Crime Writers of Canada's Podcast

Cathy Ace, The Corpse with the Steely Gaze

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 18:00:00 -0400

The interview focuses on Cathy Ace's latest book in the Cait Morgan mystery series, The Corpse with a Steely Gaze, and the upcoming Bouchercon event. Cathy discusses Cait's unique approach to solving mysteries, emphasizing psychology and victimology over physical clues, and how she blends classic puzzle elements with a contemporary setting. She explains her enjoyment of writing about Vancouver and the importance of setting and history in her books, reflecting the multicultural nature of Canada. The conversation also covers Cathy's busy schedule at Bouchercon, where she will be auctioneering, interviewing guests of honour, and participating in panels and events.

BIO

Cathy’s Cait Morgan Mysteries feature a globetrotting Welsh Canadian professor of criminal psychology who solves traditional who/whydunits alongside her retired-cop husband (the TV series is being developed by Free@LastTV). Her WISE Enquiries Agency Mysteries feature four softly poached female PIs solving cozy cases from their base at a Welsh stately home. A past Chair of Crime Writers of Canada, Cathy’s been shortlisted for their awards three times; she’s won Canada’s Bony Blithe Award, IPPY and IBA Awards, and the CrimeFictionLover Editor’s Choice Award for Best Indie Novel. Cathy migrated from Wales aged 40, and now lives in British Columbia.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Malcolm Kempt, A Gift Before Dying

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Malcolm Kempt sits down with Erik D’Souza to discuss Malcolm's debut crime novel, A Gift Before Dying. Malcolm shares that he left a 17-year career as a criminal lawyer in the Arctic to write full-time during the pandemic. He describes Cape Dorset, Nunavut, as a real, isolated place he loves, and explains that the story features a fish-out-of-water police detective and a 10-year-old Inuit boy to offer different perspectives. Malcolm addresses comparisons to Nordic Noir and confirms the story remains uniquely Canadian. He also discussed the challenges of promoting a first book, the lack of Canadian media coverage compared to the US and UK, and his experience with culturally sensitive readers and support from the Inuit community. Finally, Malcolm mentions he is working on a second police procedural set in the hinterland of Newfoundland with supernatural undertones.

BIO

Malcolm Kempt spent seventeen years working as a criminal lawyer in the remote Arctic before leaving to write full-time.

He won the Percy Janes Award for Best Unpublished Novel in 2023. His debut, A Gift Before Dying, was published by Crown (Penguin Random House) in January 2026. He lives on the island of Newfoundland.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Irene Fantopoulos, Murders in Deer Park

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Irene Fantopoulos to discuss her crime novel, Murders in Deer Park, which is a follow-up to her previous book, All the Evil Scatters. During the interview, Erik asks Irene about her protagonists, Detective Melissa Hargrove and RJ Otombo. Irene explains her unique writing approach: using second-person point of view for the killer's narrative, which lets readers experience the killer's perspective and motivations while maintaining suspense about the killer's gender. The story begins with a renovation where three skeletons are discovered buried behind walls in a Deer Park townhouse, and Irene discusses how she incorporated her real-life neighborhood into the fictional setting while making necessary changes for the plot. The interview also covered Irene's background in criminology and social work, which provides authenticity to her police procedural details, and her current writing projects, including a cozy mystery and historical fiction set in Greece during the military occupation of the 1960s and 1970s.

BIO

Irene Fantopoulos is a writer of fiction and nonfiction, with a particular affinity for crime and mystery. Her work has an element of mastery — something to solve. In addition to the recent release, Murders in Deer Park, she is the author of All the Evil Scatters, Luck of the Draw, and Burden of Proof. Her short stories and essays have appeared online and in print.

Irene’s writing often incorporates elements of her Greek heritage. She loves including the city of Toronto in her work, often seeming like a character in its own right.

She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s in Sociology and English Literature. Irene also studied criminology at the University of Toronto and worked on policing policy with the Ministry of the Solicitor General in the 1990s. She earned a Creative Writing Certificate from George Brown College and is a graduate of the Humber School for Writers. After leaving the Ontario civil service in 2019, she dedicated herself fully to her passion—writing—and rediscovered a long-lost manuscript from 1989 (Burden of Proof).

Irene is actively involved in her community as a Director on the Board of the ArtBarn School, where she also leads writing workshops for adults. She is a member of the Writers’ Union of Canada and the Crime Writers of Canada.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Vicki Grant, These are the Fireworks

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Vicki Grant, a Nova Scotian writer known for over twenty young adult and middle-grade novels, about her first adult mystery novel, These Are the Fireworks. The interview explores Vicki's transition from children's literature to adult fiction, her decision to write from multiple perspectives, and the story's central themes of family relationships and grief. Vicki explains how she wanted to create a more realistic portrayal of how families deal with loss, particularly focusing on how Petra's daughters react to their father's death and the revelation that their mother may not be the devoted wife they thought she was.

BIO

Vicki Grant is a Canadian writer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She began her professional life in advertising and television, creating short ads and scripts before transitioning to full-length novels. Her first novel, The Puppet Wrangler, was published in 2004, marking the start of her career in young adult and middle-grade literature. In 2006, her book Quid Pro Quo won the Award of Excellence (then called the Arthur Ellis Award) in the Best Juvenile/YA Crime Book category. She has written over twenty books, including titles for reluctant readers and award-winning novels. In this interview, we’re talking about her newest novel, These Are the Fireworks, published by Vagrant Press.

Website: vickigrant.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

donalee Moulton, Cardinal

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:00:00 -0400

Erik D'Souza interviews donalee Moulton, about her first paranormal mystery novel, Cardinal, from the Paranormal Canadian Collection series published by BWL Publishing. donalee talks about her main character, Em Montgomery, who keeps her first name secret, the setting of Pictou, Nova Scotia, and the ghost-story elements in the book. They also discuss upcoming literary events in Nova Scotia, including the Crime Will Tell event at the Halifax Public Library on September 12th, where a new microanthology, "The Blue Lobster Detective Agency," will be unveiled. The interview covers Donalee’s various writing projects.

BIO

donalee Moulton’s first mystery book Hung out to Die was published in 2023. A historical mystery, Conflagration!, was published in 2024. It won the 2024 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense (Historical Fiction). donalee had two books traditionally published in 2025, Bind and Melt, the first in a new series, the Lotus Detective Agency. Her first paranormal mystery, Cardinal, was published this year.

A short story “Swan Song” was one of 21 selected for publication in Cold Canadian Crime. It was shortlisted for an Award of Excellence. Other short stories have been published recently in numerous magazines and anthologies. donalee’s short story “Troubled Water” was shortlisted for a 2024 Derringer Award and a 2024 Award of Excellence from the Crime Writers of Canada.

donalee is an award-winning freelance journalist. She has written articles for print and online publications across North America including The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Lawyer’s Daily, National Post, and Canadian Business.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Katie Tallo, Where Her Secrets Lie

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Katie Tallo about her latest novel, Where Her Secrets Lie, featuring the protagonist Lenny Bird, a 70-year-old set in Ottawa. Katie explains her decision to write about an older protagonist. They discuss how Ottawa offers a small-town feel despite being a large city, with Lenny's connections to the police through her late husband. The interview concludes with a discussion of Katie's upcoming psychological thriller set in Central America.

BIO

Katie Tallo is an award-winning screenwriter and director. After winning an international novel contest, she began writing mystery thrillers. Her 2020 debut, Dark August, was an instant bestseller, NYT Book Review Editor’s Choice, Apple Book of the Month, and made the Globe 100. She followed up her debut with two more novels in the critically acclaimed Gus Monet series–Poison Lilies and Buried Road. Katie’s latest novel, Where Her Secrets Lie, is a foray into the psychological crime genre, set in her hometown of Ottawa, Canada, where she lives with her husband.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

M.S. Berry, The Tenant & Behind The Door

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Ontario author M.S. Berry. They discuss her two psychological thrillers, The Tenant and Behind the Door (published by Ravenstone Books), which mark a shift from her previous literary fiction works published under the name Michelle Berry. Michelle explains her decision to write thrillers after being recognized for thriller elements in her previous work, and discusses how both novels draw on personal experiences, including a real incident where she accidentally double-booked a rental property in Germany. The conversation covers Michelle’s writing techniques, including her use of dual perspectives in The Tenant and the psychological twist on the Bluebeard fairy tale in Behind the Door, as well as her current work on a new novel exploring the idea that one small mistake can lead to major life consequences.

BIO

Michelle Berry, who also writes as M.S. Berry, has been widely published in many Canadian literary magazines, national newspapers, and anthologies. She is the author of nine books of fiction, two novels of which have been published in the UK as well as Canada. Michelle is a reviewer for The Globe and Mail, and teaches at the University of Toronto and Humber College. Michelle lives in Peterborough with her family.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Dave Sweet: Special Guest at Bouchercon 2026 in Calgary

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Erik D'Souza interviews retired detective, Dave Sweet, for Crime Writers of Canada's Podcast, focusing on Dave's upcoming presentation at Bouchercon in Calgary. Dave discusses his 25-year policing career, including his work in the Homicide Unit and cross-jurisdictional investigations. They explore his book-writing approach, explaining why he co-authors all his books with different partners and sharing details about his current project, Whispers, with Mark Leslie, which explores death and the afterlife. The conversation concluded with practical advice for attendees planning to visit Calgary in October, including weather considerations and recommendations to visit Banff.

Bio

With 25 years of policing experience, Detective Dave Sweet (retired) has investigated some of Canada’s most heinous crimes. Over his career, Dave worked as a patrol officer and undercover police officer, and led task forces targeting gangs and organized crime groups operating in Calgary. In 2009 Dave joined the ranks of the homicide unit where he spent 14.5 years specializing in homicide, missing person, and suspicious death investigations. Several of Dave’s most known cases have been featured in documentaries including the CBC’s The Detectives, Global Television’s Crime Beat, Investigative Discoveries Murder Board and Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries. In addition to a Distinguished Service Award in 2010, Dave earned the Chief’s Award for Investigative Excellence in 2017, the Governor General’s Exemplary Service Medal in 2021 and the Queens Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022. Dave’s books are Skeletons in My Closet (2023), co-written with Sarah Kades; Undaunted with Susan Forest (2024); and, coming soon, Whispers with Mark Leslie.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Melodie Campbell, The Pharaoh’s Curse Murders

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza speaks with author Melodie Campbell about her Merry Widow Murders series set in the 1920s. Melodie discusses her latest book, The Pharaoh’s Cursed Murders (published by Cormorant Books), which features her protagonist, Lady Revelstoke, solving a murder aboard a cruise ship bound for Egypt while exploring themes of women’s rights and the ethics of archaeological digs. She explains how she incorporates comedy through her character, Elf, who serves as a comedic foil to the book’s serious mystery elements, and describes her extensive research into Egyptology to ensure the book’s historical accuracy. Melodie also mentions her new novella series, Pizza Wars, published by Gemma Open Door, a literary publisher. She discusses the challenges of engaging young readers in fiction in the current digital age.

Bio

Compared to Agatha Christie by The Toronto Star, Melodie Campbell was also named the “Canadian Literary heir to Donald Westlake” by Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. Winner of 10 awards, including the Derringer (US) and the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence, she has multiple bestsellers and was featured in USA Today.

Her publications include over 100 comedy credits, 21 novels, and 60 short stories. Her third book in the Merry Widow series, The Pharaoh’s Curse Murders, has just been released by Cormorant Books. She is the past executive director of Crime Writers of Canada.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Vicki Grant, nominated for Best Juvenile / YA Crime Book

Thu, 28 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Vicki Grant, discussing her book, Death by Whoopi Cushion (published by Tundra Books), which is nominated for Best Juvenile/YA Crime Book, sponsored by Superior Shores Press. They examine Vicki's writing approach for reluctant readers, her character Manya Brown, and the humor-mystery-science balance in the book, and briefly touch on Vicki's adult mystery novel, These Are the Fireworks.

Bio

Vicki Grant is a Canadian writer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She began her professional life in advertising and television, creating short ads and scripts before transitioning to full-length novels. Her first novel, The Puppet Wrangler, was published in 2004, marking the start of her career in young adult and middle-grade literature. In 2006, her book, Quid Pro Quo, won the Award of Excellence (then called the Arthur Ellis award) in the category of Best Juvenile / YA Crime Book. She has written twenty-one books, including titles for reluctant readers and award-winning novels.

Website: vickigrant.com/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Lorna Poplak, nominated for The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime

Wed, 27 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Lorna Poplak about her book, On the Lamb, Great and Not-So-Great Escapes from Prison" (published by Dundurn Press), which is nominated for The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book, sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm (Hamilton). Lorna discusses fascinating prison escape stories and her research methods. Lorna describes her book's focus on both the prison systems and the human motivations behind escapes, leaving readers to consider what constitutes a successful prison escape.

Bio

Lorna Poplak is a Toronto-based writer, editor, and researcher drawn to the dark side of history. With a background in law, literature, information technology, and technical communications, Lorna has written scientific and historical articles, travel pieces, short fiction, and a radio play. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and Mesdames of Mayhem. Lorna has written three true crime books: Drop Dead: A Horrible History of Hanging in Canada, The Don: The Story of Toronto’s Infamous Jail, and On the Lam: Great (and Not So Great) Escapes from Prison. The Don was shortlisted for both the Crime Writers of Canada (CWC) Excellence Award and the Heritage Toronto Book Award.

For more information about Lorna and her work, visit www.lornapoplak.com/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Angela Douglas, nominated for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada

Tue, 26 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Angela Douglas, whose debut novel, Every Fall (published by EOB Publishing), is nominated for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada, sponsored by Shaftesbury. They discuss the book's plot, which follows a police officer and his wife as they move to a new house and experience strange phenomena, told from both characters' perspectives. Angela explains how the story is set in fictional Canadian cities and features RCMP officers, making it uniquely Canadian. They also talk about Angela's book marketing efforts, including her work with Eyes on Books, a book marketing hub she founded. Angela gives us a sneak peek of her upcoming second novel, The Mentor.

Angela Douglas is an award-winning author of psychological thrillers, based in the Okanagan, BC. Her debut novel, EVERY FALL, has been recognized by the Crime Writers of Canada Excellence Awards, the Canadian Book Club Awards, the Pen Craft Awards, and the National Indie Excellence Awards. She is also the founder of Eyes on Books, a Book Marketing Hub. When she isn’t working or hanging out with her family, she hides in her studio, writing her next book.

www.angeladouglasbooks.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Barbara Stokes, nominated for Best Unpublished Crime Novel

Mon, 25 May 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Erik D'Souza interviews Barbara Stokes, discussing her nomination for Best Unpublished Crime Novel manuscript written by an unpublished author, sponsored by ECW Press, for her manuscript, Death Scent. Barbara discusses her character Doc, a retired Black Lab cadaver dog, and the protagonist Em, a former RCMP officer turned private detective. Barbara explained that her writing takes a gritty approach with a feminist agenda, and she is already working on a second book titled Ladykillerz, featuring the same main character.

A professional writer for her entire career, unpublished author Barbara Stokes has penned a wide variety of materials, from political speeches to poetry.

At the tail end of COVID, standing in a parking lot on a hot Saskatoon day, Barbara Stokes listened to a man tell the story of how he was almost arrested when his identity was stolen by a wanted man. Inspired by what she heard, Barbara expanded the parking lot story into Death Scent, a crime novel featuring a female ex-RCMP officer, Em Tremblay, and her sniffer dog, Doc. The story is set in the southern prairies, as an unrelenting heat dome bakes the fictional towns of Valmont and Milk Creek.

Four years later, with the number of rewrites impossible to count, Barbara is honoured that Death Scent has joined the CWC shortlist for books by an unpublished author. Barbara is currently at work on her second book, featuring the same main characters, also set in Saskatchewan, with the working title Ladykillerz. Barbara Stokes lives with her husband in Aldershot, Ontario, and makes frequent visits to the Prairie provinces, where beauty and inspiration are everywhere. In 2026, her goal is to find a publisher for Death Scent.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Steve Laflamme, finaliste pour Meilleur livre de crime en langue française

Sun, 24 May 2026 19:00:00 -0400

Cette entrevue en français a eu lieu entre Francisca Bullock et Steve Laflamme, finaliste du Prix d'excellence 2026 de Crime Writers of Canada dans la catégorie Meilleur livre policier en langue française, commandité par Carrick Publishing, pour son roman La mémoire du labyrinthe (publié chez Libre Expression).

Bio

Steve Laflamme enseigne la littérature (policière, entre autres) au Cégep de Sainte-Foy, à Québec. Il est l’auteur de dix romans policiers et à suspense chaudement accueillis par la critique. À temps perdu, il est également guitariste et chanteur dans un band de blues ne se produisant que dans des bars paumés. Surtout, il est papa de deux adolescents dont il est encore plus fier que de son réputé sucre à la crème.

*Biographie et photo de www.editionsdruide.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Jan Field, nominated for Best Crime First Novel

Sat, 23 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D'Souza interviews Jan Field about her novel, Yesterday Lies (published by La Cloche Publishing), which has been nominated for Best Crime First Novel, sponsored by Melodie Campbell. They discuss the novel's 1994 Northern Ontario setting, the unique crime scene involving a body in a tree, and the importance of family in the story. Jan explains her decision to keep the story in the 1990s era and describes her upcoming second book, Silence of the Deep, which is already written and heading to the editor.

