A Capital Mystery is an anthology of 21 short stories spanning the length and breadth and history of Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. Some are set in modern times and some reach far back into Bytown, Ottawa’s original settlement. There are stories in swanky restaurants downtown, suburban townhomes and upscale, suffocating households. There are department store owners, a busy pedestrian mall, a store clerk, a famous Canadian hero, jilted lovers, those who may be loved too much and desperate people during desperate times. Even a weird ceramic polar bear enters the scene. All are fiction and feature delicious crimes that will leave you wondering, shocked, relieved or maybe awake at night. A Capital Mystery celebrates the magic, history and most of all—mystery—that is Ottawa.
I have now published sixteen books in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series (plus Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries Vol 1 and 2) and each time I have chosen to give away a number of copies, absolutely free. Not only that, but I actively seek out strangers or near strangers on social media to give them away to. Now, I am not giving away all copies of my books. I am neither rich nor daft and I am not particularly altruistic, but I do believe in helping people to read my book.
And quite honestly not everyone can afford to buy a book, especially new books. Tons of people are living on a tight budget, on social assistance or on a fixed income because of disability or not being able to work anymore. It’s hard to comprehend in this world of plenty, but twenty bucks is a lot of money if you haven’t got it and one of the ‘luxuries’ that many people give up is purchasing new books. They wait until they are available from the library or get them from friends or from the second-hand bookstore. I support libraries, but why do some people have to wait?
I realize that I can’t give anybody a raise in their monthly stipend to help them with their book budget, but I can help at least a few of them enjoy my new books, fresh out of the printer’s box. I believe in an idea called Reading Equality, a radically new concept that everyone should have access to quality, new release books. That’s why I am making 20 copies of Friends are Forever available to people on a low or fixed income. I am advertising this offer on Facebook and Twitter and as the time of writing there are still a few copies left.
If you want one or know of someone who could use one but can’t afford it, just message me with the mailing address and I will send a copy in the mail. And yes, I will even sign them. No questions asked. You can send me a message thru Sgt. Windflower Mysteries or Facebook.
Of course, if you have the money, I hope you will consider buying a copy for yourself. Maybe even one for somebody you know doesn’t have the cash. Pay it forward. It works for me.
And if you want to help get this book into even more hands, ask your local library to order a copy. They’re looking for your suggestions. And if they don’t have the budget, tell them to contact me and we’ll make them an offer they can’t refuse.
You will soon be able to buy Friends are Forever from Chapters/Indigo/Coles bookstores in Ottawa and Atlantic Canada and you can get a signed copy these fine independent bookstores:
Ottawa
Books on Beechwood
Perfect Books
Toronto
Sleuth of Baker Street
And of course, you can Friends are Forever from Amazon all over the world
The purpose of writing a book is so that people can read them. And, while I love seeing people buy my books, I also love the fact that they can read them, for free, at their local library. That’s why I actively support libraries. I do that by providing copies from my own supply to the Ottawa Public Library and the Kemptville Branch of the North Grenville Library. I spend part of my working time in both communities. So why not give a little back to those who support readers and writers? And I sent a couple of copies of the latest book, Friends are Forever, to the Grand Bank Public Library, because, well… you have to read a Sgt. Windflower book to figure that out.
The reason I do this is because libraries gave me one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. A love of reading. The ability to travel the world and visit other worlds. A way to not just escape boredom and drudgery but to live other lives and meet a wider range of people and characters that I could never have accomplished on my own. So, it’s an easy decision to give back to libraries. They may have saved my life.
But public libraries are like every other public service these days. Under-staffed and under-funded. Many do not have the budget to buy new books and those that do can only afford to purchase one or two copies. That means long wait times for almost any new release. So, please ask your local library to consider buying some copies of Friends are Forever so that they can be available to all readers. Or maybe donate your copy after you read it. Sharing the gift that you have received with someone else will bring new pleasure. Guranteed.
I hope that you will read Friends are Forever, the new Sgt. Windflower Mystery. And I don’t care if you get it from the library, from a bookstore, or from a friend. More than that, I hope you enjoy it. Let it take you away to little Grand Bank, Newfoundland where the locals are friendly, the cheesecake is wonderful and the weather… well, we won’t talk about the weather.
Thank you for supporting my writing and Sgt. Windflower Mysteries.
