Capital Crime Writers is proud to announce that we are once again sponsoring the anthology, A Capital Mystery. Volume 2 includes stories from several of our fellow members. A launch is planned for September 2026, as well as several panels and book signings.
Details will follow. Stay Tuned!
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 new anthology of mysteries set in Ottawa, written by Ottawa writers. The list includes several Capital Crime Writers members.
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.
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.
Join Linda Wiken for the launch of Marinating in Murder, the third Dinner Club Mystery. The event is at Books on Beechwood, Sunday April 22, 2018, between 3:00-5:00 p.m.
There will be books, treats & much laughter.
Register for Boucheron 2017–your passport to murder. Toronto is the locale for the World Mystery Convention.
Monthly meeting reminder: Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Centrepointe branch of the Ottawa Public Library. See details below:
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: Wednesday June 22, 2016, 6:30 p.m. – last to leave.
Where: Foolish Chicken, 79 Holland Ave, Ottawa, ON
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
Join 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
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:
The event features readings, book signings by authors, and games: