The Grey Wolf

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, graphic violence, and addiction.

The protagonist of The Grey Wolf and the other installments of Penny’s Chief Inspector Gamache series is Armand, a detective who works as the “head of homicide for the Sûreté du Quebec” (2). Unlike other law enforcement professionals, Armand dislikes guns. This, along with his ability to sit in silence and actively listen, likens him to detectives like Peter Falk’s Columbo (from the long-running series of the same name). Armand acts kindly rather than aggressively, except when someone harms his family. He reserves his anger for people like his nemesis, Jeanne, who harmed his son, Daniel. However, even Jeanne maintains that Armand “couldn’t be corrupted […] couldn’t be intimidated” (354). He won’t take bribes or be scared off from learning the truth.

Armand enjoys working as detective and working with his colleagues Jean-Guy and Isabelle. He isn’t a lone wolf but the center of a community and enjoys brainstorming aloud with those he trusts. Penny describes the dynamic between the three detectives: “This was just about his favorite part of any investigation. Tossing around ideas. Building on each other’s thoughts” (175). His work with them is a labor of love that aims to help as many people as possible.