Glass Houses is another winner by Louise Penny. At first I was not drawn in by the mysterious figure that appears. However, as I continued reading, I understood what that figure represented and eased into the reading of this book. I needed to sort out characters and take notice if the story was in the present or the past, as it flipped back and forth. The story with its timely topics and issues of drugs, violence, gang mentality, truth telling and morals held my attention.

really enjoyed this and love the characters. interesting twists and turns.

I started Glass Houses while waiting for the eclipse to reach totality. And read it all the way home (there was a LOT of traffic). For this reader, the new Gamache book each year is every bit as much of a fascinating treat as the eclipse, with the added bonus that there’s a Gamache book every year, while the next eclipse won’t happen over the U.S. for another seven years.

I was not disappointed in either event.

As with several of the books in this series, Glass Houses is about more than it seems, and has its roots far back in the past. Not just Gamache’s past, but the past of the Sûreté du Québec, the agency that he loves, and to which he has given his life and his career.

How the Light Gets In by Louise PennyThere’s a saying that “the fish rots from the head down”. In many of the previous books in this series, culminating in How the Light Gets In, Gamache, while solving normal cases, or as normal as anything gets in Three Pines, is in the middle of getting rid of that rot, no matter the cost. And even though he does manage to get to the heart of the corruption, the fish has been rotting for 30 years. That rot has done a lot of damage, not just to the Sûreté, but to the people of Quebec.

The rotting fish was on the take. Unfortunately, not really a surprise. But what comes as a terrible surprise to Gamache and his inner circle is the terrible result of that rot, that taking. As this story begins, Gamache is now the head of the entire Sûreté du Québec, and not merely his own little corner in the Homicide Division. And what he has discovered is that the rot has gone on too long, and that it was rooted too deeply in the drug trade.

They’ve already lost the War on Drugs. They’ve passed the tipping point, and there’s no going back. Unless Gamache and his inner circle are willing to risk everything on one last throw of the dice. If they are willing to sacrifice their reputations their careers and even their lives on one final million to one chance. If they can lure the drug kingpins, the snakes in their grass, into one final, fatal error.

Winner take all.

Escape Rating A: As so many of the books in this series, Glass Houses begins in Three Pines, that lost village near the U.S. border. And, also like many of the books in this series, it starts small. Someone is standing in the middle of the village green, black robed and black masked, terrorizing the village. Not by doing anything menacing, but simply by standing there, unmoved and unmoving, watching everyone in the village.

It, whatever it is, is there for someone. But whoever it is there to accuse, or warn, or menace, it is terrorizing everyone in the village with its ominous faceless gaze. And Gamache, now a full-time resident of Three Pines, can do nothing. Not that he doesn’t want to, but he really can’t. Standing on the village green in a mask is not illegal by itself. But when someone dies by its hand, or because of its presence, only then can he act. When it is seemingly too late.

The trial that results, from beginning to end, is a farce. But a farce with a purpose. Gamache and his colleagues, his co-conspirators, are ready to spring their trap. That they must subvert the cause of justice in order to save it is just one of the many tragedies wrapped inside this utterly compelling story.

Gamache is, as always, a fascinating character to watch. Although some of the early books in the series, beginning with Still Life, seem like more traditional mysteries than the later ones, there has always been a psychological element to the stories. Gamache solves crimes by searching for the why first. He’s a thoughtful observer, always looking for the thing or the person out of place. Once he knows why a crime occurred, from there he determines the who and the how. And the answers are never the obvious ones – and neither are his solutions.

(If this type of mystery appeals, then also try Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs series. Maisie, like Gamache, looks for why because she searches out who and how. And her stories always have a deeper underlayer below the surface mystery, as does Gamache’s story)

A huge element of what makes this series so marvelous is the village of Three Pines and its quirky inhabitants, including Gamache and his wife Reine-Marie. Added to the mix of villagers (and often well-stirred into that mix) are Gamache’s two principal lieutenants, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, his second-in-command at the Sûreté as well as his son-in-law, and Isabelle Lacoste, his handpicked successor in the Homicide Division.