Bio

Jan Field grew up in the mining town of Sudbury, Ontario, in a large, close-knit family that has kept her grounded and laughing (and reading) her entire life. Now retired from a career in marketing tourism accommodation in both northern and southern Ontario, Jan returns to her roots to create the Matt Brennan world, which is set in the remote northern landscape of Georgian Bay, Killarney, and the North Channel. The complexities of crime fascinate her: what makes ordinary people make horrible, life-altering decisions and what motivates others to seek out the truth and address the injustices of criminal action. She is incredibly honoured and humbled that ‘Yesterday’s Lies’ has been shortlisted for the Crime Writers of Canada’s Best Crime First Novel.

She is a member of CWC, Toronto Sisters-in-Crime, and the Writer’s Community of Durham Region. ‘Yesterday’s Lies’ was published in October 2025, and ‘Silence of the Deep’, Book II of the Matt Brennan Series, is to be released in September 2026.

Website: www.janicefield.com/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Kathleen Lippa, nominated for the Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book

Fri, 22 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D'Souza interviews Kathleen Lippa, discussing her book, The Arctic Predator: The Crimes of Edward Horn Against Children in Canada's North (published by Dundurn Press), nominated for the Brass Knuckles Award for Best Non-Fiction Crime Book, sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm (Hamilton). Kathleen explains that Ed Horn was a school teacher and principal who sexually abused Inuit children in the Canadian Arctic from 1971 to 1985, with over 100 victims, though the crimes remained unknown to the wider public until her book brought attention to them. She describes the challenging process of writing about such sensitive topics and the significant impact the crimes had on entire Arctic communities.

Bio

Kathleen Lippa is the author of critically-acclaimed book, Arctic Predator: The Crimes of Edward Horne Against Children in Canada’s North, published by DUNDURN PRESS.

Born in Toronto and raised in St. John’s, Kathleen studied dance at a professional level at The Quinte Ballet School and The School of the Toronto Dance Theatre before embarking on a journalism career.

At Memorial University of Newfoundland, where she graduated with a B.A. (English) in 1998, Kathleen was a reporter for the student newspaper, The Muse.

During her newspaper career, Kathleen (has)worked as a reporter, photographer, page-designer, headline writer and copy editor for The Hanover Post, 24 Hours (Toronto), The Calgary Sun, and The Express (St. John’s) where she won a Canadian Community Newspapers Association Award (2001) for Arts Reporting.

While serving as Bureau Chief of Nunavut News/North in Iqala witluit, Kathleen heard about the crimes of Ed Horne. She would spend the next 20 years of her life seeking the truth about what happened – building trust with contacts in Inuit communities, and getting the story on paper.

Kathleen and her husband, Arctic historian and author Kenn Harper, spent many years living and travelling in the Canadian Arctic. They now divide their time between Ottawa and St. John’s.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Rick Mofina is the recipient of the 2026 Grand Master Award

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400

Erik D'Souza interviews Rick Mofina, the recipient of the 2026 Grand Master Award from Crime Writers of Canada, to discuss his career and new book, One Second Away. Rick explains that his latest thriller represents a departure from his recent work, combining elements of global techno-thrillers with domestic suspense, featuring an ordinary family caught up in extraordinary circumstances when their child goes missing during an airline flight. They discuss Rick's approach to balancing character development with plot. He reveals that he’s currently working on two completed drafts: a standalone thriller submitted for next year's publication and a noir-style story set in 1993 that was previously rejected by publishers 25 years ago, which he plans to release in September or October.

Bio

Rick Mofina is a celebrated Canadian author and former journalist whose work has become a cornerstone of the modern crime and thriller genre. Over a career spanning several decades, he has transitioned from reporting on real-world tragedies to crafting some of the most authentic and pulse-pounding fiction in the industry. He has authored more than 30 crime fiction thrillers, which have been published in nearly 30 countries and translated into numerous languages.CWC selected Mofina for this year’s grandmaster based on his prolific output, professional integrity, and years of dedicated service to both the organization and the genre.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

C.S. Porter, nominated for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:00:00 -0400

Erik D'Souza interviews C.S. Porter, discussing his nominated novel, Salt on Her Tongue (published by Vagrant Press), for the Best Novel Set in Canada Award, sponsored by Shaftesbury. They discuss Porter's detective character, Kes Morris, who has taken a leave of absence and is given what's intended to be an easy missing person. The conversation covered the unique setting of the Bay of Fundy, which Porter describes as dangerous and aggressive, as well as the challenges of writing about such a specific location. They also discuss Porter's plans for a third Kes Morris novel, with the rough draft already completed.

Bio

C.S. Porter is a writer, photographer, and filmmaker who lives near the sea and has passed on that love, fear, and awe to Detective Kes Morris. Their debut novel, Beneath Her Skin, won the Crime Writers of Canada Howard Engel Award in 2022.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

A.L. Wahdel, nominated Best Crime First Novel

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:00:00 -0400

Erik D'Souza interviews A.L. Wahdel about his nomination for Best First Crime Novel, sponsored by Melodie Campbell, for his debut book, Too Dark for the Light (published by Butterfly 80 Publishing ). Wahdel, a police officer with two decades of experience, discusses his writing process, his decision to set the story in Toronto, and his approach to authentic police-procedural elements while maintaining entertainment value. They discuss the series' potential to follow in the footsteps of authors like Michael Connelly and Louise Penny. Wahdel also reveals that the second book in the series is scheduled for release in September 2026, and expresses gratitude for being nominated alongside other talented authors.

Bio

A.L. Wahdel is a Canadian crime thriller author. He crafts gritty, high-stakes stories set in Toronto—the city that raised him. His debut series brings the streets of Toronto to life with authentic detail, layered characters, and sharp suspense. Blending insider knowledge with powerful storytelling, Wahdel is redefining Canadian detective fiction for a global audience.

You can connect with A.L. Wahdel on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Substack, and find out more at www.alwahdelauthor.com

Also, sign up for his newsletter, “Midnight Intel” to get updates on new releases and exclusive promotions.

Links
https://www.alwahdelauthor.com/
https://alwahdel.substack.com/
https://www.instagram.com/alwahdelauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/al.wahdel/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Shelley Adina is nominated for The Whodunit Award

Mon, 18 May 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Erik D'Souza speaks with Shelley Adina about her nomination for the Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery for, The Engineer's Nemesis (published by Moonshell Books). Shelley discusses her steampunk mystery series featuring Lady Georgia Brunel and her aunt Millicent, in which the women solve cases while traveling on an airship. She explains her writing process, including her decision to write mysteries alongside her successful romance novels, and shares details about her upcoming books.

Bio

After a childhood spent reading Nancy Drew, and several years supporting the RCMP, Shelley Adina Bates now writes mysteries as a member of Sisters in Crime and Crime Writers of Canada. She is the author of some 60 novels—steampunk adventure and cozy fantasy mystery as Shelley Adina, deeply researched historical mystery under her full name, and as Adina Senft, she's the USA Today bestselling author of Amish women’s fiction. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Lancaster University in the UK. When she’s not writing, Shelley is usually quilting or enjoying the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Ray Critch, nominee for Best Crime First Novel

Fri, 15 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D'Souza interviews Ray Critch, a lawyer from St. John's, Newfoundland, who has been nominated for the Best First Crime Novel Award, sponsored by Melodie Campbell, for his book, The Beltane Massacre (published by Breakwater Books). They explore Ray's approach to writing about grief and high-stakes mystery, his experience with public speaking, and his plans to continue writing while maintaining his legal career. Ray also shared details about his upcoming second and third novels in the Rowan McRae series.

Bio

By day, Ray Critch is a lawyer from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Practicing civil litigation with MacGillivray Injury and Insurance Law, he has appeared at every level of court in Newfoundland and Labrador and at the Supreme Court of Canada. By night, he is a happily married husband and father of two. However, every once in a while, he carves off some spare time to pop to a local sports bar and do some writing. Somehow, he has managed to write three novels, the first of which, The Beltane Massacre, was published by Breakwater Books in 2025 and is a finalist for the Crime Writers of Canada's First Book Award of Excellence.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Tamara L. Miller is nominated for the Peter Robinson Award

Thu, 14 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Tamara L. Miller, a nominee for the Peter Robinson Award for Best Crime Novel for her debut book, Into the Fall (published by Thomas and Mercer). They discuss how Miller's camping trip in Ontario inspired the novel's premise about a woman stranded in the wilderness after her husband disappears. Miller shares her background, her transition from academic and government policy writing to crime fiction, and how she developed her writing skills through workshops and mentorship over several years. They also discuss her new book, The Weight of Glass, which follows a mother's disappearance in a small town along the shores of Lake Superior.

Bio

Tamara L. Miller writes psychological suspense steeped in atmosphere, emotional complexity, and the stark beauty of the Canadian wilderness. Her debut novel, Into the Fall was a 2025 Amazon First Reads selection. Her second novel, The Weight of Glass (2026), follows a daughter’s perilous search for answers after her mother’s disappearance along the snowbound shores of Lake Superior. She is unbelievably honoured and humbled that Into the Fall has been shortlisted for the Crime Writers of Canada Best Novel of 2026. Tamara holds a Ph.D. in Canadian history and draws on a lifelong love of the wilder places in her writing. She lives in Ottawa, Canada.

https://bytamaramiller.com/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Laury Silvers, nominee for The Whodunit Award

Wed, 13 May 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Laury Silvers, discussing her nomination for the Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery sponsored by Jane Doe, for her book, Some Justice. The interview covers Silvers' background as a retired professor of early Islam and Sufism, her decision to set her novels in Baghdad in 1912, and the evolution of writing styles from her Sufi Mysteries Quartet to the new Ghazi Amar Medieval Mysteries series. They discuss her writing approach, which she describes as emotionally driven, and her preference for self-publishing over traditional publishing. The conversation also touches on her contemporary thriller series, written under the pseudonym Jayne Green, and concludes with Silvers expressing her shock and excitement at being nominated for the award.

Bio

Laury Silvers is a North American Muslim of Southern and New Yorker cultural origin, finally at home in Canada. She is a retired professor of early Islam, early Sufism, and early pious and Sufi women. She taught at Skidmore College and the University of Toronto. Silvers also published work engaging Islam and Gender in North America in academic journals and popular venues, was actively involved in the woman-led prayer movement, and co-founded the Toronto Unity Mosque. She has since retired from academia and activism and hopes her mysteries and thrillers continue her scholarship and activism in their own way. She lives in Toronto under Treaty 13.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Alice Fitzpatrick is nominated for the Whodunit Award

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Alice Fitzpatrick about her nomination for the Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery, sponsored by Jane Doe, for her novel A Dark Death (Published by Stonehouse Publishing. She explains her writing process of A Dark Death, which features archaeological elements and explores the motivations of seemingly ordinary people to commit murder. The conversation also covers her upcoming Christmas-themed mystery, A Killing Cold.

Bio

Alice Fitzpatrick has contributed short stories to literary magazines and anthologies, including the Crime Writers of Canada 40th anniversary anthology, Cold Canadian Crime. She is a fearless champion of singing, cats, all things Welsh, and the Oxford comma. Her summers spent with her Welsh family in Pembrokeshire inspired the creation of the Meredith Island Mysteries, which include Secrets in the Water and A Dark Death. The Meredith Island Christmas mystery, A Killing Cold, will be released in June. The traditional mystery appeals to her fascination with what makes seemingly ordinary people commit murder. Alice lives in Toronto but dreams of a cottage on the Welsh coast.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Barbara Fradkin is nominated for Best Crime Short Story

Fri, 08 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Barbara Fradkin about the nomination of her story, Cold Shock, which appears in A Capital Mystery Anthology, published by Ottawa Press and Publishing. They explored Barbara's fascination with why ordinary people resort to desperate actions, her creation of tension and atmosphere in beautiful settings such as the Rideau River, and her long-running Inspector Green series set in Ottawa.

Bio

Barbara Fradkin is a retired child psychologist with a fascination for why we turn bad. She has published seventeen novels, over thirty short stories, and four Rapid Reads short novels. Twelve of her works have been shortlisted or won Awards of Excellence from Crime Writers of Canada. Besides her Amanda Doucette wilderness thrillers, she is best known for her gritty, long-running series featuring quixotic Ottawa Police Inspector Michael Green.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

M.H. Callway, nominee for Best Crime Short Story

Wed, 06 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Madeleine Harris-Callway, discussing her nomination for the story, The Lost Diner (published in Pulp Literature issue 47) in the Best Crime Short Stories category, sponsored by Crime Writers of Canada. Madeleine explains her story about a 62-year-old woman driving cars across the border for a criminal organization, sharing her character's background as a former repo specialist. Madeleine also updates us on her work with Les Madame et Messieurs de Mayhem collective, mentioning their upcoming seventh anthology titled "The Power of 13" scheduled for release in September ahead of Bouchercon in Calgary.

Bio

M. H. Callway’s crime fiction has won or been short-listed for several leading awards including the Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence, the Debut Dagger, and the Derringer. Her thriller, Windigo Fire (Seraphim Editions), was a finalist for the CWC Best First Novel Award. In 2013, she and Donna Carrick of Carrick Publishing co-founded the Mesdames and Messieurs of Mayhem, a collective of established Canadian crime writers. They are the subject of the critically acclaimed CBC documentary, The Mesdames of Mayhem, which you may view on CBC GEM or YouTube.

https://mhcallway.com/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Iona Whishaw, a nominee for The Whodunit Award

Tue, 05 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D'Souza interviews Iona Whishaw, whose novel, The Cost of a Hostage (Published by TouchWood Editions), is nominated for the Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery, sponsored by Jane Doe. They discuss her Lane Winslow mystery series set in 1940s British Columbia. They explored how Lane's character evolved from being inspired by Iona's mother to developing her own distinct personality.

Bio

Iona Whishaw is a Canadian author known for her Lane Winslow mystery series, drawing inspiration from her diverse background as an educator and social worker. She began writing the Lane Winslow mystery series at the age of 64, inspired by her mother's adventurous life, which included her involvement in intelligence during World War II. The series features Lane Winslow, a former British spy who seeks a quieter life in British Columbia after the war. Iona's writing is characterized by its historical accuracy and rich character development, drawing from her extensive research and personal history, making her works resonate with readers who appreciate both mystery and historical context.

Hear her earlier podcast, where we focused on Cost of a Hostage: Crime Writers of Canada - Podcasts on Crime Writing - Iona Whishaw, The Cost of a Hostage

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Lis Angus is nominated for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada and Best Crime Short Story

Mon, 04 May 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Lis Angus, who is nominated for two awards. Her novel, That Other Family (published by Next Chapter), is nominated for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada, sponsored by Shaftesbury. And her story, Under the Circumstances (published in A Capital Mystery Anthology by Ottawa Press and Publishing), is shortlisted for Best Crime Short Story, sponsored by Crime Writers of Canada. They discuss Lis's writing approach and her themes around family, protection, and ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. Lis explains her extensive rewriting process and how she pares down her stories. The interview concludes with Lis mentioning her current work on a third novel, though it's still in early development stages.

Bio

Originally from Alberta, Lis Angus has also lived in Germany, Ottawa and Toronto. Before turning to fiction, she worked with children and families in crisis, and later as a business writer, conference organizer, and policy advisor while raising two daughters. Her two suspense novels, Not Your Child (2022) and That Other Family (December 2025), have been well-received. She lives in a small town south of Ottawa with her husband.

Website: Lis Angus

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

John L. Hill’s book Acts of Darkness is nominated for the Brass Knuckles Award

Fri, 01 May 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Erik D'Souza interviews John L. Hill about his nominated book, Acts of Darkness, Notorious Criminals, Their Defenders, Prosecutors, and Jailers (Published by Durvile & UpRoute), which is nominated for The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book, sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm in Hamilton. John, a retired criminal and prison law lawyer, discusses how the book critically examines the Canadian justice system through real cases he's handled. They explored two chapters in detail: one about two businessmen wrongfully convicted of cocaine smuggling due to procedural errors, and another about the mistreatment of Indigenous youth in provincial facilities, including chaining and inhumane transportation practices. John emphasized the need to reform how society treats lawbreakers, particularly youth, arguing that punitive measures often create more problems than they solve and calling for better treatment to ensure safer communities.

Bio

John L. Hill is a retired criminal and prison law lawyer. He taught correctional law at the Queen's and University of Windsor Law Schools. But in private practice, he dealt with some of Canada's most notorious criminals as well as with some of Canada's best prosecutors and defence lawyers. In retirement, he has become a nonfiction writer. He is a columnist for Law 360 Canada (formerly The Lawyer's Daily), an online newspaper for the legal community. He has also published three books: Pine Box Parole: Terry Fitzsimmons and the Quest to End Solitary Confinement, The Rest of the [True Crime] Story, and Acts of Darkness. He has also published a story dealing with slavery in southeastern Ontario in a Florida-based magazine. John is the Ontario Central/East/Ottawa Regional Rep. for the CWC.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Joel Nedecky, Nominated for Best Crime First Novel

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Joel Nedecky is nominated for Best Crime First Novel, sponsored by Melodie Campbell, with a $1000 prize.

