Mystery fans, get ready because
Penny, one of the most successful and decorated mystery authors working today, first introduced readers to her protagionist, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of Canada’s Sãuretâe du Quebec, in her 2005 debut novel, Still Life. That book won her the New Blood Dagger Award, the Arthur Ellis Award, the Dilys Award, the 2007 Anthony Award, and the Barry Award for Best First Novel. Since then, she’s continued to churn out riveting bestsellers, with Gamache starring in all but one of them, a book she co-wrote with former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called State of Terror. In total, Penny has written nineteen mysteries—which are often compared to the works of Agatha Christie, specifically her Hercule Poirot novels—including The Gray Wolf, which was published last October.
Her latest mystery novel, the 20th in her beloved series, is one of the year’s most anticipated new releases.
Check out the official cover art and plot details below.
(Note: On September 30th, 2025, Penny’s longtime publisher, Minotaur Books, will release a 20-year special “Deluxe Edition” version of her debut, Still Life. Fitted with a gorgeous new cover, this collector’s piece is perfect for diehard fans of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. Pre-order your copy here.)
The Black Wolf by Louise Penny
Release Date: October 28, 2025
Minotaur Books
The 20th mystery in the #1 New York Times-bestselling Armand Gamache series.
Somewhere out there, in the darkness, a black wolf is feeding.
Several weeks ago, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec and his team uncovered and stopped a domestic terrorist attack in Montréal, arresting the person behind it. A man they called the Black Wolf.
But their relief is short-lived. In a sickening turn of events, Gamache has realized that plot, as horrific as it was, was just the beginning. Perhaps even a deliberate misdirection. One he fell into. Something deeper and darker, more damaging, is planned. Did he in fact arrest the Black Wolf, or are they still out there? Armand is appalled to think his mistake has allowed their conspiracy to grow, to gather supporters. To spread lies, manufacture enemies, and feed hatred and division.
Still recovering from wounds received in stopping the first attack, Armand is confined to the village of Three Pines, leading a covert investigation from there. He must be careful not to let the Black Wolf know he has recognized his mistake. In a quiet church basement, he and his senior agents Beauvoir and Lacoste, pore over what little evidence they have. Two notebooks. A few mysterious numbers on a tattered map of Québec. And a phrase repeated by the person they had called the Grey Wolf. A warning…
In a dry and parched land where there is no water.
Gamache and his small team of supporters realize that for the Black Wolf to have gotten this far, they must have powerful allies, in law enforcement, in industry, in organized crime, in the halls of government.
From the apparent peace of his little village, Gamache finds himself playing a lethal game of cat and mouse with an invisible foe who is gathering forces and preparing to strike.
Louise Penny is the multi-award winning author of the Chief Inspector Gamache novels, set in her home province of Québec, Canada. Her books, including State of Terror written with Hillary Rodham Clinton, have sold more than 18 million copies worldwide, topped international bestseller lists, including the New York Times, and been translated into 32 languages. The recipient of both the Order of Canada and l’Ordre national du Québec, her country’s highest civilian honours, her Three Pines Foundation reaches out to those in crisis and offers financial and emotional support, with a special focus on literacy as well as dementia care. Her husband, Michael, died of dementia in 2016. She lives with her Golden Retrievers Muggins and Charlie in a village south of Montréal.
Praised as “One of the hardest working, most thoughtful, and fairest reviewers out there” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, Ryan Steck has “quickly established himself as the authority on mysteries and thrillers” (Author A.J. Tata). Steck also works full-time as a freelance editor in addition to running TRBS. He is the author of FIELDS OF FIRE, which #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr says “will leave you speechless and begging for more,” LETHAL RANGE, OUT FOR BLOOD, and TED BELL’S MONARCH. For more information, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and BookBub. To interact with other readers and talk about your favorite books and authors, join The Real Book Spy’s Discord server.