For those of us who have followed this series from its beginning in Still Life, we know these people intimately. They are all old friends, and it is always wonderful to see them, even in the midst of yet another crisis. Their friendship provides support for Gamache, as well as surprising insights into events. There is always an undercurrent of wry humor, no matter how serious the case, and that humor is rooted in how well we know these people, and just how well they know each other. And how much they care. Just as we do.

They are all FINE, as the crazed poet Ruth Zardo puts it. Where FINE is an abbreviation for Fucked up, Insecure, Neurotic and Egotistical. Because aren’t we all?

I almost gave up at page 35. Beaten down by sentence fragments. Thud. Thud. Thud.

Luckily I was intrigued enough by the mysterious hooded figure haunting Three Pines that I persisted, and ended up quite enjoying the complex plot and themes of guilt, compromise and courage.

I rounded up from a 3.5 to a 4 star rating due to the triumph of substance over style.

A mysterious figure appears in Three Pines one day and Armand and the villagers go from being curious to wary. Then the figure vanishes and a dead body is found. This is more thriller than mystery with twists and turns unlike any other novel in this series.

Such a engrossing book! The only "problem" is that now I have to wait for the next one to find out what happens next!

Brilliant.

Unique to the series, Glass Houses opens with Armand Gamache on the witness stand giving evidence in a murder trial. It is July and the courtroom is stifling hot. His recounting of the events which led to a murder in Three Pines the previous November bring chills to those in the courtroom. Armand is often interrupted by the prosecuting attorney and his actions leading up to the murder are questioned. It becomes apparent to the judge that all is not as it appears. Gamache is a witness for the Crown. Why then is the Chief Crown Prosecutor baiting his own witness?

I admit to struggling with the opening format as scenes in the present fold into memories from the past. Once the story gets rolling and some new characters begin blending with the fabric that is Three Pines I had no trouble finding my place by the fire in the Bistro, fully engaged and eager to learn. And learn I did.

Glass Houses is a masterpiece. It is far more than a simple murder mystery. It is a work of art. We have the usual beautiful prose we’ve come to expect from novels penned by this author. She adds details and quotes which send this reader off to research, hoping to understand, with deeper analysis, what is going on in the hearts and minds of the speakers. Penny doesn’t write over the heads of her readers. Instead she invites us to dig a little deeper into our own perceptions and our views of the human condition.

The author softens the deep and profound with moments of humour. When Gamache looks at his dog Henri he ponders how the dog keeps everything important in his heart and cookies in his head. The Three Pines gang slip into their expected roles and add light to what is often a very dark read. She refers to Ruth as “the verbal speed bump that was the old poet”.

So, what is this book about? As the title implies, can you criticize the bad qualities in others when your yourself are not perfect? Glass Houses looks at acts of conscience and acts of terror. The actions caused by fear over facts. It is impossible not to equate the fictional with our own current political realities. It makes for a powerful essay on the danger someone acting “in good conscience” can have on society.

It is a powerful read.

5 stars only scrapes the surface.

ARC received with thanks from Minotaur Books and St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for review.

