Louise Penny Books in Order (All 19+ with Printable List).

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Are you a fan of Inspector Gamache too? Then you most definitely need this list of Louise Penny books in order because The Inspector has been quite busy.

He’s now featured in 19 books, and it’s best to read them in the correct order so you can keep everything that’s going on in the Three Pines series straight.

And, while the Inspector Gamache series dominates most of Louise Penny’s writing, she did co-author one novel that is not part of that series, and it’s an absolute blockbuster if you like international thrillers. More on that below.

Louise Penny Books In Order of Publication

Still Life – 2005 (Summary)

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache from the Surêté du Québec leads his team of investigators to a rural village south of Montreal following a mysterious death. The victim is Jane Neal, a well-known resident of the quaint hamlet called Three Pines, situated just north of the U.S. border. Her lifeless body was discovered in the woods, and the locals believe it to be an unfortunate hunting accident.

However, Gamache is not convinced by this seemingly straightforward explanation. Detecting a scent of malevolence lingering in the remote forest, he becomes resolute in his belief that Jane Neal’s demise was not the result of a mere hunting mishap. Instead, he becomes increasingly certain that a more sinister force is responsible for her untimely end, and his pursuit of the truth takes the investigation down a path filled with dark secrets and hidden motives.

A Fatal Grace – 2006 (Summary)

Welcome to winter in Three Pines, a charming Quebec village, as it gears up for a delightful country Christmas. However, amidst the festive preparations, a chilling plan for murder is silently unfolding.

CC de Poitiers, an unpopular woman despised by almost everyone around her, meets a grim fate that leaves no heartbroken souls behind—except perhaps for her unsuspecting family. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Quebec is summoned to the scene to unravel this peculiar case.

CC’s death is far from ordinary. Electrocuted in the middle of a frozen lake during the village’s annual curling tournament, she falls victim to a macabre spectacle that stuns the entire community. Despite the collective presence of onlookers, no one claims to have witnessed the sinister event unfold. Gamache faces the daunting challenge of uncovering the identity of the cunning and audacious culprit who orchestrated this bizarre and undetectable murder.

As Gamache delves deeper into the secrets and enmities that shroud Three Pines, he realizes he is up against an adversary unlike any he has encountered before. The investigation takes unexpected twists and turns, revealing the dark intricacies of human nature and the depths to which someone might go to carry out a chilling plan of vengeance.

The Cruelest Month – 2007 (Summary)

Welcome to Three Pines, where the cruelest month is on the verge of unveiling its dark secrets.

As spring breathes life into the forgotten village, the trees don buds, and delicate flowers emerge from the thawed earth. However, not everything in this picturesque landscape is destined for rebirth.

In an attempt to banish evil from their midst, some villagers decide to commemorate Easter with a daring séance at the infamous Old Hadley House. But what was meant to be a spiritual cleansing turns into a nightmarish tragedy when one of the participants succumbs to a fatal fright. Now, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec must embark on a journey into the heart of this perplexing case.

As Gamache delves into the mystery, he must confront not only the enigmas surrounding the victim’s death but also his own haunting past. In this seemingly idyllic town where relationships hide intricate webs of deceit, he must untangle the threads of truth from a tapestry of lies.

A Rule Against Murder – 2008 (Summary)

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his wife Reine-Marie are enjoying a serene escape to Manoir Bellechasse—an opulent, secluded inn not far from the charming village of Three Pines. However, their anniversary celebration is interwoven with the arrival of another group—the distinguished Finney family—gathering for their own festivities.

Amidst the breathtaking beauty of Manoir Bellechasse’s natural surroundings, an eerie sense of unease pervades the air. As temperatures soar and humidity hangs heavy, unexpected and unwelcome guests appear at the family reunion. Tragically, a deadly incident unfolds in the aftermath of a powerful summer storm.

Now, it falls upon Chief Inspector Gamache to navigate a labyrinth of long-concealed secrets and concealed animosities hidden behind genteel facades. His relentless pursuit of the truth leads him not only to the heart of Three Pines but also to the shadowy recesses of his own past. In a thrilling climax, Gamache must confront his demons and uncover the unsettling mysteries that have been buried for too long.

The Brutal Telling – 2009 (Summary)

The tranquility of Three Pines is about to be shattered by impending chaos.

