you haven’t read her before, don’t let that stop you; this novel stands on its own as a compelling mystery fraught with tension. If you are already a fan, this is a welcome return to a people and place well worth visiting.

Although this is certainly a Three Pines crime novel, it begins in an unusual way -- after the crime and with Armand Gamache on a Montreal witness stand. This very definitely gets the listener’s attention as it seems that Gamache, while not on trial, is at cross-purposes with the prosecution. The rest of the intricately and beautifully written novel continues with flashbacks to Three Pines and forward to the present in Montreal. In this entry, Louise Penny (www.louisepenny.com) uses a hilarious Halloween costume party at Halloween and an ancient legend to set the scene for murder. All the usual Three Pines suspects are present as once again Penny succinctly examines age-old social and philosophical issues - this time the question of “conscience” takes the forefront - in every aspect from white lies to mass murder.

I know this author is widely known and loved, but I was so confused from the first page that I could not keep anything straight. The characters were intermingled with titles I'm not accustomed to. I do want to try this again when I have more time to fully digest into research.

Inspector Gamache is back and he's none to happy that there is a mysterious new person in town, and he gets even more unhappy when a dead body shows up and the mystery person disappears.

I am a devoted reader of Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series. The latest (#13) is Glass Houses.

Glass Houses opens in a courtroom with Gamache on the stand. "He knew perfectly well who the murder was. He was just a little afraid that something would go wrong. And a particularly cunning killer would go free." Well, I was immediately hooked! So many questions. The reader slowly learns what led to the case Gamache is testifying at.

A hooded figure dressed in black stands on the square in the pretty little off the beaten village of Three Pines - home to Inspector Gamache. He or she is not committing a crime, but doing nothing but standing there is all the more terrifying.

"The actual act of terror created horror, pain, sorrow, rage, revenge. But the terror itself came from wondering what what going to happen next. To watch, to wait to wonder, To anticipate. To imagine. And always the worst."

Gamache and a small, select group of officers are also running an operation that seems to have been almost a year in the planning. But what exactly that is, is only slowly made clear to the reader. Very slowly - which only kept me turning pages late in the night, eager to see where and what was at the end. Penny brings in elements from the a previous long running (and very current) storyline.

I love Penny's prose and the voice she has created for not just Gamache, but for every player in her books. Her mysteries are always intriguing, but it is the characters themselves that have me eager to see what is going on in their lives. It feels like settling in with old friends when I pick up the latest book. And settling into a village I'd love to live in. Penny's description of Three Pines says much:

"Some might argue that Three Pines itself isn't real, and they'd be right, but limited in their view. The village does not exist, physically. But I think of it as existing in ways that are far more important and powerful. Three Pines is a state of mind. When we choose tolerance over hate. Kindness over cruelty. Goodness over bullying. When we choose to be hopeful, not cynical. Then we live in Three Pines."

Another fantastic entry in this wonderful series.

This book is perfectly paced and plotted, nothing is amiss or out of place, nothing feels rushed or pushed. This is my first Armand Gamache /Louise Penny book and I am hooked. I was worried that I might feel lost in a book #13 but it never happened. I was in awe of the author's skills. I loved the book and the careful way that everything came together. I can't wait to read more. Something dark comes to the town square and releases all manner of other darkness, that is unintended. Go get the book, telling anymore just isn't fair. I received the book from the publisher through NetGalley and I am very appreciative.

Penny's absolute mastery of complex woven story lines lived out by achingly dear characters appears at its strongest in this, her latest release in the Inspector Gamache series. If you haven't read it yet, hurry to do so. And if you haven't begun or advanced through the series, slow down to savor and enjoy each book.

In this release, Gamache is pushing the boundaries of his career, as well as his personal life and reputation. The stakes could not be higher. Yet the amazing resolution that Ms. Penny paints makes you hold your breath, hang on for the cliffhanger moments, and then rejoice at the (amost) completely wonderful ending. As a reader who often doesn't trouble to read the second in most series, I have already begun the count-down to when I can look for the next new release.

Peace to you, Ms. Henry, and deep thanks for the consistent pleasure your writing provides.

I have never read Louise Penny…GASP! I am sad to say, this may not have been the best book to start with.

Gamache has major problems on his hands. As Chief Superintendent he is fighting a losing battle with the war on drugs. Then a strange creature shows up at a town festival searching for a debt to be paid. Everyone is suspect.

I really struggled to finish this read. It is a slow read with a lot of characters. Plus it jumps around between the trial and before the murder…without warning. So there were times I didn’t realize what I was reading. Now…to be honest…I was reading an ARC. So, the breaks in the flashes back may be added on final copy.

I hate I did not like this book as well as I wanted. I have not given up on Louise Penny. I will giver her another shot. Mainly because I did enjoy Gamache. He is a great character. He is loyal, honest and wants to be the best he can be.