GLASS HOUSES (Pol Proc-Armand Gamache-Montreal/Three Pines, Canada-Contemp) - Ex
Penny, Louise – 13th in series
Minotaur Books – Aug 2017
First Sentence: “State your name, please.”
It is a very hot July day in Montreal and Chief Inspector Gamache is testifying in a murder trial. The previous Halloween, a figure in a black robe and mask has stood for several days on the green. It didn’t speak, rarely moved, and finally disappeared. The decisions and actions of Chief Superintendent Armand Gamache will impact far more than the people in the courtroom.
The story opens in a courtroom. What is interesting is that we have no idea as to who is on trial or for what crime they are being tried. Yes, there is a murder, but not until we are a fair way into the story. What we do know is that more is happening than what seems to be—“Maureen Corriveau was new to the bench. … She could have absolutely no idea that she’d drawn the short straw. That a whole lot of unpleasantness was about to come her way.” The courtroom scenes are very well done and have a tension of their own.
The more we learn of Gamache, one realizes he is the person one should aspire to be. He is one willing to take great risks that may result in him paying a high price, but necessary to achieve a goal—“Never lose sight of the goal,” he said, returning his gaze to his subordinates “Never.” The relationship with his second-in-command and son-in-law, Jean-Guy, is strong and enviable, hasn’t always been smooth, and neither is it here. What it is, is real; human.
With the story moving back to Three Pines, we meet/are reacquainted with so many wonderful characters. Penny’s characters become real; individuals we would like to know, with whom we’d like to spend time. With each book, we learn a bit more about them and their perspective on life. We come to realize how multi-layered they are. Ruth, for example, for all her eccentricity, is a crone; a sage in the best sense. We are also made aware of the robed figure which projects a decided menace with the imagery of a bell jar being particularly effective—“I thought it was Death,” said Armand Gamache.”
Managing two time periods can be challenging, and often irritating for the reader. Penny manages if flawlessly. Her writing is so visual, it is as though they are film cutaway shots, leaving the reader with no question as to where they are when.
If one is going to have realistic characters, one must also have excellent, natural-sounding dialogue. Penny often catches one completely off guard with her humor making us laugh such as with the running joke about Jean-Guy’s glasses, or the unexpected comparison—“Jean-Guy and Ruth were much alike, actually, though he’d never, ever tell his son-in-law that he resembled a drunken old woman.” One of the best instances is also with Jean-Guy regretting not learning meditation. But one should discover his mantra for one’s self.
The plot is compelling and very current, the story keeps one so involved that losing sleep in order to finish the book is quite likely, and the originality in the story’s structure only adds to the overall quality. There are twists, and important questions which are raised.
Penny’s books are psychological studies, lessons in philosophy, and labyrinths of courage and the human spirit. They are also civics lessons in the causes of bigotry and the human cost of the drugs trade. Penny reminds us of lessons we should have learned but that we are inclined to apply to others rather than ourselves. Her understanding of humankind, its strengths and weaknesses, only adds to the remarkable nature of her writing—“And a conscience is something one cannot escape.”
Penny’s writing is so good there are times one literally finds one has stopped breathing and must consciously catch one’s breath. Even so, Penny never loses sight of the fact that the book is also an excellent, and ultimately highly suspenseful, expertly crafted mystery with twist upon twist upon twist.
With “Glass Houses,” Ms. Penny has taken another step forward as one of today’s most remarkable writers. Just when you think she can’t get any better, she does. Just when you think her new book can’t be better than the last, it is. If you’ve not read her before, you really should.

Louise Penny's writing gets better and better!!!!! At the end of each book I wonder how she can create the story line and plot for the next installment, and yet she never disappoints. Few writers can keep a reader enthralled in a book in which the main character is testifying in a murder trial, but Penny is the amazing exception. Any reader comes to know and care about Gamache and the other main characters as well as the rather quirky residents of the tiny village of Three Pines. In this book the village itself and its location becomes a separate character. The relevancy to everyone's life of the crimes fought in this book make it a particularly appropriate title for group discussion. I don't remember other books in the series having such a cliff hanger at the end. That makes me more anxious than usual to read the next book in the series! Thanks to St. Martin's and NetGalley for giving advance access to this ebook!!!!

Another winner from Louise Penny. I was kept guessing right to the end. The only thing I didn't like was the lack of breaks between time periods (during the trial and around the time of the murder, for example), but that might have just been a formatting thing from the galley I received.

There are sure to be many, many glowing reviews of this book from Gamache's legion of ardent fans, so I will say that this review comes from a reader who is growing to love and appreciate this series. I have not read every book in the series yet, but after reading Glass Houses I fully intend to go back and finish every other book in this series.
Louise Penny has managed to write a story that has an enticing plot with a mystery that had me completely swept up, with fascinating and complex characters, and a setting that is thoroughly well imagined and well depicted. The writing is precise and careful without being precious. It's a rare writer that can achieve all of these points in a single book- even with the benefit of having had twelve previous books in the series to build all of these elements, many series never manage this. The plot of this book is intense, and characters are really put to the test personally, morally, ethically. Neither passionate fans of the series nor more casual readers will be disappointed.