Friends are Forever
Friends are Forever expertly weaves together small-town charm with high-stakes intrigue. Set in the picturesque backdrop of Newfoundland and Labrador, the story follows Sgt. Winston Windflower, as he navigates not just a celebration of RCMP promotions, but also the aftermath of a sophisticated heist involving international mobsters and local biker gangs.
The vivid cultural and geographical details transport readers to Marystown and Grand Bank, where por’ cakes, lighthouses, and family gatherings are as much a part of the tale as the unfolding crime. While the stakes are high, Friends Are Forever is a story of resilience, camaraderie, and the enduring power of human connection. Both longtime fans of Sgt. Windflower and new readers alike will find themselves captivated by this compelling blend of small-town life and crime-solving adventure. With its unique setting and heartfelt storytelling, Friends Are Forever is a must-read for cozy mystery enthusiasts.
Why I’m Giving Books Away: The Sgt. Windflower Reading Equality Program
I have now published fourteen books in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series (plus Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries Vol 1 and 2) and each time I have chosen to give away a number of copies, absolutely free. Not only that, but I actively seek out strangers or near strangers on social media to give them away to. Now, I am not giving away all copies of my books. I am neither rich nor daft and I am not particularly altruistic, but I do believe in helping people to read my book.
And quite honestly not everyone can afford to buy a book, especially new books. Tons of people are living on a tight budget, on social assistance or on a fixed income because of disability or not being able to work anymore. It’s hard to comprehend in this world of plenty, but twenty bucks is a lot of money if you haven’t got it and one of the ‘luxuries’ that many people give up is purchasing new books. They wait until they are available from the library or get them from friends or from the second-hand bookstore. I support libraries, but why do some people have to wait?
I realize that I can’t give anybody a raise in their monthly stipend to help them with their book budget, but I can help at least a few of them enjoy my new books, fresh out of the printer’s box. I believe in an idea called Reading Equality, a radically new concept that everyone should have access to quality, new release books. That’s why I am making 20 copies of Better Safe Than Sorry available to people on a low or fixed income. I am advertising this offer on Facebook and Twitter and as the time of writing there are still a few copies left.
If you want one or know of someone who could use one but can’t afford it, just message me with the mailing address and I will send a copy in the mail. And yes, I will even sign them. No questions asked. You can send me a message thru Sgt. Windflower Mysteries or Facebook.
Of course, if you have the money, I hope you will consider buying a copy for yourself. Maybe even one for somebody you know doesn’t have the cash. Pay it forward. It works for me.
And if you want to help get this book into even more hands, ask your local library to order a copy. They’re looking for your suggestions. And if they don’t have the budget, tell them to contact me and we’ll make them an offer they can’t refuse.
You can get Better Safe Than Sorry from Chapters/Indigo/Coles bookstores in Ottawa and soon in Atlantic Canada and from these fine independent bookstores:
Ottawa
Books on Beechwood (Signed copies available)
Perfect Books (Signed copies available)
Toronto
Sleuth of Baker Street (Signed copies available)
St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador
Downhome Shoppe and Gallery on Water Street
You can purchase a copy of Better Safe Than Sorry from Amazon all over the world
Thanks you everybody for your support and donations to the Minwaashin Lodge. We are now over $1,000 in contributions and there’s still time to support a worthy community cause.
It’s simple to participate. Make a donation to the Minwaashin Lodge in Ottawa and we’ll send you a limited edition copy of The Christmas Beaver.
Minwaashin Lodge is a healing centre in Ottawa that provides a range of programs and services to First Nations, Inuit and Metis women and children who are survivors of domestic and other forms of violence, and who may also be suffering the effects of the residential school system.
The mission of Minwaashin Lodge is to provide wholistic programs and services for grandmothers, women, children and youth impacted by family violence and residential schooling. All programs and services are provided in the context of cultural beliefs and values as part of the healing journey.
Here’s how you can participate.
Make a Donation and Get a Free Book
If you make a donation, I will send you a copy of The Christmas Beaver. Not in stores and only available by order from Ottawa Press and Publishing. And only until Christmas.
Canadian donors can receive a tax receipt for their contribution.
Just send me an email at mike54martin@yahoo.ca and I’ll put The Christmas Beaver in the mail to you in time for Christmas.
Thank you for supporting the Annual Windflower Holiday Book Event and Minwaashin Lodge
Buy a Book
Of course, you can support Sgt. Windflower Mysteries by buying a book. This year the latest releases are Dangerous Waters and the new Christmas in Newfoundland Book 2. They are available in local bookstores in Ottawa like Perfect Books and Books on Beechwood and worldwide through Amazon.