Don’t let my review keep you from this book, especially if you are a Penny fan. This is totally my opinion and you may have a different experience.

I received this novel from Netgalley for a honest review.

With a new Penny book I settle in to spend time with my favorite characters in the quaint village of Three Pines. The books have always been as much of a character study as a mystery, and it’s one of the things I’ve loved about the series.

Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me. I didn’t care for the opioid epidemic theme, and although the book opens with a murder trial, the victim isn’t identified until well past 50%. I thought the constant switching from past to present, with the reader being kept in the dark, slowed things down to a crawl.

The quirky and lovable characters, as well as the cozy atmosphere in Three Pines, are missing. Even Gamache isn’t his typical self, he’s too full of angst and rather insufferable. The tone of the entire book just felt off. The other inhabitants of the village, especially Ruth, are in danger of becoming caricatures of their former selves.

There are several alternating story lines and the author does a fine job eventually merging them. The last 20% of the book was very enjoyable and was a reminder just what the residents of the village mean to one another. It was strong enough that I rounded my rating up.

I hope the next book brings us back to the Three Pines I know and love. The epilogue was heartfelt and touching, and was my favorite part of the book. Penny's husband, Michael, died from complications of Alzheimer's and writing this book was therapeutic for her. She has my sincere sympathy.

* many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Excerpt from full review at http://www.bookbarmy.com

As with any of Ms. Penny’s mysteries —in Glass Houses, you’ll fall hard for the characters and the imaginary Three Pines, you’ll laugh and cringe at the village mishaps and misunderstandings, you’ll be deeply invested in the solution of the crime(s), --- and you will never– ever be bored.

Review also posted to Goodreads, Amazon and Library Thing - see links below.

After his brief stint at the police training academy, Armand Gamache is now the Chief Superintendent of the Sûreté. Gamache and his wife still make their home in the village of Three Pines. Once again, violent death has disrupted the serenity of the village, and Gamache's personal life spills over into his professional life. This time his wife, Reine-Marie, has discovered the body. As the murder case progresses, Gamache tries not to lose sight of the larger war against corruption that has characterized his career. Gamache's family, friends, and colleagues, as well as his readers, may see him in a different light once the dust settles.

Louise Penny's characters are anything but stale after more than a dozen series novels. Penny isn't afraid to explore the fallibilities and vulnerabilities of all of her characters. While some of her characters are more likeable than others, none of them are perfect. This seems to be the key to the appeal of Three Pines among Penny's loyal readers. Three Pines is a place where damaged individuals can find peace and strength.

This review is based on an electronic advance reader copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

This is only my second Louise Penny novel and I'm probably missing something by not reading them in order, but I do enjoy these characters and the village of Three Pines. I found this plot tease maddening and could not stop reading.

The Inspector Gamache books combine everything I love best in a book. Interesting plots, humor, warmth, mouth-watering descriptions of food, amazing character development, a sense of community, thoughtful writing that has a subtle contemplative feel in its depth, but it's a mystery so it's anything but boring! The mystery genre is what got me reading as a young girl, and these are now my favorite mystery books. This is a series I can always go to and know I will enjoy simply being back in that corner of the book world. I loved this latest book. The plot unfolded in a really interesting way using past and present to piece together the larger picture. I closed the book with a teary smile, both satisfied and longing for more.

GLASS HOUSES by Louise Penny is another excellent mystery (following A Great Reckoning and The Nature of the Beast) featuring Armand Gamache, his wife Reine-Marie, son-in-law and colleague Jean-Guy, plus numerous village residents and members of the judiciary and police forces. In this stellar addition, Penny divides the narrative between Judge Maureen Corriveau's first homicide case in Montreal (where Gamache is testifying) and the Quebecois village of Three Pines where a murder occurred. The deceased was wearing a black hood and robes, perhaps acting as a "debt collector," or Conscience, of sorts. But who was the target? Someone from the village or one of the college friends making an annual visit to the B and B? As Gamache and his force try to solve the local murder, they are also battling widespread drug trafficking and powerful cartels. Consequently, GLASS HOUSES explores moral questions from several perspectives. And, as always, Penny weaves a suspenseful tale, culminating in exciting, action-filled scenes. GLASS HOUSES received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus, and Library Journal.

This series is an absolute favorite and highly recommended. Not to be ignored is the Author's Note with Penny's comments about Three Pines: "The village does not exist physically.... Three Pines is a state of mind. When we choose tolerance over hate. Kindness over cruelty. Goodness over bullying. When we choose to be hopeful, not cynical. Then we live in Three Pines."

Louise Penny is a master of the mystery. Her Three Pines series is as good a series of books as I have ever read. Her latest, Glass Houses, is no exception. All of the ingredients are there--the charming village of Three Pines, a town so magical it doesn't show up on a map but calls to it the people who need it most; the most eclectic group of friends and family who love and support each other through thick and thin and insults; mouth-watering food (except those unsuccessful baguettes from the new girl at the boulangerie); a deep connection with the nature that surrounds them; and of course Armand Gamache, now Chief Superintendent of Quebec's Surete, and his family.

