The Black Wolf

This book's plot is rich, complex, and cinematic. At the beginning, I was having a hard time with the narrative because things seemed to jump around a bit. Once I realized that the writing was like cross-editing in a movie, I was began to appreciate the way the writing and the story.As with all of her books, Penny’s thoughtful and philosophical style makes the characters human and multi-dimensional. At times, however, I thought she was trying to include too much detail from earlier books.Finally, the political texture of the story was thoughtful and in my view helped elevate the plot. I say this because I like the way she digs into how complicated human experience is and encourages readers to do so as well.

I didn't want to read The Black Wolf too quickly because I knew I would be so sad when I finished it. I feel such an affinity with all the people in Three Pines. The story is chilling as it seems that these events could really happen. As an US citizen all I can say is I pray Canada stays as strong and beautiful forever. I apologize for the miserable rhetoric and please know most US citizens feel as I do.

Penny is such a great writer. Her plotting is intricate, interesting, and wonderfully carried out. Her characters, whom we know and love, are familiar friends by now but are, of course joined by a new cast of adversaries and allies.Beyond this, Penny is a singularly excellent writer. Descriptions, are so well done. Her turns of phrase are so choice that they sometimes make me laugh out loud. It’s almost like having a wonderful meal which is so totally satisfying, but then made even more special by encountering those incredibly special little literary gems of well phrased description or dialogue. I constantly marvel at her skill. Nobody does it better!I heartily recommend all of her books, but think you would be best served by going back to the beginning of the series to enjoy them best. Then you can happily read your way through all of her books in order and best understand the characters’ developments in the overall arc of the series. Happy reading!

When I first discovered the 3 pines family and Inspector Gamache, I read each episode and couldn't wait for the next. Well, I finished The Grey Wolf 6 months ago. Waiting for Black Wolf seemed forever. Thank you for another great adventure. I love trying all of the French goodies you mention. I'm a Missouri girl, 78 yrs. young,living every episode with you! Can't wait for our next adventure. Thank you so much,Bobbie GILBERTSON

I could only give 4 stars because, although well written, the story feels to me like a betrayal. I have loved all the Three Pines stories, Gamache and his family and friends, for many years. But as an American citizen, now living under an authoritarian regime and Bezos and other extremely wealthy supporters of the monster destroying our country, the characterizations in this story seemed shallow and intentionally disrespectful to the people still trying to survive this horrible regime. If you haven't lived through this nightmare, you might want to spend some time talking to real Americans who are facing an existential threat. We are trying to survive, working to preserve what we can and yet Canada and Europe have turned their backs on us - seeking to keep some sort of economic interaction but not speaking out at all regarding the abuses we are experiencing. WE are not the enemy. WE do not collectively support this regime. OUR voices are silenced in this fictional story. And in our present battles.

If you have read the 19 previous Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels, then you know two things. (1) You are going to enjoy this book and (2) You will wonder how long you have to wait until the 21st one will be available.What an explosive, immersive story The Grey Wolf and The Black Wolf present. I love the way Penny mines her previous books for characters forgotten, but instantly memorable as they emerge back into the storyline.If you have not read the 19 previous novels, you will want to start with #1, Still Life. I know, it's not essential, but if you do not, so much of the rich background of the story will be lost on you. So, do yourself a favor and read the series from the beginning. If you disagree, then I was wrong. Forgive me, I need help, I don't know.I hope that since the past few stories have been of international intrigue, we will, in the next book, be invited back for a story that takes place mostly in Three Pines, my favorite setting.

Louise Penny has crafted an extraordinary book with unexpected twists and turns as she tells how Inspector Gamache and his team unravel an extraordinary political plot to grab power and take over North America. She masterfully navigates the story to shed light on how with the help of the dark web and AI the truth can be bent and changed so that it gets buried in outright lies and innuendos. And in losing the truth where can we turn for clarity? What happens when everyone around you starts believing that something other than what actually occurred happened? How do you get them back on course so they see the truth? What happens when everyone believes the truth is a lie? All good questions and worthy of answers. You won’t be disappointed with this book.

