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STILL MORE STUBBORN STARS
Paul Gallant Acorn Press
A character study of an eccentric power broker of rural western Prince Edward Island and a rollicking tale of East Coast and small-island life in the 20th century, Paul Gallant’s— best known for his work as editor of the LGBTQ+ publication Xtra—highly anticipated debut novel is funny and powerful.
THE LOVE OLYMPICS
Claire Wilkshire Breakwater Books
Seasoned short story writer Claire Wilkshire knows how to build a compelling character worth cheering for, despite whatever foibles they may possess. She’s also got excellent control, maximizing each word’s impact. These stories never fail to surprise.
THE HANGED WOMAN’S DAUGHTER
Nellie Strowbridge Flanker Press
This engrossing tale of trauma, shame and mystery within a family features characters who embody all the contradictions and charm of Newfoundland. Strowbridge, who has won a record 17 NL Arts and Letters Awards, turns a phrase too: “her body heavy as a killick dragged along a stony seabed.” Whoa!
THE SOUND OF FIRE
Renée Belliveau Nimbus Publishing
A beautifully written work of historical fiction based on a 1941 fire that devastated the Mount Allison University men’s residence in Sackville, New Brunswick, killing four. Belliveau makes the most of shifting perspectives, showing us Canada during the Second World War through the eyes of students, faculty and staff, a journalist, and the fire itself.
THE BLUE MOTH MOTEL
Olivia Robinson Breakwater Books
Family dynamics, grief and home. The mysterious arrival of blue moths at the motel where Ingrid and Norah are raised by their two mothers. Years later, when Ingrid, now a budding solo vocalist in England, loses her voice, she must make a difficult decision, a need that points her homeward.
THREE FOR TRINITY
Kevin Major Breakwater Books
Third installment in Governor-General Award winner Kevin Major’s popular Sebastian Synard Mystery series, which combines laughaloud humour with fingernail-clenching suspense. Sebastian is trying to keep his business afloat through a global pandemic when he’s forced to risk everything going undercover to solve a local murder.
ALONE ON THE TRAIL
Emily Hepditch Flanker Press
Featuring evocative, sensory language taking us deep into the scene, wailing at whatever lurks around the next tree. By rolling between the points of view of four friends, Hepditch slowly reveals new plot and character details, ramping up the tension as she goes.
BENEATH HER SKIN
CS Porter Nimbus Publishing
A mystery written by a mystery—CS Porter, that is, who according to the book jacket, “is rumoured [to have] once [been] involved in crime investigation.” Age, gender and origin unknown. Starring hard, relentless and unbending homicide detective Kes Morris, who uncovers a web of gruesome crimes going back decades.
MY FATHER’S SON
Tom Moore Flanker Press
In her review for atlanticbooks.ca, Stephanie Collins noted Walter Ryan as an unforgettable driving force of this novel. “Everyone knows a Walter, but it is his crusade and dynamic personality that drives the story, helping us realize the importance of standing up for what is right.”
