The Black Wolf: A Novel (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel Book 20)
4.4 | 1,296 ratings
Price: 14.99
Last update: 11-29-2025
Product details
- ASIN : B0DPJ5W41H
- Publisher : Minotaur Books
- Accessibility :
- Publication date : October 28, 2025
- Language : English
- File size : 3.5 MB
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 379 pages
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250328182
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Book 20 of 20 : Chief Inspector Gamache Mysteries
- Best Sellers Rank:#106 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- Traditional Detective Mysteries (Books)
- Traditional Detective Mysteries (Kindle Store)
- International Mystery & Crime (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:4.54.5 out of 5 stars(4,828)
The Black Wolf: A Novel (Chief Inspector Gamache Novel Book 20)Top reviews from the United States
- srq-travelerDisturbingly prescient, beautiful as alwaysI 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.
- Kindle CustomerIt Just Gets BetterAt 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.
- PemmilyIt didn't quite equal the first 19 of the series.I have just loved Louise Penny's Inspector Gamash series on so many levels. First of all, I grew up across from Brockville, Canada
on the NY state border and have been close to Canada geographically and emotionally. I loved the foodie aspects of
the 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 mysteries
were 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. I
suspect 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 - Karen BEveryone. Needs. To. Read. This. Book.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. - Kindle CustomerAnother Penny GemLouise 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.
- ReneeTake Us Back to Three Pines!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 :)