A Trick of the Light Hardcover - 2011
by Louise Penny
Lillian Dyson is dead. Chief Inspector Gamache, the head of homicide at the Surete du Quebec, is called to the tiny Quebec village and there he finds the art world gathered, and with it a world of shading and nuance, a world of shadow and light.
About this book
Originally conceptualized as "The Shattered Mirror," Louise Penny's initial title for the book depicted a metaphorical reflection of the characters' inner struggles. However, as discussions progressed with the publisher, the title evolved into "A Trick of the Light." This new name encapsulated the deceptive nature of appearances and the exploration of hidden truths that lay at the heart of the story.
The cover art for "A Trick of the Light" went through several iterations, each capturing the essence of the novel's intriguing premise. The first edition featured a vibrant and ethereal design, with an enigmatic figure enveloped in radiant light against a dark background. This cover art effectively conveyed the juxtaposition of light and darkness within the narrative, enticing readers to explore the shadows of the story's secrets.
Different editions of "A Trick of the Light" may bear identification marks and occasional misprints that contribute to the book's collectibility. Early printings might display the original price or include unique ISBN numbers. Some copies may feature slight variations in font sizes or pagination, inadvertently becoming prized possessions among collectors and avid fans of Louise Penny's work.
Critical reception for "A Trick of the Light" was overwhelmingly positive upon its release. Critics praised Penny's ability to craft a gripping narrative filled with suspense, psychological depth, and nuanced character development. The novel's exploration of human nature, ambition, and the power of art resonated strongly with readers, earning high acclaim within the mystery genre.
Readers embraced "A Trick of the Light" with fervor, resulting in notable sales figures. The novel experienced robust initial sales, and the buzz surrounding it only grew as enthusiastic word-of-mouth recommendations spread. While specific sales figures for "A Trick of the Light" are not readily available, it undoubtedly contributed to the overall success of the "Chief Inspector Armand Gamache" series, solidifying Louise Penny's status as a bestselling author.
The enduring popularity of "A Trick of the Light" and its impact on readers' hearts can be attributed to its thought-provoking themes and expert storytelling. The novel invited readers to confront their own perceptions, challenging the notion of truth and revealing the intricacies of the human psyche. It demonstrated Penny's ability to interweave complex plotlines with richly developed characters, captivating readers with each page.
In conclusion, the publication history of Louise Penny's "A Trick of the Light" showcases the evolution of titles, cover art, and the allure of identification marks or misprints that add to the book's collectible nature. Its critical acclaim, along with the continued success of the "Chief Inspector Gamache" series, underscores Penny's reputation as a masterful mystery writer. "A Trick of the Light" remains a testament to her storytelling prowess, enchanting readers with its exploration of hidden truths, artful deception, and the complexities of human nature.
Details
- Title A Trick of the Light
- Author Louise Penny
- Binding Hardcover
- Edition First Edition
- Pages 352
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher St. Martins Press-3PL, New York
- Date 2011-08-30
- Features Dust Cover, Price on Product - Canadian
- ISBN 9780312655457 / 0312655452
- Weight 1.45 lbs (0.66 kg)
- Dimensions 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 in (23.11 x 16.00 x 3.30 cm)
-
Themes
- Cultural Region: British
- Cultural Region: Canadian
- Library of Congress subjects Mystery fiction, Murder - Investigation
- Library of Congress Catalog Number 2011020256
- Dewey Decimal Code FIC
Media reviews
Citations
- Booklist, 06/01/2011, Page 44
- Kirkus Reviews, 08/15/2011, Page 0
- Library Journal, 07/01/2011, Page 62
- New York Times Book Review, 09/18/2011, Page 34
- Publishers Weekly, 07/04/2011, Page 0
- Publishers Weekly Best Books, 11/07/2011, Page 26
- Romantic Times, 09/01/2011, Page 81
More Copies for Sale
A Trick of the Light: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7)
by Penny, Louise
- Used
- Condition
- UsedGood
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780312655457 / 0312655452
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Seller
-
Skokie, Illinois, United States
- Item Price
-
SGD 5.58SGD 5.47 shipping to USA
Show Details
A Trick of the Light: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel
by Penny, Louise
- Used
- Hardcover
- Condition
- Used - Very Good
- Binding
- Hardcover
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780312655457 / 0312655452
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Seller
-
Eugene , Oregon, United States
- Item Price
-
SGD 9.58SGD 5.47 shipping to USA
Show Details
A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel): 7
by Penny, Louise
- Used
- very good
- Paperback
- Condition
- Used - Very Good
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780312655457 / 0312655452
- Quantity Available
- 2
- Seller
-
GORING BY SEA, West Sussex, United Kingdom
- Item Price
-
SGD 12.24SGD 14.72 shipping to USA
Show Details
A Trick of the Light: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7)
by Penny, Louise
- Used
- Hardcover
- Condition
- Used: Good
- Edition
- First Edition
- Binding
- Hardcover
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780312655457 / 0312655452
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Seller
-
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
- Item Price
-
SGD 17.15FREE shipping to USA
Show Details
A Trick of the Light A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel
by Penny, Louise
- Used
- Hardcover
- Condition
- Used - Fine in Fine dust jacket
- Edition
- Book Club Edition
- Binding
- Hardcover
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780312655457 / 0312655452
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Seller
-
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Item Price
-
SGD 19.12SGD 6.17 shipping to USA
Show Details
A Trick of the Light : A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel
by Penny, Louise
- Used
- Condition
- Used - Very Good
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780312655457 / 0312655452
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Seller
-
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
- Item Price
-
SGD 20.39FREE shipping to USA
Show Details
A Trick of the Light : A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel
by Penny, Louise
- Used
- Condition
- Used - Very Good
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780312655457 / 0312655452
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Seller
-
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
- Item Price
-
SGD 20.39FREE shipping to USA
Show Details
A Trick Of The Light: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel
by Penny, Louise
- Used
- Hardcover
- first
- Condition
- Used - VG/VG Pages Clean, Binding Tight. DJ In Mylar Wrap. Pages: 339.
- Edition
- 1st Printing
- Binding
- Hardcover
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780312655457 / 0312655452
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Seller
-
Vancouver, Washington, United States
- Item Price
-
SGD 27.42SGD 15.07 shipping to USA
Show Details
A Trick of the Light: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel
by Louise Penny
- Used
- Fine
- Hardcover
- first
- Condition
- Used - Fine
- Edition
- First Edition/First Printing
- Binding
- Hardcover
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780312655457 / 0312655452
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Seller
-
Haddonfield, New Jersey, United States
- Item Price
-
SGD 38.39SGD 5.14 shipping to USA
Show Details
A Trick of the Light: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, 7)
by Penny, Louise
- Used
- Hardcover
- Condition
- Used:Good
- Edition
- First Edition
- Binding
- Hardcover
- ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
- 9780312655457 / 0312655452
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Seller
-
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
- Item Price
-
SGD 48.48FREE shipping to USA