Glass Houses

I get the feeling I'm going against the grain on this one.

For whatever reason, I didn't find this book as satisfying as others have been in this series. Maybe it was the constantly shifting viewpoints between different plot lines, not necessarily happening at the same time? The sense that the murder wasn't even really the point of the book at all, but a misdirection away from the actual story? Unsure. I know the last 20% of the book or so, when the plot lines start converging and exposition happens linking it all together, is where the real fun for me was. The rest felt a bit like I was just along for the ride and not really invested in the proceedings.

3.5 stars.

This book was a so-so read for me. It was the first Louise Penny novel that I have read and because of that I had no history with the characters or town of Three Pines. That being said, I didn't feel like there was enough character development for me to feel any attachment to the townsfolk. I thought the mystery and plot was okay and enjoyed how the murder trial and drug trade threads ended up coming together. I think that those readers who are already fans of the Armand Gamache books will like this one more than I did.

I'm trying to read 2 Classic and 2 Award winning books each month! For Dec. this was my 2nd Award winning book for the month (2017 Agatha Winner for Best Contemporary Novel). This was a good one!! The author starts it out in a courthouse. A defendant is on trial but book doesn't mention why but instead goes back in time repeatedly! I really liked that alot and also a character is mention often just standing in the middle of a park, morning noon & night without a reason. Great characters and some twists and turns! If you like mystery & suspense get this book! (It's is a part of a series) - David N.