This fifth book in the Thursday Murder Club mystery series is one of the best. Importantly, there is the clever and signature wit of Osman’s writing. Of course, the plot is devious: a missing person, a bitcoin fortune, a car bomb. But this is a story about the importance of relationships, old (Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim) and new, with family dynamics a key element. Highly recommended.
Category: Genre
Revolution Songs – Carissa Halton
This remarkable first novel is a classic example of historical fiction. The setting is the Crowsnest Pass, specifically Blairmore, in the 1930s. The drama is labour radicalism, fueled by depression-era poverty and the dangers of coal mining. The influences of Communist agitation and even the sinister presence of the KKK creates a dramatic backdrop for exploitation. Thanks Sarah, for this recommendation.
Is This A Cry For Help? – Emily Austin
Full disclosure: this book is a tribute to libraries and librarians! Darcy is a 32-year-old librarian who is recovering from a sick leave precipitated by the death of a former partner. So part of the story is a professional analysis of her insecurities and her need to please others. And there are important library challenges to principles of intellectual freedom and inclusivity due to censorship demands. So, a book that deals with important contemporary issues.
PS: Emily Austin also wrote Everyone in this Room will Someday be Dead
The Cure For Drowning – Loghan Paylor
This book is the well-deserved winner of the 2026 Canada Reads competition, championed by the formidable and eloquent Tegan Quin. This is brilliant historical fiction: small town Ontario in 1939 and then WWII in Halifax and Europe. There are two principal characters: the non-binary Catherine/Kit/Christopher and Rebekah. These vivid individuals are grappling with identity and belonging, so different perspectives on life are featured. And there is some magic realism, aka folklore: highly recommended.
The Game – Ken Dryden
Full disclosure – this is a book about hockey. But in my defense, this extraordinary book is widely considered to be the greatest hockey book ever written. For context, Dryden was the goaltender for the Montréal Canadiens during their epic success in the 1970s. Specifically, he writes about 1979 and the performance of the team and himself. Importantly, Dryden is a thoughtful and articulate observer. Has the team been spoiled by success, and is the team in decline? Dryden has also decided to retire after his 9th season: why? He describes ball hockey as a child, and offers cogent observations on his teammates. This is a great book about people and performance, aspects of image and reputation, and even superstition.
Blood Ties – Jo Nesbo
Nesbo is an expert Nordic Noir author but his crime thrillers are typically from the perspective of the police and the actions of the legendary Detective Harry Hole. This interesting book instead features insight into the psyche of two brothers who are criminals (and killers). Can the brothers continue to cover their tracks over past murders and current criminal actions like bribery and overt threats? What about the stress of sibling rivalry? Great fun to read.
A Brief History of Montmaray – Michelle Cooper
A fine example of historical fiction with an imaginative island of Montmaray in the Bay of Biscay, between France and Spain. The story is told by journal writing by 16-year-old (Princess) Sophie FitzOsborne in 1936. There is an eccentric and impoverished royal family clinging to relevance as Europe descends into chaos. Importantly, the story transitions from silly to serious, to become a heart-stopping tale of loyalty, love and loss. In short, this is a very entertaining book that gets better and better. Thanks Elliott, for this recommendation.
The Life Cycle Of The Common Octopus – Emma Knight
Pen(elope) and Alice are Canadian BFFs who attend university in Edinburgh, in part so Pen can learn about a mystery involving her father’s prior relationship(s) in Scotland. The story builds slowly but effectively with elements of female friendships, first feelings of love, and sacrifices of motherhood. And much withholding creates a compelling mystery. This is a very fine first novel that was Giller short-listed.
Book of Lives – A Memoir of Sorts – Margaret Atwood
Ms. Atwood is, of course, a Canadian literary treasure with books of poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Her memoir is, predictably, fascinating with her droll sense of humour. First, there is her somewhat unconventional childhood with summers spent in remote northern bush country with her entomologist father and resourceful mother. Second, key moments in her life are linked to books, like writing the Handmaids Tale in 1980s Berlin. And finally, the important people in her life are acknowledged, especially Graeme Gibson. Overall, an insightful and often very funny memoir from an imaginative and thoughtful author. Highly recommended.
What David Read 