Mike Martin's Blog, page 3
May 30, 2024
Why I’m Giving Books Away: The Sgt. Windflower Reading Equality Program
Why I’m Giving Books Away: The Sgt. Windflower Reading Equality Program
I have now published fourteen books in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series (plus Christmas in Newfoundland: Memories and Mysteries Vol 1 and 2) 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 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 20 copies of Better Safe Than Sorry 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.
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.
You can get Better Safe Than Sorry from Chapters/Indigo/Coles bookstores in Ottawa and soon in Atlantic Canada and from these fine independent bookstores:
Ottawa
Books on Beechwood (Signed copies available)
Perfect Books (Signed copies available)
Toronto
Sleuth of Baker Street (Signed copies available)
St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador
Downhome Shoppe and Gallery on Water Street
You can purchase a copy of Better Safe Than Sorry from Amazon all over the world
Buy Links
Amazon CA | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU
Follow Sgt. Windflower on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore/inbox/?mailbox_id=401832063230933&selected_item_id=100000399124047
May 17, 2024
On Libraries and Bookstores
I love seeing my books on the shelves of a bookstore. It makes me feel good. Especially when the bookstore is an independent one in my neighbourhood. But I appreciate my books being in a library even more. That’s why one of the first things I did when I got my author copies of Better Safe Than Sorry, the new Sgt. Windflower Mystery, was to donate copies to the Ottawa Public Library and the Kemptville Branch of the North Grenville Library. I spend part of my working time in both communities. So why not give a little back to those who support readers and writers. And I sent a couple of copies to the Grand Bank Public Library, because, well… you have to read a Sgt. Windflower book to figure that out.
I also love bookstores, all kinds of bookstores. Big box, small box, no box and out of the box. My favourites are independent bookstores. Like Perfect Books and Books on Beechwood in Ottawa and the slowly closing Sleuth of Baker Street in Toronto. They are not just places I visit. They are my friends. They help me, they support me and hundreds of other small, independent writers who are trying to make a mark in an ocean of books.
The reason I do this is because libraries gave me one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. A love of reading. The ability to travel the world and visit other worlds. A way to not just escape boredom and drudgery but to live other lives and meet a wider range of people and characters that I could never have accomplished on my own. So, it’s an easy decision to give back to libraries. They may have saved my life.
I hope that you will read Better Safe Than Sorry, the new Sgt. Windflower Mystery. And I don’t care if you get it from the library, from a bookstore, or from a friend. More than that, I hope you enjoy it. Let it take you away to little Grand Bank, Newfoundland where the locals are friendly, the cheesecake is wonderful and the weather… well, we won’t talk about the weather.
Thank you for supporting my writing and Sgt. Windflower Mysteries.
Better Safe Than Sorry is available at select Chapters/Coles/Indigo bookstores. And from Amazon all over the world.
Signed copies available at:
Sleuth of Baker Street bookstore, Toronto
Books on Beechwood, Ottawa
Perfect Books, Ottawa
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
April 29, 2024
Better Safe Than Sorry, the new Sgt. Windflower Mystery now available for Pre-sale on Amazon
Better Safe Than Sorry is the latest book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series. It will be released on May 10, 2024. It is now available for Pre-Sale on Amazon
Book Launch May 15
Book Launch Perfect Books, Elgin St. Ottawa
Wednesday May 15 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Reading, book signing and special musical guest. Victoria Vlad
There will be cake!!!
Better Safe Than Sorry Synopsis
Winston Windflower is (sort of) enjoying his retirement from the RCMP in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, happily spending time with his young family, but feeling a little restless. Corporal Eddie Tizzard is running the Marystown detachment and struggling with the demands of the role while his own family grows. When a new kind of drug threatens the community, a body (the wrong body) is found dead in a hearse, and then another drug-connected mysterious death occurs, Tizzard knows he’s dealing with a deadly menace in their quiet, close-knit community.
Windflower finds himself inexorably (and not unhappily) drawn back into the action, first in an unofficial role to help snare the dealers and then back to active duty in a community that desperately needs his steady hand and good judgement.
Our favorite Mountie, Sgt. Windflower and his fellow courageous cops in small-town Grand Bank, Newfoundland are back to fight a new threat in this compelling page-turner. Award-winning author, Mike Martin once again brings us a stirring story, blending down-home Newfoundland charm with the warmth of family life.
