The Grey Wolf: A Disappointing Chapter in the Gamache Saga

Louise Penny’s The Grey Wolf is the 19th installment in her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series. While Penny’s skill in crafting atmospheric settings and delving into moral complexities is evident, this novel fails to live up to the standards of her earlier work.

The story kicks off with Gamache enjoying a quiet morning in Three Pines, only to have it interrupted by a series of strange events—a cryptic note, a break-in, and a trail of clues tied to a plot to poison Québec’s water supply. The stakes are high, taking Gamache and his team from Three Pines to monasteries, the Vatican, and beyond. While this epic scope adds intrigue, it sacrifices the intimate character dynamics that make this series shine.

The pacing is slow, bogged down by overly complicated plot threads and philosophical musings that feel excessive. The plot stretches believability, and the lack of focus on Three Pines’ beloved residents is a major letdown. Fans of Penny’s charming village setting will be disappointed to see it play such a minor role here.

The conclusion, while offering some closure, ends with a cliffhanger leading to the next installment, The Black Wolf, due out in October 2025.

Although The Grey Wolf has moments of suspense and flashes of Penny’s talent, it ultimately feels muddled and uninspired. Other diehard fans may appreciate it, but I was disappointed. 3 stars.

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