Third event of the busy week - The Atwater Library

In addition to doing lots of readings, book discussions and signings, I put a lot of kilometers on my Jeep during this busy June week. The first long drive was to Montreal with short story author, Liz Palmer to celebrate National Crime Writing Week in Montreal. Michael Blair, whose latest 'A Hard Winter Rain' is a terrific read, organized this evening of readings at the Atwater Public Library to showcase Quebec crime writers.

Now you may very well ask why I, an Ontarian, was invited. But those of you who have read 'Death's Golden Whisper' will realize it was a natural fit with its West Quebec wilderness setting. Besides one could say I'm a part-time Quebecer, for I spend half my time at my West Quebec log cabin, which is precisely where these words are being written.

In addition to Michael, Liz and myself, other authors included Peter Clement, reading from 'Inquisitor', his 7th medical thriller, Louise Penny, whose first book 'Still Life' comes out this fall, N.A.T. Grant, author of the Killer Race series, Richard King, reading from 'That Sleep of Death' and Neil McKenty. I should perhaps mention that Michael read from his third, soon to be published book, 'Overexposed', Liz from her Arthur Ellis shortlisted short story 'When Laura Laughs' and I, of course, from 'Death's Golden Whisper'.

We attracted a good crowd whom I'd like to think were enticed by the desire to meet some hot Quebec crime writers and not by the promise of wine and nibbles and door prizes. And since the applause was generous and the Double Hook staff busy selling our books, I believe we won over a few new fans.

And speaking of the Double Hook Book Store, unfortunately this was the last event they would be participating in, for sadly the tiny perfect book store, Canada's last Canadian only book seller, will soon close its doors. It will be missed by all of us authors who used to enjoy doing book signings or readings in the cozy, book-lined shop.

The photographer of this event was Michael's Pam, who has generously allowed me to use them in my blog. So please check them out.

Click to view the photo album

P.S. As mentioned I am writing this at Tamarack which is now in the full greenery of summer. Unfortunately with new growth comes pollen. And even as I write clouds of the yellow stuff, mostly from pine and spruce, are swirling past my window. Fortunately I'm not allergic to it, but it will mean having to spend considerable time wiping thick layers of it from my porch furniture.