Canadian Mystery Tour: Tourism Time
Summer reading often brings to mind light, fast-paced books you can dip into between activities. But sometimes the best vacation reads are the ones that fully pull you into a place. These 3 books use Canada as a destination, with mysteries set in Muskoka, St. John’s, and a road-trip across British Columbia.
The book I've just finished writing has a tourism angle built in to the plot, so books that also featured tourists and vacation hot-spots have attracted my attention these past few months. Here are three Canadian-set mysteries that fit the bill completely, but in very different ways.
Featured Read
Box of Frogs by Josh Hellyer
Set among the fabulously wealthy, and wonderfully eccentric Valentine family in Muskoka, Box of Frogs is a laugh-out-loud whodunnit that leans into both chaos and charm.
The cast of characters is a highlight, from the delightfully odd reverend to a sprawling ensemble of family members, hangers-on, conspiracy theorists and suspects. Hellyer clearly has fun with the setting, turning cottage country into a stage for both absurdity and intrigue.
That said, this isn’t a book to read half-asleep at the end of the day. With so many moving parts and a large supporting cast that stretches across two continents, it rewards readers who are willing to pay attention and keep track of the details.
Perfect for readers who enjoy humour in their mysteries, but don’t mind a little complexity along the way.
Also Worth a Look
One for the Rock by Kevin Major
Set in St. John’s, Newfoundland, this mystery follows a local tour guide whose knowledge of the city’s history becomes unexpectedly relevant when trouble arises. A strong sense of place and local colour make this an immersive East Coast read.
Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens
Set in 1976 British Columbia, Hitchhikers follows a couple travelling through the province in their new RV, only to find themselves caught in a far more dangerous journey than they anticipated. A tense, atmospheric thriller for readers who like their road trips with a darker edge.
Whether you’re heading to the cottage, exploring a new city, or hitting the road, these Canadian mysteries offer a way to travel a little further, without leaving your chair.