Mike Martin's Blog, page 10
November 27, 2019
Update #1 Annual Windflower Holiday Book Sale
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Make a Donation: Get a Free Book. Share this post: Win a Free Book
The 7th Annual Windflower Holiday Book Sale is well underway and thanks to your generosity we are now at $1300 for this year’s event. What a great start!! You can participate by making a donation or by sharing this post. If you make a direct donation to Minwaashin Lodge I will send a signed copy of Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries to you or anyone you chose. Absolutely free.
If you want to make a donation please visit: http://www.minlodge.com
If you share this post, enter the contest to win a free copy of Fire, Fog and Water. Simply share and you are automatically entered in the draw on December 6, 2019.
Our chosen organization is again Minwaashin Lodge in Ottawa. Minwaashin Lodge is a healing centre in Ottawa that provides a range of programs and services to First Nations, Inuit and Metis women and children who are survivors of domestic and other forms of violence, and who may also be suffering the effects of the residential school system.
The mission of Minwaashin Lodge is to provide wholistic programs and services for grandmothers, women, children and youth impacted by family violence and residential schooling. All programs and services are provided in the context of cultural beliefs and values as part of the healing journey.
Here’s how you can participate.
Make a Donation and Get a Free Book
If you make a donation, I will send you or a person of your choice a signed copy of Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries, absolutely free of charge. Simply send me an email or FB message or comment below with the details of where you would like the book to go. And I will pop it in the mail. It’s that simple.
If you want to make a donation please visit: http://www.minlodge.com
Canadian donors can receive a tax receipt for their contribution.
Thank you for supporting the Annual Windflower Holiday Book Sale and Minwaashin Lodge
Share this post. Win a copy of Fire, Fog and Water.
Simply share and you are automatically entered in the draw on December 6, 2019.
………………………………………………………..
All Sgt. Windflower books including Fire, Fog and Water and Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries are available in print from fine Canadian booksellers across the country and online from Amazon and other e-book retailers.
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48197240-fire-fog-and-water
November 21, 2019
Annual Windflower Holiday Book Sale: Make a Donation. Get a Free Book
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Make a Donation. Get a Free Book!!
It’s time for the 7th Annual Windflower Holiday Book Sale. For the last six years this event has been helping to support great organizations in my community. It’s a great way for me to give back a little to people and organizations who need so much, especially this time of year. In the last six years we have been able to donate over $3,500.00 to community groups who really need our support. We will be doing things a little different this year, so check out the information below as to how you can participate and help this great cause.
This year our chosen organization will again be the Minwaashin Lodge in Ottawa. Minwaashin Lodge is a healing centre in Ottawa that provides a range of programs and services to First Nations, Inuit and Metis women and children who are survivors of domestic and other forms of violence, and who may also be suffering the effects of the residential school system.
The mission of Minwaashin Lodge is to provide wholistic programs and services for grandmothers, women, children and youth impacted by family violence and residential schooling. All programs and services are provided in the context of cultural beliefs and values as part of the healing journey.
This year I have been blessed to publish two books in the Sgt. Windflower family. Fire, Fog and Water is the 8th book in the series and Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries is a stand-alone short story collection. As a result of my good fortune I am doubling my contribution to Minwaashin Lodge to $1,000.00. And I hope that if you have had good fortune and blessings this year you can help as well.
Here’s how you can participate.
Make a Donation and Get a Free Book
If you make a donation, I will send you or a person of your choice a signed copy of Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries, absolutely free of charge. Simply send me an email or FB message or comment below with the details of where you would like the book to go. And I will pop it in the mail. It’s that simple.
Our donations are crucial. Every year Minwaashin Lodge has a community party with around 300 people (200 of them are children). The party always includes a time when presents are given out to the children. Last year for the first time 50 of the moms were able to receive a gift and the hope this year is to include all moms in the gift giving. Will you help us get there?. If you want to make a donation please visit: http://www.minlodge.com
Canadian donors can receive a tax receipt for their contribution.
