The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny

A Four-Star Book Review 

It was a long two-year absence without a new visit to Three Pines. But finally this October, Louise Penny gifted readers with her 19th installment of her mystery series, returning us to the tiny Canadian village of Three Pines where The Grey Wolf begins. While this was not my favorite book in the series, I loved experiencing the story of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his team as they are determined to solve a new case that carries epic implications for their homeland and the world.

Summary of The Grey Wolf (No Spoilers)

The story opens with Gamache and his wife in their idyllic, beloved village of Three Pines. An unwelcome phone call interrupts their peaceful Sunday morning and continues to haunt the Chief Inspector when he returns to Quebec for work. Then, when he chooses to meet with an enigmatic stranger, the mystery propels itself forward into chaos. 

As they wedge together pieces of the puzzle, Gamache; Jean-Guy Beauvoir, his son-in-law and second in command; and Inspector Isabelle Lacoste rush to stop a plan that could destroy Quebec. Without giving away spoilers, I’ll tell you that the story revisits a pivotal location from a past book. The three detectives travel far to save their Canadian homeland, and they are faced with their past choices as much as their current situation.

What I Enjoyed about The Grey Wolf

Ms. Penny delivers a quality, engaging novel as always. 

• Characters: Gamache’s team are wonderful characters who are loyal and smart, fighting for what is right and trusting their boss without question. Reine-Marie, Gamache’s wife, is a beautifully written, solid presence whom the Chief Inspector relies upon as a touchstone.
• Story: This mystery is complex with multiple subplots and side characters. There is a clear message about social responsibility in this story as well, with an emphasis on caring for our environment. I appreciate that Ms. Penny can weave together those messages with a high-stakes mystery.
• Chief Inspector Armand Gamache: Unsurprisingly, the Chief Inspector is the key to this story. He remains as he has been since Book 1 (Still Life): thoughtful, intelligent, and keenly in tune with human behavior. However, as the series continues, Gamache bears wounds larger than the scars from previous gun battles. He is haunted by encounters with evil and decisions that he’s made. He knows that his circle of trust is shrinking while corruption is growing in the government. This wanes on him, giving him a tired and suspicious view of people in The Grey Wolf.

What I Wanted to Be Different about The Grey Wolf

I loved returning to this series, but I was disappointed that the village residents were not more prevalent in The Grey Wolf. Those who live in Three Pines, like Ruth, Myrna, and Gabri, are some of my favorite reasons to read these books, so I wanted more from them.

As always, Ms. Penny delivers a wonderfully written novel, one that is full of surprises. While I thought the pacing was uneven, the last quarter of The Grey Wolf was fast-moving and heart-wrenching, leaving me fully satisfied.

My Final Thoughts about The Grey Wolf

Overall, The Grey Wolf is another strong addition to the Three Pines series, and I can’t wait for the follow-up, The Black Wolf, which will publish in 2025.