Livingsky

by Anthony Bidulka

Merry Bell needed to get out of Vancouver. Fast.
Returning to her home town of Livingsky, Saskatchewan was a desperate step. Living with plenty of secrets, but no money, friends, or place to live during a prairie winter, all while trying to start her own PI business proves to be more of a challenge than she imagined. With a first case that quickly turns more dangerous than it first appeared, Merry must deal with a dodgy client, the murder of the surgeon who performed her gender affirming surgery, and more than one mysterious stranger.
As Merry struggles to start over in her hometown, she not only has to unwind a mystery which imperils Livingsky's most powerful people, but must face a past she'd rather leave behind.

For the first time since his award-winning Russell Quant novels, Bidulka begins a new mystery series, continuing in his tradition of presenting under-represented characters and settings that immediately feel familiar and beloved, while tugging at heart strings and tickling your funny bone. Livingsky easily matches the beauty and tenderness of Going to Beautiful while delivering a page-turning mystery.

Genres: Mystery

260 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2023

About the author

Anthony Bidulka is the author of the long-running Russell Quant mystery series, two thrillers featuring Disaster Recovery Agent Adam Saint, a stand-alone suspense novel, Set Free, and a stand alone mystery novel, Going to Beautiful (2023 Crime Writers of Canada Award for Best Crime Novel) and the Merry Bell trilogy mystery series. The third and final book in the Merry Bell trilogy, Home Fires Burn, will be released June 2025.

Praise for Anthony Bidulka's books:

“…promises to become one of those that we look forward to each year and put on our shopping lists without waiting for the reviews.”

Reviewing the Evidence:

...Anthony Bidulka has created a whole new genre: Saskatchewan Gothic, which will both chill and warm your heart. Simply wonderful!

Alan Bradley, author of the Flavia de Luce series including The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

Going to Beautiful...is a testament not only to Bidulka’s skill in plotting and other novelistic stratagems, but even more to the unique setting and the wonderfully textured characters...

Felice Picano, author of Like People in History and Pursued: Lillian's Story, companion to Pursuit: A Victorian Entertainment

...poignant, often funny, always wise…the quiet joy and hopefulness of this novel are gifts readers will value for years to come.
Gail Bowen, author of the Joanne Kilbourn Shreve mystery series including An Image in the Lake

Anthony Bidulka has pulled off a literary coup in Going to Beautiful. Deftly balancing humour and heart...Bidulka hits it out of the park.
Terry Fallis, two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour


Anthony Bidulka has dedicated his career to writing traditional genre novels in an untraditional way, developing a body of work that often features his Saskatchewan roots and underrepresented, diverse main characters. He tells serious stories in accessible, entertaining, often humorous ways.

Bidulka’s novel Going to Beautiful is the 2023 winner of the Crime Writers of Canada Award for Best Crime Novel. His books have been shortlisted for numerous awards including the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence (three times), the Lambda Literary Award (three times), the Saskatchewan Book Award (five times). Flight of Aquavit was awarded the Lambda Literary Award for Best Men’s Mystery, making Bidulka the first Canadian to win in that category. Going to Beautiful, about a gay man rising from the depths of despair in search of joy on the Saskatchewan prairie, also won the Independent Publisher Book Award as the Canada West Best Fiction Gold Medalist.

In his free time Bidulka loves to travel the world, collect art, walk his dogs, obsess over decorating Christmas trees (it’s a thing) and throw a good party.


Anthony's Books:

The Merry Bell trilogy:
Livingsky (2023)
From Sweetgrass Bridge (2024)
Homefires Burn (2025)

Going to Beautiful (2022)

Set Free (2016)

The Adam Saint books:
When The Saints Go Marching In (2013)
The Women of Skawa Island (2014)

The Russell Quant books:
Amuse Bouche (2003)
Flight of Aquavit (2004)
Tapas on the Ramblas (2005)
Stain of the Berry (2006)
Sundowner Ubuntu (2007)
Aloha, Candy Hearts (2009)
Date With a Sheesha (2010)
Dos Equis (2012).