Erik D'Souza interviews Joel Nedecky, a Winnipeg school teacher and author of The Broken Detective (published by Run Amok Crime). The interview covers Joel's writing journey, from being nominated for The Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript, sponsored by ECW Press in 2023, to now being shortlisted for Best First Crime Novel, making it rare for an author to be nominated twice for the same book. They discuss the character of Jake Joelsen, who is described as "broken" due to childhood experiences with alcoholic parents and foster care, and his 2-week timeline to earn money before going to prison. The conversation also touches on the book's reception from readers, particularly women, and potential casting choices for a film adaptation. Joel shares his ongoing work on marketing the book and his plans for future writing projects, including a second Jake novel and a standalone novel, with hopes to publish the sequel in 2027.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Robert Cree with Therese Greenwood, Nominated for Brass Knuckles Award

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Robert Cree and Therese Greenwood's book, The Many Names of Robert Cree: How a First Nations Chief, Brought Ancient Wisdom to Big Business and Prosperity to His People (Published by ECW Press), is nominated for The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book, sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm in Hamilton.

Elder Robert Cree’s memoir, The Many Names of Robert Cree, is a first-person account of surviving the residential school system designed to erase Indigenous culture, language, and knowledge.

It is also the story of an epic life of struggle and healing, as Elder Robert takes the wisdom of the ancestors and a message of reconciliation to government and industry.

In his book, Elder Robert recounts his early years in the bush, his captivity at residential school, his struggles with addiction, his political awakening as one of Canada’s youngest First Nation Chiefs, and the rising Indigenous activism of the late 20th century.

He also describes the oil industry’s arrival on his then-poverty-stricken reserve and the struggle to balance economic opportunity with environmental challenges.

Throughout, Robert’s leadership has been rooted in his unshakable commitment to the sacred traditional teachings of his people. His beliefs give him the strength to focus on hope, dignity, and building a better future for his community.

Now a respected Elder and spiritual leader, Robert is well-known as a champion of reconciliation.

Author Therese Greenwood received the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence and Western Writers of America Spur Award for her fiction, which has appeared across Canada and the U.S. Her memoir of the Fort McMurray wildfire, What You Take With You: Wildfire, Family and the Road Home, was a Finalist for an Alberta Book Publishing Award.

Therese has worked as a reporter and editor and spent a decade as a CBC Radio correspondent. Her feature stories and columns appear regularly in national news publications, and she is a frequent commentator on issues related to both wildfires and crime fiction. She has a Master’s degree in journalism.

Their book, The Many Names of Robert Cree: How a First Nations Chief Brought Ancient Wisdom to Big Business and Prosperity to His People, has not only been nominated for a CWC award but has also received the 2026 Axiom Book Award Bronze Medal and is a finalist for the 2026 Alberta Literary Award.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

David L. Tucker, Nominee for Best Crime First Novel

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0400

In this podcast, Erik D’Souza interviews David L. Tucker, a nominee for Best Crime First Novel, sponsored by Melodie Campbell, for his debut crime novel, A Painting to Die For (published by Otter & Osprey Press). David explains how he transitioned to writing crime fiction, inspired by a trip to London and observations about the art market, which led to the story's setting in London during Brexit in 2017. The novel follows Bill Fredrick, a struggling Toronto portrait painter who becomes involved in a dangerous situation when he travels to London to help his wealthy uncle with a family matter. Erik and David discuss the writing process, including how David incorporated sensory details into his narrative and how the book successfully engages readers through its slow-burning tension and atmospheric descriptions.

Bio

David L. Tucker has won numerous international awards as a writer, producer and director of television documentaries, art specials, drama and current affairs programming. Best known for his work on CBC’s The Nature of Things with David Suzuki, Tucker garnered a Gemini for Best Direction, a Gracie, a Chris, a Prix Italia, a Freddie, and presented work at Hot Docs. His previous collection of short stories, One Way Ticket, earned him an Oakville Arts Council Literary Award. With a graduate degree in interdisciplinary fine arts, Tucker has also taught media aesthetics, documentary and screenwriting and presented scholarly papers in Paris, Budapest, Berlin and in the States.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Jack David, co-founder of ECW Press

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Jack David, co-founder of ECW Press, a Canadian book publisher founded in 1974 that has published over 2,000 books across various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Jack discusses the importance of good writing over social media presence, and shares why ECW Press sponsors the Crime Writers of Canada's best unpublished crime novel manuscript category, offering $500 to support emerging writers.

ECW Press is a Canadian book publisher located in Toronto, Ontario. It was founded by Jack David and Robert Lecker in 1974 as a Canadian literary magazine named Essays on Canadian Writing. They started publishing trade and scholarly books in 1979.

ECW Press publishes a range of books in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, sport, and pop culture. Publishers Weekly listed ECW Press as one of the fastest-growing and most diversified independent publishers in North America. ECW Press has published over 2,000 books, distributed throughout the English-speaking world and translated into dozens of languages.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Jennifer Hillier, Canadian Guest of Honour at Bouchercon 2026 in Calgary

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400

In this podcast, Erik D’Souza interviews Jennifer Hillier, the Canadian Guest of Honour at Bouchercon 2026 in Calgary, to discuss her writing and upcoming book. Jennifer discusses her award-winning novel, Things We Do in the Dark, which spans multiple locations, including Vancouver and Toronto, and her approach to writing diverse characters drawn from her lived experience as a Filipino-Canadian. She also shared details about her upcoming book Heart of Glass, set in a fictional seaside town, which took four challenging years to write. The conversation covered Jennifer's writing process, her experience with publishers regarding setting locations, and her return to Bouchercon after missing previous events due to scheduling conflicts.

Bio

JENNIFER HILLIER is the USA Today, Toronto Star, and The Globe and Mail bestselling author of Things We Do in the Dark, described as “an intoxicating thrill ride” by the New York Times and “propulsive and chilling” by People magazine. It was an Indigo Top Ten Best Book of the Year, an Amazon Editor’s Spotlight Pick, a Goodreads Choice Award nominee, a Loan Stars pick, and her third consecutive novel to be honored as a Library Reads pick, which places her in their Hall of Fame. She’s also the author of six other novels including the USA Today bestselling Little Secrets, which is currently being adapted for Peacock by Tish Cyrus’s Hopetown Entertainment and Universal Television, and Jar of Hearts, which won the ITW Thriller Award for Best Hardcover Novel. A Filipino-Canadian, she was born in Toronto and spent several years in Seattle before returning home to Canada. She currently lives in Oakville, Ontario with her family.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Mark Greaney, American Guest of Honour at Bouchercon 2026 in Calgary

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400

In this podcast, Erik D’Souza talks with Mark Graney, the American Guest of Honor for Bouchercon 2026 in Calgary. It focused on his writing career and experience with the conference. Mark discussed his process for writing lengthy thrillers, including his Gray Man series and Jack Ryan novels, explaining how he balances writing with his large family while incorporating current global affairs into his stories. He shared insights about researching locations, the psychological development of his assassin characters, and his approach to writing morally complex characters. The conversation concluded with Mark's advice about attending Bouchercon, highlighting its welcoming atmosphere and diverse community of writers and readers.

Bio

MARK GREANEY is the #1 NYT bestselling author of twenty-five novels, including THE GRAY MAN (2009), and twelve more books in the Gray Man series. He also coauthored three Jack Ryan novels with Tom Clancy, and authored four more Jack Ryan novels after Mr. Clancy’s death. Mark is the co-author of the military thriller, RED METAL (2019), and the author of the Josh Duffy series, including ARMORED (2022) and SENTINEL (2024).

The film adaptation of THE GRAY MAN was released in 2022, starring Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, and Ana de Armas, and was the fifth most-watched Netflix film of all time.

Mark lives in Memphis, TN, with his wife, Allison, his three stepchildren, and his four rescue dogs.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Vicki Delany: Cozy Guest of Honour at Bouchercon 2026 in Calgary

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Erik D’Souza interviews Vicki Delany as part of the Bouchercon series podcasts. The discussion covers Vicki's creative process and her approach to series longevity, particularly her decision to introduce a new protagonist in the Lighthouse Library series while keeping the original character, Lucy, in a supporting role. The conversation also touches on setting choices for cozy mysteries and the challenges of getting Canadian-set books published in the US market. The interview concludes with Vicki's advice for attendees of the upcoming Bouchercon in Calgary, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and spontaneity.

Bio

Vicki Delany is the recipient of the 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for contributions to Canadian crime writing. She is one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers and a national bestseller in the U.S. She has written more than fifty books: clever cozies to Gothic thrillers to gritty police procedurals, to historical fiction and novellas for adult literacy. She is currently writing the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series, the Year-Round Christmas mysteries, the Tea by the Sea books, and the Lighthouse Library series (as Eva Gates).

Vicki is a past chair of the Crime Writers of Canada and co-founder and organizer of the Women Killing It Crime Writing Festival. Her work has been nominated for the Derringer, the Bony Blithe, the Ontario Library Association Golden Oak, and the CWC Awards of Excellence. She lives in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Kevin Sands, Kid’s Guest of Honour at Bouchercon 2026 in Calgary

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Erik D'Souza interviews Kevin Sands, author of the Blackthorn Key Adventures and Thieves of Shadow Fantasy Heist series, as part of the Bouchercon series podcast. Kevin discusses his journey from theoretical physics and various careers to becoming a middle-grade fiction writer, explaining his approach to writing for 8-12 year olds while maintaining complexity that appeals to older readers. They explore Kevin's method of crafting puzzles in his books, drawing comparisons to Dan Brown, and discuss the challenges of reaching young audiences in the current social media landscape. The conversation concludes with information about Kevin’s upcoming appearance at Bouchercon's Kids event on October 24th, 2026 at the Central Library in Calgary.

Bio

Since escaping from university with a pair of degrees in theoretical physics, KEVIN SANDS has worked as a researcher, a business consultant, a teacher, and a professional poker player. He lives in Ontario, Canada. He is the author of the bestselling and multiple award-winning Blackthorn Key adventures and Thieves of Shadow fantasy heist series.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Louise Penny, Lifetime Achievement Guest of Honour at Bouchercon 2026 in Calgary

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0400

In this special edition podcast interview for Bouchercon, Erik D'Souza speaks with Louise Penny, the Lifetime Achievement Guest of Honour, about her career and Canadian crime writing. They explore the growing international recognition of Canadian crime writing and Louise's role as an ambassador for the genre. The conversation also touched on Louise's journalistic background and her recent co-written novel, The Last Mandarin, with journalist Melissa Fung. They concluded by discussing the upcoming Bouchercon event, with Louise offering advice for first-time attendees and sharing her positive experiences at previous conferences.

Louise Penny, a former CBC radio journalist, is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Globe and Mail bestselling author of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels. She has been awarded the CWA Dagger, Nero, Macavity, and Barry Awards, as well as two Arthur Ellis and two Dilys Awards. In addition, she has won the Agatha Award (eight times), and was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Novel. The series has been translated into 35 languages. In 2017, she received the Order of Canada for her contributions to Canadian culture. Louise Penny lives in a small village south of Montréal.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Pamela McDowell: Chair of the Local Organizing Committee for Bouchercon 2026 in Calgary

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0400

In this podcast, we discuss BoucherCon 2026, the mystery and crime fiction convention in Calgary, with the Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, Pamela McDowell. The convention, which runs from October 21-25, will feature 1,500 attendees, including readers, writers, and industry professionals, with a diverse lineup of guest authors from Canada, the US, the UK, and beyond. McDowell highlighted the convention's unique fan-focused format, special programming including a book collector showcase, and various social events planned throughout the city. The guest of honor list includes notable authors Louise Penny, Kathy Reichs, Mark Greaney, Vicki Delany, Abir Murherjee, Jennifer Hiller, Kevin Sands, P.J. Vernon, and Steele Curry (posthumous), with activities planned for both adult and young readers. The event will also feature book signings, publisher hospitality suites, and various networking opportunities, making it an exciting destination for mystery fiction enthusiasts.

Bio

Pamela McDowell loves reading mysteries - thrillers, cozies, historicals, procedurals, she loves them all. Back in 1972, her grandmother gave her a copy of Nancy Drew’s The Secret of the Old Clock, and Pamela has been a fan of mystery and crime fiction ever since then.

Today, Pamela lives in Alberta and leads a team of more than two dozen writers, readers, book sellers, editors, and librarians as they prepare to host Bouchercon: The World Mystery Convention in Calgary in 2026.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

William Wodhams, Thirty Feet Under

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0400

William Wodhams lives in Vancouver with his wife and an ill-behaved dog. His first novel, Declan Tucker's Grand Debut, was published in December 2024. His second novel, Thirty Feet Under, was named a finalist for the Crime Writers of Canada Best Unpublished Crime novel award and was recently published by ECW Press.

William is an award-winning copywriter who has been inspiring people with the life-changing possibilities of cell phones, hamburgers and drywall for over twenty years. His stories have been published in The Globe and Mail, the Pigeon Review Art and Literary Journal, and have won recognition from Writer’s Digest and Crime Writers of Canada.

In this episode, William Wodhams shares his journey to publication, including extensive querying and eventual success with ECW Press, and explains how his research trip to Italy inspired the plot of his book about art smuggling and an FBI art-crimes team. We discuss the moral ambiguity of the art world and Bill's character development.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Hope Thompson, Dark Thoughts and Other Stories

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0500

In this podcast, Hope Thompson discusses her short story collection Dark Thoughts and Other Stories, which blends noir elements with character-driven narratives. Hope explained her transition from theater and screenwriting to crime fiction, inspired by her role as host of Toronto Noir at the Bar. We examine two stories from the collection: "Dark Thoughts," featuring an advice columnist who receives a threatening letter, and "Locked Room Mystery," a 1930s-set tale about a young man obsessed with a serial killer. Hope shared her writing process, including her fascination with noir and her inspiration from Cornell Woolrich. They also touched on her work on a true crime project about missing persons cases in northern Ontario.

Bio:

Hope Thompson has a background in theatre, screenwriting, and true crime podcasting. Her plays have been produced in Toronto, Vancouver and Los Angeles; she was a story editor on CBC’s Baroness Von Sketch Show and wrote on the pre-school drag variety show The Fabulous Show with Fay & Fluffy. A licensed PI, Hope has also researched and written for true crime podcasts Crimehub and Whereabouts Unknown. In 2019, she wrote and performed her one-woman show, The Talking Grave—a séance with deceased crime writer, Cornell Woolrich. Dark Thoughts & Other Stories is Hope’s first story collection (DarkWinter Press, 2026).

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

G.D. Stickles, Purging of Paradise

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0500

G.D. Stickles is the pen name for Gary Stickles, who grew up in a small town near Niagara Falls. Over the years, he has pursued diverse professional roles, including hospitality worker, accountant, restaurateur, copywriter, and copy editor. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is also a husband and father.

His debut thriller, Purging of Paradise, was recently released by Pegasus Publishers. The novel is set in Hawaii and follows ex-cop Eric Wakefield, who becomes a private investigator and is embroiled in a chilling cat-and-mouse game with a serial killer.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Alan R. Warren, Peace, Love, and Murder: The Charles Manson Story

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0500

ALAN R. WARREN is a Bestselling Author, producer and lead host of the popular radio shows House of Mystery and Inside Writing, both heard on 106.5 F.M. Los Angeles/102.3 F.M. Riverside/ 1050 A.M. Palm Springs/ 540 A.M. KYAH Salt Lake City/ 1150 A.M. KKNW Seattle/Tacoma and Phoenix.

Al started writing articles for True Case Files Magazine and is still a contributor for Serial Killer Magazine. Since then, he has completed 38 non-fiction books covering true crime, cults, human trafficking, history, and memoirs for three different publishers, including RJ Parker/Vronksy Publishing in Toronto, Canada & WildBlue Press in Colorado, America.

His bestselling True Crime Books in Canada are Beyond Suspicion: The True Story of Colonel Russell Williams, which was featured on CNN's Lies, Crimes, & Videos in Season 4 in the Fall of 2022, and Murder Times Six: The True Story of the Wells Gray Park Murders.

In this podcast, we will discuss his newest book, Peace, Love, and Murder: The Charles Manson Story. He explores how Manson could only have thrived in the unique atmosphere of 1960s San Francisco and Los Angeles—a turbulent backdrop of war protests, psychedelic experimentation, and a generation desperate for change. Alongside this cultural portrait, the book provides rare insight into the backgrounds of each member of the so-called “Family,” showing how their vulnerabilities and desires made them susceptible to Manson’s influence.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Laurie McLure, In The Dark Shadows

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0500

Laurie McLure has a passion for crime fiction and for those who read it, write it, edit, and publish it. Laurie garnered significant experience throughout her career in government and while working and volunteering with a variety of not-for-profit organizations. Laurie is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Crime Writers of Canada. She is the author of Mountain Shadows and In The Dark Shadows. The great loves of Laurie's life are her family, animals, travel, and potato chips. Laurie is a full-time writer working on her third book of the Mountain Shadows Mysteries Series.

In this podcast, we will discuss her second novel, In The Dark Shadows.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Tony Berryman, On Borrowed Time

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:00:00 -0500

Tony writes mysteries and thrillers, two fingers at a time. His first massage therapy thriller, The Night Nurse, was published in 2020. His second, On Borrowed Time, hit the shelves in 2025.

Tony spent 17 years as a registered massage therapist in Vancouver and now works for Parks Canada. When he’s not making a paycheque or writing books, he can be found hiking and paddling the Columbia Valley or trying out new recipes on unsuspecting guests.

