Operation Wormwood by Helen C. Escott

Dr. Luke Gillespie had no idea he would find himself in the middle of a battle between Science and God when the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic diocese was brought to the Emergency Department one spring night. Suffering from unexplained nosebleeds, severe pain and unquenchable thirst Dr. Gillespie and the medical team struggle to reach a diagnosis. As the ailing priest deteriorates more patients, all  from different backgrounds but with similar symptoms, find themselves at the St. John’s hospital in desperate need of medical attention. Nothing makes any sense to Dr. Gillespie until the arrival of Sgt. Nicholas Myra from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. Acting on a rumour, Myra’s detective work reveals a common link between all those afflicted with this terrible disease; a disease specific only to those guilty of performing the most heinous acts imaginable; a disease named Wormwood and well known amongst men of the cloth. For Dr. Gillespie, the notion that God has unleashed a plaque to punish the perpetrators of such sickening crimes is unfathomable but when church officials publicly acknowledge its existence, an international media storm ignites leaving a trail of questions and sadness . Operation Wormwood is the gripping drama of  how justice and medicine work together to combat evil and instill hope to the disillusioned masses and those who have been victimized. 

Shortlisted as one of the top five finalists for the Arthur Ellis Awards for Excellence in Canadian Crime Writing - Best First Crime Novel, author Helen Escott has certainly made her debut with Operation Wormwood! As a retired civilian member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Escott’s expertise and knowledge of policing and detective work is clearly evident in this crime drama.  As the plot unfolds and characters develop,  readers will quickly realize that this is not a “who-done-it” type of novel but more of a medical mystery resulting from the criminal actions of people in positions of power. Escott writes with clarity and expertise while at the same time weaving interesting Newfoundland and Labrador facts and lesser known information through the 276 pages. Though the subject matter of child exploitation and abuse is difficult to read about, this novel doesn’t overdo it but sensitively brings to light, through plot and character, the struggle that churches, schools and Indigenous populations have experienced in this province. It is not intended to raise suspicion or “tar and feather” all those who work with vulnerable populations but, in Escott’s own words, written “to comfort victims and to create paranoia among pedophiles.”

The novel will catch hold of readers from the very beginning with the arrival of Patrick Keating, accompanied by his friend Charlie Horan, to the Emergency Department of the Health Sciences Centre. It is here that Escott creates an awareness that something more sinister is about to be revealed in the coming pages when she writes on page 3;

“Horan decided to divulge their secret. “He’s the Roman Catholic archbishop for the province, and I’m his assistant. We’re both priests.””

As the characters are introduced, little does the reader know that they have just stepped aboard a roller coaster that will arouse a range of emotions.  There is no doubt the experiences that Escott acquired in her career with the RCMP have contributed to her excellent development of believable, relatable people complete with all the vices and virtues known to humanity. Dr. Luke Gillespie, Sgt. Nick Myra and Sister Pius are the protagonists that really push this story along. We get to know them through their backstory but as the plot thickens and becomes more complex, so do these individuals, creating yet another interesting element and twist to the narrative. The other characters develop the darker side of the story which is equally important to the success of this novel. The author pulls no punches in exposing their flaws, but allows the reader an opportunity to be judge and jury in deciding how they ultimately feel about the characters that are presented. 

Ten years in the making, Operation Wormwood is a gut-wrenching crime novel that uncovers the evil side of humanity and at times leaves us questioning our own faith. It may be a difficult read for those who have experienced similar trauma in their own lives.

Operation Wormwood is a Flanker Press publication.

Other books by Helen Escott can be viewed here.