Usually I start with a recap of the plot of the book and then move on to talk about the author or the series or anything I find exceptional about the book (which in this case is: everything). But I can't do that with Glass Houses. More than with any other of Louise Penny's books, this one is so tightly and brilliantly plotted that I hesitate to give away any of the story at all. I don't want to spoil anything, I don't want to point to anything that happens later in the book, and I don't want to compromise the storylines with those breath-taking trademark payoffs. But you can be prepared for the usual Louise Penny add-ins--there is poetry and laughter and snide remarks and shocking one-liners that make you have to stop and laugh from surprise and delight. There are all the best characters--Clara, Myrna, Ruth and her duck, Gabri and Olivier. And there is a brutal death and an investigation into the layers of pain and anger that caused it. 

But I will say this: Read. This. Book. It doesn't matter if you've never read one of Louise Penny's books before. It doesn't matter if you've read them all. The themes of this novel, the strands of humanity that you follow, the questions and philosophy of Armand Gamache, the love of these many familiar characters who now feel like close friends, all of this draws you in with enough warmth to get you though one of those desperately cold Quebec winters. The secrets and surprises that you find along the way, the friends and family you acquire, the way you end up leaving your heart in Three Pines for another year wondering how Louise Penny could possibly top that one, it's all worth it. Glass Houses is absolutely worth the price of your time and energy and emotional investment. And reading a Penny book is an investment, to be certain. But you will find that nothing compares to the return you get as you return to the best, most loving, and possibly most murderous village in Canada. 



Galleys for Glass Houses were provided by Minotaur Books through NetGalley, with all my gratitude. But even though the ebook I got was free, I will gladly pay for the audiobook myself to enjoy over and over.

Glass Houses is the thirteenth Chief Inspector Armand Gamache by Louise Penny. Louise Penny is one the best current writers and storytellers. Each book in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series is a gem. Glass Houses is no exception. It is a beautifully written book. It is extremely satisfying for those of us who have read the entire series. I felt like we really got to know everyone a bit better in Glass Houses.

Glass Houses is a fascinating tale told around a court trial. We have no idea who is on trial for most of the book. The story is beautifully woven around the court trial. What a brilliant way to tell a story.

People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones was something I was always told as a child...meaning unless you are perfect, don't criticize others. Glass Houses in this book refers to the type of houses the architect in this story designed however I think the other also applies.

I love the characters and the setting Louise Penny has created. Her stories are always mesmerizing. I don't know of many who don't know this amazing series.

Highly recommend Glass Houses. It is available on August 29th, tomorrow.

Glass Houses begins with Armand Gamache on the witness stand. No doubt he has been there many times, but never have we seen him give testimony. It quickly becomes apparent that this is no ordinary trial but one that Gamache takes personally. Additionally, the Crown Prosecutor is taking a very adversarial tone with Gamache, oddly because they are supposed to be on the same side. The murder in question is personal for Gamache since it took place in Three Pines. It all began on the day after Halloween of the previous year when the adults of Three Pines have their Halloween party; the night before being reserved for the children. An apparition clad in a robe, black gloves, a hood, and mask appears at the gathering, unmoving and silent. The party breaks up, and the figure takes his place on the green, where he remains for more than two days and nights. No one sees him move and the village is thoroughly unnerved. Why is he there, and more importantly, for whom? When he is finally absent one morning all of Three Pines is relieved, but perhaps one or more inhabitants are especially relieved.

There is always more than one story being told in Louise Penny's long running series, and Glass Houses is no exception.Gamache is a year into his new position as Chief Superintendent of the Quebec Sureté and fighting a losing battle with the opioid epidemic. Drugs are coming into Canada in vast quantities as well as being smuggled across the border into the US. He has had little success and not only the Sureté but the general public is taking notice. Gamache, however, has a plan, one that is shocking in its audacity, setting up a moral dilemma for Gamache and his subordinates. They are gambling literally everything on the plan's success. Louise Penny does a masterful job of tying together the two disparate stories. She uses misdirection but all the pieces are there. When it becomes clear how the events come together and who the responsible party is, I was surprised that I didn't see it sooner. Then I realized that I just didn't want to see it.

Our familiar friends in Three Pines are somewhat peripheral to the investigation in Glass Houses, at least until the explosive end. They are not the focus of the story but as always provide much of the heart. Gamache's colleagues in the Sureté play a much larger part especially Beauvoir and Isabelle Lacoste. Both have risen to higher levels of responsibility and are, on the whole, loyal to Gamache and the plan. A new Gamache novel is always a red-letter event and Glass Houses is one of her best.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Minotaur for an advance digital copy. The opinions above are my own.

RATING- 5 Stars