LOUISE PENNY
The Canadian author of the mystery novels centered on the investigations of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec, 64, will see her bestselling mysteries turned into a TV series when Three Pines (Dec. 2 on Prime Video) begins streaming. The series follows Gamache (Alfred Molina), a man who sees things others do not, as he investigates a spate of murders in the idyllic village of Three Pines, where he discovers long-buried secrets and faces a few of his own ghosts. Creators Left Bank Pictures also produce The
Crown, Wallander and Outlander.
What was the inspiration for the Gamache/Three Pines books? The series and the village were very much inspired by the events of 9/11, because it became clear to the world, and certainly to Americans, that no place is safe. You cannot possibly guarantee safety anywhere. But you can guarantee emotional safety, and the way you do that is by having friends, by having community, by having a sense of belonging.
You’ve said Gamache is based on your late husband, Michael. Did capture him? Michael’s favorite saying was, “Surprised by joy.” When I watched these
Gamache his own. The man’s eyes
When I finally watched all eight splayed fingers, I wrote to him.
What about Gamache so appeals to readers?
I think it’s his decency. When you’re in his company, you know that you are safe. That this is a good human being, a kind human being, but someone who will step up when called upon. I think we’re yearning for that kind of a hero, someone who has been broken and come back from that. Who knows the light because he’s experienced the darkness, as we all have. We’re all broken, and I think people recognize themselves, their fathers and mothers, their uncles and their husbands in Gamache.
How is the Three Pines in the series different from in the book?
One of my concerns was that anyone who adapted the books would make Three Pines feel like Cabot Cove North or cozy, and [villages are often] anything but. I do appreciate that the writers have gone in the opposite direction. There isn’t that sense of a tight-knit, loving community that I try to create in the books. But it is what it needs to be for the TV series and I’ve made peace with that.
all stressed about a book, “You know what? Take a breath because you are living not just your dream but everyone’s dream, so you’ve got to enjoy it.” I thought, There is wisdom.
Is a sequel planned for State of Terror? It was written to have a sequel. The last line is, “I think we know what our next nightmare is.” But Hillary [Clinton] and I are just enjoying the success of it. The publishers want us to do another one, but we just want to rest for a moment or two. There’s a movie in the works, so we’re working on that.
Are Ruth and her duck in the series? Go to Parade.com/penny to find out.