In Part 1, Judee Fong introduced you to the organizations behind "Murder on the Menu"—the Crime Writers of Canada and the Second-Act Sleuths. In Part 2, she will introduce you to the authors that contributed to this short story anthology.
One of my past mystery writing classes
was taught by Nicola Furlong, writer, artist, and currently podcaster
for Radio Sidney’s “Around the Peninsula." Our homework was to
begin a story and read it to our classmates the next week. I was
panicking the night before while eating my fig newtons and got my
“ah-ha” moment. I began a story about a detective I named Newton
Figby, who became involved in a number of bizarre murders. My
chocoholic homicide detective finally makes his published debut in
“Death With Chocolate.” Why would a killer poison his victim,
steal his ugly ornament, and leave a piece of decadent dark chocolate
beside the body? Soon-to-be-retired Detective Newton Figby is hot on
the trail because his last case is personal.
Joanna
Vander Vlugt is the well-known author of “Spy Girls," “Dealer’s
Child," and “The Unravelling." She also appeared in several
anthologies, including “Farm to Foul Play” and “Dangerous Games.” Joanna’s
short story, “Mr. Buffed and Buttered,” describes what would happen when the owner of a popular coffee/pastry bar at the top of
the Malahat, is faced with an unrealistic conversion to a health spa.
Joanna’s
second story, “The Lady in Pink” was inspired by a dream. Joanna
remembered, “My mom had passed, and I saw her dressed all in pink.
This became a story about three young women in 1988, with Joan Jett
in their hearts, who became suspects in the fate of a politician’s
son. Years later, an elderly lady in pink could reveal the truth.
Winona
Kent is the creator of the Jason Davey series, a jazz musician who
is a reluctant sleuth helping close friends and family. A longtime
member and past chair of CWC, Winona remains an active member who has
mentored and encouraged many new writers. One of Winona’s stories,
“Between Stations,” tells of a 17-year-old naïve writer,
desperate for actual experiences in London, England. Late one night,
aboard a train, Lucy thinks she may have witnessed something
terrible. Fifty years later, returning as a famous writer, a cold
case unlocks a memory she had unknowingly suppressed. Winona crafted
a second original story, “Angostura Bitters,” a tantalizing
cocktail for happy hour for “Murder on the Menu.”
Debra Henry thrives on challenging
triathlons, when she’s not creating homicidal mayhem with her
award-winning short stories. A retired anthropologist, Debra has a
keen interest in keeping our environment safe for future generations.
Debra began writing children’s stories first but found she enjoyed
writing crime stories best. “I like to write about social justice
to give me a focal point.” Her short stories are entertaining
cozies with a message and served with a smile. Debra’s tale,
“Winging It”, illustrates her theme for social justice. Who would
have believed a food truck vendor serving chicken wings would
encounter foul play?
C.J.
Papoutsis is well-known for her short stories and flash fiction,
depicting quirky humans and their evil side. In a 2014 Times-Colonist
interview, C.J. commented, “I love “cozy” mysteries, family
sagas, and stories with humour. Like Oscar Wilde, I believe that life
is too important to be taken seriously.”
“Murder
at the Acropolis" introduces Nick the Bookie, who owns the sleazy
Acropolis Cafe. Nick is accused of murdering a dead-beat client,
found in the alley behind his café. C.J. explains her second
contribution. “My mother kept a gun in her underwear drawer. I
never thought much about it until I learned that none of my friends’
moms had guns in their underwear drawers.” This inspired C.J. to
write “Mother Always Kept a Gun.”
In this anthology, Joanna gathered a group of criminally minded women, who enthusiastically embraced “Murder on the Menu” with their clever usage of dives, food trucks, and devilish kills.
“Murder on the Menu” dishes up a selection of short stories that will entertain, make you laugh, and make you hungry. The Second-Act Sleuths know how to beckon you across the threshold of the café or to the order window of the chicken wing food truck. Just be careful not to stumble over any bodies.
“Murder on the Menu” was released on Amazon on October 6, 2026. It is available as an e-book, a hard copy and later will be available as an audiobook.
Buy Murder on Menu
Amazon Canada
Amazon US
Kobo
photo by ldyck
On this blog in October
Sunday, October 4
Guest Blogger: Judee Fong for "Murder on the Menu"
(part 1)
a 2-part countdown to the publication of "Murder on the Menu"
Sunday, October 11
Guest Blogger: Judee Fong for "Murder on the Menu"
(part 2)
a 2-part countdown to the publication of "Murder on the Menu"
Sunday, October 18
Playing with Robin (children's story)
about my childhood friendship with Robin—
a woman with Down syndrome
Sunday, October 25
The Unfit (article)
(part 1)
the history of the disabled in Canada
New content is published on my blog
every Sunday at
4:40 PM (ish) Pacific Time.