Tony also co-writes with Juanita Rose Violini, his life partner and murder mystery plots expert, under the pen name Trigger Jones. Trigger’s first two sci-fi adventure books, Gravity Doesn’t Lie and Atmosphere Meltdown, are available now. The first book in their time travel treasure hunt series will be out soon.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Juanita R. Violini, The Mystery Bones Method Diagrams

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0500

Juanita R. Violini is a mystery creator and author known for her long career crafting interactive whodunits and exploring the strange edges of reality. For nearly two decades, she produced live murder‑mystery events in Vancouver, an experience that shaped her signature blend of solvable puzzles and theatrical fun.

She is also the creative force behind Mystery Factory, a company built on more than thirty years of designing clever, audience‑friendly mystery plots. Mystery Factory grew out of her earlier venture, Masterpiece Mysterys, and continues her mission of helping writers and performers build compelling, fair‑play mysteries.

In this podcast, we will discuss her most recent book, The MYSTERY BONES METHOD DIAGRAMS. It’s a self-guided course that tells you everything you need to know, from beginning to end, about how to plot a murder mystery story.

mysteryfactory.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Angela van Breemen, Revenge is Not Enough

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0500

Angela van Breemen is a graduate of the University of Guelph with a degree in management economics and was a co-owner of a dental supply company. After the company was sold, she turned her focus to writing, music, and volunteering her time at Procyon Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre. In 2024, she published her first novel, Past Life’s Revenge, a crime thriller with a twist of spiritualism. Angela is a Soprano Soloist and a firm believer in giving back to the community.

She lives in Loretto, Ontario, with her husband, Peter Thomas Pontsa, author of the Inspector William Fox Series. In this podcast, we will discuss her second novel in The David Harris and Emma Jackson Mystery series, Revenge is Not Enough.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Dawn Rodger, Scattered Garbage

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0500

Dawn Rodger grew up in Scarborough in the 1980s during Paul Bernardo's rampage. She is also a trauma survivor from domestic violence and narcissistic abuse.

She has a BMUS from the University of Western Ontario, and a BEd from the University of Toronto. She is a clarinetist and has played in community bands her entire adult life. She taught elementary school music for twenty-five years.

Dawn has published a previous book, a memoir called I Could Almost Touch the Devil. In this podcast we discussed her debut crime novel, Scattered Garbage. She lives in the Greater Toronto Area with her loving husband, five beautiful children and their beloved dog, Cupcake.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Joel Nedecky. The Broken Detective

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0500

Winnipeg author Joel Nedecky has always loved stories, yet most of his childhood was spent playing hockey. It wasn’t until university that he discovered a passion for all types of fiction. In 2023, his novel, The Broken Detective, was shortlisted for The Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript, sponsored by ECW Press. We are chatting today because The Broken Detective was recently published by Run Amok Crime.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Bernadette Cox & Mike Martin, A Capital Mystery Anthology

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we have the editors of A CAPITAL MYSTERY ANTHOLOGY, the mostly retired public relations professional, writer and editor Bernadette Cox and the award-winning and bestselling author of the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series, Mike Martin.

A CAPITAL MYSTERY ANTHOLOGY is presented by THE CRIME WRITERS OF CANADA and features 21 talented mystery authors.

Some of our mysteries are set in modern times, some reach all the way back to Bytown, Ottawa’s original settlement. But what each story features — whatever the setting — is a crime that will leave you wondering, or leave you shocked, or maybe, awake at night wondering if you should read one more.

A Capital Mystery is a book that celebrates the magic, history and most of all — mystery — that is Ottawa.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Peter Thomas Pontsa, The Santity of Freedom

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0400

Peter Thomas Pontsa is a Canadian author known for his thrilling William Fox Adventure Series, which includes Outfoxed (2023) and Sanctity of Freedom (2025). Before turning to fiction, Pontsa had a distinguished career in the dental industry, authoring numerous techno-clinical articles. After his retirement, he decided to develop his creative writing side by taking a course at the University of Waterloo on Advanced Fiction Writing. He also became active in writers’ groups such as the Wordsmiths and the Crime Writers of Canada.

A passionate British sports car enthusiast and a second-degree black belt in taekwondo, Peter brings realism to his action scenes through personal experience. He lives in Loretto, Ontario, with his wife, author Angela van Breemen, and their orange tabby, Mr. Tee.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Shane Peacock, A Place of Secrets

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:00:00 -0400

As an author of novels (for YA readers and adults), playwright, journalist, and screenwriter, Shane Peacock has always been interested in larger-than-life characters, seeking the truth about human beings, and exploring the invisible things that matter to us all. Earlier this year (season 3, ep. 2), I interviewed Shane, and we discussed the first novel in his new Northern Gothic series, “As We Forgive Others”. The novel has received significant recognition, including the 2025 Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada, which affirms its literary merit and resonant themes.

In this podcast, we will discuss its sequel, “A Place of Secrets,” published by Cormorant Books.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Joanne Kormylo, The Resistance Daughter

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0400

Joanne Kormylo’s debut novel, THE RESISTANCE DAUGHTER, is a work of historical fiction inspired by true stories. She is the daughter of a WWII bomber pilot and prisoner of war. As part of her research for this novel, she studied her late father’s Wartime Log, interviewed veterans, served on the board of an Air Force Museum, and traveled to the UK, Poland, and Germany. Joanne holds both an MA and a JD, leading to a career as a lawyer and business owner. She has one daughter, Andrea, and resides in Western Canada.

Two years ago, I interviewed Joanne because her story TWO KNOTS was nominated by Crime Writers of Canada for the Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript sponsored by ECW Press in 2023.

Since then, the title changed to THE RESISTANCE DAUGHTER and it’s been published by Hodder & Stoughton publishers in the UK.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Rosemary McCracken, Riversong

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Born and raised in Montreal, Rosemary McCracken has worked on newspapers across Canada as a reporter, editor, editorial writer, arts reviewer, and restaurant critic.

Safe Harbor, the first novel in her five-book Pat Tierney series, was a finalist for Britain’s Debut Dagger Award in 2010. It was first published by Imajin Books in 2012, followed by Black Water in 2013 and Raven Lake in 2016. All three were republished by Carrick Publishing in 2018, followed by Uncharted Waters in 2020 and Riversong in 2025.

Rosemary’s short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies and magazines. “The Sweetheart Scamster,” a Pat Tierney story in the Mesdames of Mayhem’s anthology Thirteen, was nominated for a Derringer Award in 2014.

Rosemary now lives and writes in Toronto.

Visit Rosemary’s website: here.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Timothy S. Johnston, A Blanket of Steel

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 19:00:00 -0400

Timothy S. Johnston is the author of the Science Fiction/Thriller The Rise of Oceania series, which includes The War Beneath, The Savage Deeps, Fatal Depth, The Shadow of War, and most recently, A Blanket of Steel. He has won the GLOBAL THRILLER Award Grand Prize, the EPIC Award, the CYGNUS Science Fiction Award Grand Prize, as well as the CLUE Award. He has been an educator for twenty-five years and a writer for thirty. He lives on planet Earth, but he dreams of the stars. Visit www.timothysjohnston.com to register for news alerts, read his blog and reviews, and learn more about his current and upcoming thrillers.

In this podcast, we’ll discuss the series, focusing on A Blanket of Steel, which recently won the 2024 Grand Prize in the Global Thriller Awards and the 2024 First in Category award in the Cygnus Awards.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Iona Whishaw, The Cost of a Hostage

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:00:00 -0400

Iona Whishaw has been a youth worker, social worker, teacher, and an award-winning High School Principal, who continued with her writing throughout her working life. Receiving her Masters in Creative writing from UBC, Iona has published short fiction, poetry, poetry translation and one children’s book, Henry and the Cow Problem. The Lane Winslow mystery series is her first foray into adult fiction.

Iona was born in Kimberley, BC, but grew up in several different places, including a small community on Kootenay Lake, as well as Mexico and Central America, and the US, due to her father’s geological work. The Cost of a Hostage is the twelfth book in the Lane Winslow mystery series.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Vicki Delany, More Than Sorrow

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers and a national bestseller in the U.S. She has written more than forty books: clever cozies to Gothic thrillers to gritty police procedurals, to historical fiction and novellas for adult literacy. She is currently writing four cozy mystery series: the Tea by the Sea mysteries for Kensington, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series for Crooked Lane Books, the Catskill Resort mysteries for Penguin Random House, and the Lighthouse Library series (as Eva Gates) for Crooked Lane.

Vicki is a past president of the Crime Writers of Canada and co-founder and organizer of the Women Killing It Crime Writing Festival. Her work has been nominated for the Derringer, the Bony Blithe, the Ontario Library Association Golden Oak, and the Arthur Ellis Awards. Vicki is the recipient of the 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for contributions to Canadian crime writing. She lives in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Karen Grose, All June Left Behind

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:00:00 -0400

Karen Grose is from Toronto, Canada. Her debut novel, The Dime Box, was selected by Amnesty International for its 2021 Book Club. Her second is Flat Out Lies, and All June Left Behind is her third. She has flash, poems, and short stories published by Roi Faineau Press, Paddler Press, Punk Noir Magazine, Epistemic Literary Magazine, Hooghly Review, Bunker Squirrel Magazine, and Superior Shores Press. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters-in-Crime-Toronto and National, and the #thrillsandchills writing group. Track her down on X: @kgrose2, IG: karengrosewrites, FB, or at www.karengrose.ca

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Dean Jobb, nominated for Best Nonfiction Crime Book

Thu, 29 May 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Dean Jobb’s book, A Gentleman and a Thief: The Daring Jewel Heists of a Jazz Age Rogue, (published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.) is nominated for The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm (Hamilton) with a $300 prize

Dean Jobb writes historical true crime. His latest book, A Gentleman and a Thief, the story of a daring jewel thief who targeted New York’s Jazz Age elite, is a national bestseller and a New York Times Editors’ Choice. He is the author of The Case of the Murderous Dr. Cream, which recreates the hunt for a Victorian era Canadian doctor-turned-serial killer, and Empire of Deception, the tale of a fugitive American swindler in 1920s Nova Scotia. All three books are published by HarperCollins Canada. He has won the CrimeCon and Crime Writers of Canada awards for best true crime book and has been a finalist for the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize and the American Library Association’s Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence. His monthly true crime column, “Stranger Than Fiction,” appears in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and he has written for Air Mail, CrimeReads, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, The Irish Times and other major publications. He is a professor at the University of King’s College in Halifax, where he teaches in the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction program. Find him at www.deanjobb.com.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

William Watt, nominated for the Best Unpublished Crime Novel Manuscript

Thu, 29 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400

William Watt’s novel, Predators in the Shadows, is nominated for the Best Unpublished Crime Novel manuscript written by an unpublished author sponsored by ECW Press with a $500 prize.

William is a retired educator living in North York, Ontario. He graduated from York University with combined honours in English and sociology and later earned a Master of Education degree at the University of Toronto.

To keep busy after retirement, he took on a succession of activities. He owned a chocolate shop, trained security guards to write reports, worked for Statistics Canada, sold cars, and interviewed homeless people as part of a health study for McMaster University.

At age seventy, William enrolled in two short-story writing courses at George Brown College. As he had always enjoyed reading murder mysteries, one of his stories introduced Toronto Police detective, Joe Latimer. It was so well received by both his writing class and his reading group, that his sister, Marlene, suggested he develop the character into a novel.

This led to another course at George Brown where he received advice from Rob Brunet regarding plot development and timing. He later met Robert Rotenberg at Noir at the Bar who offered valuable guidance on character development and chapter structure. Although neither gentleman has read Predators in the Shadows, both read excerpts of a previous endeavour and provided constructive criticism. Through Rob and Robert, he learned that writing is truly a craft that is developed through hard work and feedback from more experienced writers.

William and his wife, Vanessa, enjoy bird watching and have travelled to many parts of Canada to photograph their feathered, and occasionally, furry friends.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Liz Ireland, nominated for Best Crime Novella

Wed, 28 May 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Liz Ireland’s novella, Mrs. Claus and the Candy Corn Caper (published in Halloween Cupcake Murder, by Kensington Press) is nominated for Best Crime Novella sponsored by Carrick Publishing with a $200 prize.

Elizabeth Bass, aka Liz Ireland, has been navigating the changing seas of publishing for thirty years, and has published fifty works of romance, women’s fiction, and mystery. As Liz Freeland she wrote the award-winning Louise Faulk historical mystery series, and as Liz Ireland she writes the Mrs. Claus cozy mysteries, in which recently married April Claus investigates naughty elves and sneaky snowmen in the ultimate cozy village, Christmastown. Originally from the United States, Liz now lives on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Linda Sanche, nominated for Best Crime Short Story

Wed, 28 May 2025 16:00:00 -0400

Linda’s debut short story “The Electrician” was published this past November in the Sisters in Crime – Canada West’s anthology, Crime Wave 3: Dangerous Games and is nominated for Best Crime Short Story. She’s seeking a home for her debut mystery thriller Off the Mark and she’s plotting out the sequel.

As a former producer, writer, and director of factual series television, Linda’s credits include three seasons as the senior story producer on the true crime show Murder She Solved (W Network, OWN, True Crime Network). After her TV career, Linda retrained as a crime analyst but soon concluded that she was better suited to writing about crime than trying to solve it.

Linda lived in Vancouver for many years but now resides in her hometown of Calgary with her husband, daughter, dog, and two cats.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Lorrie Potvin, nominated for the Best Unpublished Crime Novel Manuscript

Tue, 27 May 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Lorrie Potvin’s novel, A Trail's Tears, is nominated for the Best Unpublished Crime Novel Manuscript written by an unpublished author sponsored by ECW Press.

Tradeswoman, artist, and teacher Lorrie Potvin, a queerishly Two-Spirited Citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario, is the author of Horses in the Sand – A Memoir (2022). Her first book, First Gear – A Motorcycle Memoir (2015), the essays - My tattoos speak of life and loss and Why I’m thankful for multiple sclerosis (Globe & Mail) were published under her previous surname, Jorgensen, as was the short story, The 13th Dock, Writing At Wintergreen, an anthology edited by Helen Humphreys.

Working and teaching in the trades for over 30 years, Potvin holds an Inter-Provincial Red Seal in Auto Body Repair and Refinishing from Algonquin College and a diploma in Technological Education from the Faculty of Education, Queen’s University, with additional qualifications in Manufacturing and Special Education. In 2022, she was named an Alumni Award of Distinction recipient from Algonquin College for Apprenticeship and was a nominee for the Ontario Premier’s Award in the same category.

Winner of the Sisters in Crime 2024 PRIDE Award for emerging 2SLGBTQIA+ writers, Lorrie lives near Perth with her partner Paula and Tig, the Cairn Terrier, writing and creating art from scrap metal.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

David A. Poulsen, nominated for Best Juvenile / YA Crime Book

Mon, 26 May 2025 19:00:00 -0400

David A. Poulsen novel, The Dark Won't Wait, (published by Red Deer Press) is nominated for Best Juvenile / YA Crime Book sponsored by Superior Shores Press with a $250 prize.

David A. Poulsen has been a broadcaster, teacher, football coach, rodeo cowboy, stage and film actor, and--most of all--writer. His writing career began in earnest when his story The Welcomin’ won the 1984 Alberta Culture Short Story Competition. He is now the author of 33 books, many for middle readers and young adults. The 2012 winner of the Sakura Medal in Japan for his YA novel, Numbers, David’s most recent book is The Dark Won’t Wait, a teen thriller/mystery that has been short-listed for a Crime Writers Canada Award of Excellence. David is approaching 3000 school presentations as a visiting author/presenter. “I never tire of sharing my love for reading and writing with kids of all ages.”

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Nate Hendley, nominated for The Brass Knuckles Award

Sat, 24 May 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Nate Hendley’s book, Atrocity on the Atlantic: Attack on a Hospital Ship During the Great War (published by Dundurn Press) is nominated for The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm (Hamilton) with a $300 prize.

Nate Hendley is a Toronto-based journalist and author. His work has appeared in The National Post, Maclean’s magazine, and numerous trade and business publications. He has also written scripts for podcasts, feature articles for the website of TVOntario and several books, primarily in the true-crime genre.

Nate’s last book, The Beatle Bandit won the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence for Non-Fiction 2022 and was nominated for a Heritage Toronto 2022 Book Award.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Johanne Seymore, nominé pour le meilleur livre policier en langue Française.

Fri, 23 May 2025 18:00:00 -0400

Le roman Fracture de Johanne Seymore (publié par Libre Expression) est nominé pour le meilleur livre policier en langue française.

(You can find the English version of this podcast at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2232876/episodes/17217796 )

Johanne Seymour est une actrice, écrivaine, réalisatrice et romancière franco-québécoise.

Elle a commencé sa carrière en tant que comédienne au théâtre, à la télévision et au cinéma, avant de se tourner vers la mise en scène de pièces de théâtre et l'écriture pour la comédie populaire Jacques et Normand. Elle a ensuite écrit une sitcom télévisée intitulée Santa Maria. Désireuse d'élargir ses horizons, elle a ensuite étudié la vidéo à l'Université de New York et la réalisation de télévision et de cinéma à l'Institut national de l'image et du son. Son film La dernière pomme a remporté le Bonzaï du meilleur court métrage étudiant au festival de Tunis (2000).

