Louise Penny’s new book, The Black Wolf, is an electrifying thriller with a scarily plausible plot (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster / Sunday Express)
**An Engaging New Plot**
Bestselling author Louise Penny’s newest release, *The Black Wolf*, has set the literary world abuzz. This latest installation in the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series digs deep into themes of national identity and sovereignty, as it explores a chilling scenario where powerful forces aim to annex Canada as the 51st state of the USA. What makes this plot particularly gripping is Penny’s foresight; she began drafting the novel 18 months before Donald Trump was elected for his second term, a time when the very idea of Canada’s independence felt precarious.
Penny candidly admits, “I was afraid when I wrote it that I had taken it too far… as it turns out, I may not have gone far enough!” This sentiment accentuates the eerie prescience her work has, reflecting current political climates that frequently blur the lines of fiction and reality.
**Setting the Scene**
Notably, *The Black Wolf* features pivotal scenes in the real-life Haskell Library, a unique structure that straddles the Canadian-American border. A space characterized by its harmonious community vibe, it serves as a metaphor for the relationship between the two nations. Penny describes the library as a place where “petty despots attack,” reinforcing the idea that even small, symbolic spaces carry immense weight in the discussion of national pride and unity.
**A Launch at the Kennedy Center**
This remarkable novel is a sequel to *The Grey Wolf*, which catapulted her into the New York Times bestseller list, paving the way for an unforgettable launch event at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. However, political upheavals—a ‘coup’ at the Center leading to significant changes in its board—altered those plans. Penny had to navigate these complexities with grace, recognizing that her commitment to Canada took precedence over the allure of high-profile events.
Alfred Molina as Chief Inspector Armand Gamache (Image: Prime Video)
**Navigating Political Turbulence**
Penny’s stance on her commitment to Canada is evident; despite the potential backlash from her U.S. readership, she prioritizes her national identity. “I wish I could say it was a difficult decision but it was not,” she states, referring to her choice not to tour in the U.S. due to the political climate. Her dedication to her country’s integrity resonates in her work, as she continues to write compelling narratives that reflect the socio-political landscape.
She underscores the “outrage and hurt” felt by Canadians as they grappled with Trump’s economic policies, aimed at undermining their sovereignty. This juxtaposition of national pride against a backdrop of economic threat is not just a narrative device in *The Black Wolf*; it reflects real conversations happening both in Canada and the U.S. right now.
**Reimagining a Beloved Character**
The recurring theme of national identity and belonging also finds its way into Penny’s signature character, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. Inspired by her late husband, Chef Gamache captures the essence of humanity—filled with integrity, flaws, and connected closely to his roots. Penny describes creating him as akin to marrying a man she would want to ‘live with’ forever, one who embodies decency even amid chaos.
Louise with her previous thriller co-writer Hilary Clinton interviewed on American TV (Image: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty)
**Creative Collaborations**
Penny’s career has also embraced notable partnerships, including her work with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Their thriller, *State Of Terror*, was crafted during the pandemic, demonstrating how friendship can transcend adversity. Penny mentions, “We both brought something different,” which enriched the storytelling process. The prospect of a sequel is on the table, showcasing their enduring connection and collaborative spirit.
Even as adaptations of her work unfold—like the Prime Video series *Three Pines* based on her early books—Penny maintains a keen eye on the integrity of her stories. Although the series was not renewed for a second season, her reflections reveal the complexities of translating rich narratives into visual formats—with the hope that future adaptations will capture the heart of her cherished settings.
**Looking Ahead**
With two new Gamache novels in the pipeline, Louise Penny shows no signs of slowing down. Her commitment to exploring layered, thought-provoking stories remains unwavering. She shares, “As long as I have what I consider to be fresh stories… I’ll continue,” a testament to her energetic engagement with storytelling and her loyal audience.
- The Black Wolf by Louise Penny (Hodder, £20) out now