If you like mysteries, courtroom dramas and contests, you’re in luck. Because this week, I’ve got a contest to announce. And the prize is a gripping crime novel set in Toronto. Simon and Schuster Canada, www.simonandschuster.ca, has given me four copies of The Guilty Plea, by Robert Rotenberg, to give away this week. A big thank you to them.
Rotenberg, www.robertrotenberg.com, is a top criminal lawyer in Toronto where he lives with his family. His intimate knowledge of the court system and Toronto is obvious in his writing. Having covered the court beat for years in my early newspaper career and having explored Toronto over the years, I appreciate all those little details he puts into his stories. This is his second novel, the first being Old City Hall, which was nominated for several awards and became an international bestseller. I loved it. He did stray into the fantasy field, however, when it came to his treatment of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ season. Not that I blame him for that.
His latest book centres on the murder of the son of a food business tycoon, the night before his divorce trial is to start. Rotenberg’s second novel is just as thrilling and enthralling as his first. The details, his characters, the twists and turns make it a good read. I read it in just a couple of days because I couldn’t put it down. I even spent my lunch hours at work reading it.
As to the contest, here are the rules. I want you to tell me who your favourite fictional sleuth is and why. Keep it brief. You’ve got until Monday at noon. You can send in your entry by e-mailing me at cchase@durhamregion.com or replying to this blog. I’ll pick four winners at random with each winner getting a book. This contest is for residents of Durham Region only.
I just finished A New Leaf by Merilyn Simonds, a delightful book about a gardener and her experiences in and with her gardens. Canadian, too. What are you reading?
For me, it's the amazing Elijah Baley from Asimov's 'The Caves of Steel' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah_Baley). Why? He never gives up when leads fail or even under the most unusual circumstances. he is quick, clever and a loving family man who would protect them against all comers. All this while getting the 'bad guys' and no profanity.
Posted by: Laurence C | August 19, 2011 at 08:27 PM