Meet the Characters

A lot of people have asked me what I’ve been up to since I finished teaching sociology at the University of Toronto nearly two years ago. The answer is, I’ve been writing crime and mystery novels. And I’ve been writing them in a style that updates the hardboiled style of the 1940s in what people now call “nouveau noir.”

My first novel, DEADLY DONATION, will be published in the early autumn and I want to tell you a little bit about it now.

Frankly, it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks, but I’ve been having a blast learning the tricks of novel-writing. In particular, I’ve enjoyed creating and exploring my lead character, Rachel Tile. Rachel, a professional criminologist, uses her knowledge of theories about crime to figure out who killed the dead guy, how, and why. And in this case, the dead guy is Canada’s most famous philanthropist, Michael Coale, who also happens to be Rachel’s ex-husband (and someone she eventually hated with a passion!) 

A THUMBNAIL SKETCH OF DEADLY DONATION

In a city resembling Toronto, circa 2025, a few affluent families control all the vital businesses: food, internet, utilities, banking, and manufacturing, among others. Even basic services like education, elder care, and transportation are mainly in private hands.

With government funds dwindling, universities and colleges have to fend for themselves, relying heavily on steep student fees and hefty donations from the wealthy elite. This sets the stage for a cutthroat competition for funding, a backdrop for my tale. DEADLY DONATION follows Rachel Tile, a professional criminologist, as she chases a $20 million gift while unraveling a murder mystery.

Key players in this book include:

·      Rachel Tile: A brilliant criminologist at Strachan University, tasked with saving her financially strapped criminology department. Rachel's pursuit of funds leads her into a murder investigation, straining her sanity as she battles her panic attacks with alcohol.

·      Jen Coale: Rachel's enigmatic best friend, who prompts Rachel to delve into her brother Michael's murder. Jen's communication through photography adds layers to her character.

·      Michael Coale: A billionaire investor and philanthropist, whose murder sets the story in motion. His return to Canada to avoid legal trouble brings old grievances to the surface.

·      Trish McCormack: Michael's gorgeous personal assistant, whose involvement in sex games with Michael raises suspicions about her role in his demise.

·      Daniel Rosso: Rachel's jovial second husband, whose gambling habit leads the couple into unexpectedly perilous situations.

·      Beth Coale: Michael's stoic second wife, whose demeanor at his funeral raises questions about her involvement in his death – also, her willingness to donate to Rachel's cause.

·      Yevgeny (Gene) Tretnikoff: A Russian investor with ties to illicit businesses, whose friendship with Rachel sparks curiosity about his motives.

·      Robert Delamont: Gene's trusted associate with a troubled past, whose emotional connection with Rachel complicates her investigation.

·      J-C Guzman: A fixer with a violent history, determined to secure an investment for his employer at any cost.

·      Ellie Rosso: Rachel's impulsive stepdaughter, whose romance with a casino employee entangles her in dangerous schemes.

·      Bobbie Gupta: Ellie's boyfriend and a muscle for Gene Tretnikoff’s casino, whose hidden agenda threatens the casino operations.

·      Roxy Duncan: A former student of Rachel's and now a police officer, whose insights aid Rachel in uncovering the truth behind Michael's murder.

In this riveting tale of greed, betrayal, and redemption, Rachel navigates a treacherous landscape where loyalties are tested, and secrets lurk at every turn.