Cam Lang's Blog

CIBA Award Nomination

The M&M Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the Cozy and Not-So-Cozy Mystery & Mayhem fiction genre.  The M&M Book Awards is a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).

Chanticleer International Book Awards is looking for the best books featuring “mystery and mayhem,” amateur sleuthing, light suspense, travel mystery, classic mystery, British cozy, not-so-cozy, hobby sleuths, senior sleuths, or historical mystery, perhaps with a touch of romance or humor, we will put them to the test and choose the best among them. (For suspense, thriller, detective, crime fiction see our Clue Awards, and for international intrigue see our Global Thriller Awards)

These titles have moved forward in the judging rounds from all 2021 M&M Cozy and Not-So-Cozy Semi-Finalists to the 2021 M&M Book Awards FINALISTS. FINALISTS will be announced and then recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference (CAC22).The First Place Category Winners, along with the CIBA Division Grand Prize winners, will be selected from the 24 CIBA divisions’ Finalists.We will announce the 1st Place Category winners and Grand Prize Division Winners at the CIBAs Banquet and Ceremony on Saturday, June 25th, 2022 at the luxurious Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, Wash. sponsored by the 2022 Chanticleer Authors Conference. These titles are in the running for the FIRST PLACE WINNERS of the 2021 M&M Book Awards novel competition for Cozy and Not-So-Cozy Mysteries!Congratulations to the Mystery & Mayhem 2021 Finalists!

Join us in cheering on the following authors and their works!

Michael Scott Garvin –  Ophelia’s Room      Codi Schneider  – Cold Snap: A Viking Cat Mystery Lori Roberts Herbst –  Double Exposure   Mally Becker –  The Turncoat’s Widow     Tina deBellegarde –  Winter Witness     Alexander Mukte –  The Recruiter     B.L. Smith –  The Irritating Misadventures of Bert Mintenko     Arlene McFarlane –  Murder, Curlers & Kilts   Eileen Charbonneau –  Death at Little Mound   Elizabeth Crowens –  Babs and Basil, and the Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles     Charlotte Stuart –  Who Me? Fog Bows, Fraud and Aphrodite  Jolie Tunnell –  Loveda Brown Sings the Blues       Lori Robbins –  Murder In First Position      Patricia C. Lee –  First Gear : a Sadie Hawkins Mystery    Cam Lang –  The Concrete Vineyard    Susan McCormick –  The Fog Ladies: Family Matters    Diane Weiner –  An Ear for Murder    Darryl Wimberley –  A Star in her Crown    Kelly Miller –  Accusing Mr. Darcy   

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Author musings

It has been approximately 8 months since the release (Dec/20) of The Concrete Vineyard (TCV). When I embarked on the writing of this novel, it was intended for personal use and amusement. I didn’t decide to publish until about halfway through the first draft when I thought I might have composed a compelling enough plot that might interest others.

It has been said that only 1% of people who read a book will write an online review. TCV just surpassed 100 reviews on Goodreads and has over 125 reviews on Amazon.com. It became a Kindle bestseller (on more than one occasion) in both the U.S. and Canada in the ‘Urban and Land Use Planning’ category while the paperback and hardcover versions became Amazon bestsellers in Canada in the ‘War of 1812’ category. Authors will often discount their Kindle books (down to $0.99) to increase sales and climb the rankings and I admittedly did this once, but TCV also hit #1 at its regular price. It has staying power. Word of mouth is growing. And book clubs are now calling.

While the main genre of the novel is murder mystery, it crosses into so many others – political fiction, history, education, architecture, and small-town to name a few – which is why I’m always interested in how readers perceive and review it. In fact, many reviews start out with something like this – “I was a little unsure what to expect when I looked at this on Amazon…”

Those expecting a straightforward murder mystery will get a lot more than they bargained for. As one reviewer remarked, “This might be the most educational mystery novel you will ever read.”

Well said. I do believe it is.

Jog or bike on down (that’s right – don’t drive your car) to the Old Niagara Bookshop and pick up a copy. Or, contact me for a personally signed copy, dropped off at your front door.

See if you can figure out what The Concrete Vineyard is really about. So far, few have.

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Kirkus Reviews

A millionaire nonagenarian turns up dead just after his Canadian estate hits the market. In this debut mystery, wealthy, aging historian Edward Mitchell lists his Niagara-on-the-Lake estate in Ontario with a local realtor. That night, Mitchell pours a glass of wine, but something goes wrong “between his palate and the pinot.” The “unwavering aroma of death” hits the back of his throat. Just before dying, Mitchell thinks, “those who live long enough get their just reward.”