She never fails to exceed your expectations and will keep you reading until you’re sleep deprived. I never tire of the Gamache stories and as most of her fans likely do, I picture how each of them look. Armond to me looks exactly like the late, great Sean Connery. Even as he ages in the books, he still resembles the actor through the years who also had kind eyes and a loveable disposition. As each novel ends, Im afraid its time to retire and end the series. So very glad it hasn’t happened yet!

I won't say more because it would have spoilers. But I will say that Louise Penny has done a spectacular job as always of her fully realized characters, stunning plotting, and artistic writing. Every book she writes is a joy to read. and not without a little wisdom from Armand Gamache.

Book 19 references ends with the announcement that all is not right. Gamache is still suffering the effects of a gunshot too close to his head, but that has not dulled his mind or his belief that stopping the poisoning of the water supply has halted a plan to harm the country. Penny once again uses the beauty of language to paint the ugliness of man’s character when it becomes morally bankrupt—and the excellence of man’s character when it speaks up against wrongs, The power of both truth and untruths are painfully present in this tale of a few vying a powerful conspiracy.

This Three Pines/Inspector Gamache book by Louise Penny is the second part of the story that was started in the previously released The Grey Wolf. I have enjoyed all of the author's previous Inspector Gamache books. Becoming engrossed in learning more about the main characters including his family, colleagues, and the Three Pines characters while reading about his team solving intriguing mysteries.For this 20th book in the series, I did enjoy those parts of the story that were along the lines of the traditional Three Pines novels. Spending a little time in Three Pines and reading about those characters. Attempting to unravel the mystery at the heart of the story.However, like some of the other reviewers have mentioned, there was something about this book that didn’t feel right. It’s like a love hate relationship that leaves a bad taste in your mouth. I felt conflicted about the premise of the story, while at the same time, unfortunately, understanding how something like this could possibly happen. It’s difficult when an author for whatever reason takes a beloved series and attempts to add another dimension to it. Especially an uncomfortable one. Had she written this story with other characters, I would have liked it better. Leave Inspector Gamache and Three Pines to his genre and start another series with new characters in edgier stories.I think there was a missed opportunity here to build on State of Terror, branching into a new team of characters to take on this type of storyline.

Sadly, I had come to some of the same conclusions about our present American regime (Nazi gangsters at heart).But this author with her exquisite prose turns a story of horrifying plans by wealthy & powerful people, of gullible and frightened masses, of sinister social media fakes into a brilliant novel, both a thriller and a shocking and profound social commentary.Truly, the whole world needs to read this to understand what is happening in the world today. This is our new reality and we must do everything possible to stop climate change if we are doomed to end our days in a viciously violent world where the wicked strong decimate those of us who live for live and beauty and truth.Tell your friends, your family, your colleagues that this is a Must Read detective novel. This book could wake the world up to the dark side human behavior in the scenario of rapid climate change.

I waited months for this 20th in a series of fantastic novels by Louise Penny. I love her characters, including Three Pines, her twists and turns and her writing style. I have my favorites and this latest edition is one of them.

Damn, damn, damn! I was so angry when I began reading this book. I started reading the Gamache series on the US’s 2025 Inauguration Day, aka, the Day the Thug and his Regime began their Occupation. I read about a half a book a day. Two months later I finished Book #19 and was distraught to learn that #20 wasn’t coming until late October. Three Pines and its collection of flawed but beautiful people had kept me relatively sane as the true horrors rained down on my country. When The Black Wolf finally came out, I raced back to my refuge. But when it started, I felt like it was in lockstep with our current ugly reality. Too real; too close. No escape anywhere. Dammit!But I persisted, and was slowly, crankily, reluctantly, pulled back in. To characters- people- I had come to know so well. People I cared about! And then…then the story took off like an out-of-control roller coaster of a ride. I could only hold on tightly, and, occasionally, peek out. Jeez Louise! I had mental and emotional whiplash. What a fantastic ride, I thought to myself, once I’d survived. But not quite yet. When you think it’s finally wrapped up, but you didn’t see that one last curve. I was completely consumed. Ahhhhh….And now, once again, I am bereft. I hope everyone in Three Pines does all right until we meet again.

