Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift?
By: Mike McIntyre
Posted: 12/18/2007 2:34 AM
| Comments:
One of my proudest accomplishments in life was writing my first-ever true crime book in 2003. I never thought I had the self-discipline and patience to take on such a massive project. But I surprised myself and was thrilled with the final product. Obviously I enjoyed the experience, as number two followed the next year, and number three was released last winter!I often get asked - especially lately - if and when I'm writing another one. The answers are "Yes" and "Next Year". I don't want to give away many details just yet, but things are definitely in the works so stay tuned.I've been overwhelmed by the feedback on all three books and appreciate everyone who has supported my efforts. It means the world to me.So, for those who are new to this blog, here's a brief recap of all three. They are still being sold at all major Canadian bookstores including Chaptes, Coles and McNally Robinson and sell for $11.95.*****
TO THE GRAVE: INSIDE A SPECTACULAR RCMP STING (2006)It was a mystery destined for the Cold Case files. A pretty teenager from Brandon, Manitoba, named Erin Chorney steps out for coffee, tells her mom she’ll be back in an hour...and never returns. Rumours about Erin’s fate begin to fly. Psychics with bizarre theories and suggestions. Shocking accusations and denials. Cryptic diary entries. Disturbing anonymous letters. Search warrants and surveillance. But she doesn't turn up. Nearly two years later, when all hope seems lost – a last-ditch plan straight out of Hollywood.The RCMP take aim at the prime suspect in Erin’s disappearance through a unique undercover sting operation, and the result is a wild, four-month ride into a dark criminal underworld filled with cunning mind games, shadowy figures, daring twists and Academy-award winning acting performances. And an explosive ending that nobody saw coming.TO THE GRAVE quickly became a national bestseller upon its release, was nominated for an Arthur Ellis crimewriting award and is currently in its third printing.You can also find the book online by clicking
HERE.*****
THE YULETIDE BANDIT: A SEVEN-YEAR SEARCH FOR A SERIAL CRIMINAL (2004)Winnipeg police dubbed Michael Syrnyk "The Yuletide Bandit" following a series of dramatic, daylight Christmastime robberies in 1998, 1999 and 2000 that left citizens fearing for their safety and police searching for an apparent psychopath. One of Syrnyk's most notorious shoot-outs occurred during a December 2000 robbery outside Polo Park Shopping Centre, Winnipeg's busiest mall. Dozens of Christmas shoppers - including senior citizens - dove for cover as bullets flew and glass shattered.THE YULETIDE BANDIT chronicles Syrnyk's crime spree across western Canada to his eventual capture in a brothel in Winnipeg's red light district. The story includes jailhouse interviews with Syrnyk and extensive details from victims and witnesses of his many crimes.Film rights have been sold and a screenplay is currently in development.You can also find the book online by clicking
HERE.*****
NOWHERE TO RUN: THE KILLING OF CONST. DENNIS STRONGQUILL (2003)Dennis Strongquill was an Aboriginal RCMP officer who had spent his life protecting society, but he was helpless to fend off three ruthless killers who ambushed him on a dark Prairie highway just days before Christmas.Robert and Danny Sand were two young brothers who had grown to hate authority. Laurie Bell was a struggling junkie with a fatal attraction to Robert Sand. Together, the trio embarked on a ruthless cross-country crime spree, leaving behind a trail of victims in their violent wake.In NOWHERE TO RUN, readers are taken to the scene of the chilling crime, into the hearts of the victim’s family and into the minds of the perpetrators, capturing every twist and turn of the case from the cold-blooded murder to the sensational trial.The book quickly became a national bestseller upon its release, was nominated for an Arthur Ellis crimewriting award and is currently in its third printing.Film rights have been sold to an Alberta company and a screenplay is currently in development.You can also find the book online by clicking
HERE.Thanks again for the continued support and Happy Holidays!
Mike McIntyre, Winnipeg Free Press
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