Chief Homicide Detective Bryan Dee begins the murder investigation just as his best friend, Kris Gage, flies into town to help his aged parents move from their large country home. Gage is an urban planner, and he suggests to Dee that Mitchell’s death is connected to land acquisition: “I think he was killed for his property.” The Belucci Group, a major property development firm, is not above suspicion, as the top executives have “their fingers in a lot of well-paying pies.” Of concern is the whereabouts of widower Mitchell’s latest will, presumably written after his only offspring, John, died in an accident five years ago. Mitchell now has no heirs—or does he? Although aged, he had remained an imposing presence who “got looks from women half his age” and whose medicine cabinet was chock full of Viagra. Gage believes Mitchell “was trying, right to the bitter end, to get someone pregnant” so he would have an heir. Looking around Mitchell’s mansion for clues, Dee is shocked to find the entry “Time to take care of K. Gage” in the deceased’s diary. No match for author Louise Penny’s famed Quebecer, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, Dee is nonetheless appealing as a middle-aged, golf-loving cop who rose through the ranks due to circumstances rather than talent. Gage, whose first-person account smoothly alternates with third-person narration, is, like Lang, an environmentally conscious urban planner. Considerable Canadian history is woven through the enjoyable book, as are rich descriptions of the country. The pacing is superb and surprises are frequent, but some readers may object to the abundance of four-letter words (Chapter 18 is called “No Fucking Trees!”).

An entertaining, many-layered mystery with an engaging hero.

March 22, 2021

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Literary Titan ★★★★★

The Concrete Vineyard by Cam Lang is a thrilling murder mystery, packed with wit, suspense, and historical undertones. The novel is set in Ontario, where on the occasion of Canada Day, a revered history professor, Edward Mitchell is found murdered. It becomes a point of heavy suspicion as to why someone would kill the 91-year-old man. Bryan Dee takes up the case hesitantly and pulls in his urban planner friend Kris Gage to assist him. But things take an unexpected turn when Bryan finds Kris’ name mentioned in the last diary entry of the deceased professor. What could be the motive behind the murder? Is the incident connected with the real-estate that Mitchell owned? 

This is a story about past regrets, grief, and corruption, well-wrought into a comprehensive whole by the author’s brilliant prose style. The characters are minutely drawn, making it easy for the readers to understand their individual viewpoints with accuracy. The burden of regrets that each character carries, makes its way into the reader’s hearts, thanks to the sensible characterization. Set in Niagara-on-the-lake, the novel paints a vivid picture of the locale, with particular attention to small details. While reading the work, it feels as if the author is taking us on a journey of this picturesque town. The significance of preservation of historical places and responsible planning is one of the key themes that recur throughout the novel. The War of 1812 and Canada’s role in it are important driving forces in the plot. Packed with information and a high educational value, The Concrete Vineyard is able to have a strong grasp over the reader’s attention span from beginning till the end. The author’s real-life experience in the field of urban planning allows him to infuse authenticity into his debut novel.

The Concrete Vineyard is an in-depth localized touch, humorous exchanges, a highly interesting plot, and convincing resolution. The twists and turns in the storyline keep the readers glued to the pages. The book is a long one, but undoubtedly a delightful read. Cam Lang presents us with much more than just a regular mystery novel. For those who wish to know more about the historical backdrop of Canada without delving into the thick history books, this is a must-read. ★★★★★

March 19, 2021

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Luminosity Media Group ★★★★★

The Concrete Vineyard by Cam Lang is a cleverly crafted mystery packed with interesting characters, plot twists, historical elements, and politics. Written in the tone of a Dan Brown hit, author Cam Lang starts off with incredible intrigue and excellent pacing that he keeps up throughout the story. It’s not every day that an author can bring so many unique characters to life and accurately portray their motives, feelings, and beliefs in an authentic and compelling way. The Concrete Vineyard delivers a brain tease on every page that keeps the reader engaged, curious, and voracious for more. Rest assured, The Concrete Vineyard by Cam Lang is NOT your average mystery! It is incredibly well written with multiple layers to an intricately woven plot. To wrap it up, the author produces a satisfying ending and leaves the reader hoping for more adventures to come. Cam Lang’s attention to detail, industry expertise, and extensive realism makes The Concrete Vineyard an instant classic.

Reviewed for Luminosity Media Group by Sheena Monnin, March 12th, 2021.

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Midwest Book Review

The Concrete Vineyard blends politics with a cozy mystery as it covers the murder of a retired history professor in a small-town vineyard.

Edward Mitchell just put his mansion, the most revered historic estate in Niagara-on-the-Lake, up for sale. Most likely, his death was somehow connected to that move. Or, was it?