This was the first book in this series I had read (it is book 13 in the series), and it won't be the last! If you've been with us for awhile, you know that my grandmother was Canadian and reading this book was like taking a trip back to the ancestral land, as it took place in the same area! This book was different, in that instead of your typical detective, you have a detective that is now Chief of Police, but has taken over a corrupt, ineffective police force. At a point where he should be retiring, but is dealing with immense pressure, Gamaches now has to deal with a disturbance and then death in the small village he lives in. How crime comes SO close to him personally is key to the story. The book is both a mystery and a look at crime psychology. It's an intriguing mix that equals a rapid page turner, that might just have you totally surprised at the ending! be sure to keep this one on your end of Summer/Fall reading list!

Louise Penny at her best. Lovely to be back in Three Pines. This book pulls you in and just as you think you have it all figured comes to a surprising end. You can't go wrong with reading her entire series. You will feel like you know all the characters and fall in love with Three Pines. You can feel yourself sitting by the fire in the bistro.

As usual, a wonderful trip to Three Pines. Gamache must make a potentially career ending choice while a strange hooded figure lurks around the town. Historically, these menacing looking figures have been used to shame an individual but who is its target?

I want to move to Three Pines. although an awful lot of murders happen there, so perhaps not. Another fantastic installment in the series.

No murder. No Gamache.

The Cobrador: A tall, hooded figure robed in the midnight hour of black takes its position in the village center of Three Pines. The chilled November wind swirls around this individual who neither moves nor gestures to another soul.

High in the Pyrenees in 1841 a cobrador's presence signified a debt to be collected. Who is the cobrador eyeing for the recompense of something owed? And is it in the vein of money due or a kettle of moral debt never repaid?

Armand Gamache, Chief Inspector of the Surete du Quebec, is seated among his friends in the quiet window area of the cafe. He's already been out to confront the dark forboding figure who stands erect and wordless. No crime committed. No reason for arrest. At least, not today.

But when Reine-Marie, Armand's wife, discovers a body in the church basement, the village is met with a tidal wave of accusations that hit the wall over and over again. Who is responsible and does the trail lead to the cobrador? Is anyone safe from the guilt laid upon them for what they perceive as their own debts?

Louise Penny has more incredible story frames locked within her mind than there are grapes in the Tuscany countryside. Once again, she gathers the familiar Three Pines' hearts and brings them entwined in a plot of murder, guilt, familiarity, historic trails, and the pursuit of law against the lawless.

Penny sets this stage with quite an original flavor. The story opens with Gamache on the stand in the heat of July being endlessly questioned about the murder that took place in the previous November. We, the readers, do not know the individual held for this heinous act. She also weaves a secondary level of intrigue with Gamache and his son-in-law, Jean-Guy, monitoring a heavy duty drug bust involving the sale of opioids. The endless battle with drugs is one that forces Gamache to look into the dark eyes of nearing defeat. "Admitting you are afraid takes courage."

If you are a long time fan of the Gamache series or even if you have newly arrived, please savor Penny's words in the Author's Note. Her previous book, A Great Reckoning, is my favorite of all. But oh, dear reader, this one sits right alongside it. Louise Penny knows how to touch your inner spirit........because she's been there and continues to leave a lasting imprint that is timeless.

I received a copy of Glass Houses through NetGalley for an honest review. My sincere appreciation to Minotaur Books and to Louise Penny for the opportunity.

I was hesitant to read an advance copy of a book from one of my favorite authors. And knowing the author's husband passed away while she was writing this book also made me almost fearful of what I would find. My fears were unfounded, but the book was almost painful for me. Not as painful as The Beautiful Mystery was, but still painful. I must confess to being in love with the main character, Armand Gamache. What he goes through in this book hurts me, almost physically. This book is written very differently from the others in that so much of the story takes place in the courtroom. We don't spend as much time in the cozy village of Three Pines. But I still loved every minute of it. I had pre-ordered a copy for myself as it comes out near the end of August and when I receive the "hard copy" I plan on re-reading it. (That is how much I loved it)

Another Three Pines great mystery. Author transports you immedially and makes you feel like you are in the inner circle. Great mix of cozy mystery with a sharp edge.

I enjoy reading this series but it takes me a long time to get through them. Louise Penny knows how to tell a tale and it's been interesting following along with Armand.