Thank you again for supporting the Annual Windflower Holiday Book Event and Minwaashin Lodge
Just in time for the holidays we’ve got a contest that you won’t want to miss being part of. Ottawa Press and Publishing presents the Christmas in Newfoundland Contest and Sale
GET ANY 2 BOOKS BY MIKE MARTIN (2 BOOKS FOR $30) DISCOUNT AUTOMATICALLY APPLIES AT CHECK-OUT
AND YOU’LL BE ENTERED IN OUR CHRISTMAS IN NEWFOUNDLAND CONTEST!
CHRISTMAS IN NEWFOUNDLAND PRIZES:
FIRST PRIZE:
Dinner for 2 at the Newfoundland Pub (value $100).
Located at 940 Montreal Road, the Newfoundland Pub is an authentic down-home pub with great pub food, live entertainment, karaoke, darts, pool, and a patio.
The complete set of the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series (12 books) all signed by Mike Martin! plus Christmas in Newfoundland 1 and 2 and Mike Martin’s LIMITED SPECIAL EDITION: THE CHRISTMAS BEAVER (CHILDREN’S BOOK)
The Sgt. Windflower Series Includes: The Walker on the Cape, Beneath the Surface, The Body on the T, A Twist of Fortune, A Long Way From Home, A Tangled Web, Darkest Before the Dawn, Fire Fog and Water, A Perfect Storm, Safe Harbour, Buried Secrets, Dangerous Waters).
THIRD PRIZE:
CHRISTMAS IN NEWFOUNDLAND (books 1 and 2) signed by Mike Martin.
GET ANY 2 MIKE MARTIN BOOKS FOR $30 AND YOU COULD WIN ONE OF OUR PRIZES!
The new Sgt. Windflower Mystery, Dangerous Waters is now available for order from Ottawa Press and Publishing and Amazon all over the world. See below for links. Print books are also on their way and will be in bookstores for the official launch on May 26.
That’s when we’ll be having a joint book launch with our friend, Mary Jane Maffini as part of the Maple Leaf Mystery Conference. Here’s a link to that event and you have to be registered for the Conference to attend:
We have our First Review of Dangerous Waters to share as well. A Five Star review on Goodreads.
“Another enjoyable read by Mike Martin with one of my favorite characters, Sgt. Winston Windflower. He is a kind, caring, exceptional person who puts others before himself and works tirelessly to solve another case for the RCMP.
The author has created a series that is warm and comforting with memorable characters who support Windflower. I feel as if I know Windflower well and am at home each time I read a new book in the series.
The place the stories are based in Grand Bank, Newfoundland is a harsh, cold and snowy area but at the same time depicted as a family-oriented place to live and bring up one’s children. It’s a place where the people are supportive and always lend a hand for those in need.
I enjoy not only the story line of each book but also the recipes that the author shares of the local fish and seafood. It all sounds wonderful to live in a place where you can get your meal fresh from the ocean.
I look forward to more books in this series and highly recommend this book and others by Mike Martin”
Here are your links to purchase Dangerous Waters online
I have now published twelve books in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series (plus Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries) and each time I have chosen to give away a number of copies, absolutely free. Not only that, but I actively seek out strangers or near strangers on social media to give them away to. Now, I am not giving away all copies of my books. I am neither rich nor daft and I am not particularly altruistic, but I do believe in helping people to read my book.
And quite honestly not everyone can afford to buy a book, especially new books. Tons of people are living on a tight budget, on social assistance or on a fixed income because of disability or not being able to work anymore. It’s hard to comprehend in this world of plenty, but twenty bucks is a lot of money if you haven’t got it and one of the ‘luxuries’ that many people give up is purchasing new books. They wait until they are available from the library or get them from friends or from the second-hand bookstore. I support libraries, but why do some people have to wait?
I realize that I can’t give anybody a raise in their monthly stipend to help them with their book budget, but I can help at least a few of them enjoy my new books, fresh out of the printer’s box. I believe in an idea called Reading Equality, a radically new concept that everyone should have access to quality, new release books. That’s why I am making 25 copies of Dangerous Waters available to people on a low or fixed income. I am advertising this offer on Facebook and Twitter and as the time of writing there are still a few copies left.