Better Safe Than Sorry is also available for pre-order from : Ottawa Press and Publishing. https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com/
Signed copies will be available after May 10 at:
Sleuth of Baker Street bookstore, Toronto
Books on Beechwood, Ottawa
Perfect Books, Ottawa
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore
April 22, 2024
Another New Review of Better Safe Than Sorry, the new Sgt. Windflower Mystery
Another great early review. This time from Heather at the wonderful Eyes.2c review blog. Here’s an excerpt.
“In Better Safe Than Sorry, Windflower has his hands full. He’s seconded back to the RMCP but it’s a very different Windflower now. Always in the background is Windflower’s spiritual life, steeped in the lore of his people, including his dreams. Interpreting them is key. Windflower’s spirit guides are always present.
Once again, I’m drawn into the seasons of Sergeant Winston Windflower’s life. I’m struck by his sense of self, his spirituality, his appreciation for people, for the everyday activities with family and friends, be it sledding with the children, or the sharing mouth watering meals. This is what he treasures, and I must admit I treasure him.”
Thank you, Heather.
Full review coming soon on her blog as well as Amazon and Goodreads.
Better Safe Than Sorry is the latest book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series. It will be released on May 10, 2024. Book Launch May 15 at Perfect Books in Ottawa
Book Launch Perfect Books, Elgin St. Ottawa
Wednesday May 15 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Reading, book signing and special musical guest. Victoria Vlad
There will be cake!!
Better Safe Than Sorry Synopsis
Winston Windflower is (sort of) enjoying his retirement from the RCMP in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, happily spending time with his young family, but feeling a little restless. Corporal Eddie Tizzard is running the Marystown detachment and struggling with the demands of the role while his own family grows. When a new kind of drug threatens the community, a body (the wrong body) is found dead in a hearse, and then another drug-connected mysterious death occurs, Tizzard knows he’s dealing with a deadly menace in their quiet, close-knit community.
Windflower finds himself inexorably (and not unhappily) drawn back into the action, first in an unofficial role to help snare the dealers and then back to active duty in a community that desperately needs his steady hand and good judgement.
Our favorite Mountie, Sgt. Windflower and his fellow courageous cops in small-town Grand Bank, Newfoundland are back to fight a new threat in this compelling page-turner. Award-winning author, Mike Martin once again brings us a stirring story, blending down-home Newfoundland charm with the warmth of family life.
Better Safe Than Sorry will soon be available for pre-order from Amazon all over the world or directly from Ottawa Press and Publishing. https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com/
Signed copies will be available after May 10 at:
Sleuth of Baker Street bookstore, Toronto
Books on Beechwood, Ottawa
Perfect Books, Ottawa
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore
April 15, 2024
New Review of Better Safe Than Sorry on the Cozy Mystery Book Review blog
New Review of Better Safe Than Sorry on the Cozy Mystery Book Review blog
“Better Safe Than Sorry is the latest book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series by Mike Martin and if you are a fan, you know that you are in store for an entertaining and captivating story. With fourteen books in this series you know Martin is doing something right !!
The Sgt. Windflower Mystery series follows Winston Windflower who works for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, his family and friends in Grand Bank, Newfoundland. As the series progresses there are a lot of changes in Windflower’s life, some good, some bad and others great.
In Better Safe Than Sorry Windflower who is now the community safety office in Grand Banks and the surrounding areas is informed that there is a new deadly drug being distributed called Green Monsters. He begins to circulate and get the word out about this drug and the dangers of using it. And Windflower’s close friend who is currently the Acting Inspector, Edward Tizzard, is looking into a dead body in a hearse. Once the hearse arrived at the funeral home, the funeral directed found out that it wasn’t the body he was expected. The body, which is a young woman, has also not died of natural causes.
Readers cannot get enough of Windflower and this series …whether it is when Windflower is just walking around town with his dog, Lady or playing with the girls, or making dinner, or deep into a case and is on the job, you are HOOKED !!! You fall in love immediately with everything and everyone !! You will love the relationships, the cases, the town and when they talk about food … and there is a lot of food mentioned. So I highly encourage you to grab a snack and a drink, go to your comfy seat and dig in …..”
https://cozymysterybookreviews.blogspot.com/2024/04/better-safe-than-sorry-sgt-windflower.html
Better Safe Than Sorry is the latest book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series. It will be released on May 10, 2024. Book Launch May 15 at Perfect Books in Ottawa
Book Launch Perfect Books, Elgin St. Ottawa
Wednesday May 15 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Reading, book signing and special musical guest. Victoria Vlad
There will be cake!!
