The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny
When I created this blog I planned to write something, no matter how brief, about each book I read. it seemed like a doable goal at the time but in recent years I’ve found that I don’t always have the time/energy to write a review or I’m still processing my reaction to the book. I might jot down some thoughts but then run out of time or steam so I put the review to one side. And then it never gets written and my list of unreviewed books gets longer … and longer … and longer.
In an effort to catch up I’m going to try writing some mini reviews.
So here goes….
The Grey Wolf is the nineteenth novel in Louise Penny’s series featuring Chief Inspector Gamache, head of homicide for the province of Quebec. I came across these books by accident while on a work trip to Michigan and they sustained me through many nights in dull hotel rooms.
The last few titles in the series were of mixed quality but with The Grey Wolf, Penny appears to have returned to her previous form.
The plot is characteristically complex with multiple events that are seemingly unconnected. An intruder at Gamache’s apartment; a list of ingredients used to make Chartreuse liqueur; the death of a volunteer at a shelter for the homeless. And then a murder. The result is a cracker of a story about political corruption and a threat to Montreal’s water supply which could kill thousands.
Canada might not be the most powerful nation on earth, but power was shifting from weapons to resources. And Canada was resource-rich. Which was tipping the balance of power.
To halt the threat before it becomes a reality, Gamache and his team travel far and wide within Quebec and overseas to the Vatican and a French monastery. The international component hasn’t been popular with many Gamache fans — reviewers on Goodreads were disappointed that the village of Three Pines which has featured so prominently in other novels, takes a back seat in this latest episode.
Three Pines is a wonderful setting and the kind of place I’d love to call home, but in recent books I felt that Penny was just ticking boxes to create the atmosphere. Every scene in Three Pines had to have a description of lunch/drinks at the bistro and every scene with one of the inhabitants, an award-winning poet, had to reference her tiresome duck. It made a refreshing change to see Gamache in a broader context.
Yes you do have to accept that this story has more than a hint of a thriller and also that it goes over the top in making Gamache out to the saviour of the world. But that doesn’t get in the way of a good yarn. There’s a resolution of a sort at the end but more is to come in the next book which is due out in a few months.
Reading Update: April 2025 : BookerTalk
[…] The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny. Crime fiction set in Quebec province […]
abdessamed gtumsila
Thanks for the article, Louise Penny.
Liliane
Foto addicted to Gamache-series on vacation in Canada. Already looking forward to the next one. I do hope though poor Gamache is not expected to rescue the entire world, his burden is heavy enough.
BookerTalk
I watched the series but the portrayal of Gamache didn’t synch with how I imagined him. He’s supposed to look like a professor but didn’t!
Whispering Gums
I’ve had Louise Penney recommended by my crime-loving friends, but I don’t read much crime myself. However, in recent years Mr Gums has started reading more, and crime seems to be something he enjoys. But, perhaps I should start with the beginning. Are these procedurals or more thriller?
BookerTalk
The first few are not thrillers but not really procedural either. They are more character driven – it’s only when you get to about number 6 that the “thriller” aspect comes more to the surface. Yes I ould begin with the first one – it’s a fairly gentle story but establishes the characters and the setting really well
Jeanne
I agree that this one is better than some of the recent ones, where she seemed to get bogged down by having to repeat jolly little scenes of life in 3 Pines, particularly the doings of the duck.
BookerTalk
I suppose she knows her market so delivers more of what her loyal readers say they enjoy most
Jane
a definite yay for mini reviews! I haven’t read any Louise Penny for years but this series sounds fun, thanks!
BookerTalk
The series is entertaining but I also like the fact that for once we have a detective who is thoughtful and intelligent and doesn’t suffer from alcohol dependency, broken marriages etc etc
margaret21
I must try Louise Penny again. I liked her books, then read something of a dud (in my opinion) and just stopped. Perhaps it’s the duck that’s responsible …
BookerTalk
It’s true that not all of them are of the same quality. A good one for me is A Beautiful Mystery because I loved the setting of a remote monastery renowned around the world for its Gregorian chants
margaret21
Noted. Thanks.
Lisa Hill
Way to go!
BookerTalk
It’s taken me such a long time to realise I needed to do something different
WordsAndPeace
Ah! doesn’t sound as dark as I had thought
BookerTalk
Not dark at all in the sense that there are no young/older women murdered in horrible circumstances!
Carol
Yay for mini reviews! 🙌📚
BookerTalk
I have a feeling they will prove to be very liberating