A Canadian mystery author may have lost an appeal over a contract dispute for her books, but at least she has a fan in one of the judges.

Toronto author Louise Penny, wanted to end an agreement with the television company that produces the made-for-TV rights to her books after an initial two-year term.

When the term expired, the company exercised an option to extend it. A court ruled that extension was perfectly legal according to the contract, and Penny appealed.

The Ontario Court of Appeal has now dismissed her appeal, saying the company is allowed to extend the agreement.

But even though the court rejected her submission, Justice James MacPherson, writing for the three-judge panel, praised Penny’s novels which feature a character named Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and are set in a fictitious Quebec village calling them delightful.

He wrote in the judgment that he has read them all, “usually by a fireplace on Boxing Day,” and pointed out the critical acclaim the books have received.