Local author launches second Bern Fortin mystery

In 2012, readers were introduced to Bern Fortin in Deryn Collier’s breakout novel, CONFINED SPACE, which was nominated for an Arthur Ellis Award and was the One Book One Kootenay selection for 2013.

The second in the series, OPEN SECRET, hits bookstore shelves next week, and to celebrate Bern’s return, fans can attend several events planned in both Nelson and Creston.

Two events are planned for Nelson on Friday, April 11. Deryn Collier will be signing copies of OPEN SECRET at Otter Books, from 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. Then, that evening Oxygen Arts Centre presents the official OPEN SECRET launch at 7:30 at the Centre. A $5 donation to Oxygen Arts Centre is recommended at this event.

Creston events will take place on Wednesday, April 16: a signing from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and a launch at 7:00 p.m., both held at Black Bear Books.

Set in the fictional town of Kootenay Landing, OPEN SECRET explores the troubled relationships and long-held secrets that tie the residents of a small town together. The story features coroner and retired soldier, Bern Fortin, who was also the protagonist of Collier’s first novel, CONFINED SPACE. Both books are published by Simon & Schuster Canada.

Collier was a long-time resident of Creston before moving to Nelson in 2011. She describes the fictional town of Kootenay Landing as a “Kootenay any-town.” “It is similar to Creston in many ways, but I adapt the geography and place names to the needs of the story. I want to create a sense of place that is both unique and familiar.”