Homicide detective Bryan Dee is not keen about his job or its challenges. He just wants to close the case; especially since circumstances look to be clear-cut. But he knows nothing about property sales and taps his old friend Kris Gage, an urban planner who has just returned to his home town to help his parents, to help him understand the issues that seem to be connected to the murder.

When he discovers that Kris also has unexpected links to the event, the plot—and the town’s relationships—thickens.

What begins as a murder investigation turns into a question of friendship, trust, and motive as Bryan edges closer to a truth he really doesn’t want to confront.

What does all this have to do with Canada’s 150th birthday and the War of 1812? Plenty; because apparently it’s a battle being re-fought not just in the town, but on Bryan’s own turf. And it’s already turned deadly.

Cam Lang provides an absorbing story which nicely juxtaposes mystery and confrontation with small-town pleasures such as boating on the water. His use of the first person helps capture Kris’s observations and experiences, using a warm tone that involves readers in not just his life, but the politics and milieu of the changing community around him. The story is rich in descriptions and insights.

Readers of cozy mysteries who enjoy social and political community commentary added into the intrigue will find The Concrete Vineyard just the ticket. It’s an engrossing story of how development challenges, changes, and threatens long-held values and different generations.

More than just a whodunit murder mystery, this tale of community influence and change will keep readers thinking long after the problem comes to a head, offering insights into development and historic precedent that are thought-provoking and engrossing in and of themselves. The mystery becomes not just part of the cake, but adds an intense flavor to the frosting, as well.

D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

March 8, 2021

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Author Interview: Cam Lang

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Risah Salazar is talking with Cam Lang, author of The Concrete Vineyard.

FQ: How did you come up with The Concrete Vineyard’s unique plot? What was your inspiration?

LANG: My novel has a very complex and layered plot but all the events, situations and scenarios that occur within it are things that I have witnessed in my profession as an urban planner (except for the murder!). Although citizens tend to focus on what’s happening at the highest levels of government (especially federal), we are actually more impacted in our day to day lives by the decisions that are made at the local level – how we design our neighborhoods; the form and height limits we impose on buildings; the siting and cost of parking; and the bike lanes we install or rather, fail to install. The list is endless and because every municipality in the U.S. and Canada employs elected officials, they are all vulnerable to influence and corruption. Land developers represent those primary change agents and urban planners are at the heart of this game.

FQ: The setting of The Concrete Vineyard is also unique, Niagara-on-the-Lake. I see that you grew up there. What gives the area the “colonial charm” that you mention in your biography?

LANG: Niagara-on-the-Lake ‘NOTL’ (the first capital of Upper Canada) has a lot in common with Colonial Willamsburg (the second capital of Virginia) in terms of its gridded street pattern, its historic centre (1 mile long x ½ mile wide), and its centuries old buildings of Georgian, Regency and Victorian design that flank and frame corridors of interlocking brick and sandy boulevards. But, once you pave and curb and gutter the roadways, much of that ‘colonial charm’ erodes. And then it is further compromised when you bring in the cars and park them along the entire street edges. This is the current situation in NOTL; a tipping point, really. It would be prudent to use Williamsburg as a model of sustainable historic preservation for NOTL and I do believe that will happen at some point; perhaps when civic unrest and political will can overcome private agenda.

FQ: Have you always been a fan of detective stories/murder mysteries? Any favorites? Any that might have inspired Detective Bryan Dee?

LANG: Until I started writing this book, I wasn’t even a fan of fiction. I considered reading fiction a waste of time because I didn’t feel like I was learning enough. The Concrete Vineyard started off as a non-fiction account of planning problems until I realized the only people who tend to read urban planning books are other planners. Because I wanted my book to appeal to a greater audience I figured the best way to do that was to kill someone. So I knocked off the oldest and most respected civilian in town.

FQ: It’s apparent that you are fascinated with wine/grapes and that you’ve experienced first-hand what it’s like working in a vineyard. Can you tell our readers something they might not know about vineyards, harvesting grapes, etc.?

LANG: I was a complete hack in vineyards and fruit farms as a teenager. I usually just ate the cherries and peaches and sat on the tractor, waiting for lunch and watching others. Pruning grapes is particularly hard on your back because you’re often bending over and crouching down all day. As I allude to in my novel, the only people who step up to do this work now are migrant workers. They’re the front-line heroes in our agricultural industry and they should be applauded and supported. Nowadays though, a lot of this manual labor has been automated. I am in awe of some of the tractors and machines that farmers employ now.

FQ: Your characters are quite fond of playing golf. Are you a golfer too?

