Category Archives: Book Launches

What a week for Capital Crime Writers!

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Last week was an exciting whirlwind for many of our members. On October 15, 2025, the long-awaited A Capital Mystery anthology was officially published—much to the joy of the seventeen Capital Crime Writers among its twenty-one contributors.

The celebration began with several of our talented authors taking to the airwaves for radio interviews, where they shared behind-the-scenes stories, inspirations, and insights into the making of the book.

The momentum continued the very next day with a special meeting with the Mayor of Ottawa, who was presented with a copy of the anthology. That evening, festivities carried on at the Club SAW, where the launch party drew a standing-room-only crowd. Readers, writers, and mystery lovers alike gathered to celebrate the magic, the history, and—most of all—the mystery that makes Ottawa such a captivating setting.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to Mike Martin, Capital Crime Writers member and the creative force who dreamed up this project and brought it to life.

Left photo, from left to right: Barbara Fradkin, Bernadette Hendrickx, Maya Valenzuela, Elizabeth Hosang, Madona Skaff, Jennifer Jorgensen, Mike Martin, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Nancy Pawelek, Anna Di Meglio, Bernadette Cox, Brenda Chapman, Joanne White; top right photo, from left to right: Mike Martin, Don Butler; bottom right photo, from left to right: Brenda Chapman, Nancy Pawelek, Kathy MacLellan, Alan Neal.

Left photo, from left to right: Madona Skaff, Lis Angus, Brenda Chapman, Katie Tallo; top right photo, Barbara Fradkin; bottom right photo, Kathy MacLellan.

Left: Melissa Yi; right: Maya Valenzuela

From left to right: Elizabeth Hosang, Jennifer Jorgensen, Bernadette Hendrickx, Anna Di Meglio

Launch Event Crowd at Club SAW

A Capital Mystery

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A new anthology of mysteries set in Ottawa, written by Ottawa writers. The list includes several Capital Crime Writers members.

  • Lis Angus
  • Brenda Chapman
  • Anna Di Meglio
  • Stewart Dudley
  • Barbara Fradkin
  • Elizabeth Hosang
  • P. R. (Pam) Isfeld
  • Joe Italiano
  • Jennifer Jorgensen
  • Kathy MacLellan
  • Nancy Pawelek
  • A.E. Pittman
  • Madona Skaff
  • Adrienne Stevenson
  • Maya Valenzuela
  • Joanne White
  • Melissa Yi

The book will be available for purchase on October 15, 2025. Books can be pre-ordered at OttawaPressandPublishing.com. Launch event on October 16, 2025. Details to follow.

Book Launch

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Join CCW member Madona Skaff on Saturday October 19, 2019 at 3 p.m for the launch of her murder mystery short story Backbone, in the anthology Nothing Without Us,  a multi-genre anthology featuring disabled protagonists.  We are the heroes, not the sidekicks.  The event takes place at The Three Brewers Pub, 240 Sparks St.

There will be readings, book signings and door prizes.

Book launch for latest offerings by Fradkin and Wiken

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Barbara Fradkin, CCW author and two-time winner of the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel, is set to launch, Fire in the Stars, the first book in a new series. The book introduces Amanda Doucette, a former foreign aid worker who has returned to Canada to recover from a traumatic experience in Africa and finds herself searching for a fellow survivor gone missing in Newfoundland.

 

Although it’s a different setting and cast of characters, Fradkin hopes that readers who enjoy Inspector Green will find Amanda’s commitment, determination, and compassion equally engaging.

 

The launch also features Ladies’ Killing Circle compatriot Linda Wiken, who is also launching a new series.

 

Enjoy the refreshments while listening to these authors read excerpts from their newest work.

When and where

  • September 28, 7 – 9 p.m.
  • Mother McGinty’s Stage of the Heart and Crown Pub, 67 Clarence St.
 The best parking is in the parking garage right across the street, but you can also try street parking.
fradkin_launch_fire_in_the_stars

CCW contest pub night and great writing news-RESCHEDULED

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UPDATE: The pub night has been RESCHEDULED to June 22, 2016 and relocated to the Foolish Chicken due to the sinkhole situation on Rideau Street.

The winners of the 2016 CCW short story contest  will be announced on Wednesday June 22, 2016 .  Come and hear readings from the winners.  Anyone else who wishes to read their work is also welcome. Want to see who made the short list? See this post.

When and where

When: Wednesday June 22, 2016, 6:30 p.m. – last to leave.
Where: Foolish Chicken, 79 Holland Ave, Ottawa, ON

Publishing and awards news about members

CCW member Patricia Filteau to launch new book
Patricia Filteau is launching her new book, Vantage Point: A Kate Roarty, P.I. novel on Monday May 30, 2016, at 7:30. The launch is at 3 Sisters Bakeshop & Café, located at 2211 Arch Street. That pastries there are divine.

Peggy Blair short story
CCW friend Peggy Blair has released an eight-episode podcast of a Inspector Ramirez short story prequel (to Umbrella Man) narrated by Selma Farmer.  The launch of Umbrella Man, the fourth Inspector Ramirez mystery is on Thursday June 9, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. It takes place at Holland’s Cake and Shake, 229
Armstrong St, Ottawa.