Johanne a travaillé comme scénariste (Santa Maria, Diva, Séquelles) et réalisatrice pour la télévision (Emma, Cent titres, Chanson pour Anna, La dernière pomme, L'Invitation) avant de se lancer dans l'écriture des romans policiers de Kate McDougall en 2015. Elle adapte Le cri du cerf, le premier roman de la série, sous le titre Séquelles. La mini-série a été diffusée pour la première fois sur les ondes de Séries+, où elle a recueilli les meilleures cotes d'écoute jamais enregistrées pour une production interne. Il a poursuivi sa carrière sur Crave et la sienne est maintenant diffusée sur Netflix.

Rinzen et l'homme perdu, son septième roman et le premier de sa nouvelle série de romans policiers, a été salué comme une « série qui marquera la littérature québécoise » et son opus littéraire Le Goût de l'élégance est un best-seller franco-québécois. Fracture, son dernier roman publié en 2023, a reçu des critiques élogieuses et est présélectionné pour les Crime writers Awards.

Johanne travaille également comme rédactrice et conseillère en scénario et elle est la fondatrice des Printemps meurtriers, un festival policier populaire dans sa ville de Knowlton, au Québec (2012-2016).

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Johanne Seymore, nominated for Best French Language Crime Book.

Fri, 23 May 2025 18:00:00 -0400

Johanne Seymore’s novel Fracture (published by Libre Expression) is nominated for Best French Language Crime Book.

(Vous pouvez retrouver la version Française de ce balado à l'adresse suivante : https://www.buzzsprout.com/2232876/episodes/17217826)

Johanne Seymour is a French Quebec actress, writer, director and novelist.

She started her career as an actress on stage, TV and in films, before she switched to directing plays and writing for the popular comedy stage act: Jacques et Normand. She then went on to write a TV sitcom called Santa Maria. Interested in broadening her horizons, she later studied video at NYU and TV and film directing at l’Institut national de l’image et du son. Her movie La dernière pomme won the Bonzaï for best student short at the Tunis film festival (2000).

Johanne worked as a screen writer (Santa Maria, Diva, Séquelles) and a TV director (Emma, Cent titres, Chanson pour Anna, La dernière pomme, L’Invitation) before she started writing the Kate McDougall crime novels in 2015. She adapted Le cri du cerf, the first novel of the series, under the title Séquelles. The mini series was first shown on Séries+, where it gathered the highest ratings ever for an in-house production. It continued its career on Crave and his now shown on Netflix.

Rinzen et l’homme perdu, her seventh novel and first of her new crime novel serie, has been hailed as a “series who will mark Quebec literature” and her literary opus Le Goût de l’élégance is a French Quebec best-seller. Fracture, her last novel published in 2023, received rave critics and is short listed for the Crime writers awards.

Johanne also works as a script editor and script adviser and she is the founder of Les Printemps meurtriers, which was a popular crime festival in her town of Knowlton, Québec (2012–2016).

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Catherine Astolfo is nominated for The Best Crime Short Story

Thu, 22 May 2025 18:00:00 -0400

Catherine Astolfo is nominated for The Best Crime Short Story, for her story Farmer Knudson, From Auntie Beers: A Book of Connected Short Stories, published by Carrick Publishing.

Catherine Astolfo is an award-winning writer of short stories and the author of seven novels and two novellas. Catherine won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Short Story in 2012 for "What Kelly Did" and again in 2018 for “The Outlier,” which is included in the Mesdames of Mayhem Anthology, 13 Claws. Catherine’s most recent book is Auntie Beers. With an historical twist and quite different from her other novels, this one is a collection of connected short stories. Published by Carrick Publishing. Catherine is a Derrick Murdoch award winner for service to Crime Writers of Canada and a Past President. Auntie Beers is available everywhere. Check out all her books at catherineastolfo.ca.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

John L. Hill, Nominated for The Brass Knuckles Award

Wed, 21 May 2025 19:00:00 -0400

John L. Hill’s Novel, The Rest of the [True Crime] Story,(Published by AOS Publishing) is nominated forThe Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm (Hamilton) with a $300 prize

John L. Hill is a Canadian lawyer who has defended some of Canada’s most notorious criminals. He holds a B.A., M.A., and J.D. from Queen’s University and an LL.M. in Constitutional Law from Osgoode Hall Law School. He has taught prison law at Queen’s University and at the University of Windsor Law School.

Hill has attended and presented papers at the International Association of Law and Mental Health conferences in Siena, Italy, Paris, France, and Amsterdam. He has also lectured at the University of the Pacific Law School in California.

Now retired, Hill is a columnist for Law 360 Canada, an online newspaper serving Canada’s legal community. He comments on current issues dealing with criminal and prison law.

Hill has authored two books: Pine Box Parole: Terry Fitzsimmons and the Quest to End Solitary Confinement (Durvile Publishing, 2022) and The Rest of the [True Crime] Story (AOS Publishing, 2024). He has contributed a chapter to Indigenous Justice (Durvile Publishing, 2023) and a magazine article dealing with slavery in nineteenth-century Ontario for a Florida-based publication.

Hill is a professional member of Crime Writers Canada and volunteers as a mentor for lawyers wanting to practice prison law.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Pamela Jones, Nominated for the Best Crime Novella

Wed, 21 May 2025 15:00:00 -0400

Pamela Jones’s book, The Windmill Mystery, (published by Austin Macauley Publishers) is nominated for the Best Crime Novella sponsored by Carrick Publishing with a $200 prize.

For many years, Pamela has been a writer of program notes for the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, the NAC Orchestra, the Festival de Lanaudière, and numerous magazines and festivals in both Europe and Canada. In 2007 McGill-Queen’s University Press published her biography of a Quebec composer (Alcides Lanza: Portrait of a Composer). For this biography, she was awarded the Québec Opus prize for “Livre de l’année, An 2007-2008” (book of the year, 2007-08). She has a PH D in Musicology from King’s College (London) and taught music and dance at the National Theatre School of Canada.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Marianne K. Miller, nominated for the Best Crime First Novel

Tue, 20 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Marianne K. Miller’s novel, We Were the Bullfighters, is nominated for the Best Crime First Novel, sponsored by Melodie Campbell with a prize of $1000.

Marianne K. Miller’s debut novel, We Were the Bullfighters, (Dundurn Press) is about Ernest Hemingway’s time at the Toronto Daily Star in 1923. On his first day, Hemingway was sent to cover a prison break at Kingston Pen. The novel follows Hemingway and the convicts on the run. A graduate of the Creative Writing Program, School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto, Miller won and was twice short-listed for the Random House Award for Student Writing. Her story, Vigil Night, appeared in The Antigonish Review. Her monologue, a. k. a. Jason, is a popular audition piece for aspiring actors. A member of the Hemingway Society, in 2018, she presented a paper, Hemingway in Toronto, at the 18th International Hemingway Conference in Paris, France.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Therese Greenwood, Nominated for Best Crime Short Story

Sun, 18 May 2025 16:00:00 -0400

Therese Greenwood is nominated for Best Crime Short Story for her story, Hatcheck Bingo, from The 13th Letter, A Mesdames and Messieurs of Mayhem Anthology, published by Carrick Publishing

Fort McMurray writer Therese Greenwood has been named a Finalist for the 2025 Award of Excellence for Best Short Story from the Crime Writers of Canada. It is Greenwood’s fourth nomination for Canada’s top mystery writing prize. Greenwood’s 2025 nomination is for “Hatchcheck Bingo,” a women-centred story set in the Prohibition era. Greenwood’s story appeared in Carrick Publishing’s 2024 crime fiction collection The Thirteenth Letter, (A , Mesdames and Messieurs of Mayhem anthology which is) nominated for a 2025 Derringer Award for Best Anthology.

Therese’s short crime fiction has appeared across Canada and the U.S. and she won the 2019 Spur Award from the Western Writers of America for her story “Buck’s Last Ride” in Kill As You Go, her 2018 short story collection. She has co-edited two short crime fiction anthologies.

Therese’s memoir of the Fort McMurray wildfire, What You Take With You: Wildfire, Family and the Road Home, was a Finalist for the 2020 Alberta Book Publishing Awards from The Book Publishers Association of Alberta (BPAA). Nominated in the Trade Non-fiction category, What You Take With You: Wildfire, Family and the Road Home was published by the University of Alberta Press. An eyewitness account of the Fort McMurray wildfire and evacuation, the book is also about the physical and emotional artifacts we carry with us in times of crisis.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
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Twist Phelan, Nominated for Best Crime Novella and Juvenile Crime Book

Sat, 17 May 2025 18:00:00 -0400

Twist Phelan is nominated for two awards in 2025. Her story Aim (featured in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine)is on the shortlist for Best Crime Novella sponsored by Carrick Publishing and she is nominated for Best Juvenile / YA Crime Book sponsored by Superior Shores, for her book, Snowed (published by Bronzeville Books).

Twist Phelan is the award-winning author of eleven mystery novels, which have been praised by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus, and Booklist.
She also writes short stories, which have appeared in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine and various anthologies. Accolades for her work include two Thriller Awards and the Arthur Ellis Award, plus multiple nominations for the Thriller, Ellis, Shamus, Anthony, Derringer, Silver Falchion, and Lefty Awards, as well as the Crime Writers of Canada's Award of Excellence and the Irish Book Awards.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Jaima Fixsen, Nominated for The Miller-Martin Award for Best Crime Novel

Fri, 16 May 2025 20:00:00 -0400

Jaima Fixsen’s novel The Specimen, (published by Poisoned Pen Press) is nominated for

The Miller-Martin Award for Best Crime Novel, sponsored by the Boreal Benefactor with a $1000 prize

Jaima Fixsen is a USA Today and International best-selling author living and writing in Edmonton, Alberta. Her novel, The Girl In His Shadow (co-authored under the pen name Audrey Blake), was selected as Libby’s 2022 Big Library Read. Her books have been translated in eight languages.

Jaima studied Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta. Her classes there on human anatomy and health care ethics began a longtime fascination with medical history, which often figures in her novels. She loves history, snow, reading, snow, and spending as much time as possible in the Canadian Rockies.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Raye Anderson, Nominated for Best The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery

Thu, 15 May 2025 18:00:00 -0400

Raye Anderson's novel, The Dead Shall Inherit, (published by Signature Editions) was nominated for The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery sponsored by Jane Doe with a $500 prize.

Raye Anderson is a Scots Canadian who taught Drama and ran Theatre and Community arts programs for many years, notably at Prairie Theatre Exchange in Winnipeg, in Ottawa and Calgary.

Raye has been a resident of the Interlake since 2007 and presently lives in Gimli. Her first crime fiction novel, And We Shall Have Snow, was published by Signature Editions in 2020. It was a finalist for Best First Novel for the Crime Writers of Canada, Awards of Excellence and was also shortlisted in the Original Softcover Fiction category of the WILLA Literary Awards.

The second book in the series, which features Sergeant Roxanne Calloway of the RCMP, occurs mostly in Winnipeg, in a fictional theatre company. Titled And Then Is Heard No More, it was published in 2021, and was the Winnipeg Free Press/McNally Robinson Book Club pick for July/August of 2022.

Raye returned to the Interlake as the setting for the third and fourth books in the series, Down Came The Rain (2022) and Sing a Song of Summer (July, 2023).

The Dead Shall Inherit (September, 2024) is the first in a new series. Elspeth Laird is a Canadian, born in Scotland, who returns there when her aunt leaves her a house on a Hebridean island.

Had a Great Fall, book 5 in the Roxanne Calloway series, will be released in the fall of 2025.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Suzan Denoncourt, Nominated for Best Crime First Novel

Wed, 14 May 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Suzan Denoncourt’s novel, The Burden of Truth, (published by Suzan Denoncourt) was nominated for Best Crime First Novel, sponsored by Melodie Campbell with a $1000 prize.

It was at the height of her career as a business executive that Suzan chose to pivot away from the corporate world and embrace a totally new chapter. Literally. Gravitating toward mystery/suspense/crime fiction, she completed the first two manuscripts in the Cisco series before pursuing publication of her debut novel, The Burden of Truth. The early response was so favourable, she released book two, Heaven’s Debris, just four months later. The next installment from this Montreal-based, married mother of two is expected in late 2025, with more novels in the series to follow thereafter.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Jim McDonald, Nominated for Best Crime First Novel

Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Jim McDonald has been judged a finalist for the prestigious Crime Writers of Canada Best Crime First Novel, sponsored by Melodie Campbell with a $1000 prize for his noir psychological thriller Altered Boy, available on Amazon Kindle. The winner will be announced on May 30, 2025.

Also on Kindle: Smash Palace, a collection of 32 short stories. Coming in 2026, his historical novel Counterculture Revolution, set in 1970, is about the anti-war activist group The Weathermen.

Altered Boy is the featured novel for Humanist Canada’s Book Club online meeting on June 3, 2025. Jim will be in attendance to answer questions.

In addition, Jim’s short story “Ticket Out” is in the anthology Midnight Schemers and Daydream Believers: 22 Stories of Mystery and Suspense, edited by Judy Penz Sheluk, to be released June 18, 2025.

*Note: There's a reference to a CWC mentor that Jim had years ago, and he couldn't recall his name. Jim did some post-interview digging and found his notes. It was Michael McKinley. Born in Vancouver, he now lives in New York City. He wrote "Ice Time: The Story of Hockey" and "Hockey Night in Canada," to name a couple. His mystery book was The Penalty Killing. In 2010, he was with CWC but has since left. He was nominated for an Arthur Ellis Award in 2011 for best first crime novel.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Cathy Ace, Nominated for The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery

Mon, 12 May 2025 19:00:00 -0400

Cathy Ace’s novel, The Corpse with the Pearly Smile, (published by Four Tails Publishing Ltd.) has been nominated for The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery sponsored by Jane Doe with a $500 prize.

Ace’s Cait Morgan Mysteries feature a globetrotting Welsh Canadian criminal psychologist who solves traditional whodunits alongside her retired-cop husband, Bud Anderson (Eve Myles will portray Cait in the TV production by Free@LastTV). Her WISE Enquiries Agency Mysteries feature four softly-poached female PIs solving cosy cases from a Welsh stately home. She's a past Chair of Crime Writers of Canada, and is a Bony Blithe, IPPY, IBA and Editor’s Choice CrimeFictionLover Award winner. This is her third nomination for Crime Writers of Canada Awards. She migrated from Wales aged 40, and now lives in Canada.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Melissa Yi, Nominated for Best Crime Short Story and Best Juvenile / YA Crime Book

Fri, 09 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Melissa Yi is nominated for Best Crime Short Story and Best Juvenile / YA Crime Book sponsored by Superior Shores Press.

Melissa could slice your throat and sew it back up again. Legally. Because she’s an emergency doctor. In her spare minutes, Melissa writes the Hope Sze medical crime series, which Ellery Queen praised for its “nitty-gritty” description and Publishers Weekly for its “darker themes … entertaining and insightful.” The Globe and Mail praises her as a “standout,” having written a best Canadian suspense novel.

Melissa’s mystery stories were finalists for the Award of Excellence (best crime story in Canada) and the Derringer Award (best crime story in the English language) and longlisted for the Staunch Prize (best feminist thriller worldwide).

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Brenda Chapman, Shortlisted for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada

Wed, 07 May 2025 16:00:00 -0400

Brenda Chapman is a Canadian crime fiction author with twenty-six published novels. In addition to short stories and standalones, she has written the lauded Stonechild and Rouleau police procedural series, the Anna Sweet mystery novellas, and the Jennifer Bannon mysteries for middle grade. Her work has been shortlisted for several awards including four Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence. She is currently writing a new mystery series set in Ottawa called the Hunter and Tate mysteries, and the forth book in the series, Who Lies in Wait was released 2025, in this podcast we will discuss the third book in this series, Fatal Harvest.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Greg Rhyno, Nominated for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada

Tue, 06 May 2025 18:00:00 -0400

Greg Rhyno is the author of the Dame Polara mystery series from Cormorant Books, including Who by Fire, which was nominated for a Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence. His debut novel, To Me You Seem Giant (NeWest Press), was nominated for a ReLit Award and an Alberta Book Publishing Award. He completed an MFA at the University of Guelph and lives with his family in Guelph, Ontario.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Peter Holloway, Shortlisted for Best Crime First Novel

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:00:00 -0400

Peter Holloway's novel THE ROARING GAME MURDERS has been nominated for the Best Crime First Novel, sponsored by Melodie Campbell, with a $1000 prize.

Peter is married with two children and has lived in Tsawwassen and Ladner for over thirty years. He has cycled the dikes and backroads around Boundary Bay and the Fraser River, where ‘The Roaring Game Murders’ takes place, as well as the many paths between. An avid curler, he leads Learn-to-Curl sessions for adults to introduce them to the roaring game. He has also coached juniors from recreational after school classes to competitive leagues and bonspiels and has organized a Latino Curling Day for local farm workers the last three years.