Being Mary Ro by Ida Linehan Young

The winter of 1891 was a particularly difficult one for 14 year old Mary Rourke. After a diphtheria outbreak sweeps through John's Pond, Newfoundland Mary finds herself orphaned and alone. Accepting that she would be destined to a life of spinsterhood after her childhood sweetheart marries another woman,  she set about living a simple, yet hard life, in her outport community. Trying to maintain the two story saltbox house left to her by her parents while working in the lobster cannery during the spring fishery was not much of a life for a young woman. With a heavy heart, keen intellect and a dream of being somebody more than just a lonely outport lady, Mary quickly finds herself in the throws of yet another tragedy.....a tragedy that would bring an injured stranger in need of first aid, a rediscovered passion, and the opportunity of pursuing a new life in Boston.  Mary is faced with a series of tough decisions as she attempts to navigate the love she feels for her home but the desire to break the bonds of isolation and step out into an unknown and frightening new world. She begins to discover that she is no longer a victim of circumstance haunted by her past but is capable of great things and of loving again. This coming of age story will leave you transfixed and rooting for the woman who just wants to be, Mary Ro. 

Being Mary Ro is the first historical fiction novel for Newfoundland author Ida Linehan Young. Inspired by stories told by her father and based loosely on real events, the story of the people of John's Pond and surrounding communities is captivating on so many levels. As I first read this book I found myself transported back in time to the place and circumstances that the author so eloquently describes. With wonderfully descriptive language and well researched historical content, the reader is made to feel part of the community. For example, in describing the community of John's Pond, Linehan Young writes; 

"Barns and stables in several shades of cracked red paint on grey weathered boards scattered throughout the meadows beyond the mostly dull, white-coloured houses. The fishing stages lay half empty of bounty on the seashore, waiting to be filled with stacks of dried cod. Smaller skiffs and punts had been hauled up, their owners on the wharf getting ready to sign on with the schooners."

Ida Linehan Young also does a superb job in developing the characters of this novel. Young Mary Rourke, initially portrayed as a victim whom we feel great sorrow for, demonstrates resilience and strength throughout the entire novel. At first fractured by the vision she has of herself,  the reader is afforded an opportunity to be a part of her journey of self discovery and transformation. At the end of the novel, we cannot help but feel like proud parents and are relieved that Mary has found her place. She is relatable and is a reminder that we can all overcome the adversities of life. 

"Mary's heart skipped a beat as she realized that she did what she did because she was who she was, and that revelation briefly exposed for examination all the inadequate, undermining self-reflection of the last number of months - maybe even years. She wasn't a heroine, she didn't want accolades, she was Mary Ro - plain and simple - and there was nothing wrong with that."

Being Mary Ro is the full meal deal! It will whisk you away to the Victorian era of the late 19th century but also contains drama and crime. And of course, no great story would be complete without a healthy dose of true love and romance. Being Mary Ro is a Flanker Press publication. 

Other titles by Ida Linehan Young can be found here.

Cops In Kabul by William C. Malone

Cops In Kabul is the biographical account of former Deputy Commander William C. Malone of the Canadian Police contingent stationed in Afghanistan. As the first CivPol group to deploy to the Central Asian war torn country under a new Afghan training mission in May 2011,  Malone details the yearlong efforts to bring about peace, security and the rule of law to a seemingly lawless and brutal society. Malone's narrative will leave the reader in awe of these fearless defenders of the legal process while at the same time busting an occasional gut at their attempts to navigate international protocols in a theatre of war. 


Cops In Kabul was an eye opening read that provided a rare glimpse into the role Canadian police volunteers played as members of the NATO coalition. Malone's account is an honest and forthright recollection of events spanning his time in prepping for the mission to deployment to the region. It further details the challenges and successes of attempting to marry military strategy with civilian police training tactics in a country that had become accustomed to war, conflict and bloodshed. Over the course of 14 chapters, readers will gain a deep and personal appreciation for the thoughts, fears, and motivation experienced by Malone and members of the contingent as they worked to train and mentor the Afghan National Police. I often found myself shaking my head as Malone chronicled the duplication of services provided by the international coalition, the billions of dollars spent and lost to fraudulent causes and corrupt governments, and the pie-in-the-sky Western strategies that were often considered and attempted. Though I found the author's use of mission acronyms and personal names distracting, the chronology of historic events at the beginning as well as the many maps, pictures, footnotes and appendices aided my understanding of the subject matter. This book opened my eyes to the sacrifices Canadian and international peacekeepers face each and everyday and the personal impact of this service long after the mission is over. The main theme of this book is reinforced by a quote of Martin Luther King, Jr. expressed by Malone in the Epilogue;

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.

