How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny

This is the latest in a murder mystery series set in rural Quebec and Montreal. Written somewhat like literary fiction, Penny's writing flows smoothly as caramel. There is a regular cast, led by Chief Inspector Gamache, his officers, his wife and family, and villagers in Three Pines. Then there's the dark underside of the Surete.

I have fallen in love with Inspector Gamache. Alas, I cannot relocate to Canada. And then, there is the little issue of our respective spouses ...

Seriously, though, I feel as though the characters in Penny's Three Pines series are friends, and each installment in the series is a chance to catch up on their happenings. As usual, murder is involved. This time, it doesn't happen at the little village, but it is a friend of a villager. The story behind the killing is intriguing. A second plot involves Beauvoir, who has descended deeply into his addiction, which is tied to the ever-escalating plans of nefarious movers and shakers in and out of the Surete.

Many loose ends in the series are tied up, and it seems like it might be ended in this book, or at least taking a distinctly different turn. It certainly ends in a happy place for most of the good guys.

If you enjoy murder mysteries, thrillers, or literary fiction, you would probably enjoy the series. There's the additional plus for me of learning about the culture embedded into the writing, which is different than the one I live in. I recommend reading the books in order. Read one, and you might get hooked.

Reviewer: Lorien Goodale

Available: August 27, 2013

In the After by Demitria Lunette

This is another post-apocalyptic young adult novel. The protagonist (Amy) is seventeen at the time of the main action, of which there is plenty. We learn quickly that 3 years ago, the world was overtaken by aliens which killed most of the humans. Amy, because of her environmentally inclined father, has a safe place to live run on solar power. It's hard to be alone, though. And when she starts meeting people, things happen that change her situation dramatically and permanently.

The writing flows well overall. It is written partially as flashbacks and becomes slightly confusing because of this, but it also fits with the storyline to be told this way. The end is sort of a cliffhanger, and clearly leading into another book.

The story is somewhat predictable, but still enjoyable. I would definitely be interested in reading a sequel, or more novels by this author.

Reviewer:
Lorien Goodale