Peter has a B.A. in English and History from Trent University, and is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada, Delta Literary Arts Society, B.C. Federation of Writers, and Word Vancouver. After a successful career as a senior manager he retired in 2019 and for the last two and a half years has returned to writing. He is currently working on the second installment of the Boundary Detectives series and plans to publish in 2025.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Marcelle Dubé, Nominated for Best Crime Novella sponsored by Carrick Publishing

Thu, 01 May 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Marcelle Dubé's story, Chuck Berry is Missing, (published in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, July/Aug 2024 issue) is nominated for Best Crime Novella sponsored by Carrick Publishing with a $200 prize.

Marcelle Dubé writes mystery and speculative fiction novels and short stories. Mostly. She grew up near Montreal. After trying out a number of different provinces and living in the Yukon for over 35 years, she now lives in Alberta—which is much like the Yukon in all the ways that count. Her short fiction has appeared in a number of magazines and anthologies.

She’s won the CWC Award of Excellence twice, in 2021 and 2024, for her short stories, “Cold Wave” and “Reversion.”

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

William Deverell, The 2025 Derrick Murdoch Award Recipient

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0400

The Derrick Murdoch Award is a special achievement award presented at the discretion of the Board Chair of Crime Writers of Canada. It recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to developing crime writing in Canada.

William’s bibliography includes twenty-one novels, many drawing from his extensive legal experience. Notable works include Trial of Passion, which earned the Dashiell Hammett Prize for Literary Excellence in Crime Writing in 1997 and Crime Writers of Canada’s Arthur Ellis Award for Best Canadian Crime Novel in 1998. Trial of Passion introduced readers to Arthur Beauchamp,a character who became central to a series that includes titles such as April Fool which won the 2003 Arthur Ellis award winner) and Stung.

Beyond his writing, he continues to be a pivotal figure in Canadian literature, inspiring readers and mentoring emerging Canadian writers within the crime and mystery genres.

Here is a link to the previous interview with Bill, when we discussed his novel The Long-Shot Trail: Crime Writers of Canada - Podcasts on Crime Writing - William Deverell and The Long-Shot Trial

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Jonathan Whitelaw. Shortlisted for The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 18:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we speak to Jonathan Whitelaw. His book, The Concert Hall Killer, (HarperNorth/HarperCollins Canada) has been shortlisted for The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery, sponsored by Jane Doe with a $500 prize

Jonathan Whitelaw is a writer, award-winning journalist and broadcaster.

After working on the frontline of Scottish politics, he moved into journalism, covering everything from sports tomusic to radioactive waste – and everything in between.

He's also a regular reviewer, podcaster, panellist, commentator and in the near future, he will be an official Calgarian.

He is the author of The Bingo Hall Detectives series, The Parker Sisters Mysteries,
and if that’s not enough, he moonlights as Max Nightingale and wrote: Murder in
Tinseltown: A Choose-Your-Own-Story Mystery.

You can hear an earlier interview we had with Jonathan about The Concert Hall Killer, on the CWC website: here.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Scott Thornley, Middlemen

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0400

SCOTT THORNLEY grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, which inspired his fictional Dundurn. As president and creative director of Scott Thornley + Company, a strategic creative firm, Thornley worked with cultural and health science clients in Canada, the United States and Great Britain.

Over time, his love of graphic and typographic design grew to include writing the stories that would bring his client’s products and services to life. Scott lives with his wife Shirley Blumberg in Toronto and in the southwest of France.

Middlemen is the latest in the MacNeice series, and follows Erasing Memory, The Ambitious City, Raw Bone and Vantage Point.

Scott is published by House of Anansi Press, and represented by Westwood Creative Artists.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Kelly Young, Streets Alive on Overdrive

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0400

Kelly Young has a BA in English from the University of Waterloo and worked as a reporter for many years before becoming a swimming instructor. She has since retired.

A member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime, she is the self-published writer of the Travel Writer Cozy Mystery series, the Travel Writer Day Trips Cozy Mystery series, the Haunted & Harassed Paranormal Mystery series, the thrillers Flurries Ending and The Six Thousand, and more. She lives in Southwestern Ontario.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Janice MacDonald, Victor & Me in Paris

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:00:00 -0400

Janice MacDonald is a Canadian author of mystery novels, textbooks, non-fiction titles, and stories for both children and adults. She is best known for writing seven novels featuring amateur sleuth Miranda “Randy” Craig. The Randy Craig Mysteries were the first detective series to be set in Edmonton, Alberta, where Janice lives and works. The last installment, The Eye of the Beholder, was published in October 2018. A lifelong fan and reviewer of mystery fiction, Janice wrote her MA thesis on the genre, long before popular culture studies were popular.

Janice has launched a new series of mysteries following the adventures of retired academic Imogene Durant. The first installment, Victor & Me in Paris, was published in November 2024 by Turnstone Press.

In recent years Janice has also concentrated on literary short fiction, essays, and creative non-fiction. Confederation Drive, a passion project about her trip across Canada on the 50th anniversary of Expo ’67 in Montreal, was released by Edmonton-based Monto Books in 2017.

She is also delighted to have won the Exporting Alberta Award and the Canadian’s Children’s Book Centres seal of approval for The Ghouls’ Night Out, her Hallowe’en chapter book for eager readers.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Melodie Campbell, The Silent Film Star Murders

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0400

Called the “Queen of Comedy" by the Toronto Sun, Melodie Campbell was also named the “Canadian literary heir to Donald Westlake” by Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. Winner of 10 awards, including the Derringer and the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence, she has multiple bestsellers and has been featured in USA Today. She is the past executive director of Crime Writers of Canada.

Her publications include over 100 comedy credits, 19 novels, and 60 short stories, but she’s best known for The Goddaughter mob caper series. In this podcast, we discuss "The Silent Film Star Murders," the second installment in the Merry Widow Murders series, which was recently released by Cormorant Books.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Joanna Vander Vlugt, Spy Girls

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0400

Joanna is an author, podcaster, and illustrator. her debut novel, The Unravelling, and her second novel in the Dealer’s Child were both Canadian Book Club Awards finalists, and now Spy Girls, the third novel in the Jade and Sage thriller series, has received Chick Lit Book Cafe's International Book of Excellence Award for best spy thriller and suspense. Joanna's novels have been published under her own imprint, Ozzy Imprint. Joanna draws upon her 13 years of experience working in the prosecutor’s office and 10 years working in the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner for inspiration for her novels. Joanna is the VP of Memberships for the Sinc-CW. Joanna is proud of her podcast SAM Magazine and the many authors she has interviewed and the short stories she has showcased.

See her work at www.joannavandervlugt.com/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Cheryl Freedman and The Bony Blithe Mini-Con

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0500

Cheryl Freedman is a long-time freelance editor who edits anything she finds interesting, including crime fiction, academic papers, Jewish mysticism books and articles, memoirs, and more. She was the executive director of Crime Writers of Canada for 10 years as well as the sometime-chair of the Bloody Words Mystery Conference and its successor, the Bony Blithe Light Mystery Award/Bony Blithe Mini-Con.

In 2004 she won theDerrick Murdoch Award a special achievement award from Crime Writers of Canada for contributions to the genre of crime and mystery writing.

With her interest in ferrets, fairy tales, and folklore, she is currently working on a fairy tale mystery series featuring a half-ogre/half-human PI and a bipedal talking, fedora-wearing ferret.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Robert Rotenberg, One Minute More

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 14:00:00 -0500

Robert Rotenberg is a crime author and criminal defense lawyer, recognized for his legal thrillers, many of which are set in Toronto. His debut novel, "Old City Hall," was published in 2009 and became an international bestseller. Since then, he has written seven additional novels in the Ari Green detective series. Additionally, Rotenberg is a screenwriter who has contributed to several episodes of "Murdoch Mysteries." In this podcast, we will discuss his latest novel, "One Minute More."

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Laura Churchill Duke, Footprints in the Snow

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:00:00 -0500

Laura is a communication specialist and journalist in the Annapolis Valley. She is currently teaching communication to first year kinesiology students at Acadia University, focusing on writing, research and presentation skills. Her first book, Two Crows Sorrow, won the 2020 bronze award for creative non-fiction from the Miramichi Reader. In this interview, we discuss her third book, Footprints in the Snow an historical true crime story about how a community quickly jumps to conclusions to convict an outsider of a heinous murder.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Amber Cowie, The Off Season

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 18:00:00 -0500

Amber Cowie is a BC mystery author best known for her captivating psychological thrillers. The talented author graduated from the University of Victoria and has been working as a freelance writer for Salon, The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, and Crime Reads.

Her first novel, Rapid Falls, was a Whistler Book Awards nominee, hit number one overall on Amazon, and was a top-100 bestselling Kindle book of 2018. In 2022, CBC listed her book Last One Alive on their 12 mystery and crime books to keep you on the edge of your seat this summer. This podcast will discuss her newest novel, The Off Season.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Angela Douglas, Every Fall

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Angela Douglas is a Canadian author who lives in the Okanagan (British Columbia) with her husband and kids. She writes thrillers and creative nonfiction. When she isn’t working or hanging out with her family, she hides in her studio with her bulldog Frankie, writing her next book. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Crime Writers of Canada and was the VP of Communications of Sisters in Crime—Canada West. Angela’s debut psychological thriller, EVERY FALL, was released in January 2025.

EVERY FALL is described as a chilling thriller, perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner, exploring the dark side of police culture and family trauma.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Shane Peacock, As We Forgive Others

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:00:00 -0500

Shane Peacock is an author published in twenty languages in eighteen countries. He has won the Junior Library Guild of America Selection seven times, the Arthur Ellis Award twice, and been shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award and the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. His young adult novels include the Boy Sherlock Holmes series, the Dylan Maples Adventures, The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim trilogy, and The Book of Us. As We Forgive Others is the first of the Northern Gothic Mysteries, his debut adult series. He lives in Cobourg, Ontario with his wife, journalist Sophie Kneisel.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Katie Tallo, Buried Road

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0500

For three decades, Katie has been an award-winning screenwriter and director, collaborating on projects in animation, television and motion pictures. After winning an international novel contest for women writers in 2013, Katie landed a publishing deal for her debut novel. The thriller Dark August is set in the Wellington West neighbourhood where she lives. The novel became an international bestseller and was chosen as an Apple Book of the Month and New York Times Editor’s Choice. It inspired a trilogy including the follow-up, Poison Lilies, which brings Augusta and Levi back for another cold case when a body emerges from a frozen pond, and the final installment, Buried Road, which tumbles forward more than a decade to find Gus and her daughter, Bly, on a precarious road trip to find a missing person. Katie is currently working on a new mystery thriller.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

The Mesdames and Messieurs of Mayhem, The 13th Letter

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 17:00:00 -0500

The Mesdames and Messieurs of Mayhem are a collective of established Canadian crime fiction authors and talented new writers of the genre. Visit their website, mesdamesofmayhem.com, to watch the CBC documentary about them.

Joining host Erik D'Souza are authors Donna Carrick, Madeleine Harris-Callaway, Jane Burfield, Blair Keetch, Rosemary McCracken, Lynne Murphy, Lorna Poplak,
and Melisa Yi.
We discuss their newest anthology, The 13th Letter. M is the thirteenth
letter of the alphabet, and it begins so many wicked words: malice,
Machiavelli, mayhem, and of course, murder. But it also heads up mischief,
melody, madcap and mystery. And what could better suit the Mesdames and
Messieurs of Mayhem? After all, thirteen is their lucky number!

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Shane Joaquin Jimenez, Bondage

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Shane Joaquin Jimenez is the author of the feminist neon-noir thriller novel Bondage.

His writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Review of Books, Rain Taxi, The Greensboro Review, Denver Quarterly, Hunger Mountain, Bat City Review, and elsewhere. He went to the Jack Kerouac School at Naropa University.

Shane has lived all over, from Las Vegas to Brooklyn to Seoul to Portland, but now calls BC home.

Check out his website at: shanejoaquinjimenez.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

David Wickenden: The Origami Deception

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:00:00 -0500

After 31 years in the Fire Service and attaining the rank of Deputy Fire Chief, David Wickenden retired to write thriller novels full time. He has published six thrillers and one YA Fantasy since 2018. He is a member of the International Thriller Association, International Screenwriter Association, the Writer’s Union of Canada, the Canadian Crime Writers, and the Sudbury Writer’s Guild. He has published numerous short stories in anthologies and online literary magazines, seven novels, and five screenplays.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

David W. Barber, Mugshot

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 18:00:00 -0500

David W. Barber is a journalist and musician and the author of more than a dozen books of music (including Accidentals on Purpose; Bach, Beethoven and the Boys; When the Fat Lady Sings; and Getting a Handel on Messiah) and literature (including Quotable Sherlock, Quotable Alice and Atonement and other stories). Formerly a writer and entertainment editor of The Kingston Whig-Standard, editor of Broadcast Week magazine at the Toronto Globe and Mail and the assistant editor of arts and life for Postmedia newspapers, he is currently a freelance writer, editor, musician and composer. As a composer, his works include two symphonies, a jazz mass based on the music of Dave Brubeck, a Requiem, several short choral and chamber works, and various vocal jazz songs and arrangements. He sings with the Toronto Chamber Choir and various other choirs on occasion. In a varied career, among his more exciting jobs have been short stints as a roadie for Pope John Paul II, a publicist for Prince Rainier of Monaco and a backup singer for Avril Lavigne.

Learn about his other books at IndentPublishing.com
See his author website at DavidWBarber.com

Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Lorne Tepperman, Deadly Donation

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Lorne Tepperman, a long-time resident of Toronto and distinguished figure in academia, ventures into the realm of fiction with his debut work. As a Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto, Tepperman authored, co-authored, edited, and co-edited 88 academic books, delving into topics ranging from social inequality to families to gambling addiction, deviance, and crime.

Deadly Donation, Tepperman’s first novel, draws inspiration from his extensive research on families, crime, and gambling addiction. The Rachel Tile Mystery Series promises to captivate readers with its exploration of these themes within the framework of mystery and suspense.

Lorne has recently been voted in as a CWC director for Ontario Southwest/North/Greater Toronto Region.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

A.J. Devlin, Bronco Buster

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

A.J. Devlin has a BFA in Screenwriting from Chapman University, a MFA in Screenwriting from the American Film Institute Conservatory, and has worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood. COBRA CLUTCH (“Hammerhead” Book 1, published by NeWest Press) was nominated for a 2019 Lefty Award for Best Debut Mystery and won the 2019 Crime Writers of Canada Award for Best First Novel. The acclaimed sequel ROLLING THUNDER was featured in the Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, and on CBC Radio's The Last Chapter with Shelagh Rogers. Book 3 FIVE MOVES OF DOOM won the 2022 Crime Fiction Lover Editor’s Choice Award for Best Indie Novel, was selected as one of the Globe and Mail's Best Books of 2022, and was nominated for Crime Writers of Canada, Killer Nashville Silver Falchion, and Left Coast Crime "Lefty" Awards. Book 4 in the "Hammerhead" Jed pro-wrestler PI mystery-comedy series BRONCO BUSTER was published in October, 2024.

To learn more about A.J. please visit: AJDevlin.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Winona Kent: Author of the Jason Davey Series & The 2024/2025 Chair of The CWC

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Winona Kent was born in London, England and grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she completed her BA in English at the University of Regina. After moving to Vancouver, she graduated from UBC with an MFA in Creative Writing and received her diploma in Writing for Screen and TV from Vancouver Film School.

Winona’s debut novel Skywatcher was a finalist in the Seal Books First Novel Award and was published by Bantam Books in 1989. Since then, she has written eleven more books, including her five current soft-boiled musical mysteries featuring professional musician / amateur sleuth Jason Davey.

Winona’s also the author of a number of short stories, which she’s gathered together for her anthology Ten Stories That Worried My Mother.

Winona has been a temporary secretary, a travel agent, a screenwriter and the Managing Editor of a literary magazine. She’s currently the national Chair of the Crime Writers of Canada, and is also an active member of Sisters in Crime – Canada West. After many decades working in jobs completely unrelated to writing, Winona is now happily embracing life as a full-time author. She lives in New Westminster, BC with her husband, and a concerning number of disobedient houseplants, many of which were rescued from her apartment building’s compost bin after being abandoned by previous owners.

Visit her website at: Winona Kent

Previous interview with Winona regarding her shot story anthology: 10 Stories that Worried My Mother

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Maureen Jennings, March Roars

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Maureen Jennings is the author of the beloved Murdoch mystery books, which have sold hundreds of thousands of copies in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. The first books in the series were made into films for television. Soon after, Murdoch Mysteries began in 2008 and is still running today. In addition to the Murdoch mysteries, Maureen has also published two Christine Morris books and three Tom Tyler series. Her books have been nominated for the Anthony Historical Mystery Award, the Macavity/Sue Feder Historical Mystery Award, the Barry Award, and the Bruce Alexander Award. She received the Heritage Toronto Certificate of Commendation and the 2024 Grand Master Award from Crime Writers of Canada when she was acknowledged for her long-term contribution to Canadian and International Mystery writing,

Her latest series, The Paradise Café Mysteries, showcases PI Charlotte Frayne. In this podcast, we delve into the fourth book in the series, "March Roars," which was published by Cormorant Books.

