Synopses & Reviews
Fall from Grace from Wayne Arthurson marks the debut of Leo Desroches, one of the most unusual amateur detectives ever to appear in Canada or points south, this fast-paced, enthralling mystery is the story of a man who had everything, lost it all, and is trying to get it back.
Leo Desroches doesnt look like a native, but his mother was Cree, and he understands the problems of indigenous Canadians of the First Nations. Which is probably why the Edmonton newspaper decides he should be their Aboriginal Issues reporter. He has his own issues to deal with: the compulsive gambling that cost him his wife and children and the risk-taking that threatens to derail him every time he starts to get his life back together. But during a newspaper strike, Leo caught a break, getting hired as a reporter. Since then, hes managed to resist the urge to gamble. But he still hasnt stopped taking risks....
When hes assigned to cover the murder of a young native prostitute, its just one more article...until the cop in charge lets him view the corpse, something the Edmonton police never do. Leos article starts a chain of events that leads him to a much, much bigger story, one that could bring down the entire police department...if it doesnt get him killed.
Review
“Wise and compassionate, vivid and witty, Leo is the kind of character you feel youve known a long time, and Wayne Arthurson is a writer to watch. What a great read. I couldnt put it down.” —Sparkle Hayter, bestselling author of the Robin Hudson mysteries
“Its about time someone set a kick-ass crime novel in Edmonton, and Wayne Arthurson is the man to do it.” -Giles Blunt, bestselling author of the late John Cardinal mysteries
Review
“A very satisfying debut. Think Nancy Pickard for region and atmosphere, Brad Parks for journalism, and Timothy Hallinan for social concerns and attitude. Highly recommended.”
—Library Journal, Starred Review, Mystery Debut of the Month
“Canadian journalist Arthursons impressive first novel…demonstrates a fine sense of place and casts a sympathetic but informed eye on Edmontons varied cultures.” —Publishers Weekly
“This is a genre-bender, its twists all the more startling for being unexpected.” —Booklist
“The way Arthurson blends disparate elements together in his winning debut augurs well for future efforts. Heres hoping Arthurson brings the troubled Leo Desroches back for an encore, and soon.”
—Mystery Scene
“Wise and compassionate, vivid and witty, Leo is the kind of character you feel youve known a long time, and Wayne Arthurson is a writer to watch. What a great read. I couldnt put it down.”
—Sparkle Hayter, bestselling author of the Robin Hudson mysteries
Synopsis
In this breathtaking debut thriller, when crime reporter and recovering gambling addict Leo Desroches investigates the sordid murder of a young woman, he discovers a conspiracy that could bring down the entire police department… or get him killed.
Synopsis
Leo Desroches goes straight—off the streets, into the newsroom, and up to his neck in murder Marking the debut of Leo Desroches, one of the most unusual amateur detectives ever to appear in Canada or points south, this fast-paced, enthralling mystery is the story of a man who had everything, lost it all, and is trying to get it back. Leo Desroches doesnt look like a native, but his mother was Cree, and he understands the problems of indigenous Canadians of the First Nations. Which is probably why the Edmonton newspaper he writes for decides he should be their Aboriginal Issues reporter.
He has his own issues to deal with: his compulsive gambling that he couldnt stop even after it cost him his wife and children; his alcoholism; the risk-taking that threatens to derail him every time he starts to get his life back together.
When hes assigned to cover the murder of a young native prostitute, its just one more story...until the cop in charge lets him view the corpse, something the Edmonton police never do. When Leo writes his article, it starts a chain of events that leads him to discover a much, much bigger story, one that could bring down the entire police department...if it doesnt get him killed.
About the Author
WAYNE ARTHURSON, like his protagonist Leo Desroches, is the son of Cree and French Canadian parents. He has worked as a newspaper reporter, a drummer in a rock band, and as a freelance journalist. He was born in and lives in Edmonton, Canada with his wife and child. Fall from Grace is his first mystery novel. The sequel, A Killing Winter, has just been published.