Fans of crime fiction were treated to an evening of suspense, storytelling and behind-the-scenes insight as celebrated Canadian author Rick Mofina visited the Russell Branch Library on Monday, April 14.
A few dozen residents attended the event to hear from the Ottawa-based author, whose career spans more than 30 internationally published thrillers. Drawing on his background as a journalist, Mofina has built a reputation for gripping stories set against backdrops shaped by his real-life experiences reporting from around the world.
During the evening, Mofina captivated the audience with anecdotes from his reporting days, including interviews with murderers on death row, flying over Los Angeles with the LAPD and patrolling with the RCMP in Alberta. He also offered a preview of his upcoming novel, If Two Are Dead, set for release later this month. Inspired by the Benjamin Franklin quote, “Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead,” the novel explores themes of secrecy, trust and betrayal.
Mofina’s true-crime writing has appeared in major outlets such as The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, The Telegraph (UK) and The Moscow Times. His fiction has earned him numerous accolades, including two Arthur Ellis Awards and two Barry Awards, along with multiple nominations for the Thriller and Shamus awards.
The event concluded with a book signing, giving attendees the chance to meet the author and have their copies personalized.
“When you make something up in your mind and someone connects with it, it’s hard to describe,” Mofina said during the event. “I just make this stuff up and I suggest you join me in my imagination and hope it makes sense.”
