Podcast
Crime Writers of Canada's Podcast
Hosted by Erik D'Souza · EN
A bi-weekly podcast by a national professional association for mystery and crime writers in Canada.
Crime Writers of Canada (CWC) is a national non-profit organization for Canadian mystery and crime writers, associated professionals, and others with a serious interest in Canadian crime writing. Our mission is to promote Canadian crime writing and to raise the profile of Canadian crime writers with readers, reviewers, librarians, booksellers, and media.
Hosted by Erik D'Souza
25episodes
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Lorna Poplak, nominated for The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime
3d ago00:18:29Tap to summarizeErik D’Souza interviews Lorna Poplak about her book, On the Lamb, Great and Not-So-Great Escapes from Prison" (published by Dundurn Press), which is nominated for The Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book, sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm (Hamilton). Lorna discusses fascinating prison escape stories and her research methods. Lorna describes her book's focus on both the prison systems and the human motivations behind escapes, leaving readers to consider what constitutes a successful prison escape. BioLorna Poplak is a Toronto-based writer, editor, and researcher drawn to the dark side of history. With a background in law, literature, information technology, and technical communications, Lorna has written scientific and historical articles, travel pieces, short fiction, and a radio play. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and Mesdames of Mayhem. Lorna has written three true crime books: Drop Dead: A Horrible History of Hanging in Canada, The Don: The Story of Toronto’s Infamous Jail, and On the Lam: Great (and Not So Great) Escapes from Prison. The Don was shortlisted for both the Crime Writers of Canada (CWC) Excellence Award and the Heritage Toronto Book Award. For more information about Lorna and her work, visit www.lornapoplak.com/ Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.comFind past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279
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Angela Douglas, nominated for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada
4d ago00:12:00Tap to summarizeErik D’Souza interviews Angela Douglas, whose debut novel, Every Fall (published by EOB Publishing), is nominated for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada, sponsored by Shaftesbury. They discuss the book's plot, which follows a police officer and his wife as they move to a new house and experience strange phenomena, told from both characters' perspectives. Angela explains how the story is set in fictional Canadian cities and features RCMP officers, making it uniquely Canadian. They also talk about Angela's book marketing efforts, including her work with Eyes on Books, a book marketing hub she founded. Angela gives us a sneak peek of her upcoming second novel, The Mentor. Angela Douglas is an award-winning author of psychological thrillers, based in the Okanagan, BC. Her debut novel, EVERY FALL, has been recognized by the Crime Writers of Canada Excellence Awards, the Canadian Book Club Awards, the Pen Craft Awards, and the National Indie Excellence Awards. She is also the founder of Eyes on Books, a Book Marketing Hub. When she isn’t working or hanging out with her family, she hides in her studio, writing her next book.www.angeladouglasbooks.comLearn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.comFind past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279
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Barbara Stokes, nominated for Best Unpublished Crime Novel
5d ago00:10:53Tap to summarizeErik D'Souza interviews Barbara Stokes, discussing her nomination for Best Unpublished Crime Novel manuscript written by an unpublished author, sponsored by ECW Press, for her manuscript, Death Scent. Barbara discusses her character Doc, a retired Black Lab cadaver dog, and the protagonist Em, a former RCMP officer turned private detective. Barbara explained that her writing takes a gritty approach with a feminist agenda, and she is already working on a second book titled Ladykillerz, featuring the same main character.A professional writer for her entire career, unpublished author Barbara Stokes has penned a wide variety of materials, from political speeches to poetry. At the tail end of COVID, standing in a parking lot on a hot Saskatoon day, Barbara Stokes listened to a man tell the story of how he was almost arrested when his identity was stolen by a wanted man. Inspired by what she heard, Barbara expanded the parking lot story into Death Scent, a crime novel featuring a female ex-RCMP officer, Em Tremblay, and her sniffer dog, Doc. The story is set in the southern prairies, as an unrelenting heat dome bakes the fictional towns of Valmont and Milk Creek. Four years later, with the number of rewrites impossible to count, Barbara is honoured that Death Scent has joined the CWC shortlist for books by an unpublished author. Barbara is currently at work on her second book, featuring the same main characters, also set in Saskatchewan, with the working title Ladykillerz. Barbara Stokes lives with her husband in Aldershot, Ontario, and makes frequent visits to the Prairie provinces, where beauty and inspiration are everywhere. In 2026, her goal is to find a publisher for Death Scent.Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.comFind past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279