Reviews

[Shaye Isaak Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthony has an interesting way of writing which includes hints of history, accurate pieces of politics, and fascinating titbits worth knowing, surrounded in a can’t-put-down novel. The details in the book gave me insight into some of the issues that Merry encountered in her new role. Thank you Tony, for the opportunity to be one of the first to read your latest book.

[John Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a character in this story, I am sitting in these rooms, these are people I know, these are bars I have gone drinking in. You have that ability to write without the reader knowing that they are in the story, I as a reader can relate to these people.
We all have friends that would fit their shoes, you show their humanity from being vulnerable, to being snobs in such a way that you cannot help but like them. Even the landlord, I realized as I read on, I like him.
Your ability to write in detail puts me in awe, I can feel the cold weather, I can see the junkyard, the walkup offices, the rundown apartment, the wallpaper, even in the Asian woman’s apartment, I could see an ironing board, a wok, even though the kitchen was not described.
This is a novel that is easy to read, not crammed with fifty dollar words that you need a dictionary to read. With a central plot flowing into secondary plots, like having a bowl of ice cream with whipped cream on top and then a cherry and sprinkles.
Thank You

[David Van Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthony has written another fabulous book. His transgender PI moves from Vancouver back home to Saskatchewan seeking a new life. Her first client doesn't bring her a huge mystery to solve, just needs some help finding out the truth. Anthony's attention to accurate details made me feel very attached to Merry and all the challenges she faces in small-town Saskatchewan. It is a delightful, engaging story with twists and turns throughout. I was captivated from the very beginning and the ending left me wanting more! I found this almost impossible to put down. Anthony, PLEASE continue sharing Merry's exploits with us!

[Herb McFaull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Bidulka's writing vividly portrays each scene, every character interaction as if I were watching a movie! I can hear, smell, see, feel and almost taste it. His deft handling of such a wide range of characters, including the transgender heroine, is a triumph. Highly recommend this to anyone who wants a "good read".

[Marilyn Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthony Bildulka is an excellent Canadian writer, and has a gift for creating three dimensional characters that you care about. The mysteries are also well crafted (in this case, two mysteries were on the go) with sufficient twists and turns to pretty much ensure you'll read the book in one sitting. The stories that Bidulka writes matter and need to be widely read, both just for the joy of reading but also to learn, to become more kind and compassionate, more understanding of the struggles those who are 'different' from the 'mainstream' must confront every day. I've read everything Anthony Bildulka has written and can highly recommend every single book.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving this four stars for the unusual setting, small town Saskatchewan, and the equally unusual main character. Loved Merry and really hope this is book one in a series and we can see more of her!

[Cindy Dean-Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved so much about this book - quirky characters, crisply described setting, timely themes and, if you are from Saskatoon where I live, so many Easter eggs that pop up and you smile because you recognize the references subtly planted (or not so subtly :)) in the story. I enjoyed everything about this mystery and raced through it. I highly recommend it. This author is a delight to read.

[PaperMoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

My early gay-lit reading years were regularly infused with Russell Quant mysteries so I'm not sure what possessed me to have kept from reading this title last year when purchased. Mr Bidulka has always written interesting characters and he delivers yet again with a trans MC who is brave yet fragile, daring yet self-doubting ... a skilled PI and yet possibly a murderer?

The plot is well-paced and the author skillfully introduces a host of secondary characters - setting up some to be recurring in future books of this new series; I was quite enamored with the multi-faceted 'reveals' for some of these - in particular Messrs Brown and Drover. Some descriptive phrases really snagged my attention e.g. It was not the best day to be moving. Right after lunch the sky had erupted like a giant bag of shredded coconut torn open by a hungry gorilla. The visuals!

Fully count me in for the next adventure with Merry Bell and co. - I'm expecting great things for this new series. 4.5 stars.

[Mary Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book with a host of weird and wonderful characters, mystery, murder, intrigue and new beginnings. I loved it!

[Breanna Morin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept me on my toes and I enjoyed how it was written with humor. A fun read!

