Some of my favourite reviews come from kids. I love it how they whole-heartedly embrace a book and the characters within it.  This Saturday sees the release of Chris Rutkowski’s new UFO book and first children’s book  I Saw it Too! Chris received an early thumbs up from 10 year-old who lives in his neighbourhood. Here’s what she had to say:

Ben Guyatt, the author of Billy Green Saves the Day, received a very interesting email which happened to be from a descendant of Billy Green.  Here’s the lovely email.

Dear Ben,
I just finished reading “Billy Green Saves the Day” and enjoyed it very much; I felt like I was there.  I have a particular interest because I recently got involved in my family’s genealogy and the Samuel Green family from New Jersey is part of my family tree.  Both Adam and William, his brother, were Loyalists and moved away; Adam to Stoney Creek, ON and William to western Pennsylvania.  Billy was named after his Uncle William.  My great grandmother on my father’s side is descended from William Green.  I was born in Warren, PA but for the past 30+ yrs. have lived in Oshawa, ON.  Earlier this year I stopped in Stoney Creek and found the Adam Green homestead, however, no one was home at the time.  I plan to go back soon and visit some of the historic sites.
Thank you very much for that little bit of history.
Jeanne Searle

And finally over a year ago we published Don Easton’s third mystery novel featuring the rule-bending Jack Taggart. Due to unfortunate circumstances, a review for Angel in the Full Moon that was to run in the RCMP Quarterly never ran. Well, we now have it here for you.

“RCMP Cpl. Jack Taggart and the Organized Crime Unit are back in Don Easton’s latest Jack Taggart Mystery, Angel in the Full Moon.  In his first two novels Easton challenged his readers to resolve whether being on the “right” side of the law made a character “good” and likewise, if being on the “wrong” side of the law made a character “bad”; there was little room for black and white distinctions.  Unlike those first two novels, in Angel in the Full Moon there is black and white.  The bad guys are out-and-out bad and the good guys are venerable.

Partners Jack Taggart and Laura Secord set out to investigate an unknown crime based on a tip.  While they don’t know what they’re getting into, they know it is big.  The crime is human trafficking and the story heart-wrenching.  Easton sets the tone of the novel early by introducing the readers to the victims first, humanizing them and making it difficult for the reader not to be drawn in and filled with compassion.

In all Easton’s books it is difficult to determine what of his story line is based on his life experiences as an undercover RCMP, and what is fictional creation.  Angel in the Full Moon feels from the beginning too real to be a work of fiction.  Easton wrote with emotion the reader can feel emanate off the pages.  The knowledge that the story is closer to reality than fiction makes parts of it a tough story to swallow.

As with Above Ground Easton does a splendid job of intensifying his characters without taking away from the story.  His primary characters are dynamic throughout the Jack Taggart Mystery series and throughout each individual novel.  And as he did in Above Ground, Easton has escaladed some of his secondary characters to a level that makes one wonder what role they will play in the fourth novel.

Above Ground did not offer as much shock value as Loose Ends did but Angel in the Full Moon arguably offered more.  The news stories on human trafficking seem to be swept under the rug as though they are not society’s concern.  Don Easton lifts the rug and airs it out for all to see.  He reminds us that human trafficking often involves young girls, sex crimes, and crimes against human rights.  It is sickening to think that members of society support such crimes.

I commend Mr. Easton for the personal experiences he brought to this latest book.  I admire his honesty and offer my sympathy for what he has had to endure both on the job and in his personal life.  I’d like to thank Mr. Easton for sharing a part of himself with the reader as it truly made the novel meaningful for me.  As for those out there who have yet to read the novel, even if it isn’t your style or genre, read it to remind yourself of what a portion of society goes through every day.”
- Erin Chatwell

And thus ends my last blog posting. I’m saying farewell to Dundurn today.  I’ve had a lot of fun keeping you updated on our activities.  Thanks for reading about my adventures as a publicist here at Dundurn. Best wishes to you all! And make sure you keep tuning in for more updates and publishing stories from Ashleigh and Jeffrey.

Happy Reading!