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Steve Laflamme, finaliste pour Meilleur livre de crime en langue française
6d ago00:23:58Tap to summarizeCette entrevue en français a eu lieu entre Francisca Bullock et Steve Laflamme, finaliste du Prix d'excellence 2026 de Crime Writers of Canada dans la catégorie Meilleur livre policier en langue française, commandité par Carrick Publishing, pour son roman La mémoire du labyrinthe (publié chez Libre Expression). Bio Steve Laflamme enseigne la littérature (policière, entre autres) au Cégep de Sainte-Foy, à Québec. Il est l’auteur de dix romans policiers et à suspense chaudement accueillis par la critique. À temps perdu, il est également guitariste et chanteur dans un band de blues ne se produisant que dans des bars paumés. Surtout, il est papa de deux adolescents dont il est encore plus fier que de son réputé sucre à la crème. *Biographie et photo de www.editionsdruide.comLearn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.comFind past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279
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Jan Field, nominated for Best Crime First Novel
1w ago00:16:43Tap to summarizeErik D'Souza interviews Jan Field about her novel, Yesterday Lies (published by La Cloche Publishing), which has been nominated for Best Crime First Novel, sponsored by Melodie Campbell. They discuss the novel's 1994 Northern Ontario setting, the unique crime scene involving a body in a tree, and the importance of family in the story. Jan explains her decision to keep the story in the 1990s era and describes her upcoming second book, Silence of the Deep, which is already written and heading to the editor. Bio Jan Field grew up in the mining town of Sudbury, Ontario, in a large, close-knit family that has kept her grounded and laughing (and reading) her entire life. Now retired from a career in marketing tourism accommodation in both northern and southern Ontario, Jan returns to her roots to create the Matt Brennan world, which is set in the remote northern landscape of Georgian Bay, Killarney, and the North Channel. The complexities of crime fascinate her: what makes ordinary people make horrible, life-altering decisions and what motivates others to seek out the truth and address the injustices of criminal action. She is incredibly honoured and humbled that ‘Yesterday’s Lies’ has been shortlisted for the Crime Writers of Canada’s Best Crime First Novel. She is a member of CWC, Toronto Sisters-in-Crime, and the Writer’s Community of Durham Region. ‘Yesterday’s Lies’ was published in October 2025, and ‘Silence of the Deep’, Book II of the Matt Brennan Series, is to be released in September 2026.Website: www.janicefield.com/Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.comFind past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279
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Kathleen Lippa, nominated for the Brass Knuckles Award for Best Nonfiction Crime Book
1w ago00:19:45Tap to summarizeErik D'Souza interviews Kathleen Lippa, discussing her book, The Arctic Predator: The Crimes of Edward Horn Against Children in Canada's North (published by Dundurn Press), nominated for the Brass Knuckles Award for Best Non-Fiction Crime Book, sponsored by David Reid Simpson Law Firm (Hamilton). Kathleen explains that Ed Horn was a school teacher and principal who sexually abused Inuit children in the Canadian Arctic from 1971 to 1985, with over 100 victims, though the crimes remained unknown to the wider public until her book brought attention to them. She describes the challenging process of writing about such sensitive topics and the significant impact the crimes had on entire Arctic communities. BioKathleen Lippa is the author of critically-acclaimed book, Arctic Predator: The Crimes of Edward Horne Against Children in Canada’s North, published by DUNDURN PRESS.Born in Toronto and raised in St. John’s, Kathleen studied dance at a professional level at The Quinte Ballet School and The School of the Toronto Dance Theatre before embarking on a journalism career.At Memorial University of Newfoundland, where she graduated with a B.A. (English) in 1998, Kathleen was a reporter for the student newspaper, The Muse.During her newspaper career, Kathleen (has)worked as a reporter, photographer, page-designer, headline writer and copy editor for The Hanover Post, 24 Hours (Toronto), The Calgary Sun, and The Express (St. John’s) where she won a Canadian Community Newspapers Association Award (2001) for Arts Reporting.While serving as Bureau Chief of Nunavut News/North in Iqala witluit, Kathleen heard about the crimes of Ed Horne. She would spend the next 20 years of her life seeking the truth about what happened – building trust with contacts in Inuit communities, and getting the story on paper.Kathleen and her husband, Arctic historian and author Kenn Harper, spent many years living and travelling in the Canadian Arctic. They now divide their time between Ottawa and St. John’s.Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.comFind past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279
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Rick Mofina is the recipient of the 2026 Grand Master Award
