Barrhaven’s ‘Crime for Christmas’ book fair Nov. 19

By Don Butler

A cold case revisited. A missing boy. A Ouija board that spells out a crime scene. And much more.

Nine Ottawa mystery authors will gather at the Barrhaven Legion on Nov. 19 in the national capital region’s first-ever mystery authors book fair, Crime for Christmas.

Peggy Blair, an internationally published mystery author, came up with the idea and ran it by her followers on X/Twitter to see what they thought. When one said she would travel from out of town to buy books from Ottawa authors, Blair realized she was on to something. 
She reached out to mystery authors in Ottawa and surrounding areas, and within a day, eight had signed on to Crime for Christmas. Along with Blair, the participating mystery authors include Brenda Chapman, Don Butler, Mike Martin, Amy Tector, John Delacourt, Mary Jane Maffini, Barbara Fradkin and Bob Bickford.
“I don’t know what it is, maybe something in the water, but the Ottawa area has a plethora of terrific mystery writers,” Blair said. “Some aren’t very well known because they’re published by independent presses or are self-published.

“I’m always looking for ways to amplify their voices and at the same time expose readers to great Canadian writers they may not be aware of or whose books aren’t always easy to find.” 
Books make a great Christmas gift, Blair added. “As well, this is an opportunity to meet and support local authors, pick up some of their latest releases, and support a local Legion.”

The Crime for Christmas book fair will be open for business from 4 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 19 in the party room at the Barrhaven Legion, 3500 Fallowfield Rd. There’ll be snacks and a cash bar for those eager to get an early start on the holiday reading spirit.