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  • Glass Houses

  • Chief Inspector Gamache, Book 13
  • By: Louise Penny
  • Narrated by: Adam Sims
  • Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (163 ratings)
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Glass Houses cover art

Glass Houses

By: Louise Penny
Narrated by: Adam Sims
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Summary

Read by the series reader Adam Sims.

One cold November day, a mysterious figure appears on the village green in Three Pines, causing unease, alarm and confusion among everyone who sees it. Chief Superintendent Armand Gamache knows something is seriously wrong, but all he can do is watch and wait, hoping his worst fears are not realised. But when the figure disappears and a dead body is discovered, it falls to Gamache to investigate.

In the early days of the murder inquiry, and months later, as the trial for the accused begins, Gamache must face the consequences of his decisions and his actions, from which there is no going back....

Gripping, surprising and powerful, Glass Houses is the new ingenious and illuminating novel from number one best seller Louise Penny which will leave you spellbound until the last minute.

©2017 Louise Penny (P)2017 Ulverscroft Ltd

Critic reviews

"Louise Penny is one of the greatest crime writers of our times." (Denise Mina)

"She makes most of her competitors seem like wannabes." (The Times)

"Fascinating characters, a twisty plot and wonderful surprise endings." (Ann Cleeves)

What listeners say about Glass Houses

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Mixed feelings

Would you listen to Glass Houses again? Why?

No. I enjoyed the story, but I really don't like Robert Bathurst reading these books. He's an amazing actor. I have so much respect for him, but for me this just isn't the right material for him. Maybe if I hadn't already heard Adam Sims reading the first few, it wouldn't be so disappointing. I loved Adam Sims narration of this series. He is Canadian and brings each character to life beautifully. Even hearing the difference between the French Canadian characters and the English speaking Canadians was valuable. He gave the books a sense of place that you just don't get with Robert Bathurst.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Robert Bathurst?

Absolutely and if he reads the next, I will listen to it because I want to listen to the next Gamache book. If he was reading another story (not Three Pines) I'd love to listen to him narrating, I'd just far rather he wasn't reading this series.

Any additional comments?

I love the characters in these books. I really enjoy the feeling of returning to Three Pines when I begin to read each new story. There's something remarkable about the juxtaposition between the comfort and feeling of home you get from the familiarity of the beautiful place, the warm characters, the cosy bistro etc. and the chilling, tense, angst ridden plots.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Another winner

If you could sum up Glass Houses in three words, what would they be?

Gripping! Completely gripping!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Glass Houses?

The tenderness shown by Armand to Reine-Marie after she had discovered a murder victim.

Which character – as performed by Robert Bathurst – was your favourite?

Ruth Zardo =)

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Listening to Armand talk to Isabel in the ambulance on the way to hospital and later when he visited her.

Any additional comments?

The interview at the end between Louise & Robert was a lovely treat; her manner is so genuine and relaxed, I felt like I could sit and chat to Louise for hours =)

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

among the better ones of the series

I enjoyed this book - was among the better ones and the plot line was interesting. Wonder what happens with the next instalment. The narrator is much worse than the one who did the first 10 books. I would have given it a higher rating but for him. If you like the gamache series you 'll like this one too.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

WONDERFUL!

Brilliant, once again, and I had no idea who did it! Great writing, as always, thank you Louise for making me weep once again 👍🏻😍🤧

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Extraordinary,compelling,compassionate

A totally brilliant book. Beautifully read. I have already listened to it twice and mourn the fact there is not the next one to read yet. A. masterpiece,
Julie West

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Don't know how the author does it, always finding new ways to show case characters who we think we already know well. This is a convoluted crime story, at times challenging with the different time lines and with little indication to say where we are in it. But so worth it. Louise Penny is amazingly talented with her plotting and with her inclusivity of the family of beloved characters.

The drama of the final few chapters was heart pounding and by the end, she had me in tears. Again!

I see from other reviews that another reader once narrated the series. I have only ever hear Adam Sims performing (and he does perform - so many subtle changes for so many voices) and he is brilliant.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Another gripping storyline

Kept me guessing right to the end and couldn’t put the last two chapters down

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another winner!

Louise Penny and Adam Sims are a match made it heaven. I listened to the entire series in 2022 and am anxiously awaiting the next one!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Out of character

The Gamache series will never be far from comfortable and that is its beauty. It is well written, it has familiar characters and well drawn plots. It will not become prurient or salacious. Another reviewer has pointed out the dubious morality of this one. As well as agreeing with that review, I also thing that the messianic elevation of Gamache rather undermines his attractiveness, which has always been knowingly but modestly clever with feet in the ground and a moral compass.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good but not exceptional

The problems with a series of books is the amount of repetition necessary for those who haven’t read the previous books. However, I’m so fed up with everyone being “FINE”! And how can a grown up wonder around with food in their hair?! While I did enjoy this book and it was well written (and I realise it’s fiction) I don’t understand why good people do bad things!

It is written in two time frames but three branches. It is clear and not too confusing for the most part, which is aided by the seasons. Almost at the end of the series now. And strangely, whilst I previously thought I’d miss them when they were gone, I don’t think I will miss the characters now. On to the next.

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