Better Safe Than Sorry
Winston Windflower is (sort of) enjoying his retirement from the RCMP in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, happily spending time with his young family, but feeling a little restless. Corporal Eddie Tizzard is running the Marystown detachment and struggling with the demands of the role while his own family grows. When a new kind of drug threatens the community, a body (the wrong body) is found dead in a hearse, and then another drug-connected mysterious death occurs, Tizzard knows he’s dealing with a deadly menace in their quiet, close-knit community.
Windflower finds himself inexorably (and not unhappily) drawn back into the action, first in an unofficial role to help snare the dealers and then back to active duty in a community that desperately needs his steady hand and good judgement.
Our favorite Mountie, Sgt. Windflower and his fellow courageous cops in small-town Grand Bank, Newfoundland are back to fight a new threat in this compelling page-turner. Award-winning author, Mike Martin once again brings us a stirring story, blending down-home Newfoundland charm with the warmth of family life.
Better Safe Than Sorry will soon be available for pre-order from Amazon all over the world or directly from Ottawa Press and Publishing. https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com/
Signed copies will be available after May 10 at:
Sleuth of Baker Street bookstore, Toronto
Books on Beechwood, Ottawa
Perfect Books, Ottawa
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore
April 1, 2024
New Reviews of Better Safe Than Sorry and Pre-Sale Now Available
New Reviews of Better Safe Than Sorry and Pre-Sale Now Available
Better Safe Than Sorry is the latest book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series. It will be released on May 10, 2024. Book Launch May 15 at Perfect Books in Ottawa.
Pre-Sale is now available from Ottawa Press and Publishing and it’s on sale for $19.95
Order today and beat the rush.
Here is the link to order Better Safe Than Sorry
https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com
Here is one of the first reviews of Better Safe Than Sorry from Jemsbooks blog:
Windflower is back again in this new addition of the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. “Reading this series is like taking a deep cleansing breath and feeling relaxed and happy while visiting with Windflower and his family and workmates.”
The Seargent is on a new case and pulled into his former position as his supervisor sees the need for Windflower’s expertise in solving crimes and catching the perpetrators in his calm and polished manner. He and Tizzard, his former employee, work together to bring some closure to drug problems and murders that are linked.
“I love the food and recipes that Windflower uses throughout the book along with the different quotes of famous writers that added meaning and substance to each scene.”
Mike Martin has created another enjoyable book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series. Highly recommended.
Jemsbooks
Special Event Added
Book signing on May 11 2-3:30 Coles Carlingwood in Ottawa.
And don’t forget about the Book Launch on May 15:
Book Launch Perfect Books, Elgin St. Ottawa
Wednesday May 15 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Reading, book signing and special musical guest
There will be cake!!
Better Safe Than Sorry
Winston Windflower is (sort of) enjoying his retirement from the RCMP in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, happily spending time with his young family, but feeling a little restless. Corporal Eddie Tizzard is running the Marystown detachment and struggling with the demands of the role while his own family grows. When a new kind of drug threatens the community, a body (the wrong body) is found dead in a hearse, and then another drug-connected mysterious death occurs, Tizzard knows he’s dealing with a deadly menace in their quiet, close-knit community.
Windflower finds himself inexorably (and not unhappily) drawn back into the action, first in an unofficial role to help snare the dealers and then back to active duty in a community that desperately needs his steady hand and good judgement.
Our favorite Mountie, Sgt. Windflower and his fellow courageous cops in small-town Grand Bank, Newfoundland are back to fight a new threat in this compelling page-turner. Award-winning author, Mike Martin once again brings us a stirring story, blending down-home Newfoundland charm with the warmth of family life.