In the heart of the village, Olivier’s Bistro becomes the scene of a shocking discovery—the lifeless body of a stranger lies sprawled on the floor. Chief Inspector Gamache is summoned to investigate, only to find that Olivier, the bistro’s owner, harbors a tale riddled with inconsistencies.

Perplexed by the presence of Olivier’s fingerprints in a remote wilderness cabin, alongside valuable antiques and the victim’s blood, Gamache uncovers a web of secrets and layers of deception lurking beneath the seemingly picturesque surface of the village.

As Gamache follows a trail of cryptic clues and hidden treasures, from literary classics like “Charlotte’s Web” and “Jane Eyre” to a peculiar spiderweb with a mysterious message woven into it, his journey takes him through the vast expanse of the woods and across the continent. Yet, all roads eventually lead back to Three Pines, where the ultimate truth and a brutal revelation await him.

Bury Your Dead – 2010 (Summary)

Taking a respite from his duties in Three Pines, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache journeys to the wintry landscapes of the famed Winter Carnival up north. Seeking solace after a harrowing investigation that went awry, he arrives in the frosty city not for festivities but to mend his spirit. However, even amidst the grandeur of the Literary and Historical Society, violent death lurks relentlessly, tainting the apparent sanctuary.

Within this historic haven, a single academic’s unyielding quest for answers draws Gamache into an ominous trail, leading him down a dark and unsettling path.

As the haunting mysteries unfold in the north, Gamache is shaken by disturbing news from his hometown village. Olivier, the cherished owner of the local bistro, stands accused of a murder Gamache firmly believes he did not commit.

A sinister plot seems to be at play, and now the onus falls on Gamache to untangle the web of deception and solve this perplexing case, while also confronting a haunting event from his own past—a painful memory that he must come to terms with before he can begin to heal the wounds left behind by those he has lost.

The Hangman – 2010 (Novella)

A Trick Of The Light – 2011 (Summary)

In the aftermath of a tragic event, Lillian Dyson’s ominous words, “Hearts are broken… Sweet relationships are dead,” take on a haunting significance. With Lillian’s life now extinguished, her body is discovered amidst the fragrant bleeding hearts and lilacs of Clara Morrow’s garden in the enchanting village of Three Pines.

This heartbreaking incident shatters the celebrations of Clara’s much-anticipated solo show at the prestigious Musée in Montreal.

Chief Inspector Gamache, the esteemed leader of the homicide division at the Sûreté du Québec, is summoned to the quaint Quebec village. Here, he finds the art world congregated, unraveling a tapestry of shadows and light, nuances and hidden truths. In this realm of seemingly harmonious relationships and painted smiles, beneath the surface, malevolence lurks.

As Gamache and his dedicated team diligently follow the trail of clues, the distinction between reality and deception blurs. The more they delve into the secrets and motivations of those involved, the less certain they become of what they uncover. In this world of art and artifice, facts twist and turn, leaving them questioning if they have found the truth or merely stumbled upon a trick of the light.

The Beautiful Mystery – 2012 (Summary)

Hidden deep in the countryside of Quebec lies the secluded monastery of Saint-Gilbert-Entre-les-Loups, a sanctuary where two dozen cloistered monks lead a life of prayer and solitude. Within the walls of this remote haven, they cultivate the land, tend to their chickens, and skillfully craft chocolate. Despite their vow of silence, these monks have garnered worldwide fame for their celestial voices, raised in ancient chants that stir profound emotions known as “the beautiful mystery.”

However, the tranquility of Saint-Gilbert is shattered when the esteemed choir director is found murdered. As the massive wooden door of the monastery swings open to admit Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir of the Sûreté du Québec, they step into a realm of disquiet hidden beneath the silence and discord beneath the apparent harmony.

Within the brotherhood devoted to prayer and contemplation, a contemplation of murder has emerged, and the peace within the monastery starts to crumble. Gamache and his trusted colleague must tread carefully through the remote corridors and unmask the culprit amidst an environment that exudes an air of sacredness and devotion.

But as they delve into the heart of this beautiful mystery, Gamache is forced to confront his own inner demons, and the lines between the divine and the human, the sacred and the profane, blur in ways he never expected.

How the Light Gets In – 2013 (Summary)

As the festive season of Christmas approaches in Québec, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache finds himself enveloped in shadows that dampen the usual merriment. The Homicide Department has lost most of its finest agents, his close friend and lieutenant, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, remains distant and estranged, and ominous forces gather against him.