LANG: My lead detective is certainly fond of golf. I enjoy it but I’m hardly good at it. I’m an avid runner and cyclist, like my protagonist, Kris Gage. Although I’m Canadian, my favorite sport isn’t hockey, but basketball. I used to attend Jimmy V’s summer camps in Raleigh as a kid. I’m a diehard, long suffering Wolfpack fan. Never give up.

FQ: Urban planning plays an important role in your book. And in your biography, you mention that it can be “a pretty boring subject.” So it’s a brave move to include it in a murder mystery and make it interesting at the same time. Was this something you knew you wanted to include in your story before you began writing?

LANG: I joke that everyone has a “planning opinion” so people should be able to relate to this story. The challenge for me was to try to figure out how to get an urban planner involved in a homicide investigation. Admittedly, it is rather unconventional; in fact, I can’t find another ‘urban planning mystery’ out there. I used Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series as a model in which he uses a psychologist to help his detective friend. I figured that if I made real estate or land development a possible motive to murder someone, who better to understand and navigate those waters than an urban planner? This is why my homicide detective (Bryan Dee) is a little naïve and unenthusiastic. It opens the door for his urban planner friend to get involved.

FQ: As an urban planner, what can you say about Canada’s town planning?

LANG: To answer that I’ll use a line from my book. By failing to recognize that different places require different approaches and solutions, it was no wonder every town and city was starting to look and feel just like the next. In reality, this statement could apply to any country.

FQ: Progress comes with a cost. Old and historic sites sometimes get neglected to make way for new developments. How do you negotiate with clients and/or developers? How do you balance profit and historic preservation?

LANG: One of my developer clients once told me that he was only as good as his last project. At first I didn’t know what he meant but then I realized he understood the value of playing the long game. On one of his early projects he preserved and restored a questionable heritage building that – had he fought – he probably could have demolished for a more lucrative financial gain. Years later, on another project, the city unexpectedly rolled out the red carpet and gave him more density than he initially asked for without any public objection – Councils and residents have long memories and just like any relationship, building trust is important. If a developer seeks to squeeze everything possible out of a site and maximize financial gain on every project, it will do so at its own peril. More often than not, however, smart developers realize there is value and profit to be made by utilizing the important history of a site (or its natural heritage features such as woodlots/trees). This is referred to as ‘net community gain.’

FQ: Which cities in the world do you think has the best and worst urban planning?

LANG: It really depends upon the lens you use to evaluate ‘best’ and ‘worst.’ I tend to use good mobility as my key barometer for judging places: the ability for people of all ages and capabilities to perform their daily functions and activities without getting into a private automobile. Smart towns and cities usually integrate a number of modes (subway, bus rapid transit (BRT), bicycle lanes) to increase efficiency and choice with a goal of reducing carbon emissions. Bogota, for example, utilizes gondolas to move residents from its hillside shantytowns connecting to BRT in the city, leveling the playing field by creating affordable opportunities for its less affluent.

Generally speaking, people tend to think the grass is greener on the other side. In my novel I discuss the influx of wealthy Torontonians who choose to retire to Niagara-on-the-Lake. They come here for wine, water, golf, theater and a more laidback lifestyle but little do they know they left behind neighorhoods in a bigger city that were far more walkable, dynamic, vibrant and dare I say, quieter. They now have to drive everywhere they want and need to go – and get roused awake by the bird bangers in the vineyards at 6 a.m.

FQ: Do you have another book you’re currently working on? Will we be seeing Detective Bryan Dee again? Perhaps in a series?

LANG: I didn’t set out to write more than one book which probably explains why The Concrete Vineyard is on the longer side and full of anecdotes, facts and details that may not appeal to the conventional mystery reader. I wanted to give readers a 10 course meal. If I was to write a second novel or continue the series, it would be with Kris Gage as my main character. He’s the urban planner. He’s who I know. Maybe he’ll show up in your hometown.

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Prairies Book Review

“A deft plotting, deeply realized characterization, and keen understanding of human psyche make this a must-read mystery…

In Lang’s skillfully layered debut mystery, a decade-old crime, grief, and regret provide the backdrop for an account of vengeance and redemption in the cozy town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. When the reluctant Homicide Chief Detective Bryan Dee is assigned to investigate the killing of 91-year-old retired history professor Edward Mitchell, one of the most respected senior citizens the city has ever had, he is happy to enlist the help of Kris Gage, his best friend and an urban planner. But when Bryan happens upon the victim’s last diary entry with Kris’s name in it, he finds himself torn between his friendship and professional commitment.  Meanwhile, following a financial trail, Kris uncovers a dark web of corruption.