[Michelle Galvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthony Bidulka’s most recent novel, "Livingsky", is a departure from his previous books. His Russel Quant series focused on a gay private investigator in Saskatoon, and “Going to Beautiful” featured a celebrity chef returning to his rural roots. Though we have another PI, and one who is moving back to a Saskatchewan town from the big city, the protagonist of "Livingsky" is Merry Bell, a transgender woman. Writing from a female perspective is new for Bidulka, but he’s up to the challenge. "Livingsky" gets off to a slow start, as we are introduced to many key characters and their plot lines, but it doesn’t take long to become engrossed in the evocative descriptions and three-dimensional character development. As always with Bidulka’s characters, each is a unique individual, flawed and beautiful in their own way, and before long the reader becomes quite attached to them. The city of Saskatoon is loosely disguised as Livingsky; to a non-resident, that would not be apparent, but for the denizens of this prairie city the landmarks are on point. There were many plot lines, and even two mysteries, which could have been disastrous, but the clues aligned at the end, and the mysteries had realistic conclusions.
The multiple characters were so charming that it was disappointing to find the novel had concluded. However, the story ends with a question mark, indicating that we may see more of
these folks and watch their relationships deepen in future novels. Until then, "Livingsky" is so replete with vivid descriptions and foreshadowing nuances that you’ll want to read it more than once.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty years ago, Anthony Bidulka, a gay crime writer living in Saskatoon, started a series with a gay detective (Russell Quant) solving murders all over Saskatchewan. Mr. Bidulka wrote eight books in the series, the last published in 2012, breaking ground with both hiis characters and likely with location. This new book may be breaking ground as well, not with location but with the protagonist.

The plot isn't terribly original, and there's a bit too much exposition for my taste, but the characters are engaging and empathetic. Kudos to the author for seeking new audiences and giving voice to a marginalized segment of society. I learned a few things in this book, which is always a good thing, and I look forward to the next installment in the series.

[Steven H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good murder mystery novel with a side of drama in the city of Livingsky in Saskatchewan. The author has written the book as inclusive and gently covers a few topics that reflect the reality of todays society. Overall a good read and a setup for a possible sequel or even a series about LSI.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merry Bell, after years away and after gender-affirming surgery, decides to return to her hometown of Livingsky, Saskatchewan, where the cost of living is lower than exorbitant Vancouver. Because of her experience as a private investigator, she decides to start her own private investigating business in Livingsky. Her first case comes from her potential landlord, Gerald Drover, who wants her to uncover who started a fire in one of his rental properties. That investigation brings her into contact with shady characters from both sides of the tracks that divide the city. To complicate matters, Merry herself is considered a suspect in the murder of the Vancouver doctor who performed her surgeries.

Merry is an engaging character. It is impossible not to like her. I loved one character’s description of her as “’brave and wonderful.’” Her Louboutin designer boots are a perfect symbol for her attitude. She has flaws which make her realistic, though I did find that at times she is not totally convincing as an investigator. She never considered that she’d have to have two months’ deposit in order to rent an apartment? She doesn’t investigate Peter Wells before meeting with him? Only afterwards does she “take a deep dive into the life of Peter Wells”? She has a tendency to make assumptions, often incorrect ones. And she is always being surprised by the unexpected: “He was not what Merry expected” and “Merry was jerked out of her wah-wah-poor-me stupor by the unexpected question” and “The house was nothing like what Merry expected” and “This was not going as expected” and “She hadn’t expected to hear back from him so soon” and “This was not at all what Merry expected to hear” and “The door was opened by the last person she expected to see.”

The book gives readers an understanding of the struggles of a transgender woman: “the prices she’d paid, physically, financially, emotionally . . . all the surgeries – genital, facial feminization, tracheal shaping, implant.” Of course, a transgender woman would be worried about sex: “’Imagine, if you can, waking up one day to find that the sexual organs you’d always hoped for, the ones you should have been born with, are suddenly right where they were always supposed to be. It’s like having a brand new toy you have no idea how to play with, and there’s no one around to show you. . . . Finding partners is not an easy thing, especially partners who know and care about what you’re going through.’” Then there are the concerns like clothing, hair, and make-up. Initially I wondered why Merry didn’t reconnect with any family or friends in her hometown, but then it makes sense that such reconnections might not be easy: people might not be accepting of her.