Thank you for supporting the Annual Windflower Holiday Book Sale and Minwaashin Lodge
All Sgt. Windflower books including Fire, Fog and Water and Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries are available in print from fine Canadian booksellers across the country and online from Amazon and other e-book retailers.
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48197240-fire-fog-and-water
November 17, 2019
Reviews are Great for Fire, Fog and Water, the new Sgt. Windflower Mystery
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Reviews are Great for Fire, Fog and Water, the new Sgt. Windflower Mystery
Midwest Book Reviews says
“Most murder mysteries create a cat-and-mouse interplay between perp and investigator, but the fact that Sgt. Windflower is also probing his own motives, reactions, and life adds an extra dimension of interest to the story that makes for rich and absorbing reading indeed. Readers seeking a fine story steeped in psychological inspection will relish both the character of Mountie Windflower and his ability to navigate the murky waters of self, community, and home.”
Fire, Fog and Water on Amazon Average rating: 4.5
“The author writes in an easy manner that makes the story feel as if you are part of the cast and at home or taking a walk along with Winston and Lady, his dog. A thoroughly enjoyable and quick read that makes you want for more. Love Mike Martin books. Looking forward to more! Highly recommend!”
Fire, Fog and Water on NetGalley Average rating: 4.5
“Apart from being a great murder mystery this is a story of Newfoundland communities and relationships. Having spent a little time in Newfoundland, and loved it, this story really appealed to me. There’s a multitude of layers happening, contributing to my enjoyment.”
Fire, Fog and Water on Goodreads Average rating: 4.9
“This Sgt. Windflower book may be his best. I enjoyed the story and the setting in small town Newfoundland. This is a great series – highly recommended.”
Where to Buy Fire, Fog and Water
Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
Chapters/Indigo/Coles
In Store
Ottawa/Atlantic Canada
Fire, Fog and Water is available from most Chapters/Indigo/Coles stores. If your store doesn’t have it, ask them to order some.
And these fine independent bookstores
Ottawa
Books on Beechwood
Toronto
Sleuth of Baker Street
Winnipeg
Whodunit Bookstore
St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador
Downhome Shoppe and Gallery
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48197240-fire-fog-and-water
October 29, 2019
The Sgt. Windflower Reading Equality Program
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Why I’m Giving Books Away: The Sgt. Windflower Reading Equality Program
I have now published eight 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 lent 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 Fire, Fog and Water 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. The links are at the bottom of this post.
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.
Here’s where you can get Fire, Fog and Water
Fire, Fog and Water is available in many bookstores across Canada including Chapters/Indigo and many independent stores.
Where to Buy Fire, Fog and Water
Amazon.com
“Apart from being a great murder mystery this is a story of Newfoundland communities and relationships. Having spent a little time in Newfoundland, and loved it, this story really appealed to me. There’s a multitude of layers happening, contributing to my enjoyment.”
Amazon.ca
“I have read all of the Sgt. Windflower series by Mike Martin. He just keep getting better! I enjoyed this book.”
Amazon.uk
“The Newfoundland setting was sublime and the writer conjured a detailed picture of a small community. I felt comfortable with this novel from the start. I felt I knew the people – main characters being deftly drawn with few strokes.”
Chapters/Indigo/Coles
In Store
Ottawa
Chapters Rideau, South Keys, Gloucester, Kanata
Indigo Barrhaven, Pinecrest, Innes, Orleans
Coles Billing Bridge, Carlingwood, Bayshore
More locations coming across Ontario and Atlantic Canada soon. Stay tuned and follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
And these fine independent bookstores
Ottawa
Books on Beechwood
Toronto
Sleuth of Baker Street
Winnipeg
Whodunit Bookstore
St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador
Downhome Shoppe and Gallery
Follow Sgt. Windflower on Facebook
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48197240-fire-fog-and-water
October 24, 2019
Sgt. Windflower goes to Winnipeg
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Sgt. Windflower is going to Winnipeg!! Join Mike Martin at Whodunit Bookstore on November 7 from 7-9 pm for book signings, author interview and a special Q and A with local authors. Free admission and snacks.