Lang’s assured, rich prose effortlessly draws the reader into the story, and his tension-filled narrative is rife on unexpected turns, keeping the pages turning. All the main characters, including the victim and the perpetrators carry heavy emotional baggage, and Lang skillfully explores their grief, loss, fear, insecurities, rage, and regrets. In creating the setting of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lang beautifully evokes its spirit, making it alive in readers’ hearts. Along the way, he examines the themes of revenge, redemption, corruption, and social justice. The minute details of urban planning are infused into the narrative with subtlety.

This is a mystery readers will relish for its sensitive characterization, expert plotting, local color, and relentless suspense. Writing both from heart and gut, Lang is an author to watch.”   

February 24, 2021 by Prairies Book Review

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Chick Lit Café

“The Concrete Vineyard by Cam Lang is a superb, slow-burning cozy, murder/mystery.  Drenched in historical memorabilia and modern-day quandaries, this is a ‘who-dun-it’ with substance.   I’ve got to start by saying I applaud the author for cleverly entwining a really great murder/mystery with the world of urban planning corruption and municipal politics. The two things are woven together with extraordinary artistic flair.

The story opens with the murder of Edward Mitchell, by all-accounts a most respected and liked gentleman.  Why then was he murdered?  Maybe it has something to do with his history-packed mansion?  Or could it be he made enemies on the planning council?  As the story unfolds, we are given insightful clues to help us puzzle things out.  The two main characters are homicide Chief Detective, Bryan Dee, and urban planner Kris Gage.  Despite being best friends, the two are very different from one another. One is a burger-eating, can I play golf, reluctant chief, and the other an extremely fit, watch what I eat, care about the environment, workaholic planner.  The two of them have different perspectives on the murder, and their sleuthing leads them apart.  The story is laced with Canadian history which makes this such an interesting read, as well as an incredible mystery.    

This might be Cam Lang’s first novel, but I am confident it won’t be his last!  Lang has a great story-telling voice which is both modern and easy-to-read.  His scene building is masterful and epigrammatic, his characters are real and interesting.  I love Lang’s expressive descriptions and how they bring the story to life.  One of my favorites is, ‘under the spread of his gnocchi-fueled buttocks.’  There are lots of fabulously descriptive sentences like this, that say so much with so few words – clever writing in deed.  The Concrete Vineyard by Cam Lang is a page-turning, fascinating and inventive mystery you won’t want to miss, and comes highly recommended by Chick Lit Café.”

February 10, 2021 by Chick Lit Café

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IndieReader ★★★★

THE CONCRETE VINEYARD by Cam Lang is intriguing and chock-full of unique ponderings in the guise of a murder-mystery, while offering an in-depth look at urban planning/development through fresh, insider eyes.

Synopsis:

Someone has killed Edward Mitchell before the sale of his historically-significant property in THE CONCRETE VINEYARD by Cam Lang.

It’s an innovative idea to focus a murder mystery upon the nefarious twists and turns that take place within local government planning/politics, and author Cam Lang creates just such a debut novel in THE CONCRETE VINEYARD with aplomb. A retired planner, urban designer, and development manager himself, the writer comes to this adventure well-versed regarding the hidden activities and motivations that can at any given time be at play behind the scenes in an ever-tricky dance between people and settings within the scope of urban/rural development. Links between planning and history/heritage are woven throughout the plot, for instance, providing much food for thought.

The tale opens with Edward Mitchell’s last day on Earth, and rather than feeling upset about sudden death arriving at the hands of another, the retired history professor feels delight that his long, interesting life is now ending in an equally extraordinary manner. And on an appropriately significant day: July 1, Canada Day; the day the nation is busy celebrating its 150th anniversary. Without giving too many plot twists away, many of the story elements revolve around the impending sale of Edward’s historic mansion that has been in his family since the late 1700s. Part of the magnificent house survived the fierce and fiery War of 1812, back when Canada was a colony of Great Britain in the process of being invaded by the Americans. Even though he’s past 90 and has no heirs, Edward Mitchell surely does not want to see the place fall into the wrong hands now, for what is the true value of a property that once had Camp Niagara spread out right before its front door? Featuring Seamus O’Reilly, a 40-year-veteran in the world of real estate, Kris, an urban planner specializing in the retrofitting of suburbia plus main street revitalization, and Kris’s old school chum Detective Bryan Dee who basically uses his career in law enforcement to support other passions like golf, this novel shines a light on the great irony that even those who authentically love their location/communities can oft times be entirely oblivious to the costs of human life upon it.

~C.S. Holmes for IndieReader

January 13, 2021

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