Bioterrorism
Louise Penny’s The Grey Wolf released in 2024 looks at the possibility of bioterrorism. At the same time, the many layers of the Catholic Church also play a part in the murder mystery. Long-time fans will love this book a part of the series featuring Armand Gamache. Furthermore, newcomers should not worry about missing previous stories. The Grey Wolf not only does a good job of standing alone, but it also has the reader anxiously looking for the follow-up 2025 release-The Black Wolf.
Friends and Foes
Although quite a few of the minor characters are from previous books, Penny does an excellent job of weaving enough clues and background information into the story. This allows the occasional reader of her work and even a first timer to enjoy the developing plot. For this occasional reader, not remembering one key character was actually helpful. And in The Grey Wolf, the plodding Gamache did not lose my interest as did the last book read a year or two before the pandemic.
Misdirection is still part of the author’s writing skill. Dying words kept this reader guessing as to who would be disclosed as traitors. I was wrong.
Overarching Theme: Trust
Trust is the overarching theme of the book. Penny does an excellent job of demonstrating the importance of trust on both a personal level and a community/governmental level. Multiple characters in the story experience the question of who to trust. Furthermore, the inability to trust leads to self-doubt and second guessing. Naturally, this plays into the hands of the villains.
Key scenes emphasize the dangers of distrust including the one located in Washington, D.C. The author is clearly sending a message. One that is important to heed.
The Grey Wolf
Penny uses the backdrop of various cloisters to add a philosophical component to the story. Differing religious orders are also included and distinguished from one another.
Of great foreshadowing was a parable of the Grey Wolf and the Black Wolf. Penny deftly uses this parallel to hook the reader on the next release. At least this reader is anxious for the next edition in the series.
Not Just Quebec
The Grey Wolf has various international settings. So, even though the beautiful Province of Quebec starts and ends the story, Penny expands her descriptive prose to the Vatican, a French fortress of a monastery, a watering hole in Washington, D.C. as well as the governmental halls of Ottawa. She also weaves in a comparison of the governments both north and south of the border.
Recommendation for The Grey Wolf
It has been a few years since I last read a novel by Louise Penny. The Grey Wolf entertains. Furthermore, it creates impatience for the next in the series. Find a copy today. Highly entertaining!