Upcoming Events
Mystery Weekend Ottawa Nov 16-17
Indigo Barrhaven
Join Ottawa area mystery and crime writers all weekend long at Indigo Barrhaven. I will be there on Sunday Nov 17 from 4-6 pm.
Signatures Ottawa Christmas Show Nov 14-17
Shaw Centre
Sgt. Windflower books will be on hand at the Ottawa Press and Publishing booth. The Signatures Show is the National Capital’s premier holiday shopping event. I will be signing books on several occasions. Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook for more details
More events to come. Details to be announced
Where to Buy Fire, Fog and Water
Amazon.com
“Apart from being a great murder mystery this is a story of Newfoundland communities and relationships. Having spent a little time in Newfoundland, and loved it, this story really appealed to me. There’s a multitude of layers happening, contributing to my enjoyment.”
Amazon.ca
“I have read all of the Sgt. Windflower series by Mike Martin. He just keep getting better! I enjoyed this book.”
Amazon.uk
“The Newfoundland setting was sublime and the writer conjured a detailed picture of a small community. I felt comfortable with this novel from the start. I felt I knew the people – main characters being deftly drawn with few strokes.”
Chapters/Indigo/Coles
Buy In Store Now!!
Ottawa
Chapters Rideau, South Keys, Gloucester, Kanata
Indigo Barrhaven, Pinecrest, Innes, Orleans
Coles Billing Bridge, Carlingwood, Bayshore
More locations coming across Ontario and Atlantic Canada soon. Stay tuned and follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
And these fine independent bookstores
Ottawa
Books on Beechwood
Toronto
Sleuth of Baker Street
Winnipeg
Whodunit Bookstore
St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador
Downhome Shoppe and Gallery
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48197240-fire-fog-and-water
October 9, 2019
New Sgt. Windflower Book is Here
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Fire, Fog and Water, the latest book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series is here. Now available for pre-order on Chapters/Indigo and available all over the world on Amazon. Plus, at select independent book stores right now. Book Launch in Ottawa on October 17.
Amazon
Chapters/Indigo
Buy a print version right now at these fine independent bookstores
Ottawa
Books on Beechwood
Toronto
Sleuth of Baker Street
Winnipeg
Whodunit Bookstore
Book Launch Ottawa October 17
Come Celebrate the Launch of the latest Sgt. Windflower Mystery
Fire, Fog and Water
6:00-8:00 pm Thursday October 17, 2019
Books on Beechwood
35 Beechwood Ave
There will be Cake!!
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on social media
September 30, 2019
People love Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries
[image error]People love Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries
The reviews are pouring in for Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries from all over the world. England, France and from all parts of the United States and Canada. You can check them out for yourself on Amazon, Goodreads or NetGalley:
Amazon Average Rating 4.8 out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Newfoundland-Memories-Mysteries-Windflower-ebook/dp/B07WSRLXMK
NetGalley Average Rating 4.4 out of 5
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/173518
Goodreads Average Rating 4.4 out of 5
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47886570-christmas-in-newfoundland-memories-and-mysteries
Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries is available everywhere online (See links below). And now in stores all over Canada including:
Toronto
Sleuth of Baker Street
St. John’s Newfoundland
The Downhome Shoppe and Gallery
Ottawa
Books on Beechwood
Chapters/indigo Coles
Atlantic Canada
Chapters/indigo Coles
Here are some online links for Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries
Amazon United States
Amazon Canada
Chapters/Indigo Canada
Amazon UK
Amazon Australia
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore?ref=hl
September 16, 2019
Cover Reveal: Fire, Fog and Water
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The new Sgt. Windflower book is on its way. Here’s the first look at the cover of Book 8 in this award-winning series.
Sergeant Winston Windflower and his trusty crew at the Grand Bank detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have more than a few mysteries on their hands. Windflower suspects that the three cases—a homicide, a near-homicide and a fire on Coronation Street—are somehow connected, but how is proving difficult to determine, especially now that he must battle his unusually cranky mood, the never-ending winter that has gripped the coastal region of Newfoundland and his new, power-hungry boss.