“Still Waters is both an assured debut in the mystery category and offbeat in the charming way only a newbie can be … This is the kind of mystery in which the detectives themselves are intimately involved with the crime, to the point of placing their own lives in jeopardy. Now I know this sounds like another case of literary flourishes and subplots distracting from the good, clean fun of solving gruesome homicides. Yet it works really well. At first, the cops seem hopelessly self-obsessed and unreal as they swap prolonged personal cracks over dead bodies, but eventually you get drawn into their lives in a way that makes solving the crime even more vital. If anything, Moss’s character-driving writing in Still Waters reminds me of the involving work of the British writer Reginald Hill in the famed Dalziel and Pascoe series. Sure, it’s not quite realistic: do we think modern police officers are intimately connected with all their cases? No, but it makes for entracing fiction … I really want to know what hot water Quin and Morgan get into on their next case.”

*** /4

“A respected historian, Boissery has done her research into Australia’s convict roots, and her knowledge of the historical and geographical setting is evident in the writing. Boissery manages to incorporate that historical and geographical knowledge into the story in a manner that provides an authentic and generally appropriately gloomy, challenging backdrop to the main story events … Again including strong, complex characters, Sophie’s Exile is more plot-driven and features a more engaging narrative than the earlier books in the trilogy. Middle school readers with an interest in history will enjoy Boissery’s writing.  Schoolteachers desiring to employ historically acurate fictional writing in the classroom will do well to consider the classroom inclusion of Sophie’s Exile.”  – Gregory Bryan. To read more click here.

** 1/2 /4

“With her historian’s eye, Boissery is an author worthy of inclusion in middle school and high school history classes … Those willing to persevere through the slower stages of the narrative will find themselves rewarded with a detailed, carefully constructed, often interesting story.” – Gregory Bryan. For Gregory’s full review click here.

*** /4

 

 

 

“Pitt’s vivid descriptions of the ice-boat races and Bertie’s struggle to escape the Kelly Gang’s wrath reward the reader with exciting action. In addition, Pitt also includes interesting details about the history of the automobile, the origins of CCM and a glimpse of Toronto’s culture at the beginning of the 20th century. Pitt, whose first book, Rain Tonight was nominated for the Silver Birch, Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain awards, has produced in Faster then Wind a fast-paced, thrilling story recommended for any library, but especially school libraries. The book will appeal to young adults who are interested in sports and history – two topics that don’t often intersect.” – Philip Bravo. Click here to read more.

*** /4

“Literature for children and young adults should reflect the complexity and trials characteristic of their age, but it should also ultimately celebrate young people’s resilience and desire to be their own. She Loves You succeeds in this. Any young person who has felt different or who has craved options beyond what they see in their high school environment will appreciate or at least relate to this book in some way … She Love You is a memorable story with characters that are real and messages that resonate.”

Still Waters, the newest addition to Dundurn’s Castle Street mystery line, by noted academic John Moss has been receiving great reviews from mystery critics since its publication last month. The witty verbal sparing between Still Waters’ detective duo David Morgan and Miranda Quin are reminding the critics of Reginald Hill’s Dalziel and Pascoe and Hammett’s Thin Man duo Nick and Nora Charles. And Moss’ writing has been described as being a la Robertson Davies and Ross Macdonald. Not too shabby! And here’s a neat coincidence for you – this Spring Dundurn is publishing a new biography on Robertson Davies. 

What follows is a round up of what the critics have said so far about this noir crime novel that’s sure to be a hit with mystery readers.

“Mosses’ writing is as lush as the Canadian fall setting and as exotic as the Koi themselves. The book is brimming with imagery and he writes wonderfully clever dialogue between Quin and Morgan. They put me in mind of Reginald Hill’s Daziel and Pascoe, or perhaps the clever cocktail commentary of Hammett’s Thin duo, Nick and Nora Charles … I look forward to another Quin and Morgan mystery …”
- Merrill Young, Reviewing the Evidence, October 2008

“Their relationship is well beyond anticipation, each knowing the other’s interest, inclinations, experiences and thoughts, as much as they know themselves, making for a lot of witty and insightful banter and affecting the investigation of the case.