There are other interesting characters. I especially enjoyed Gerald Drover, the happy gopher. The description of him when he first appears is so perfectly detailed: “He was very tall, six-and-a-half feet at least, and slender as a streetlight. He wore a Heavy Metal band t-shirt, skinny jeans that still required the assistance of a belt to say up, one of those wallets with a chain that hooked onto a belt loop, and crusty cowboy boots that’d seen one too many rodeos. . . . Atop Drover’s perfectly oblong head was a full-on mullet, ginger red. His cheeks were puffy, his chin pronounced, his ears and nose super-sized. . . . The eyes were like nothing she’d seen before, the colour of an aquamarine sea sprinkled with specks of sand, rimmed with lashes so thick Merry wondered if he was some kind of mutant with double sets on each lid. Like many of his other features, Drover’s lips were far too big for his long, narrow face, but they were so pleasantly plump and cherry-pink they looked like a chewy chunk of double bubble.” And he has the over-sized personality to match that physical appearance.

It’s been a while since I’ve visited Saskatoon but I think Livingsky is modeled on that city. I certainly remember walks along the South Saskatchewan River. Isn’t Alphabet City an actual area of Saskatoon? But the Holodomor memorial described reminds me of the one in Regina. I imagine using a fictional setting allows the author more freedom so he can change details to suit his purposes. I must say I do love the name chosen – a reference to the slogan “Land of the Living Skies” which I believe appears on Saskatchewan license plates?

The book has something for almost everyone. There’s mystery, though the killer of the Vancouver doctor is obvious almost from the beginning. There’s humour, often at Merry’s expense. I love that she’s not above laughing at herself. And there are also hints at a possible romance, or two, for Merry.

Like several of the chapters, the book ends with a teaser so I’m assuming that this is the first in a series featuring Merry Bell. I will certainly look out for the second installment.

Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski).

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Livingsky’ is the latest work from the pen of Canadian-based author, Anthony Bidulka. Our main protagonist is Merry Bell who leaves Vancouver for her home town of Livingsky after gender-affirming surgery. Her ex-employer agrees she can use his business name to open what would appear to be a satellite branch of his detective agency. In fact, Merry is working independently and struggling for clients. This means when her dodgy would-be landlord offers her a commission, she cannot afford to turn it down. It doesn’t take long for Merry to find herself in deep water as she tries to get to the bottom of an arson attack. She then finds out she is a person of interest after her surgeon is found murdered in Vancouver.

Merry has an engaging personality who, after some difficulties long the way, seems to have coped well both physically and emotionally with her surgery. She still struggles a bit with hair and makeup so is arguably experimenting ten years later than most girls to find her style. As time goes by, we find out more about Merry’s background. I suspect most readers will be happy for her when a hint of romance appears on the horizon.

The layers of the story are gradually peeled back as Merry makes progress with her investigation, whilst meeting some interesting and diverse characters along the way. The story is told in the third person and the past tense. There are several literary techniques on show here and more than a smattering of humour. I enjoyed the descriptions of the area and think we can all identify with ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ cold.

The author leads his readers smoothly through each stage of Merry’s investigation and also her personal struggles with finance and affordable accommodation so whilst it isn’t an action-packed adventure, it definitely held my attention.

The dual threads running through the story are both brought to satisfying conclusions and without doubt, there is scope for another mystery for Merry to solve. With no excessive violence nor unnecessary graphic padding, the plot has been well-crafted and skilfully delivered. ‘Livingsky’ will appeal to fans of this genre and I award five stars.

[Ilonka · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Merry Bell decides to leave an unaffordable life in Vancouver to return to her home of Livingsky, Saskatchewan, she discovers the city of her youth isn’t the bargain she remembered. As a result, establishing her fledgling PI business with limited contacts and scant funds proves more challenging than she anticipated.