You can listen to a past episode in which we celebrated Maureen's 2024 Grandmaster recipient and discussed "March Roars" here.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

J. Ivanel Johnson: Just A Stale Mate

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0400

J. Ivanel Johnson is the pen name for an author living with (dis)Ability who now resides in the Appalachian range of Northwestern New Brunswick on a small farm overlooking inspirational views of nature. Like her grandmother before her (the 'Ivanel' of her pen name) she has written her entire life, first publishing two poems with Annick Press in Toronto when she was only 12. She has been a high school English/Drama teacher, working & living in the highlands of Scotland, the moors of Yorkshire, & the Rockies of Montana & Yukon before settling in the east of Canada. She strives always to include culturally-diverse characters & those from marginalized communities in her works, as she has taught on Indigenous reservations, in inner-cities, & in remote mountain schools. She is the author of the JUST eSTATE mystery series, whodunnits with literary clues & wordplay, set in the late 1960s in various Canadian provinces.

This podcast will discuss the second book in the series, Just A Stale Mate, which was recently the Runner-Up for the 2023 Mystery & Crime Maxy Award.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

J. Woollcott, Blood Relations

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 19:00:00 -0400

J. Woollcott is a Canadian author born in Belfast, N. Ireland. She is a graduate of the Humber School for Writers in Toronto. She has won the RWA Daphne du Maurier Award for Mainstream Mystery and Suspense, has been long-listed in the Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence in 2019 and 2020 and short-listed in 2021. She was a Silver Falchion Award finalist at Killer Nashville in 2023 and again in 2024 and a Killer Nashville Claymore Award finalist in 2024.

You can find her at…

https://www.jwoollcott.com

https://x.com/JoyceWoollcott

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085460524148

https://www.instagram.com/j.woollcott/?hl=en

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Jonathan Whitelaw and The Concert Hall Killer

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 19:00:00 -0400

Jonathan Whitelaw is a Scottish author, journalist, and broadcaster. He now calls Grand Prairie, Alberta home. His cozy crime novels are a delightful blend of mystery and humour. His unlikely pair of detectives, the jaded ex-newspaper journalist Jason Brazel, and his bingo-playing mother-in-law, Amita Khatri, add a unique charm to the series. Starting with "The Bingo Hall Detectives" in 2022 and continuing with "The Village Hall Vendetta" and "The Concert Hall Killer", Whitelaw's books are a must-read for those who enjoy a good laugh with their mysteries.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Raye Anderson: Sing a Song of Summer

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Raye Anderson is a Scots Canadian who taught Drama and ran Theatre and Community arts programs for many years, notably at Prairie Theatre Exchange in Winnipeg, in Ottawa and Calgary.

Raye has been a resident of the Interlake since 2007 and presently lives in Gimli. Her first crime fiction novel, And We Shall Have Snow, was published by Signature Editions in 2020. It was a finalist for Best First Novel for the Crime Writers of Canada, Awards of Excellence and was also shortlisted in the Original Softcover Fiction category of the WILLA Literary Awards.

The second book in the series, which features Sergeant Roxanne Calloway of the RCMP, occurs mostly in Winnipeg, in a fictional theatre company. Titled And Then Is Heard No More, it was published in 2021, and was the Winnipeg Free Press/McNally Robinson Book Club pick for July/August of 2022.

Raye returned to the Interlake as the setting for her third and fourth books, Down Came The Rain and Sing a Song of Summer

She is currently working on a new crime novel, set in the Scottish Hebbrides, which is scheduled for release in the fall of 2024.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Delvin Chatterson and Bad Boys in Boston

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Delvin Chatterson is the internationally acclaimed author of the Dale Hunter Thriller Series, an explosive mix of crime and corruption in the computer business of the 1980s. Dale Hunter and his buddy, Frank the Fixer, were introduced in 2018 with NO EASY MONEY, followed by SIMPLY THE BEST, and MERGER MANIAC and most recently BAD BOYS IN BOSTON

As a former entrepreneur, business advisor, and cheerleader for enlightened entrepreneurship, Del has written extensively on business topics for decades and continues to write on entrepreneurship under the pen name of Your Uncle Ralph. Originally from the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Del has lived and worked for most of the last fifty years in the fascinating French-Canadian city of Montreal.

Visit him at delvinchatterson.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

William Deverell and The Long-Shot Trial

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 18:00:00 -0400

William Deverell is a Canadian novelist, activist, and criminal lawyer. He is one of Canada’s best-known novelists, whose first book, Needles, which drew on his experiences as a criminal lawyer, won the McClelland & Stewart $50,000 Seal Award. In 1997, he won the Dashiell Hammett Prize for literary excellence in crime writing in North America for Trial of Passion. That book won the 1998 Arthur Ellis Award for best Canadian crime novel, as did April Fool in 2003. Trial of Passion launched his first crime series, featuring the classically trained, self-doubting Arthur Beauchamp. This interview discusses the ninth addition to the series, The Long-Shot Trial.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Melissa Yi, The Shapes of Wrath

Sat, 25 May 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Melissa Yi’s novel, Shapes of Wrath, was nominated for The Howard Engel Award for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada sponsored by Charlotte Engel and CWC.

Melissa Yi, also known as Dr. Melissa Yuan-Innes, is an emergency physician with an active practice and an award-winning writing career. She is a Derringer Award winning author and was a CWC Award of Excellence Finalist in 2022.

She studied emergency medicine at McGill University in Montreal. She was so shocked by the patients crammed into the waiting area, and the examining rooms without running water, that she began to contemplate murder. And so, she created Dr. Hope Sze, the resident who could save lives and fight crime.

Learn more at: melissayuaninnes.com/

Previous interview from 2022: https://youtu.be/dvMlOmr0qPw

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Marcelle Dubé, Reversion

Sat, 25 May 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Marcelle Dubé writes mystery and speculative fiction novels and short stories. She grew up near Montreal, lived in the Yukon for 35 years and now calls Alberta home. Her short fiction has appeared in several magazines and anthologies. In 2021, she won the CWC award for Best Short Story. Her story, Reversion, published in April 2023 edition of Mystery Magazine has been nominated once again for an Award of Excellence in the Short story category, and was shortlisted for a Deringer Award.

Learn more about Marcelle at: marcelledube.com/

2022 interview with Marcelle Dubé: https://youtu.be/v1JBTJ0FA6U

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

William Wodhams, Thirty Feet Under

Fri, 24 May 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Thirty Feet Under, a novel by William Woodhams was nominated for The Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript.

Bill lives in Burlington, Ontario. He is an author and award-winning copywriter who has been inspiring people with the life-changing possibilities of cell phones, hamburgers and drywall for over twenty years.

His stories have been published in The Globe and Mail, Canada’s National Newspaper, the Pigeon Review Art and Literary Journal, and recognized in Writer’s Digest 2021 Writing Competition.

William went back to university as a senior student and recently graduated with a degree in English and Cultural Studies. It was during an Art History class that he got the inspiration for Thirty Feet Under.

Learn more about Bill at: williamwodhams.com/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

David Rabinovitch, Jukebox Empire (2024)

Thu, 23 May 2024 18:00:00 -0400

JUKEBOX EMPIRE, by David Rabinovitch is nominated for The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm (Hamilton).

David Rabinovitch is an EMMY, Peabody, and Gemini Award-winning film maker. With a background in investigative journalism, he has testified before Congress, documented human rights abuses in China, exposed exploitation of victims of a mass disaster, and contributed to Frontline, Dateline, and Investigative Reports. He has written for the Toronto Globe & Mail, San Francisco Chronicle, TIME Magazine, and U.S. News & World Report. He was raised in the prairie town of Morden, Manitoba, where his uncle Wolfe Rabin’s exploits remain a subject of myth and lore. He divides his time between the Pacific Northwest and Baja California.

Jukebox Empire is the true story of Wolfe Rabin, who designed an icon of popular culture and made and lost a fortune four times over. The son of Jewish immigrants to the Canadian prairies, Wolfe Rabin built a jukebox empire with the backing of the Mob, and having sold his soul to the devil, masterminded the largest money-laundering scheme in history to finance running guns to Cuba.
It is the inside story of the jukebox in 1940’s Chicago, casinos in 1950’s Havana, and one man’s journey into the dark side of the American dream.

Learn more at: https://jukeboxempire.com/

Previous interview with David: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2232876/13804420

Link to the article referenced in the interview: https://jukeboxempire.com/2024/05/08/jukebox-empire-article-in-pacific-sun/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Sheilla Jones & James Burns: Murder on Richmond Road

Wed, 22 May 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Sheilla Jones and James Burns' story, Murder on Richmond Road: An Enquiry Bureau Mystery, is nominated for The Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript.

Sheila Jones is an award-winning journalist and best-selling science author. James Burns is an award-winning author and an editor of Prairie History and curator Emeritus of paleontology at the Royal Alberta Museum.

Website: http://www.sheillajones.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheilla.jones.7/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

M.H. Callway, Wisteria Cottage

Tue, 21 May 2024 16:00:00 -0400

M.H. Callway’s story, Wisteria Cottage, Published in Malice Domestic is nominated for Best Crime Short Story.

https://mhcallway.com/

Previous interview with M.H. Callway: https://youtu.be/kmZGXdpsYmE

CBC feature on Mesdames of Mayhem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4dxvaLCVBE

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Charlotte Morganti: The End Game

Fri, 17 May 2024 19:00:00 -0400

Charlotte is a retired lawyer and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. Now she focuses on writing mysteries. She writes novels and short stories, ranging from gritty investigations to lighter capers. Her short stories have appeared in Black Cat Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Weekly, and several anthologies.

Two years ago I interviewed her when she was nominated by the CWC for best short story. For her story, ALL MY DARLINGS published in the Die Laughing: An Anthology of Humorous Mysteries.

Links to previous interviews:

Podcast about The End Game: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2232876/13642633

Interview about All my Darlings: https://youtu.be/obDEMGK1fDg

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

donalee Moulton: Troubled Water

Thu, 16 May 2024 18:00:00 -0400

donalee Moulton’s story, Troubled Water, has been nominated for an Award of Excellence in The Best Crime Short Story category.

Donalee has been writing professionally for over 25 years. She has been published in The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Maclean’s, Canadian Business, and The National Post. Her short story, “Swan Song,” is in the CWC anthology Cold Canadian Crime and was also nominated for an Award of Excellence.

Her first mystery book, Hung Out to Die, was published in 2023, and her second novel, Conflagration, was published in 2024.

Donalee is the Atlantic Provinces Regional Rep for the CWC.

Previous interviews with donalee:

Cold Canadian Crime: https://youtu.be/nKvb6cYTcN8

2023 Awards of Excellence: https://youtu.be/C27PiyqYpYs

CWC podcast discussing Conflagration: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2232876/14823840

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Iona Whishaw, Author of the Lane Winslow Mystery Series

Wed, 15 May 2024 18:00:00 -0400

Iona Whishaw’s novel, TO TRACK A TRAITOR, has been nominated for The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery sponsored by Jane Doe.

Iona Whishaw has been a youth worker, social worker, teacher and an award winning High School Principal, who continued with her writing throughout her working life. Receiving her Masters in Creative writing from UBC, Iona has published short fiction, poetry, poetry translation and one children’s book, Henry and the Cow Problem.

Iona is best known for Lane Winslow Mystery series. Debuting with the novel, A Killer in King’s Cove, readers are introduced to Lane Winslow, and war-weary young ex-intelligence officer, who in 1946 leaves London to look for a fresh start. Ten novels later, Iona is trying to find her estranged sister Diana caught up in stressful and mysterious circumstances. As Lane follows the thread leading from South Africa to Aberdeen to the War Office in London it becomes apparent that her sister is on the run, and that keeping secrets seems to be a Winslow family trait.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Robyn Harding, The Drowning Woman

Tue, 14 May 2024 18:00:00 -0400

Robyn Harding’s novel, THE DROWNING WOMAN, (Grand Central Publishing) is nominated for The Peter Robinson Award for Best Crime Novel sponsored by Rakuten Kobo.

Robyn is a Vancouver crime writer known for her bestselling novels including The Perfect Family, The Arrangement, Her Pretty Face, and The Party. She was nominated for the 2018 Arthur Ellis Awards for best crime novel for The Party. Before becoming a novelist, she worked as an advertising executive and a screenplay writer.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Craig H. Bowlsby: Requiem for a Lotus

Tue, 14 May 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Craig H. Bowlsby’s story, REQUIEM FOR A LOTUS is nominated for The Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript

Born and raised in Vancouver, Craig has a BFA in creative writing from UBC and has studied extensively with the brilliant and celebrated author William Deverell.

Last year, he won the Award of Excellence for the Best Crime Short Story, sponsored by Mystery Magazine, for his story, THE GIRL WHO WAS ONLY THREE QUARTERS DEAD. In 2014, he won the Brian McFarlane Award from the Society for International Hockey Research. Craig has also written articles for the Vancouver Province, the Seattle Times, The Hockey News, and the Vancouver Courier.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Vicki Delany: The Queen of Cozy

Thu, 09 May 2024 19:00:00 -0400

Vicki Delany has been nominated twice in The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery sponsored by Jane Doe category. Steeped in Malice (published by Kensington Books) and The Game is a Footnote (published by Crooked Lane Books) are both on the shortlist.

Vicki is one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers and a national bestseller in the U.S. She has written more than fifty books: clever cozies to Gothic thrillers to gritty police procedurals, to historical fiction and novellas for adult literacy. She is currently writing four cozy mystery series: the Year Round Christmas books for Crooked Lane, the Tea by the Sea mysteries for Kensington, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series for Crooked Lane Books, and the Lighthouse Library series (as Eva Gates) for Crooked Lane.

Vicki is a past president of the Crime Writers of Canada. Her work has been nominated for the Derringer, the Bony Blithe, the Ontario Library Association Golden Oak, and several Awards of Excellence.

Vicki is the recipient of the 2019 Derrick Murdoch Award for contributions to Canadian crime writing. She lives in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Steve Urszenyi: Thinker. Writer. Author. Storyteller.

Wed, 08 May 2024 19:00:00 -0400

Steve Urszenyi’s debut international thriller, Perfect Shot, is nominated for Best Crime First Novel sponsored by Melodie Campbell

Steve served for many years as a paramedic and a police tactical medic. He is an expert in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) incident response. When not writing, Steve loves international travel and touring on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle with his wife, Lynne.

https://steveurszenyi.com/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Gail Bowen: The Legacy

Mon, 06 May 2024 18:00:00 -0400

Gail Bowen is nominated for The Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery sponsored by Jane Doe.

THE LEGACY is 22 book in her long running Joanne Kilbourn series, several of which were either nominated for or received awards, including the then named Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel in 1994, for A COLDER KIND OF DEATH. She has also written four Rapid Reads novellas, the Charlie D and several plays. She is well established in Canada, highly respected in the writing community and much sought after by readers. She is frequently a guest at literary events. Several of her Joanne Kilbourn books were turned into a TV series.

https://www.gailbowen.com/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Maureen Jennings, 2024 Grand Master

Thu, 02 May 2024 13:00:00 -0400

An Interview with Maureen Jennings, the 2024 recipient of the Grandmaster Lifetime Achievement Award from Crime Writers of Canada. This prestigious award recognizes her long-term contribution to Canadian and international mystery writing. Established in 2014, the Grand Master Award is given to a Canadian crime writer with a substantial body of work that has garnered national and international recognition.

Visit her website at maureenjennings.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Ludvica Boota discusses the 2024 Awards of Excellence

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:00:00 -0400

Ludvica Boota (Progaming Director) and Erik D'Souza (Social Media Coordinator) discuss Crime Writers Canada's 2024 Awards of Excellence. They congradulate some of the nominees and talk about the voting process.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Amy Tector: Honor The Dead

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Amy Tector has spent more than 20 years plumbing the secrets squirrelled away at Canada’s national archives, Library and Archives.

Her debut novel, THE HONEYBEE EMERALDS was a finalist for the Indie Book Award Best - First Novel. Her second, THE FOULEST THINGS, was the first in a loose trilogy centered on murders and mayhem in the archives. It was a finalist in the Crime Writers of Canada awards. HONOR THE DEAD, out April 2024l, is the third.

Amy has a PhD in English literature and lives in Ottawa, Canada with a daughter named Violet, a husband named Andrew and a dog named Daffodil. She is an enthusiastic, but incompetent, cross-country skier.

Previous interview with Amy: https://youtu.be/r3E15Se9-Nw

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Julie Hiner, Tales of Dark Crime and Horror

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Julie Hiner is an author of heavy metal horror. She spent endless hours during her childhood lost in the pages of books and listening to the metal gods.

Julie lives in Calgary, nestled near the Rocky Mountains. A hardcore 80s rocker at heart, Julie’s writing is infused with music of all eras. Her dark crime novels are a fusion of 80s metal, 70s acid rock and dark story telling. Obsessed with the dark mind of the serial killer, Julie’s characters are based on bits and pieces of some of the most terrifying monsters to roam the earth. She was nominated for CWC award for Best Novella for her story Dead End track which took place in the 70’s.

Her new book, Trash Track takes place in 1999 and although this is still A detective Mahoney series, the protagonist is now Stella Mahoney.

She is Alberta’s regional rep for Crime Writers of Canada.

Learn more at: killersanddemons.com/

Find our previous video at: youtube.com/watch?v=L8sig2KX5zA

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

donalee Moulton, Author, educator, poet, woman of mystery, yogi

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 18:00:00 -0400

donalee Moulton’s first mystery book Hung out to Die was published in 2023. A historical mystery, Conflagration!, was published in 2024.

