Welcome to a new Sgt. Windflower adventure. Many of them, actually. And all holiday themed and ready to warm your heart before Christmas.
“Sgt. Windflower loves Christmas and we’re happy to share what he and his family and friends do at Christmastime in Grand Bank or Marystown or Ramea, Newfoundland. Some of the stories feature Windflower and Sheila’s adorable daughters and of course Eddie Tizzard and his family make several spotlight appearances. Other stories take you back to Christmas seasons of any years long past and there’s even a return of a fabulous Newfoundland tradition, the Mummers.
Christmas is a time to celebrate but it is also a time to reminisce and remember. We hope that it will bring back pleasant memories for you and your family to share at Christmas and throughout the year. Come celebrate Christmas in Newfoundland with Sgt. Windflower Mysteries.”
It is available now in Indigo bookstores in Ottawa and soon will be available at all Chapters and Coles outlets across Newfoundland. In St. John’s it is also available at the Downhome Shoppe on Water Street.
And as always it is available for order all over the world through Amazon
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.
Upcoming Events Mike Martin and Sgt. Windflower Mysteries
There are a number of up-coming events in Toronto and Ottawa where people can get their personalized copy of Friends are Forever.
Bony Blithe Mini-Con Friday May 9
Friday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The High Park Club, 100 Indian Road, Toronto. I will be appearing on a panel called Funny You Should Say That
Book LaunchWednesday May 14, 2025 7-8 pm Perfect Books Ottawa
Readings and Live Music by the amazing Victoria Vlad
And there will be Cake!!
Ottawa Small Press Book Fair June21
Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Tom Brown Arena, 141 Bayview Station Road.
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.
What People are Saying about Better Safe Than Sorry
Better Safe Than Sorry is the latest book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series. It will be released on May 10, 2024. Book Launch May 15 at Perfect Books in Ottawa
Here’s what some early readers have to say about Better Safe Than Sorry:
“Mike Martin has cleverly crafted an elaborately complex series wisely presenting a myriad of human foibles and the challenges faced by his protagonist. Sgt. Winston Windflower.”
“One of the best of a great series”
“Reading this series is like taking a deep cleansing breath and feeling relaxed and happy while visiting with Windflower and his family and workmates.”
“Another enjoyable book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series.”
“Love the food and recipes that Windflower uses throughout the book along with the different quotes of famous writers that added meaning and substance to each scene.”
“Highly recommend this emotionally charged cozy police procedural.”
Book Launch Perfect Books, Elgin St. Ottawa
Wednesday May 15 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Reading, book signing and special musical guest
There will be cake!!
Better Safe Than Sorry
Winston Windflower is (sort of) enjoying his retirement from the RCMP in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, happily spending time with his young family, but feeling a little restless. Corporal Eddie Tizzard is running the Marystown detachment and struggling with the demands of the role while his own family grows. When a new kind of drug threatens the community, a body (the wrong body) is found dead in a hearse, and then another drug-connected mysterious death occurs, Tizzard knows he’s dealing with a deadly menace in their quiet, close-knit community.
Windflower finds himself inexorably (and not unhappily) drawn back into the action, first in an unofficial role to help snare the dealers and then back to active duty in a community that desperately needs his steady hand and good judgement.
Our favorite Mountie, Sgt. Windflower and his fellow courageous cops in small-town Grand Bank, Newfoundland are back to fight a new threat in this compelling page-turner. Award-winning author, Mike Martin once again brings us a stirring story, blending down-home Newfoundland charm with the warmth of family life.
Better Safe Than Sorry will soon be available for pre-order from Amazon all over the world or directly from Ottawa Press and Publishing. https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com/
I have now published thirteen books in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series (plus Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries 1 +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 25 copies of All That Glitters 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 All That Glitters from Chapters/Indigo/Coles bookstores in Ottawa and 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
All That Glitters is available in fine bookstores all over Canada and around the world on Amazon.
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
To celebrate the new year we are having a giveaway. Share this post with your FB/ Twitter friends and become eligible to win one of 3 prizes. All mailed to a person or an address you choose. Could be you or whomever you like. You could win:
A signed copy of Buried Secrets, the new Sgt. Windflower Mystery
or
A signed copy of Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries
or
A signed copy of the Le promeneur sur le cap. The French translation of Book 1 in the series, The Walker on the Cape.
You can find these books in paperback and Kindle on Amazon all over the world
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:
“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”
“I have enjoyed each book in this series and Book 11 was no exception. The plot was topical (Covid, governmental shenanigans, girls trying to get out of the sex trade, office politics, religious interference in one of the murder investigations) and well-handled. There’s a good balance of investigation and home life. I appreciate that real world topics are sensitively addressed. The stories hold my interest, but don’t give me agita.
I am always sad when I finish a Windflower book, because it’s like leaving an old friend. I’m more anxious with this book 11 because I really want to know which path Windflower chooses and what happens in his life. I hope there are more in this series”
Buried Secrets will soon be available in these fine independent bookstores
Sgt. Windflower Mysteries 