Books and More
A Real Somebody
“… an exquisitely written and inspiring story of persistence and courage set in a flawlessly rendered Montréal of the 1940’s.”
— Iona Whishaw
Based on the true story of the author’s aunt, A Real Somebody charts the journey of a talented young writer who dares to break the conventions of her time during one pivotal season of her life.
The novel is available in paperback, e-book and audiobook.
Any bookstore in North America will easily be able to order a print copy for you! If you perfer to order A Real Somebody online, follow the links below.
Canada
Amazon Canada | Chapters Indigo
The United States
The United Kingdom
Australia
The Bern Fortin Series
Praise and Reviews
“…an intelligently conceived, suspenseful and elegantly written story.”
— The Toronto Star
“… introduces ex-Canadian Forces commander Bern Fortin in what is sure to become a popular series.”
— Globe and Mail
“Confined Space by Deryn Collier is of such high quality that it is hard to credit it as a first novel.”
— Fictionophile
“Fortin stands out in the crowd, a retired Canadian army officer and veteran of Rwanda’s killing fields, accustomed to command but not without his vulnerabilities, a character as persuasively drawn as anyone you’re likely to encounter in crime fiction these days.”
— The Toronto Star
“Collier demonstrates subtle and impressive control, downshifting into seemingly casual scenes then revving back up for the story’s resolution. The climax leaves the reader with a genuine emotional pang, drawing together the community, the crime, and the hidden history with which Fortin is reckoning. It makes for powerful reading.”
— Quill and Quire
Confined Space
Called “close to masterful” by the Toronto Star and nominated for a Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence, Deryn Collier’s debut novel, Confined Space, is a taut mystery full of suspense.
Respected ex–Canadian Forces commander Bern Fortin cuts short his military career to take a job as the coroner for a small mountain town in the heart of British Columbia, hoping to leave the past behind.
But when the body of one of the workers is found floating in the huge bottle-washing tank at the local brewery, Bern is called in for a routine investigation that quickly takes a menacing turn.
Bern teams up with brewery safety investigator Evie Chapelle, who, burdened by tragedies she might have prevented, is more determined than ever to keep her workers, and their tight-knit community, safe.
Soon, Bern and Evie find themselves risking their jobs—and their lives—to uncover a killer hiding in a place where it is awfully hard to keep a secret.
Where to Purchase
Confined Space is currently available only in print and only in Canada. Order online from Amazon.ca or Indigo.ca or ask your local indie bookstore or library to bring in a copy for you.
Open Secret
After the abrupt end to his military career Bern has settled into an uneasy peace in his new life in Kootenay Landing—a peace he knows can’t last.
Out for a fall hike, he discovers Dr. Juniper Sinclair, the town’s lone doctor, attempting to revive small-time drug dealer Seymour Melnychuk, who has been shot in the forehead.
In a seemingly unrelated incident, Gary Dowd abandons his van while crossing the US border. Gary is a local father of two, an accountant, and a steady, predictable guy. He’s also been best friends with Seymour Melnychuk since elementary school.
Bern knows the two disturbing events must be related and works with police constable Maddie Schilling to uncover the hidden ties that connect the two cases.
As Bern and Schilling close in on the killer, each is drawn into the case personally and the stakes are higher than anyone can imagine. Everyone has something to hide, and no one in Kootenay Landing seems willing to talk.
But Bern Fortin is well aware that no secret can remain buried forever—not even his own.
Where to Purchase
There are a limited number of print editions of Open Secret available in Canada.
You can order online from Amazon.ca or Indigo.ca, or ask your local independent bookstore to bring a copy in for you.