A short story “Swan Song” was one of 21 selected for publication in Cold Canadian Crime. It was shortlisted for an Award of Excellence. Another short story in this series was published in Black Cat Weekly and shortlisted in the 2024 Derringer Awards. Other short stories have been published recently in After Dinner Conversation, The Antigonish Review, and Queen’s Quarterly (forthcoming).

donalee is an award-winning freelance journalist. She has written articles for print and online publications across North America including The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Lawyer’s Daily, National Post, and Canadian Business.

As well, donalee is the author of The Thong Principle: Saying What You Mean and Meaning What You Say and co-authored the book, Celebrity Court Cases: Trials of the Rich and Famous.

donalee has published numerous poems, short stories and essays in journals and other publications across Canada and beyond. She lives in Halifax happily surrounded by family, friends, pets, and words of all shapes, sizes, and syllables.

Previous interviews with donalee Moulton:

A Conversation with donalee Moulton 1 - Cold Canadian Crime: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIOiGkZfuggFaMjhRHF1Z_SzZMBxs0-n9

A Conversation with donalee Moulton 2 – Awards of Excellence 2022:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIOiGkZfuggHziCddyjoPRRYgS0bIqHLD

donalee’s website: https://donaleemoulton.com/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Yvonne Maximchuk, BC Author and Watercolor Artist

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 18:00:00 -0400

Yvonne Maximchuk is still exploring the Broughton Archipelago in her sixteen-foot speedboat SeaRose from her off-grid home on Gilford Island, still learning the secret world of islands and inlets from which she draws her inspiration. She is a life-long working artist in acrylic, watercolour, drawing media and clay, and author of a memoir; Drawn to Sea – From Paintbrush to Chainsaw, Carving out a Life on BC’s Rugged Raincoast (Caitlin Press 2013) about her life in the Broughton Archipelago wilderness. She is co-author of Full Moon Flood Tide, Bill Proctor’s Raincoast (Harbour Publishing 2003) nominated for the Bill Duthie’s Booksellers Choice award in the BC and Yukon Book Awards. A follow-up, Tide Rips and Back Eddies, Bill Proctor’s Tales of Blackfish Sound was published (Harbour Publishing) in 2015.

Yvonne’s colouring book, Colour the British Columba Coast; was a smash hit up to and during covid. Within its pages are forty drawings, along with a brief description of the scene and artist tips. Released June 2016 (Harbour Publishing) it quickly went to a second edition.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Laurie McLure and Mountain Shadows

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Laurie McLure has a passion for crime fiction and for those who read it, write it, edit it, represent it and publish it. Laurie garnered significant writing experience throughout her career with government and through working and volunteering with not-for-profit organizations. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Crime Writers of Canada. The great loves of Laurie's life are her family, animals, travel, books and potato chips.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Joanna Vander Vlugt - Author, Illustrator & Podcaster

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0500

Joanna Vander Vlugt is an author and illustrator. As a teenager, she drew charcoal portraits and wrote mysteries. Now, she uses Copic markers to illustrate motorcycles and scooters. The Unravelling, her debut novel, and Dealer’s Child were Canadian Book Club Awards finalists. The third novel in the Jade & Sage Thyme series, Spy Girls, will be released in March 2024. Joanna draws upon her 13 years’ experience working in the prosecutor’s office and 10 years working in the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner for inspiration for her novels. Joanna is proud of her podcast SAM Magazine and the many authors she has interviewed.

Joanna’s novels, art and podcast can be found at joannavandervlugt.com.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Carolyne Topdjian: Author of Gothic Thrillers & Mysteries

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Carolyne Topdjian is a writer, essayist, and novelist with stories published in PRISM International, Dreamers Magazine, and Firewords Quarterly. Her creative endeavors gravitate toward fusions of gothic mystery, noir suspense, and surrealist fantasy. As an Armenian of the diaspora and Lebanese-Canadian who’s been displaced by war, Topdjian often explores themes of belonging and human existence in her work—moments when people are caught in dark states of transition, contradiction, and flux.

Topdjian holds an interdisciplinary PhD from York University, is a three-time Pitch Wars mentor and a professor in the Faculty of Media and Creative Arts at Humber College in Toronto. Fittingly, she’s lived in a hundred-year-old haunted house for over a decade. Her recent novel publications include The Hitman’s Daughter and The Black Moth.

Find her at: www.carolynetopdjian.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Tony Ollivier Writer and Technologist

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Tony Ollivier is known for his gripping high-concept thrillers. He is the author of the David Knight Series, which has garnered multiple awards including, the winner of Best Thriller in 2022 by Canadian Book Club Awards and Bronze Metal in The Suspense, Thriller & Espionage category of the 2023 Reader’s Favorite Awards. The first book in the series, “The Amsterdam Deception”, was followed in August 2023 by the sequel “The Tokyo Diversion”. Tony has travelled the world and currently resides in Vancouver. By day, he works in Competitive Intelligence at a software company based in Portugal. His impressive career has included stints at Xerox, Apple, IBM, and Microsoft. By night, he write snarky action thrillers with an unusual protagonists.

Learn more at tonyollivier.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Joel Nedecky, Finding a Place For Short Stories

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Joel Nedecky is a teacher and writer from Winnipeg. His short stories have appeared with Punk Noir, Urban Pigs Press and Guilty Crime Story Magazine. His novel, The Broken Detective, was nominated for an Award of Excellence for Best Unpublished Manuscript sponsored by ECW press and will be released 2025.

We’ve interviewed Joel before and chatted about his upcoming novel. You can watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/HYbbkbaJpkc.

In this podcast we discuss three recently published short stories. You can read the stories at these links:

Million Miles of Fun: https://punknoirmagazine.wordpress.com/2023/09/23/the-mixtape-side-a/

One Cold Moment: https://www.guiltycrimemag.com/flash/one-cold-moment-by-joel-nedecky

Go with God: https://urbanpigspress.co.uk/2023/12/13/go-with-god-joel-nedecky/

To learn more about Joel, please visit: https://jnedecky.com/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Ardelle Holden, Writer of Mystery and Intrigue

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Ardelle Holden, along with her husband Patrick, raised two children while adventuring in aviation, mining exploration, and the wild rice lakes of Northern Manitoba. She’s worked as a medical office assistant, a videographer of family albums, and a seamstress for well-coordinated square dancers.

Now, she summers on Vancouver Island and winters in Mexico. This ideal tranquility, somehow inspires Ardelle write about brutal murders, kidnappings, missing children, a fatal car crash, and general mayhem.

Ardelle is the author of the Samantha Bowers trilogy and at the end of the third book, Murder by Pins and Needles she left Sam with a “all live happily ever after” ending, and Samatha deserves it. We’ll have to wait to see if Ardelle ever picks up that series again, but in the meantime, she’s started a new one. Killing Imaginary Friends, the debut novel in the Oliver Frampton Series, begins one stormy night with a young Olly being taken away along a treacherous highway.

https://ardelleholden.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

David W. Barber: Author. Journalist. Editor. Composer. Musician

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0500

David W. Barber is a journalist and musician and the author of more than a dozen books of music (including Accidentals on Purpose; Bach, Beethoven and the Boys; When the Fat Lady Sings; and Getting a Handel on Messiah) and literature (including Quotable Sherlock, Quotable Alice and Atonement and other stories). Formerly a writer and entertainment editor of The Kingston Whig-Standard, editor of Broadcast Week magazine at the Toronto Globe and Mail and the assistant editor of arts and life for Postmedia newspapers, he is currently a freelance writer, editor, musician and composer. As a composer, his works include two symphonies, a jazz mass based on the music of Dave Brubeck, a Requiem, several short choral and chamber works and various vocaljazz songs and arrangements. He sings with the Toronto Chamber Choir and various other choirs on occasion. In a varied career, among his more interesting jobs have been short stints as a roadie for Pope John Paul II, a publicist for Prince Rainier of Monaco and a backup singer for Avril Lavigne.

Learn about his other books at IndentPublishing.com
See his author website at DavidWBarber.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

M.M. DeLuca Takes us to The Night Side

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0500

M.M. (Marjorie) DeLuca spent her childhood in Durham City, England. After studying at the University of London, Goldsmiths College, she moved to Winnipeg, Canada, where she worked as a teacher, then a freelance writer. She studied Advanced Creative Writing with Pulitzer Prizewinner Dr. Carol Shields and is the author of four other gripping suspense novels as well as a Young Adult sci-fi trilogy, an historical saga a Young Adult suspense and a collection of short fiction. She is currently represented by Mark Gottlieb at Trident Media Associates (https://www.tridentmediagroup.com).

Her newest novel, THE NIGHT SIDE, was published by Severn House, a division of Canongate Books.

Her author website is at: https://www.marjoriedeluca.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

H & A Christensen and The Ultimate Identity Theft

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 17:00:00 -0500

Alie and Hejsa Christensen are a mother-daughter writing duo based in Ontario, Canada. They discovered their affinity for working together when they were in-house writers for a film production company. They have now made the leap from silver screen to printed page. Stealing John Hancock, is their first novel.

Learn more about Alie and Hejsa Christensen at hachristensen.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Vicki Delany Offers us all a Deadly Little Christmas

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 13:00:00 -0500

Vicki Delany is an international bestselling author of nine mystery series, including the Year-Round Christmas Mysteries. She is member of Crime Writers of Canada and was onceserved as our board chair. She is a frequent panelist at mystery conferences such as Bouchercon and Malice Domestic in the United States and Bloody Words National Mystery Conference and When Words Collide in Canada.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

The Two Sides of Hannah Mary McKinnon

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0500

Hannah Mary Mckinnon was born in the UK grew up in Switzerland, and moved to Canada in 2010. Her first novel, TIME AFTER TIME, a light-hearted romantic read, was published in 2016, after which she moved to the dark side. Her internationally bestselling thrillers include: NEVER COMING HOME and THE REVENGE LIST.

She’s recently returned to her romantic comedy roots with THE CHRISTMAS WAGER , written under the pseudonym Holly Cassidy.

Her next thriller, ONLY ONE SURVIVES, will be published in July 2024, followed by a second Holly Cassidy holiday rom-com later that year.

To find out more please visit: www.HannahMaryMcKinnon.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Mike Martin and All That Glitters

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0500

Mike Martin was born in St. John’s, NL on the east coast of Canada and now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a long-time freelance writer and his articles and essays have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online across Canada as well as in the United States and New Zealand.

He is the author of the award-winning Sgt. Windflower Mystery series set in beautiful Grand Bank. There are now 13 books in this light mystery series with the publication of All That Glitters. A Tangled Web was shortlisted in 2017 for the best light mystery of the year, and Darkest Before the Dawn won the 2019 Bony Blithe Light Mystery Award. Mike has also published Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries, a Sgt. Windflower Book of Christmas past and present.

Mike is Past Chair of the Board of Crime Writers of Canada, a national organization promoting Canadian crime and mystery writers and a member of the Newfoundland Writers’ Guild and Ottawa Independent Writers and Capital Crime Writers.

You can follow the Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore/

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Judy Penz Sheluk Provides an Insider’s Insight into the World of Publishing

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0500

A former journalist and magazine editor, Judy Penz Sheluk is the bestselling author of two mystery series: The Glass Dolphin Mysteries and Marketville Mysteries, both of which have been published in multiple languages. With a passion for understanding the ins and outs of all aspects of publishing, Judy is also the founder and owner of Superior Shores Press. She has recently published 2 non-fiction books, Finding Your Path to Publication: A Step-by-Step Guide, provides an insider’s insight into the world of publishing. And Self-publishing: The Ins & Outs of Going Indie.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Alice Bienia and Her Gutsy Heroine, Jorja Knight

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0500

Alice Bienia is a Canadian Crime Writer and author of the Jorja Knight mystery series. She’s been nominated three times for a Awards of Excelence, and recently her book, Knight In The Museum, was chosen as the province wide winner of this year’s Alberta Author Project contest.

With a Bachelor of Science degree in geology, Alice spent her early career conducting field exploration programs in remote regions of Canada, where she honed her passion for reading, storytelling, coffee, and adventure. After riding the energy industry rollercoaster for thirty years, Alice has finally found a way to put her inherent introversion to use and now writes full time.

Join Alice’s Readers Bulletin and get a FREE copy of the Jorja Knight prequel novella, Knight Shift. Go to www.alicebienia.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Winona Kent and The 10 Stories That Worried Her Mother

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:00:00 -0500

Winona Kent is an award-winning author who was born in London, England and grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she completed her BA in English at the University of Regina. After moving to Vancouver, she graduated from UBC with an MFA in Creative Writing. More recently, she received her diploma in Writing for Screen and TV from Vancouver Film School.

Winona’s debut novel, Skywatcher, was a finalist in the Seal Books First Novel Award and was published by Bantam Books in 1989. Her first mystery, Cold Play, set aboard a cruise ship in Alaska and featured Jason Davey, a professional musician / amateur sleuth.

Earlier this year she published Ten Stories That worried my Mother. A collection of 10 short stories from 1982 until now, including four prize-winners, three mysteries, and two previously unpublished works. Included in athology is Her Jason Davey story “Salty Dog Blues” which was a finalist in the 2021 Crime Writers of Canada's Awards of Excellence for Best Crime Novella.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Jack Batten, The 2023 Recipient of the Derrick Murdoch Award

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:00:00 -0400

The Derrick Murdoch Award is a special achievement award for contributions to the crime genre. It is awarded at the discretion of the Board Chair of Crime Writers of Canada.

Jack Batten, after a brief and unhappy career as a lawyer, has been a very happy freelance writer for many years. The author of thirty-five books, Batten wrote the weekly Whodunnit column in the Toronto Star for twenty-four years.

We discuss his career as a journalist and author, what he plans to do in retirement, and his most recent book, Ross Mackay, The Saga of a Brilliant Criminal Lawyer: And his big losses and bigger wins in court and in life.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

N.L. Blandford, an Author Who Doesn’t Fit into a Mold

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Crime fighter by day. Fiction writer by night.

Natasha Blandford works as a fraud investigator at a financial institution. Natasha is passionate about creating awareness around social issues through fictional stories. Her cunning and fearless characters take readers on thrilling journeys rooted in truth.

She resides in Nova Scotia where she has built a life of dream exploration with her husband, mild mannered dog, Watson, and two cats Loki and Lulu.

nlblandford.com

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

David Rabinovitch and the Dark Side of the American Dream

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:00:00 -0400

With a background in investigative journalism, David Rabinovitch unearthed trial transcripts and classified documents to reveal the secrets of the Mob’s involvement with jukeboxes and the largest money laundering scheme in history. An EMMY, Peabody, and Gemini Award-winning film maker, he has filmed on five continents and screened his work for a committee of Congress. Jukebox Empire: The Mob and the Dark Side of the American Dream is his first book.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Jass Aujla Takes us on a Twisty Ride

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0400

JASS AUJLA is a Canadian South-Asian author of suspense-thriller fiction.

Studying creative writing as an undergraduate at the University of Toronto, she later earned a Certificate in Creative Writing from the School of Continuing Studies@ UofT. She's passionate about creativity and personal growth, and is one of CWC’s Ontario Southwest/North/GTA rep.

When Jass isn't working on one of her twisty novels, she can be found writing poetry and prose on social media. Her microfiction and poetry have appeared in several bestselling anthology publications worldwide.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Katherine Walker assures us that All Will Be Well

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0400

Katherine Walker has a background in music, fine arts, design, and naval warfare. She's a Chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces. She once specialized in advanced areas of naval operations and now focuses on theology.

Her first novel, All is Well was nominated by Crime Writers of Canada in 2022 for Best Crime First Novel and since then, she has joined the board and is a Director at Large.

There's a theme of redemption in Katherine's work and she uses humour to get up close to the tough stuff of life. They say humour and truth are related.

We discuss the power that comes when you believe in your story, the crime genre's ability to comment on the human condition and the value of community building for writers.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Charlotte Morganti and Where Small Town Sleuths Hang Out

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Charlotte Morganti joins the show to discuss the publication of her first novel, The End Game, which is the first in the D.S. Gabrieli Mysteries series.

Charlotte is a retired lawyer and active member of the Canada West chapter of Sisters in Crime and Crime Writers of Canada. She is widely known for her witty, funny, and occasionally dark short stories, including the Persimmon Worthing Mysteries. Her short stories have appeared in many anthologies and magazines, including Crime Wave, Black Cat Mystery Magazine, and Die Laughing.

We discuss her transition into novel writing, the “stranger comes to town” frame for stories, and why she likes to write mysteries set in small towns. She’ll also share her tips for successful self-publishing careers.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279

Jonathan Whitelaw Discusses the Fine Art of Murder

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 17:00:00 -0400

It's always a pleasure to chat with Jonathan Whitelaw. We discuss his creative process and the joys and pitfalls of writing cozy mysteries with senior characters.

Jonathan Whitelaw is an award-winning writer, journalist, and broadcaster. After working on the frontline of Scottish politics, he moved into journalism, covering everything from sports to music to radioactive waste – and everything in between. He's also a regular reviewer, podcaster, panellist, and commentator. He moved to Canada from the UK in May 2022 and has recently accepted a role in Crime Writers of Canada as our new Marketing Director.

Since this is our first podcast, Jonathan occasionally turns the mic around and asks me a few questions so that you can get to know your host, Erik D'Souza.

Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.com
Find past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279