Friday, November 23rd found a merry group at Sleuth of Baker Street to meet Steven Owad who had flown in from Calgary during Toronto's first snow storm, and Jon Redfern, a Toronto author.

Steve read from his latest mystery, a contemporary thriller, Brother's Keeper, which begins in the streets of old Warsaw and moves to the very new street of Ft. McMurray, Alberta.

Jon Redfern read from and signed copies of his newly released mystery, Trumpets Sound No More, which takes place in London of 1840, in the theatre world of the time."

The contrast of the two very different mysteries, different centuries, different continents, made for an entertaining evening

More mysterious happenings ...

Nov. 8 Alta Vista Public Library,7 pm
Barbara joins friend and fellow mystery writer RJ Harlick in an evening hosted by the Alta Vista branch of the Ottawa Public Library. The duo will discuss the art of mystery writing with illustrations from their own writing process and their works. Lots of time for Q&A. Books will be for sale and signing after the event. 2516 Alta Vista Drive, admission free.

Nov. 14 Sleuth of Baker Street, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Come join Mary Jane Maffini and Barbara for the Toronto launch of their latest books, Dream Chasers and Too Hot to Handle, the latest in Mary Jane's Fiona Silk series. Everyone is welcome. There will be wine and nibblies, and of course lots of book talk and books for sale. Special thanks to hosts Marian and JD of Sleuth of Baker Street, 1600 Bayview Ave., Toronto.

Nov. 15 Library and Archives Canada,7:00- 9:00 pm
Barbara and Mary Jane hustle back to Ottawa for the official launch of Dream Chasers and Too Hot to Handle, at the Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington St., Ottawa. Special thanks to sponsors Sylvia McConnell of Napoleon and Company and Linda Wiken of Prime Crime Bookstore. Come for the wine, music and good food, along with readings and signings. Free admission. Bring a mystery loving friend. Or two!

Nov. 16 Pinecrest Chapters,7 – 9 pm
Barbara and Mary Jane are a killer duo again at Chapters in the Pinecrest Shopping Centre, 2735 Iris St., where they will be schmoozing and signing their latest books for the pre-Christmas crowd.

Nov. 21 Champlain College, Lennoxville QC, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Barbara and Mary Jane hit the road again to visit the beautiful Eastern Townships, where they will be doing readings and informal Q&A at the Lennoxville campus of Champlain College. Free admission, everyone welcome! Special thanks to Jim Napier and Roya Abouzia for setting this up.

Nov. 22 Champlain College, Lennoxville QC, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Barbara and Mary Jane conduct a writing workshop to interested students at the college and the university on the art of mystery writing. How to plot a mystery, how to create vivid heroes and villains, and much more. Thanks again to Jim Napier and Roya Abouzia for inviting us.

Nov. 22 Brome Lake Books, Knowlton, QC,4:00 – 6:00 pm
Next, a delightful stop at Brome Lake Books, 264 Knowlton Rd., Knowlton for a chance to meet people, talk about Canadian mysteries and sign some books. Refreshments will be served, free, everyone welcome! Special thanks to host Danny McAuley.

Nov. 29 Literary Landscapes, 6:30 – 7:00 pm
Barbara joins radio host Jane Crosier for a half hour discussion of books, Inspector Green and the latest release, on the Carleton Radio Station CKCU, at 93.1

Dec. 1 Perth’s Valley Book Shop, 10:30 – 12:00 noon
Barbara and Mary Jane are back on the Eastern Ontario highways for a book signing at Perth's wonderful heritage bookstore, 17 Wilson St. East. A personalized, autographed book makes a wonderful gift for the mystery lover on your list! Admission free. Thanks to host Ken Norris for setting this up.

Dec. 1 As the Plot Thickens, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
From Perth, Barbara and Mary Jane head down to Kingston for an afternoon of schmoozing, nibbles and book signing at Kingston's charming mystery bookstore As The Plot Thickens, 66 Brock St. Thanks to host Brian Fenlon for setting this up.

Dec. 7 Kanata Chapters, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Just as the festive season heats up, Barbara and Mary Jane turn up back in Ottawa for a Friday evening signing at Chapters in the Kanata Centrum, 400 Earl Grey Drive, Unit 1.

Dec. 16 Prime Crime Mystery Bookstore , 2:00 – 4:00 pm
As part of Prime Crime's festive season events, Barbara will spend the afternoon schmoozing and signing her latest Inspector Green mystery Dream Chasers, along with the backlist. Drop by Prime Crime at 891 Bank St, in the Glebe, and browse. Personalized, autographed books makes wonderful gifts for the mystery lover. Thanks to good friend, fellow writer, and Prime Crime owner Linda Wiken for hosting this.