In Fire, Fog and Water, award-winning author Mike Martin is true to form, retaining the light crime genre for which he is known while delving into the most perplexing social issues of our time. Windflower must not only solve the drug-and-death crimes that threaten the otherwise tranquil lives of Grand Bank’s residents, he must resolve his own internal conflicts before they consume him as surely as the blaze that engulfed the house on Coronation Street.
Coming soon to a bookshelf near you on October 7, 2019
And….
Come Celebrate the Launch of the latest Sgt. Windflower Mystery
Fire, Fog and Water
6:00-8:00 pm Thursday October 17, 2019
Books on Beechwood
35 Beechwood Ave
There will be Cake!!
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore?ref=hl
September 6, 2019
Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries at Independent Bookstores Ottawa and Toronto
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We are pleased to announce that the first places you can buy a physical copy of Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries are at two great independent book stores. Books on Beechwood in Ottawa and the fabulous Sleuth of Baker Street in Toronto. More stores coming soon.
Books on Beechwood
35 Beechwood Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
[image error]Books on Beechwood is an independent, locally owned, bookstore that reflects the interests of the surrounding neighbourhoods. The selections on literary fiction, biography, and history are particularly strong. They also have a good selection of mysteries, of children’s books and of cookbooks. The collection of several thousand books in the store is backed by the ability to order from a suppliers list of millions of volumes. They are very involved in the community and host special events such as book signings. They also have their own two book clubs which you are welcome to join.
http://www.booksonbeechwood.ca
Sleuth of Baker Street
907 Millwood Road
Toronto, Ontario
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Sleuth of Baker Street is a bookstore that specializes in mysteries, crime novels, detective fiction, Sherlockiana, spy and thriller novels…lots and lots of mysteries…British, American, Canadian…new, used, out of print. If they haven’t got it, they’ll find it. A newsletter worth paying for, and if you want something other than a mystery, they do lots of special orders.
http://www.sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/
You can also buy Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries online:
Amazon
United States
Amazon
Canada
Chapters/Indigo
Canada
Amazon
UK
Amazon
Australia
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on social media and Goodreads
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47883530-christmas-in-newfoundland
September 3, 2019
Early Reviews for Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries
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The early reviews are in and they are great. Here is a sampling:
Lovely, Lovely Read
Oh my – this really is the icing on the cake (or snowy Christmases in Newfoundland) for the Sgt. Windflower Mysteries. If you’ve not read any, then start at the beginning, they’re really good reads. I adored reading this collection of stories depicting St Johns and Grand Bank over Christmas periods past and present. Mike Martin paints pictures and creates atmosphere so clearly with his writing and elicits some rather emotional responses to the love and kindnesses shown at this particular time of year through his wonderful characters and memories. Goodness – when Winston saves Christmas – well, have tissues nearby.
Hazel M. Reviewer
United Kingdom
Highly Recommended
For those for whom this is the first exposure to the series, the Sgt. Winston Windflower mystery series shares tales about a Mountie who finds himself with a new family and a new life in tiny Grand Bank, Newfoundland. Many of the characters from the first volume remain and most assuredly the setting of the dramas remains a place we learn to know well, but Mike Martin has that uncanny ability to open a new story with enough mix of entertainment and magnetizing hints of the mystery to come to capture the attention and imagination. Like this section from A Grand Bank Christmas: “This is a long slow stroll through winter and Christmas past in the small Town of Grand Bank, Newfoundland, home of adventure and the famous Grand Bank schooner, and for a ten-year-old boy and a nine-year-old girl, a world of magic and wonder.”
Grady Harp Amazon Top Contributor
Los Angeles, California
Other reviewers said:
“A wonderful new way to look at Christmas”
“Some really good ‘comfort food’ stories”
“A collection to be cherished and shared with children and grandchildren”
“If you like the other Sgt. Windflower stories you will love this book”
You can read all the early reviews here:
Here are some online links for Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries
Amazon
United States
Amazon
Canada
Chapters/Indigo
Canada
Amazon
UK
Amazon
Australia
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore?ref=hl
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