Thank-you, William C. Malone, for your service!  Cops In Kabul is a Flanker Press publication.

The Puffin Patrol by Dawn Baker

When two young friends  decide to roam the dark streets in Witless Bay, Newfoundland one August evening they embark upon a rescue mission like no other. Susan and Ryan, together with Ryan's big sister,  volunteer their time with The Puffin Patrol to locate stranded pufflings that become disoriented and lost while making their first flight attempts. As these budding conservationists search roadways and backyards capturing the fledgling seabirds and releasing them back into their natural habitat they discover the ensuing pride and satisfaction in knowing that their efforts support the survival of these iconic Newfoundland birds. 

The Puffin Patrol is a children's picture book most suitable for readers up to age 10. Fictional in nature, Dawn Baker has based story events on the real life work of Juergen and Elfie Schau and their Puffin and Petrel Patrol organization founded in 2004. Baker does a superb job in combining the elements of the story while at the same time weaving tidbits of factual information throughout the plot. The simplistic presentation of both language and colorful illustrations will captivate an innately curious audience and makes the plight of these young auks both comprehendable, believable and worthy of saving. Promoting  stewardship within our very youngest citizens, The Puffin Patrol will inspire children and adults alike to become citizen scientists in their own community. 

The Puffin Patrol is a great family read! It supports inquiry based exploration and encourages young audiences to ask questions and seek answers through actionable efforts.  The "Did you know?" and "How can you help?" sections at the end of the book certainly encourages readers to think of ways that they can help vulnerable creatures in their own backyard.  The Puffin Patrol is a Flanker Press Publication.  

Dawn Baker has written and illustrated several other books including the ones you will find HERE!

The Woman In The Attic by Emily Hepditch

English grad student Hannah Fitzgerald had lived for 18 years with her reclusive mother Adelaide in a small saltbox house on the south coast of Newfoundland before deciding to attend university to pursue her dream of becoming a writer.  Hannah must now return to her cliffside childhood home to prepare her mother for transition to an assisted living facility. Struggling with early onset dementia, Adelaide's condition has rapidly deteriorated and the house that Hannah once called home has dilapidated beyond repair. Struggling to cope with her mother's violent and aggressive outbursts, a nosy personal care attendant, and a house in dire need of some TLC Hannah begins the process of sorting through her mother's personal possessions only to discover a never-before-seen trap door to a pristinely kept attic bedroom with beautiful furnishings and a trunk containing clues to a very sinister past. Hannah attempts to piece together her mother's secret life but, with each discovery, more questions abound, lies are revealed and suspicions arise that a murder has been committed.

Described as a "claustrophobic psychological thriller", The Woman in The Attic is a novel that I simply could not put down until I turned the final page. Emily Hepditch does a superb job at developing true to life characters through a storyline that mirrors the lives of real life people in rural Newfoundland. Readers can't help but feel compassion and empathy for Hannah as she is faced with the tragic realities that having a parent diagnosed with dementia brings but also feel the same torment, anguish and sadness that is revealed bit by bit as the plot develops. Through beautiful writing and wonderful use of figurative language, Hepditch creates vivid sensory images for readers, inviting them to become participants in the story. One such example is in Chapter 1 when Hannah takes a break from the long drive home and pulls over to have a look at the ocean. Hepditch writes,

"I can see from here the ocean, a magnificent sapphire blue in the clear morning sunshine. The waves this morning are tall and strong, crests rising, roaring, finally sweeping in a violent crescendo at the cliffs submerged in its belly. I watch the foaming whitewash and imagine the power, the strength of the ocean, the way it engulfs everything in its path in wide, tireless swallows. I watch a white gull disappear from where it bobs in the water, the poor creature a victim caught in the thralls of an angry ocean arm."

This novel will capture you and keep you wanting more. The Woman In The Attic is a Flanker Press Publication.