CCW member Adrienne Stevenson clinches 3rd place
Adrienne Stevenson has won third place in the 2016 National Capital Writing Contest. The award is sponsored by the Canadian Authors Association: National Capital Region. Her story is entitled “Leveller.” Congratulations.

CCW ELECTIONS: 2016-2017
The elections for the CCW executive (2016-2017) were held on May 11th. I am pleased to announce the 2016-2017 executive:

PRESIDENT: Michael Murphy
VICE PRESIDENT: Pat Filteau
PAST PRESIDENT: Katherine Hobbs
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Joe Italiano & Mary Fernando
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Jeff Ross & Patti Murphy
SECRETARY/MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR/TREASURER & FINANCE: Elizabeth Hosang

Thanks to the members of the 2015-2016 executive:
PRESIDENT: Katherine Hobbs
VICE PRESIDENT: Darlene Cole
PAST PRESIDENT: Michael Murphy
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Michael Murphy & Joe Italiano
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Jeff Ross & Patti Murphy
SECRETARY/MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR/TREASURER & FINANCE: Elizabeth Hosang

Chapman launches 3rd book in Stonechild & Rouleau series

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stonechild_3Join Brenda Chapman for the launch of Tumbled Graves, third in the Stonechild and Rouleau series! The launch takes place this Sunday, April 3 between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. at Whispers Pub, 249 Richmond Road (http://whisperspubottawa.ca/ ).

Books on Beechwood will be available with copies for purchase.

Brenda will also be appearing with Linwood Barclay, John Lawton and Joyce Fielding at the Ottawa International Book Festival on Sunday, April 17 at 8:30 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral.
Barbara Fradkin will be asking the questions! For tickets and more information, visit the Festival website: http://www.writersfestival.org/events/spring-2016/scene-of-the-crime

Debut novel features amateur sleuth with MS

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Madona Skaff-Koren

Madona Skaff-Koren

CCW member and author Madona Skaff-Koren is debuting her Ottawa-based mystery novel, Journey of a Thousand Steps (available in paperback or ebook formats), as part of a multi-author book launch Sunday Oct. 25 at the Royal Oak (161 Laurier Ave) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Madona’s debut novel features Naya, a high-flying software-security  magnate and marathon runner turned recluse after multiple sclerosis saps her strength and her career. Her computer her only contact with the outside world, Naya reconnects with her childhood best friend, who shortly thereafter disappears.

Frustrated by police inaction around her friend’s disappearance, Naya turns amateur sleuth, following a convoluted trail from high tech suspects to drug dealers.

Joining her novel in the authors’ launch line-up are:

  • Human by S. M. Carriere: Supernatural suspense
  • The King in Darkness, by Evan May: Supernatural in Ottawa
  • Blood Matters, by Caroline Frechette:  Supernatural suspense, Latest book in Family by Choice series.
  • Unblocked by Caroline Frechette: Nonfiction.  Have you ever stared at a blank page in fear?  If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t write for any reason this book is for you.

The event features readings, book signings by authors, and games:

  • A Match made in Austen: A game inspired by the timeless works of Jane Austen.
  • Extrahumans:  Mafia,  Monsters and Supers is a cooperative adventure card game based on the Family by Choice Series by Caroline Frechette

 

Cozy up to murder with Crime and Cupcakes

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Capital crime-writing mavens, Vicky Delany, Mary Jane & Victoria Maffini, and Linda Wiken join forces to launch their books under their respective noms-de-plume. Nothing pairs better with fictional murder than light refreshments, wine, cupcakes and some lively discussions.

Join the authors on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 at 7 p.m. at Library and Archives Canada (2nd floor) at 395 Wellington St, Ottawa.

Delany as Eva Gates

Delany as Eva Gates

Delany, writing as Eva Gates, takes readers back to the Outer Banks with her second book in her Lighthouse Library trilogy. In Booked for Trouble, protagonist-librarian Lucy catalogs the clues in a bid to find the killer of her socialite mother’s archrival before her materfamilias is thrown behind bars. This is Delany’s third release this fall in different crime trilogies. There are plenty of reading options from this Capital Crime Writer just in time for winter hibernation.

Mary Jane and Victoria Maffini as Victoria Abbott

Mary Jane and Victoria Maffini 

Mary Jane and Victoria Maffini are the mother-daughter writing duo behind the Victoria Abbott novels. Marsh Madness is their fourth installment in the Book Collector Mystery Series. Lured to a country club and spa by the possible acquisition of  first edition Ngaio Marsh books, Jordan, Vera and Uncle Kev find that they are not only victims of a scam, they are scapegoats for murder. Next up in the series will be The Hammett Hex.

Wiken as Erika Chase

Wiken as Erika Chase

Wiken, writing as Erika Chase is launching Book 5 in the Ashton Corners Book Club Mysteries. In Law and Author, retired police chief and member of the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society, Bob Miller sees his 21-year-old (and heretofore unknown) granddaughter enter his life followed shortly thereafter by the murder of a stranger. Miller and the amateur sleuths in the book club work quickly to solve the murder before other deaths are written into the plot.