Better Safe Than Sorry will soon be available for pre-order from Amazon all over the world or directly from Ottawa Press and Publishing. https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com/
Signed copies will be available after May 10 at:
Sleuth of Baker Street bookstore, Toronto
Books on Beechwood, Ottawa
Perfect Books, Ottawa
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore
March 26, 2024
What People are Saying about Better Safe Than Sorry
What People are Saying about Better Safe Than Sorry
Better Safe Than Sorry is the latest book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series. It will be released on May 10, 2024. Book Launch May 15 at Perfect Books in Ottawa
Here’s what some early readers have to say about Better Safe Than Sorry:
“Mike Martin has cleverly crafted an elaborately complex series wisely presenting a myriad of human foibles and the challenges faced by his protagonist. Sgt. Winston Windflower.”
“One of the best of a great series”
“Reading this series is like taking a deep cleansing breath and feeling relaxed and happy while visiting with Windflower and his family and workmates.”
“Another enjoyable book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series.”
“Love the food and recipes that Windflower uses throughout the book along with the different quotes of famous writers that added meaning and substance to each scene.”
“Highly recommend this emotionally charged cozy police procedural.”
Book Launch Perfect Books, Elgin St. Ottawa
Wednesday May 15 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Reading, book signing and special musical guest
There will be cake!!
Better Safe Than Sorry
Winston Windflower is (sort of) enjoying his retirement from the RCMP in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, happily spending time with his young family, but feeling a little restless. Corporal Eddie Tizzard is running the Marystown detachment and struggling with the demands of the role while his own family grows. When a new kind of drug threatens the community, a body (the wrong body) is found dead in a hearse, and then another drug-connected mysterious death occurs, Tizzard knows he’s dealing with a deadly menace in their quiet, close-knit community.
Windflower finds himself inexorably (and not unhappily) drawn back into the action, first in an unofficial role to help snare the dealers and then back to active duty in a community that desperately needs his steady hand and good judgement.
Our favorite Mountie, Sgt. Windflower and his fellow courageous cops in small-town Grand Bank, Newfoundland are back to fight a new threat in this compelling page-turner. Award-winning author, Mike Martin once again brings us a stirring story, blending down-home Newfoundland charm with the warmth of family life.
Better Safe Than Sorry will soon be available for pre-order from Amazon all over the world or directly from Ottawa Press and Publishing. https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com/
Signed copies will be available after May 10 at:
Sleuth of Baker Street bookstore, Toronto
Books on Beechwood, Ottawa
Perfect Books, Ottawa
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore
March 20, 2024
Cover Reveal: Better Safe Than Sorry
Cover Reveal Better Safe Than Sorry
We’re very pleased to introduce you to the cover for the new Sgt. Windflower Mystery: Better Safe Than Sorry. Designed by Joanna D’Angelo from Ottawa Press and Publishing, we hope you like it. Tell us what you think! We love it.
Better Safe Than Sorry is at the printers and will be released on May 10, 2024. To celebrate Book 14 in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. Stay tuned for announcements about events and book signings. Book Launch will be on May 15.
Book Launch Perfect Books, Elgin St. Ottawa
Wednesday May 15 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Reading, book signing and special musical guest
There will be cake!!
More comments from early readers about Better Safe Than Sorry
“One of the best of a great series”
“Reading this series is like taking a deep cleansing breath and feeling relaxed and happy while visiting with Windflower and his family and workmates.”
“Love the food and recipes that Windflower uses throughout the book along with the different quotes of famous writers that added meaning and substance to each scene.”
“Another enjoyable book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series.”
Better Safe Than Sorry
Winston Windflower is (sort of) enjoying his retirement from the RCMP in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, happily spending time with his young family, but feeling a little restless. Corporal Eddie Tizzard is running the Marystown detachment and struggling with the demands of the role while his own family grows. When a new kind of drug threatens the community, a body (the wrong body) is found dead in a hearse, and then another drug-connected mysterious death occurs, Tizzard knows he’s dealing with a deadly menace in their quiet, close-knit community.
Windflower finds himself inexorably (and not unhappily) drawn back into the action, first in an unofficial role to help snare the dealers and then back to active duty in a community that desperately needs his steady hand and good judgement.
Our favorite Mountie, Sgt. Windflower and his fellow courageous cops in small-town Grand Bank, Newfoundland are back to fight a new threat in this compelling page-turner. Award-winning author, Mike Martin once again brings us a stirring story, blending down-home Newfoundland charm with the warmth of family life.
