Tough Tiddlywinks

Blending traditional illustration techniques with familiar comic strip styles, Tough Tiddlywinks presents a mystery novel full of forensic twists and artful surprises. The Great Recession has brought gloom and grey skies to the USA but sunny real estate opportunities for Canada's circling hawks. WhenVancouver's reigning condo seller - the Density King - is killed, his widow sheds a few tears, but only a few, in black, sepia and watercolour tones. For her and other suspects in Christopher Nowlin's latest novel, motives are as mixed as the mediums used to express them.

"A fine follow-up to To See the Sky," says Jon Redfern, Arthus Ellis Award winner for Trumpets Sound No More.