Fall mysteries roundup: Nine edge-of-your-seat reads for chilly dark evenings | Canada Voices

The Grey Wolf, Louise Penny (St. Martin’s. 432 pages) We are at book 19 of Penny’s series set in Quebec featuring Armand Gamache. This is way past the time when most series are flagging or simply dying but Penny is a daring author. Rather than settling into a comfortable routine, she gives us her most ambitious novel yet with a complex, world-threatening plot and thrilling chases right down to a cliffhanger ending.

Be warned: The story begins slowly with Gamache and his wife enjoying a quiet August evening on their Three Pines terrace when the phone rings. Gamache looks at the number and at first refuses to answer. He finally does and then explodes in a most unaccustomed rage. An old enemy has emerged. Then, there is a break-in at Gamache’s pied-a-terre with the only thing missing an old jacket. It’s soon returned with a cryptic note.