Enter Gerald Drover, both creepy and kind, who becomes Merry’s first client—and her landlord. In exchange for a sketchy rental Merry agrees to look into the cause of a fire in one of Drover’s many apartment buildings. The investigation takes an unexpected turn into the shady side of civic politics and tests Merry’s PI skills. Meanwhile, the life she left in Vancouver comes nipping at the heels of her stylish Louboutin boots—the gift she gave herself after completing gender-affirming surgery. When she is arrested for the murder of the doctor who performed the surgery Merry needs all her skills and courage to salvage not just her career but her life.

By introducing us to a transgender PI in this new series, Bidulka has given readers a character seldom seen in fiction. There’s something endearing about watching Merry Bell learn how to tone down her make-up, and watching her refine her wardrobe as she discovers that a woman doesn’t need to wear tight and bright attire to be fashionable. And there’s something encouraging, too, when we see her striding confidently into her new life. I look forward to following this PI through future investigations as she teaches us how to walk a mile in her Louboutins.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would love to see this author enter the world of the YA book. He gives a full-grown experienced reader way too much information on the thinkings and worryings of the characters, and his dialog is a little too chatty. These things work perfectly in the YA book, because that age of reader often does enjoy a little bit of help.

In the midst of the excessive writing, we see the occasional sentence of great beauty. This also would be great in the YA setting, where the beauty of the sentences can be the thing to set one writer off from the herd.

Also, YA would be a wonderful target audience for this writer's particular brand of forward thinking. The young adult is not naturally sensitive to the needs of the person whose situation is unexpected (the usual struggle at that age is to break away from the family group to fit into a peer age group, and this struggle does not invite contemplation of difference; it's all about fitting in), but they're super trainable to become good at looking for the kind way. This is my favorite age group to teach things to; I think Mr. Bidulka, despite his obviously high end intelligence (which makes working with adults more easily attractive), would enjoy working with that younger community of brains in mind.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthony was correct when he told me this was different than his other books. I read it a couple of weeks ago and am still trying to figure out my review. Overall I liked it. This definitely reads like the first book in a series, where the author is just figuring out the characters. (Not a bad thing, Tony, I didn't really like the first two or three Louise Penny books until she found her feet with the characters).

The novel is about a private investigator (hey, does this mean maybe we will get a guest appearance by Russell Quant?) who moves back home after living in Vancouver. It takes the reader a while before they find out why. Merry arrives back in her home town of Livingsky and opens up a satellite office of the investigation company she was working for in Vancouver. Her first job is trying to discover who was setting fires in a local apartment building. Oh, and Merry is a suspect in a murder back in Vancouver.

Anthony introduces us to several different characters as the book progresses, and I hope they are continuing characters. I would like to see the development of them and see how Merry settles into her new life.

And by the way, I did like the book :)

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livingsky by Anthony Bidulka

The story moves at a fast pace with a very likable lead. Merry is transgender I felt she was represented in a positive way. The supporting characters were unique and original as well.

The plot was compelling, detail oriented, with mystery, secrets, twist and turns. I could not put it down.

Overall I found Livingsky quite enjoyable, truly a good read. I highly recommend to those who enjoy Mystery/Suspense. I look forward to more by Anthony Bidulka .

[Kelly Kaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthony Bidulka is a masterful storyteller. I love his love for those on the margins - those whose stories are often untold. The character Merry Bell is fun, funny, smart, independent, human.... By telling stories, Bidulka shows how people's lives are beautiful and important, no matter what they are going through in this modern, complex world. The best part of the book is that it satisfies my own draw to mysteries. Every page takes me to a guessing game, a possibility, a new story. Let's face it; when I was growing up in Singapore, my friends and I would create our own club and solve mysteries. Living Sky makes that P.I. dream a possibility. Read this book if you want to be drawn into intrigue and have care and compassion for a cool sleuth.