Amidst this tumultuous time, Gamache receives a distressing message from Myrna Landers about her missing friend, who was expected to join them in the picturesque village of Three Pines for Christmas. Intrigued by Myrna’s reluctance to disclose her friend’s identity, Gamache embarks on a journey to Three Pines, seeking solace away from the city’s troubles.

However, as he delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the missing woman was once a globally renowned figure, now living in obscurity, known only to the enigmatic and eccentric poet, Ruth Zardo.

With events reaching a critical juncture, Gamache becomes entangled in the enigmatic world of Three Pines. His investigation of Myrna’s friend’s disappearance intertwines with his quest for a sanctuary for himself and his loyal colleagues. As he unravels the mystery, he questions whether peace can truly be found in Three Pines and what it may cost him and the people he holds dear.

The Long Way Home – 2014 (Summary)

After retiring to the serene village of Three Pines, Armand Gamache, the former Chief Inspector of Homicide with the Sûreté du Québec, has found a tranquility he never thought possible. Contented summer mornings find him seated on a bench, gently holding a small book titled “The Balm in Gilead” in his large hands. His neighbor, Clara Morrow, reads aloud from the dust jacket, quoting, “There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole.”

Though Gamache guards his own wounds and the healing process he secretly undertakes, Clara confides in him about hers. Her artist husband, Peter, has vanished, failing to return home as promised on the first anniversary of their separation. She implores Gamache for help in finding him. While he is reluctant to leave the peaceful haven he has come to cherish, he ultimately decides to accompany Clara on this journey, feeling compelled to assist her.

Joined by his former second-in-command, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, and the wise Myrna Landers, Gamache embarks on a profound and introspective quest deep into the heart of Québec. Their search leads them to the soul of Peter Morrow, a man desperate to regain his lost fame as an artist, even if it means sacrificing his very soul.

As they delve further into the mystery, their journey takes them away from Three Pines, towards the mouth of the vast St. Lawrence River—a desolate and damned land, believed to be God’s punishment for Cain.

The Nature Of the Beast – 2015 (Summary)

In the picturesque village of Three Pines, nine-year-old Laurent Lepage is known for spinning fantastical tales—from alien invasions to mythical creatures roaming the woods. Yet, his extraordinary stories have become so unbelievable that even the village’s newest residents, Armand and Reine-Marie Gamache, find it challenging to entertain them. They now call this quaint Quebec village their home.

However, when Laurent suddenly vanishes, the villagers are confronted with the unsettling notion that one of his far-fetched tales might have held a grain of truth. As anxiety mounts, a frantic search ensues for the boy and the elusive truth behind his fantastical narratives. The secrets unearthed deep in the forest trigger a chain of events that will lead to murder, old crimes resurfacing, and past betrayals laid bare. In the midst of the unfolding turmoil, an old poet becomes an unexpected key to the enigma.

Amid the suspense, Ruth Zardo pens her thoughts, sensing the darkness lurking in the present moment. Something monstrous once visited Three Pines, leaving its indelible mark, and now seems to have returned.

A Great Reckoning – 2016 (Summary)

In the peaceful village of Three Pines, an old map discovered within the bistro’s walls sparks intrigue among the curious villagers. As they delve deeper into its mysteries, the map’s secrets grow ever more perplexing.

Armand Gamache gifted the map on his first day of a new job, embarks on a journey that unveils profound and shattering revelations. The map leads him to confront an old friend and a longstanding adversary, thrusting the former Chief of Homicide for the Sûreté du Québec into uncharted and treacherous territory, from which he cannot turn away.

His path leads him to the Sûreté academy, where four young cadets and a deceased professor are entangled in a bewildering mystery, with the puzzling map found beside the lifeless body. Among the cadets stands Amelia Choquet, a rebellious and guarded soul adorned with tattoos and piercings—a stark contrast to her presence within the academy as the murdered professor’s protege.

As Gamache delves deeper into the investigation, he finds himself intertwined with Amelia, drawing scrutiny to his own involvement and his enigmatic connection with the young cadet. The quest for answers leads the investigators back to Three Pines, where a stained glass window holds its own haunting secrets.

