Why I Continue to Write Sgt. Windflower Mysteries

Friends are Forever is the 16th book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. Fans of the series always ask me when will the next book be out? Others ask when are you going to stop writing the series? Both are very interesting questions that I have thought a lot about.

I want to share a secret for those of you who will read this blog post past the first few lines. I already have a first draft of Book 17 in the series. It’s rough, but ready to go to my fine group of beta readers later this month. They will start to help shape and mold this draft into something that more resembles a Sgt. Windflower Mystery. Publication date tdb, but probably sometime in 2026.

(Also, if you read this far, I will tell you that there will be another Windflower Christmas adventure later this year. A Windflower Christmas in Newfoundland will likely be out in September. So, stay tuned for that as well.)

Back to the questions, I think I may have answered the first one. And to start getting into the second one, I am already thinking about Book 18. Still a bit of a dream but I have some ideas. Will it turn into a book? Only time will tell.

The truth is that I don’t know when the series will end. My process so far has been to publish a book while writing the next one. So, I have one book for sure and maybe another one. But after that, I just don’t know.

There are a couple of factors that I am trying to take into consideration when it comes to the series. The first is do I have the energy and ideas to carry another book forward? That’s not inconsequential because the process of writing a book become all consuming at some point and it does require a level of mental acuity to stay with it and most importantly to bring it to a satisfying conclusion.

Secondly, and this may be even more important. I want all the books in the Sgt. Windflower series to be of a certain, fairly high quality. Especially in content and staying true to what readers think or feel is the core nature of the series. My beta readers will be my first indication if I don’t make that grade. And they have worked with me long enough to give me their honest opinion.

So, there will be at least one more WF book. After that, we’ll see. But maybe that’s the best way to do it. One book at a time. Maybe that would make a good slogan for something…

Don’t forget: Book Launch Wednesday May 14, 2025 7-8 pm Perfect Books Ottawa

Readings and Live Music by the amazing Victoria Vlad

And there will be Cake!!

Other Events TBA

Friends are Forever

Friends are Forever expertly weaves together small-town charm with high-stakes intrigue. Set in the picturesque backdrop of Newfoundland and Labrador, the story follows Sgt. Winston Windflower, as he navigates not just a celebration of RCMP promotions, but also the aftermath of a sophisticated heist involving international mobsters and local biker gangs.

The vivid cultural and geographical details transport readers to Marystown and Grand Bank, where por’ cakes, lighthouses, and family gatherings are as much a part of the tale as the unfolding crime. While the stakes are high, Friends Are Forever is a story of resilience, camaraderie, and the enduring power of human connection. Both longtime fans of Sgt. Windflower and new readers alike will find themselves captivated by this compelling blend of small-town life and crime-solving adventure. With its unique setting and heartfelt storytelling, Friends Are Forever is a must-read for cozy mystery enthusiasts.

Friends are Forever will soon be available for pre-order from Amazon all over the world or directly from Ottawa Press and Publishing. https://www.ottawapressandpublishing.com/

Signed copies will be available after May 1 at:

Sleuth of Baker Street bookstore, Toronto

Books on Beechwood, Ottawa

Perfect Books, Ottawa

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@mike54martin