It’s Ontario Gothic a la Robertson Davies with catacombs and dark passages every bit as foreboding as the familiar rain-slicked streets … Like Davies, there’s enough Jungian psychology and Freudian banter in Still Waters to fill a decent textbook, with ample opportunity to consider the nature of memory, loss and the role of the subconsicious in fateful decisions. Even more chilling is that, like Ross Macdonald, Moss visits the sins and crimes of his characters onto their children, ensuring the doom of succceeding generations, but if you don’t like thinking such thoughts and prefer mysteries as entertaining escapes, Moss provides all the bells, whistles and satisfying endings appropriate to the happiest of Canadian crime fiction. That may be what I find most chilling of all in this dark little tale.”
- Kerry J. Schooley, Murder Out There, October 27, 2008

“Moss spins a mystery that sparkles with dynamic setting – from the Rosedale mansion’s murky basement corridors to a world class collection of koi. The mystery is both simple and chillingly realistic … with vivid pictures, resonant insights and a spin on mystery storytelling that is as multilayered as it is beautiful, Moss teases us down the path to resolutions. Still Waters is a mystery told by a storyteller par excellence and is not to be missed.”
- Don Graves, The Hamilton Spectator, November 1, 2008

Long lost relatives?

“In Caribou and the North: A Shared Future, Hummel and Ray use their expertise on these cold-loving herbivores and on the science of conservation to provide a fact-filled, highly persuasive bio-graphy of caribou and the “North” they inhabit … Even if you are not an ungulate lover or prefer tropical warmth to boreal chill, Caribou and the North is an engaging introduction to these animals and how crucial they are to their environment … Although there are many gaps in knowledge about caribou, Hummel and Ray sound a convincing alarm about our need to protect them (and thereby the North, and thereby the Earth) … After finishing Caribou and the North, you may well find yourself hoping that neither of them “goes” anywhere! For if either disappears, both will be gone … and if both are gone, then so many other life-forms will not be far behind.”  – Justin Van Kleeck

To read Justin’s full review click here. And if you are interested in hearing more about this book check out this video featuring co-author Justina C. Ray.

“… a great and unexpected look across the country at the different paths people take to different kinds of success. The book is kind of comforting to those who aren’t entirely sure of how to proceed or even of how they have already proceeded along their road through life … The subjects seem wonderfully candid and forthcoming with their stories and the authors manage to pick and find a great selection of seventy Canadians to speak to. This book would be a good recommendation to a student looking for their path or unsure of their own potential to succeed. Of course we are not always sure even when we’re done being students so this book would be a good read for others too, particularly recent graduates. It does a good job of reinforcing the notion that there is not always a singular and defined path to success and for different people success can take on very different forms. The fact that the book is specifically about Canadians helps the cast be more relatable and human, which strengthens the effectiveness of the book.”

To read the full review click here.

“Easton has taught his readers that Jack Taggart is a master of manipulation and creative problem solving. In fact, Jack’s trademark ’sting’ plot twist is a much anticipated part of the books. Easton’s prose is straight up and undecorated, which may not appeal to some readers, but his stories are interesting and well told. His skill in interweaving the investigation plot and personal lives of his characters has become more polished in this novel, and Easton subtly uses this story to exorcise some personal demons as well.” – Merrill Young

To read the full review click here.

“… a meticulously detailed page-turner … Mestern’s writing is warm and cozy, her phrasing sweetly old-fashioned. Granite, a cup of tea and comfy chair make perfect companions for a lazy afternoon.” 

So plug in that keetle, pour yourself a cup of tea, and curl up with Granite.

Click here to read what the teens had to say about the participating books and here’s a sampling of what the teens had to say about The Law of Three.

“I loved this book. It was everything I expected and more. It was suspenseful, thrilling and sad all at the same time. If I were to recommend one book from the 7 books on the island, it would be this one. I really hope it goes to the top!!”

“This book was outstanding! It was a mystery that was so suspenseful that it kept you on the edge of your seat for that entire book. This isn’t like your typical Nancy Drew Mystery where everything always turns out “fine and dandy”! I had no idea where this book was going but I was satisfied with the ending. I loved how all of the characters were so different and each had there own individual personalities. I loved the twist in the ending and I surprised by it. The Law of Three is a must-read and is the best book I have read so far!”

“This was the best book ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally! A book worth of selection!!!! The suspense and characters in this book were amazing! This author really did an superb job!!!!!!!!! I can’t say enough about this book, and I could go on for days, so I’m going to stop. The Law of Three should win Teen Survivor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“I loved this book- NOW I DONT KNOW WHICH BOOK TO GO! I loved Everlost and The Law of Three. No matter which wins Im happy ”

“I found this book to be awesome! once i picked it up , i didnt put it down until i was finished!! I think alot of you will like this book!”