Glass Houses – 2017 (Summary)

As a mysterious figure emerges in the tranquil village of Three Pines on a chilly November day, Armand Gamache and the villagers are initially intrigued, yet their curiosity quickly gives way to wariness. Unyielding to rain and sleet, the enigmatic presence stands motionless, its gaze fixed ahead.

As its shadow looms over the village, Gamache, now serving as Chief Superintendent of the Sûreté du Québec, senses that this figure harbors deep-seated origins and a sinister purpose. Despite his growing apprehensions, he finds himself powerless to act—left with no choice but to observe and await the unfolding events, fervently hoping that his mounting fears do not come to pass.

When the figure vanishes overnight, leaving behind a haunting trail, and a lifeless body is discovered, Gamache must confront the unsettling possibility that a profound debt has been repaid or extracted.

Months later, on a sweltering July day, as the trial for the accused begins in Montréal, Chief Superintendent Gamache grapples with the consequences of actions he set in motion during that bitter November—actions for which there is no turning back. The trial becomes more than just an examination of the accused; it becomes a reckoning for Gamache himself. His own conscience stands in judgment, as he faces the consequences of his choices and wrestles with the lasting impact of that enigmatic figure’s appearance in Three Pines.

Kingdom Of The Blind – 2018 (Summary)

When a

When a letter arrives, beckoning Armand Gamache to an abandoned farmhouse, the former head of the Sûreté du Québec finds himself unexpectedly named as one of the executors of a stranger’s will. Despite being on suspension, curiosity propels Gamache to accept the role, joined by Myrna Landers, the beloved bookseller of Three Pines, and a young builder, both equally unfamiliar with the elderly woman.

The will proves peculiar, with bequests that appear wildly improbable, leading Gamache and the others to speculate that the woman may have been delusional. Yet, a grim discovery changes their perspective, and the seemingly eccentric terms of the will now take on a menacing tone.

However, this isn’t the only threat facing Gamache. The investigation into the events that led to his suspension six months ago has been dragging on through the harsh winter. While most of the opioids he allowed to slip through his hands in his quest to dismantle the cartels have been retrieved, one significant amount remains missing—enough to wreak havoc on the streets of Montreal. Fueled by urgency, Gamache races to find answers.

In his pursuit, Gamache employs audacious and desperate tactics to recover the deadly drug, but in doing so, he starts to confront his own blind spots. The journey leads him to dark revelations, where terrible truths lurk, hidden in the recesses of his own mind.

A Better Man – 2019 (Summary)

On Gamache’s first day back as head of the homicide department, he faces a daunting challenge—sharing the position temporarily with his former second-in-command, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, amidst rising floodwaters engulfing the province. Amidst the turmoil, a desperate father seeks Gamache’s aid in finding his missing daughter, Vivienne Godin.

As crises multiply, Gamache wrestles with the decision to abandon the search for Vivienne, considering the encroaching chaos. However, empathizing deeply with the distraught father, he cannot shake the haunting question of how he would feel if it were his own daughter. Driven by this profound empathy, he makes the bold choice to continue the search.

Amidst the torrent of rising rivers and merciless social media attacks against Gamache, a chilling discovery is made, and amidst the tumult, mistakes are inevitable.

All the Devils Here – 2020 (Summary)

On their first night in the captivating city of Paris, the Gamache family comes together for a bistro dinner, joined by Armand’s godfather, the affluent Stephen Horowitz. As they walk home, a dreadful event unfolds before their eyes—an intentional attack on the elderly man, leaving him critically injured. Armand is convinced that this was no mere accident but a deliberate attempt on Stephen’s life.

The discovery of a peculiar key in Stephen’s possession sets off a labyrinthine journey for Armand, his wife Reine-Marie, and his former second-in-command at the Sûreté, Jean-Guy Beauvoir. Their quest takes them from the heights of the Eiffel Tower to the depths of the Paris Archives, leading them through luxury hotels and cryptic works of art. As they delve deeper, they uncover the long-guarded secrets Stephen has concealed for decades.

An appalling revelation in Stephen’s Paris apartment exposes the putrid nature of these secrets and heightens the imminent danger they face. Trapped in a web of deceit and lies, the entire family becomes entangled in the sinister plot. To unearth the truth, Gamache must grapple with the most difficult of decisions—determining whom to trust, including his friends, colleagues, instincts, and even his own past. The question of trust extends even to his own family.