[Rosemary McCracken · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Merry Bell returns to her home town of Livingsky, Saskatchewan, she faces several daunting challenges: how to launch her new PI business, where to find cheap-but-decent living quarters, and finetuning her new identity as a trans woman. Merry is a charming character, and I’m delighted to know that Livingsky is the first book in her mystery series. I’m also looking forward to reading more about Roger Brown, the town’s cross-dressing true crime podcaster, and Merry’s slum landlord Gerald Drover. And about the intrigues of small-town politics. Yay! There’s more good reading from Anthony Bidulka to come.

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Decent plot and interesting and unusual characters. Really wondered about the choice to call what is clearly Saskatoon Livingsky instead. I read an interview where the author stated changing the name gave him a certain freedom to change things, but that freedom wasn't really used. Sure he changed River Landing to Riverside, the Star-Phoenix to the Tribune, The Bess to the Truemont, and St. Paul's to St. Peter's but what was the point? Alphabet City and other identifying things were there as is. I found it a constant jarring note in the reading experience. I suppose readers outside of Saskatchewan wouldn't notice or care, but it bugged me.

[Elinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this imaginative mystery by Saskatchewan author Anthony Bidulka, the first in a series. The main character Merry Bell is a transgender woman who moves back to her home town city (Livingsky is a thinly-disguised Saskatoon) after making the transition from male to female, although her gender is not the focus of the story. Her biggest challenge is to establish herself as a private investigator, investigating a case of arson while dealing with an unreliable client. The characters are great, especially the landlord who rents her a shack in the middle of his junkyard and insists on calling her "Sweet Lips." This is a cozy mystery with lots of layers.

[Ashleigh Mattern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book! I couldn't put it down. At first, it bothered me that Livingsky is *almost* like Saskatoon but not quite because I had to keep rearranging the city in my head, but eventually it becomes a character in its own right. And I see why Bidulka might want some plausible deniability! The book hosts a cast of compelling characters who are unique and shine in the imagination. He approaches sensitive topics like a trans main character, crossdressing, and poverty with care and compassion, and tells a gripping story while tackling tough issues. Impressive! I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthony Bidulka has crafted another compelling novel with many plot twists that kept me wanting to read just one more chapter. Bidulka often ends a chapter with a “teaser” phrase to keep reading….for example “She held her breath and waited for the answer” to end Chapter 9 or “He pushed the button” to end Chapter 23. It is good to know that this is the first novel in a series about the exploits of Merry Bell, a private investigator, and the ending leaves no doubt that there is more story to tell. Bring it on.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read with many interesting twists and turns to the story -- and a story that includes many unique characters that come to life with Anthony's descriptive writing style. Merry Bell is the central character who truly takes you on an adventure and helps build awareness and understanding of embracing differences and being your authentic self. The story is set in the prairies, in a great city that has so much beauty and yet some dark corners and stories to be told. definitely worth the read.
Lynne

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an easy, enjoyable read! As a cis-woman, I loved the perspective of the main character being a transwoman, and I loved how she was able to relate to Roger and Stella. There were lots of plot twists and every time I thought I had figured out what was happening I was proven wrong! I believe Anthony Bidulka has set us up for a sequel and I hope I’m correct! I loved his writing style and will be looking into more books by him. Edit to my review: the sequel will be out in June! Can’t wait, just preordered it!

[Vontel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of Bidulka's previous books and series, and looked forward to this beginning of a new series, with a new PI protagonist. It didn't disappoint, and I do hope there will be more books coming in this series. There certainly are all kinds of different people & situations that can be explored and developed more in future books.

[S. Portico Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Anthony Bidulka's books because of how much Tony loves to write books. He paints characters and new worlds with a pen and brush rich in the colours of powerful language and stories that must be told. Merry Bell is now someone I know. That changes me. I read books to be changed. Thank you.

[chris ouellet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Anthony has written an amazing book. His books are so vivid that you are right there with every character and don’t want to put the book down. His characters are realistic and you always are wondering what will happen next.
Can’t wait for the next book. This is a must read book!!!