Better Safe Than Sorry will soon be available for pre-order from Amazon all over the world or directly from Ottawa Press and Publishing. https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com/
Signed copies will be available after May 10 at:
Sleuth of Baker Street bookstore, Toronto
Books on Beechwood, Ottawa
Perfect Books, Ottawa
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore
March 12, 2024
New Sgt. Windflower Mystery is on the Way
New Sgt. Windflower Mystery is on the Way.
Better Safe Than Sorry is at the printers and will be released on May 10, 2024. To celebrate Book 14 in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series we will be holding several events and book signings. Some in person and some online. Stay tuned for more information and to see the beautiful cover design for this new addition to the series.
Book Launch Perfect Books, Elgin St. Ottawa
Wednesday May 15 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Reading, book signing and special musical guest
There will be cake!!
Here’s what some early readers have to say about Better Safe Than Sorry
“Superb characterizations, intricate plots”
“One of the best of a great series”
Cover Reveal Coming Soon
Better Safe Than Sorry
Winston Windflower is (sort of) enjoying his retirement from the RCMP in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, happily spending time with his young family, but feeling a little restless. Corporal Eddie Tizzard is running the Marystown detachment and struggling with the demands of the role while his own family grows. When a new kind of drug threatens the community, a body (the wrong body) is found dead in a hearse, and then another drug-connected mysterious death occurs, Tizzard knows he’s dealing with a deadly menace in their quiet, close-knit community.
Windflower finds himself inexorably (and not unhappily) drawn back into the action, first in an unofficial role to help snare the dealers and then back to active duty in a community that desperately needs his steady hand and good judgement.
Our favorite Mountie, Sgt. Windflower and his fellow courageous cops in small-town Grand Bank, Newfoundland are back to fight a new threat in this compelling page-turner. Award-winning author, Mike Martin once again brings us a stirring story, blending down-home Newfoundland charm with the warmth of family life.
Better Safe Than Sorry will soon be available for pre-order from Amazon all over the world or directly from Ottawa Press and Publishing. https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com/
Signed copies will be available after May 10 at:
Sleuth of Baker Street bookstore, Toronto
Books on Beechwood, Ottawa
Perfect Books, Ottawa
Follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkerOnTheCapeReviewsAndMore
January 22, 2024
Take a listen to a great story: New Audiobook from Sgt. Windflower Mysteries: Darkest Before the Dawn
Here’s a sample from Darkest Before the Dawn:
darkest-before-the-dawn-retail-sample-1DownloadFrank Kearney continues the strong tradition of audiobooks in the series available from Amazon all over the world. Sit back and relax to his soothing tones as he takes you back to Grand Bank and the beautiful province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Darkest Before the Dawn won the Bony Blithe Award for Best Light Mystery of the Year in 2019. “Ghosts, mysterious deaths, and a new, perplexing character confront Sgt. Windflower, Tizzard and the other police officers in Grand Bank as they unearth secrets that have been lying hidden in the sleepy hamlet for decades. A fast-moving mystery, Darkest Before the Dawn is also a story of love, loss and learning how to grow old gracefully; a tale of family, community and looking after each other, of not giving up hope, just before the dawn.”
Promo codes are available for all reviewers in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. Message for more information.
Darkest Before the Dawn is available on Audible and iTunes all over the world.
https://www.audible.ca/pd/Darkest-Before-the-Dawn-Audiobook/B0CSLNN7C4?qid=1705669680&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=b278ed0a-c3b2-4491-808c-7cb2190a487c&pf_rd_r=885ER7Y6X0EH6SYSNE6P&pageLoadId=UVB63u7wQ7vCutPV&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2cOther audiobook titles available from Sgt. Windflower Mysteries include:
The Walker on the Cape
The Body on the T
Beneath the Surface
A Twist of Fortune
A Long Ways from Home
A Tangled Web
All Sgt. Windflower Audiobooks are available on Audible and iTunes
https://www.audible.ca/search?keywords=Sgt.+windflower+mystery&k=Sgt.+windflower+mystery&crid=35a8cc62ba814767b0ffbfbe421c72b8&sprefix=sgt.+windflower+mystery%2Cna-audible-ca%2C128&i=na-audible-ca&url=search-alias%3Dna-audible-ca&ref=nb_sb_noss_2You can follow Sgt. Windflower Mysteries on Facebook and Twitter
Mike Martin's Blog
- Mike Martin's profile
- 892 followers