1w ago00:15:21Tap to summarizeErik D'Souza interviews Rick Mofina, the recipient of the 2026 Grand Master Award from Crime Writers of Canada, to discuss his career and new book, One Second Away. Rick explains that his latest thriller represents a departure from his recent work, combining elements of global techno-thrillers with domestic suspense, featuring an ordinary family caught up in extraordinary circumstances when their child goes missing during an airline flight. They discuss Rick's approach to balancing character development with plot. He reveals that he’s currently working on two completed drafts: a standalone thriller submitted for next year's publication and a noir-style story set in 1993 that was previously rejected by publishers 25 years ago, which he plans to release in September or October.BioRick Mofina is a celebrated Canadian author and former journalist whose work has become a cornerstone of the modern crime and thriller genre. Over a career spanning several decades, he has transitioned from reporting on real-world tragedies to crafting some of the most authentic and pulse-pounding fiction in the industry. He has authored more than 30 crime fiction thrillers, which have been published in nearly 30 countries and translated into numerous languages.CWC selected Mofina for this year’s grandmaster based on his prolific output, professional integrity, and years of dedicated service to both the organization and the genre.Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.comFind past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279
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C.S. Porter, nominated for Best Crime Novel Set in Canada
1w ago00:11:16Tap to summarizeErik D'Souza interviews C.S. Porter, discussing his nominated novel, Salt on Her Tongue (published by Vagrant Press), for the Best Novel Set in Canada Award, sponsored by Shaftesbury. They discuss Porter's detective character, Kes Morris, who has taken a leave of absence and is given what's intended to be an easy missing person. The conversation covered the unique setting of the Bay of Fundy, which Porter describes as dangerous and aggressive, as well as the challenges of writing about such a specific location. They also discuss Porter's plans for a third Kes Morris novel, with the rough draft already completed.BioC.S. Porter is a writer, photographer, and filmmaker who lives near the sea and has passed on that love, fear, and awe to Detective Kes Morris. Their debut novel, Beneath Her Skin, won the Crime Writers of Canada Howard Engel Award in 2022.Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.comFind past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279
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A.L. Wahdel, nominated Best Crime First Novel
1w ago00:17:14Tap to summarizeErik D'Souza interviews A.L. Wahdel about his nomination for Best First Crime Novel, sponsored by Melodie Campbell, for his debut book, Too Dark for the Light (published by Butterfly 80 Publishing ). Wahdel, a police officer with two decades of experience, discusses his writing process, his decision to set the story in Toronto, and his approach to authentic police-procedural elements while maintaining entertainment value. They discuss the series' potential to follow in the footsteps of authors like Michael Connelly and Louise Penny. Wahdel also reveals that the second book in the series is scheduled for release in September 2026, and expresses gratitude for being nominated alongside other talented authors. BioA.L. Wahdel is a Canadian crime thriller author. He crafts gritty, high-stakes stories set in Toronto—the city that raised him. His debut series brings the streets of Toronto to life with authentic detail, layered characters, and sharp suspense. Blending insider knowledge with powerful storytelling, Wahdel is redefining Canadian detective fiction for a global audience. You can connect with A.L. Wahdel on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Substack, and find out more at www.alwahdelauthor.com Also, sign up for his newsletter, “Midnight Intel” to get updates on new releases and exclusive promotions. Links https://www.alwahdelauthor.com/ https://alwahdel.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alwahdelauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/al.wahdel/Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.comFind past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279
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Shelley Adina is nominated for The Whodunit Award
2w ago00:14:26Tap to summarizeErik D'Souza speaks with Shelley Adina about her nomination for the Whodunit Award for Best Traditional Mystery for, The Engineer's Nemesis (published by Moonshell Books). Shelley discusses her steampunk mystery series featuring Lady Georgia Brunel and her aunt Millicent, in which the women solve cases while traveling on an airship. She explains her writing process, including her decision to write mysteries alongside her successful romance novels, and shares details about her upcoming books. BioAfter a childhood spent reading Nancy Drew, and several years supporting the RCMP, Shelley Adina Bates now writes mysteries as a member of Sisters in Crime and Crime Writers of Canada. She is the author of some 60 novels—steampunk adventure and cozy fantasy mystery as Shelley Adina, deeply researched historical mystery under her full name, and as Adina Senft, she's the USA Today bestselling author of Amish women’s fiction. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Lancaster University in the UK. When she’s not writing, Shelley is usually quilting or enjoying the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.Learn more about Crime Writers of Canada at: crimewriterscanada.comFind past video interviews at: youtube.com/@crimewritersofcanada1279
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