CRIME ON MY MIND

A feast of crime!

We're sure lucky to be living in Ottawa, the crime (writing) capital of Canada! My condolences to those of you who aren't within driving distance. Why, you may ask? Have you taken a look at the 'Events' section of this blogsite? Just to the left of your screen. That's your answer.

In the space of one month, Ottawa mystery writers and readers will partake of a feast of some of the top names in the country. And, in this age of increasing social networking and decreasing opportunities to meet and schmooze in person (fewer bookstores mean fewer signing opportunities and in our national big boxer, it isn't always that easy to snag some floor space), events such as these really area an treat!

Just to recap the list: on Thurs., April 28th, 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Ottawa Public Library, 120 Metcalfe, it's a panel discussion entitled The Perilous Road to Publication featuring local authors who have traveled a variety of those roads -- Peggy Blair, whose first novel will be published by Penguin, UK; Randall Denley, local newspaper columnist and author; and, Barbara Fradkin, whose Inpsector Green series was published by RendezVous Press & has moved over to Dundurn (with their recent acquisition of Napoleon/RendezVous), and whose latest book is a Rapid Reads published by Orca. That's quite a selection of exeperiences for both fans and writers to enjoy. MC is Katherine Hobbs, City Councillor and member of Capital Crime Writers.

Also at this event, the shortlists for the Arthur Ellis Awards, given by the Crime Writers of Canada, and the Audrey Jessup Award, from Capital Crime Writers, will be announced. You can bet that in itself will bring out a feast of writers -- good news for readers!

Then the spring launch season begins! On Monday, May 9th, at the Library & Archives Canada, sunken lobby, 395 Wellington St., local award-winning author of three series, Mary Jane Maffini, launches book #7 in her Charlotte Adams series, The Busy Woman's Guide to Murder. Joining her will be Vicki Delany, well-known to Ottawans, author of two series and several stand-alones. She's launching the 5th in her Const. Molly Smith series, Among the Departed. There will be refreshments (I can already taste the chocolates), a donation wine bar, books for sale by Books on Beechwood, readings and signings. Not to be missed!

Following closely is a triple-header launch on Sunday, May 15th at the Clocktower Brew Pub, 575 Bank Street, 4-6 p.m. Two new Rapid Reads titles, the popular new line for reluctant readers from Orca Press, are being celebrated -- Brenda Chapman's The Second Wife and Barbara Fradkin's The Fall Guy. And, Jeff Ross will launch his new book, The Drop. Brenda Chapman has recently added an adult mystery to her popular series for young adults and Barbara's award-winning Inspector Green series has already been mentioned in this blog. Books, brew and schmoozing....great combination!

Keep your launch shoes polished because on Wednesday, May 18th, Thomas Rendell Curran's third Eric Stride mystery, Death of a Lesser Man, is being launched at Collected Works Book Store,1242 Wellington, at 7 p.m. More details will follow so keep your eyes on the Events section. But all who devoured the first two Strides have been waiting for this event with much anticipation.

There you have it...party central...Ottawa, crime capital of Canada! Pass the word, it's okay to squeal, really it is! Enjoy the opportunities to dis-engage from your computer and get out there to meet these terrific authors, as well as many others in the Ottawa mystery writing community, and readers galore!


Linda Wiken/Erika Chase
Mystery Book Club series,
coming April 2012 from Berkley Prime Crime