The Madness Of Crowds – 2021 (Summary)

As the New Year approaches, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache faces an unsettling accusation—he is labeled a coward time and again. What starts as a seemingly innocuous request to provide security for a lecture by a visiting Professor of Statistics at a nearby university quickly spirals into a complex web of disturbing revelations.

While the residents of Three Pines, Québec, enjoy their winter activities and camaraderie, Gamache’s family holiday is disrupted. Perplexed by the assignment, he begins investigating Professor Abigail Robinson and stumbles upon a repulsive agenda. Gamache implores the university to cancel the lecture, but they cite academic freedom and brand him as censorious and intellectually weak.

As Professor Robinson’s radical views infiltrate conversations, confusion reigns, blurring the lines between truth and fiction, reality and delusion. Discussions evolve into heated debates, escalating into arguments and fights, as a dangerous madness takes hold.

With divisive sides emerging, Abigail Robinson promises that by following her, “ça va bien aller”—all will be well. However, Gamache and his team know that her vision is not for everyone.

When a murder occurs, the investigation falls into the hands of Armand Gamache, his second-in-command Jean-Guy Beauvoir, and their team. Their mission becomes twofold—to unravel the crime and to confront the extraordinary delusion gripping the population—the madness of crowds.

A World Of Curiosities – 2022 (Summary)

As spring breathes new life into Three Pines, not everything buried should resurface, and some dormant secrets should remain undisturbed. Yet, something has awakened—a presence that worries Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir.

Two young individuals, scarred by their mother’s long-unsolved murder, unexpectedly return to the investigators’ lives. Arriving in the village of Three Pines, their intentions remain unclear, stirring haunting memories of the tragic case that united Gamache and Beauvoir years ago. Have the wounds of the past, buried for so long, festered and now threaten to unravel?

As Gamache delves into the mysteries, his concern deepens when a letter penned by a long-deceased stone mason resurfaces. The chilling words within speak of terror, describing an attic room concealed somewhere in the village. Determined to confront the enigma, the villagers decide to unseal the room, unaware of the perils it holds.

As the bricks are dismantled, a world of curiosities unfolds before Gamache, Beauvoir, and the villagers. But amidst the seemingly innocent objects lies something more sinister—an intricate puzzle with hidden messages, warning of vengeance and chaos.

By unsealing the room, an ancient adversary is released into their world, threatening their lives, their homes, and the very heart of Armand Gamache’s sanctuary.

Louise Penny Standalone Novels

And now for the book written by Louise Penny that is not part of the Inspector Gamache series.

It’s too soon to know whether this will turn into a series of some sort, or whether there will be any more standalone novels like this one.

State of Terror was co-authored by Louise Penny and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

What I find interesting about this collaboration between Louise Penny and Secretary Clinton is that each woman, certainly a powerhouse in her own way, was afraid to take on the writing of this book!

Louise Penny said she had never written a political thriller and she was nervous about the outcome of trying to make that happen.

Hillary Clinton said she had never written fiction, only nonfiction, and that she didn’t want to harm the friendship in any way that she had with Louise Penny, and that she also was nervous about the outcome of writing fiction, having never done it before.

They were interviewed jointly by Gayle King on CBS News today, and you can catch the interview here if you’re interested. I found it immensely interesting because I like to know how books come about. What makes the author make the decision to write the book?

And although it’s now been some months since I read State of Terror, I have wondered how these two ladies got together on this project. Now I know.

Printable Booklist of Louise Penny Books

More About Louise Penny

Louise Penny is the New York Times bestselling author of the Inspector Gamache mysteries, which as of right now is a series of 18 novels and 1 novella.

The Inspector Gamache mystery books are set in a small village in Canada, and the author’s late husband was the inspiration for the lead character, Inspector Armand Gamache. (I think that’s kind of a nice fact to know 🙂

Louise Penny started her writing career rather late in life – well into her 40s it seems. Before that, she was a journalist with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

She created the fictional village of Three Pines for the Inspector Gamache series, and the rest, as they say, is history! 18 full-length novels and a novella later and the village of Three Pines and Inspector Gamache are still going.

FAQs About Louise Penny Books In Order

Summary – Louise Penny Books In Order

I hope this list of Louise Penny books in order provides you with all the information you need to start reading the books of this terrific author.

And if you like international thrillers, I can’t speak highly enough of the book Louise Penny co-authored with Hillary Clinton. Give it a try!

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