I have just loved Louise Penny's Inspector Gamash series on so many levels. First of all, I grew up across from Brockville, Canadaon the NY state border and have been close to Canada geographically and emotionally. I loved the foodie aspects ofthe series (my mouth watering at the description of what they all were eating and wanted to join them at the table.I loved the characters, and their stories even Gamash's cranky son-in-law. I want to live in Three Pines. The mysterieswere complex and absorbing. I, however, did not feel that Black Wolf was at the top of the list of her mysteries..... it was too chaotic with so many characters and events....the last part was filled with characters i did not know and circumstances that seemed unbelieveable. It somehow did not fit together as the endings of the first 19 mysteries. Isuspect that this might b the last of poor Gamasch. How much can that beloved detective endure? I just felt that the bk at the end was rushed in order to make the deadline of its coming out. It was a rush of too many things happening at once and of course, it was a scary but plausible series of events. God help us. Nonetheless I hope Louise will keep writing masterful and engaging mysteries. Emily Lamont

Thank you for this book! I’ve enjoyed all of them, but this one is especially insightful. There is a pervasive feeling in today’s America that ‘something’ is not right. Too many are ignoring it, hoping it will go away. Others are simply blaming the other guy, the other party. Non of us know exactly what to do. However, as we watch our Constitution being disrespected, even obliterated, we have to become more involved and better educated about what our leaders are doing. We need to step up and get involved. I reposted a post on Facebook recently re concerns for our Constitution. I was astounded by the vitriolic replies from friends and family, attacking me and each other. It was upsetting and intimidating, which is the desired effect by those with an agenda to destroy our democracy. We can’t let that happen. I can’t let that happen!Louise, keep up the good work!

Excellent story line. She tied it up soooo well…I have read all 20 books in this series. I love Gamache and his 2 second in commands, his family and the Three pines village and characters. Louise Penny never disappoints me. My hubby asked which are my favorites and I have reread a few. I own them all. I would say if I had to rate them, my top 5 would be and in no particular order.. The beautiful mystery, Kingdom of the blind, a better man, glass houses, still life and all the devils are here. But you can not go wrong reading any of them. I do recommend reading them in order.. ☺️

First, let me say that I have read each and every one of Louise Penny's books and enjoyed all of them. She is such a talented author who understands the human psyche and relationships. And talk about descriptive settings! Wow! I feel like I need to wear all of my winter gear when I read one of her books.The only reason I didn't give Black Wolf 5 stars is the same reason other reviewers have mentioned. We miss the warm and intricate world of Three Pines she has created over the years, with its eclectic cast of characters. We look forward to seeing what Ruth and her duck are up to or what's for lunch at the bistro. As a mystery/thriller writer myself, I understand Penny's reasons for changing it up, however. You can't have your main characters keep finding bodies in a small village. But still. . .her fans are willing to suspend disbelief in order to immerse themselves in Three Pines—with their now familiar friends—again and again.There are too many political intrigue/assassination plots/spy novels out there. If I want that, I know which other authors will deliver those types of stories to my Kindle. Here's hoping next year's Louise Penny novel will bring us back home :)

Louise Penny is simply as good as it gets. The Gamache series must reading for both my wife and me. This is the only thriller series she reads ... the characters are like old friends, Three Pines is an amazing village the plots intricate, extremely well written with one the great protagonists ever. Gamache's is as one of the great ones. We own and have read all 20 in the series and can't wait for #21. We made a recent trip to Montral and Quebec and our last stop before heading back to our flight from Burlington was at the Brome Lake Bookstore to visit the Louise Penny Corner. Unfortunately, it was not on one of her rare visiting days.

At first, the premise of this novel seemed outlandish. But Louise Penny made it work and seem plausible. Of course, recent events helped shore it up. The novel starts slowly, a bit too slowly, but it picks up momentum and keeps providing exciting action. The new characters are well-drawn and the usual ones gain in depth; the plot skillfully combines fact and faction. Let’s hope that it proves to be more fiction than fact.