If you want one or know of someone who could use one but can’t afford it, just message me with the mailing address and I will send a copy in the mail. And yes, I will even sign them. No questions asked. You can send me a message thru Sgt. Windflower Mysteries or Facebook.
Of course, if you have the money, I hope you will consider buying a copy for yourself. Maybe even one for somebody you know doesn’t have the cash. Pay it forward. It works for me.
And if you want to help get this book into even more hands, ask your local library to order a copy. They’re looking for your suggestions. And if they don’t have the budget, tell them to contact me and we’ll make them an offer they can’t refuse.
You can get Dangerous Waters from these fine independent bookstores:
Ottawa
Books on Beechwood
Perfect Books
Toronto
Sleuth of Baker Street
St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador
Downhome Shoppe and Gallery
You can purchase a copy of Dangerous Waters online:
RCMP Sergeant Winston Windflower is at a crossroads as career opportunities intrude on his near-perfect life in the blustery paradise of Grand Bank, Newfoundland. Just as the pandemic ends, the little oceanside communities are rocked by the murders of prominent figures, an RCMP Staff Sergeant in St. John’s and a minister in Grand Bank, and it’s implied that there are national security implications to at least one crime. There’s also a sinister new character hanging around doing the parish’s dirty work. Windflower finds himself a primary investigator, balancing work, potential major changes, and life with a young family while seeking guidance from his ancestral teachings and dreams.
Are the crimes connected, and can Windflower and his team find the killer before they strike again? Even as the police work becomes more complicated and even dangerous, Sgt. Windflower finds time to enjoy his family, his friends and always some great food. Come back to Grand Bank for another great adventure in Sgt. Windflower Mysteries.
And our first early review from Jem’s Books
It feels like coming home to read about Winston, his wife and children, the cozy dinners, delicious recipes of fish and meats, friendships, and the beautiful community of Grand Bank. Mike Martin has created a likable character in Winston. He is a kind, caring and dedicated member of the RCMP. The men under his command respect and look up to him for counsel. An enjoyable read that I hope will continue with the next chapter of Sgt.Winston Windflower.
In other Sgt. Windflower Mystery news…
The Walker on the Cape is already available in Spanish: El caminante del cabo. And is now being translated into French: Le Promeneur sur le Cap and Italian: “Il Camminatore di Cape”
All over the world with Sgt. Windflower Mysteries.
Buried Secrets will soon be available fromAmazon all over the world or directly from Ottawa Press and Publishing. Signed copies will be available after October 22 at:
I have now published ten books in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series (plus Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries) and each time I have chosen to give away a number of copies, absolutely free. Not only that, but I actively seek out strangers or near strangers on social media to give them away to. Now, I am not giving away all copies of my books. I am neither rich nor daft and I am not particularly altruistic, but I do believe in helping people to read my book.
And quite honestly not everyone can afford to buy a book, especially new books. Tons of people are living on a tight budget, on social assistance or on a fixed income because of disability or not being able to work anymore. It’s hard to comprehend in this world of plenty, but twenty bucks is a lot of money if you haven’t got it and one of the ‘luxuries’ that many people give up is purchasing new books. They wait until they are available from the library or get them from friends or from the second-hand bookstore. I support libraries, but why do some people have to wait?
I realize that I can’t give anybody a raise in their monthly stipend to help them with their book budget, but I can help at least a few of them enjoy my new books, fresh out of the printer’s box. I believe in an idea called Reading Equality, a radically new concept that everyone should have access to quality, new release books. That’s why I am making 25 copies of Safe Harbour available to people on a low or fixed income. I am advertising this offer on Facebook and Twitter and as the time of writing there are still a few copies left.
If you want one or know of someone who could use one but can’t afford it, just message me with the mailing address and I will send a copy in the mail. And yes, I will even sign them. No questions asked. You can send me a message thru Sgt. Windflower Mysteries or Facebook.
Of course, if you have the money, I hope you will consider buying a copy for yourself. Maybe even one for somebody you know doesn’t have the cash. Pay it forward. It works for me.
And if you want to help get this book into even more hands, ask your local library to order a copy. They’re looking for your suggestions. And if they don’t have the budget, tell them to contact me and we’ll make them an offer they can’t refuse.
You can get Safe Harbour from Chapters/Indigo/Coles bookstores in Ottawa and Atlantic Canada and from these fine independent bookstores:
Sgt. Windflower Mysteries 