Appearances and Signings Listing

Appearances & Signings

When an author has a book out, personal promotion is critical, but Rick likes travelling and meeting people anyway and this just gives him a good excuse. If you want to drop by, get a signed book or just chat a bit, then don't be shy. He'd love to meet you. If you're an old friend and he's in your area, then you'd better come by! He won't even make you buy a book (although he won't discourage it.). He'd just like to see you!

The listings on top are for dates coming up. On the bottom list you'll see some of the authorial type things he's been to over the past few years.

Also, if you plan things like the sorts of events which are listed below and you'd like an appearance by a musician cum author (Rick will seriously consider anything offered), please don't hesitate to !

This page was last updated on Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Places Rick is going to be:

Date & Time	Venue	Details
Thursday, June 12, 2008 1:00-3:00 p.m.	Wychwood Library 1431 Bathurst St. Toronto, ON	Tea and Murder? Well, apparently this is a very big draw at this very nice, neighbourhood library. Rick is going to talk about the writing of his latest novel, part of which takes place quite close by. Actually, several of his novels have used locations in this part of Toronto. Call the library at 416-393-7683 for more information and to sign up for his talk. FREE!
Sunday June 15, 2008 11:30-12:30 p.m. & 3:00-4:00 p.m.	Book Expo Canada Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W. Toronto, ON	Rick can't remember how many times he's appeared at Canada's big bookselling extravaganza, but it's always a favourite. This time he's taking part in something called "Speed Dating with Mystery Authors". If you're attending the event, please come by and help our intrepid author get through what should be a very gruelling afternoon. He's also signing at his publisher's booth later on in the afternoon. Drop by for both events!
Monday, June 16, 2008 11:00-12:00 p.m.	Book Expo Canada Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W. Toronto, ON	Today, Rick is signing some of his backlist books at Crime Writers of Canada's booth. Drop by to say hello, and if you're early enough, you'll also get a book. They go very quickly!
Saturday, July 19, 2008 6:00 p.m.	Crime in the Vines Organized Crime Winery 4043 Mountainview Rd Beamsville, ON	Here's the drift on this event: Rick was visiting friends in January when they stumbled across this winery. Knowing serendipity when he sees it, he made them pull in. Historic connections were made and what is sure to be come a legendary event began to see the light of day. Rick along with award-winning writers Giles Blunt and Barbara Fradkin will be reading from their works, wine will be sampled, hors d'oeuvres will be consumed in one of the most beautiful settings on the Niagara Peninsula -- and it all goes to benefit a worthy cause: literacy. Visit crimeinthevines.net for more information and to order your tickets. Better hurry, though! They're going fast!

Places Rick has been:

Date & Time	Venue	Details
Friday-Sunday, June 6-8, 2008 All day	Bloody Words VIII, Toronto Eaton Centre Marriott Hotel Toronto, ON	The only convention in Canada covering all aspects of crime writing. Small, intimate and always with great programming and panels, Rick really enjoys attending. After a year off due to the dissappointing cancelation of the 2007 convention in Victoria, he really looking forward to iit. Open to the public! Get ticket information at bloodywords.com.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 7:00 p.m.	Toronto Reference Library, Beeton Auditorium 789 Yonge St. Toronto, ON	The third annual "Look Who's Reading Canadian Mysteries" event presented by Crime Writers of Canada. My novel, A Case of You, is being read by a very special ROYAL personage who is a big fan. Also on the program are works by Jill Culliner, Jeffrey Miller and Peter Robinson who will all be in attendance. It's to benefit the TPL's literacy programs so come on out! Books will be for sale and donations are welcome.
Sunday, May 31, 2008 2:00-4:00 p.m.	Chapters Yonge Centre 17440 Yonge St. Newmarket, ON	Rick almost signed in this store on the tour for his previous novel, but it never came together for a date that worked. This time the determination is there. Please come out and say hi, and let him know that it was all worth it!
Sunday May 25th, 2008 1:00-3:00 p.m.	Chapters New Fairview Mall, 285 Geneva St. St. Catharines, ON	Rick's third time signing in this Niagara Peninsula store. If you're out and about that day, drop by for a signed book!
Saturday, May 24th, 2008 1:00-3:00 p.m.	Chapters Woodside Centre, 3175 Highway 7 East Markham, ON	Rick's second time signing in this store. Last time out was a blast meeting some hardcore crime fiction lovers. Hey! Cottage time is here. You need reading material for that hammock, don't you?
Saturday, May 17, 2008 1:00-3:00 p.m.	Chapters 2225 Bloor St. West Toronto, ON	In Bloor West Village and housed in an old movie theatre Rick used to patronize back in the day, the Runnymede Chapter is a lovely store. Saturdays in May are always lovely on Bloor Street. Take a walk and buy yourself a book!
Saturday, May 10, 2008 1:00-3:00	Chapters Durham Centre 90 Kingston Rd. Ajax, ON	By now you'd expect all the bookstores to be blurring together in Rick's addled brain. Expect no such thing! Come out and see for yourself!
Sunday. May 4, 2008 1:00-3:00 p.m.	Indigo Yorkdale Mall Toronton, ON	Probably the closest thing to a "local" bookstore for Rick. It's a busy place and you should drop by for some reading material!
Saturday, May 3, 2008 10:00 a.m.-4:00p.m.	Genrecon Sarnia Branch, Lampton County Library, 124 Christina St., Sarnia, ON	Rick has attended this small but very interesting one-day conference several times and always enjoyed it. Lo and behold, this year they've asked him to attend as Guest of Honour. To say the least, he is very chuffed about this -- and honoured! Since the conference's mandate covers all kinds of genre fiction (crime, Sci-Fi, romance, fantasy, horror and young adult). The panels are always interesting, quite often provocative, and dare we say, exciting. A very different sort of literary day and well worth attending. Contact: Ellen Dark or Jeff Beeler, co-chairs by clicking .
Friday, May 2, 2008 4:00-6:00 p.m.	Chapters Fesitval Hall 142 John Street Toronton, ON	This is a different time to do a signing, but because this store is in Toronto's Entertainment District, it's supposedly a hot time for the store as people who are staying downtown for the evening gather here to spend some time before having dinner. Should be interesting!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 7:30 p.m.	Toronto Reference Library 789 Yonge St. Toronto, ON	Rick is moderating a panel called “Winning at Crime” and the panelists are people who’ve either won or been nominated for AE awards or other crime awards. So there’s Giles Blunt, James Nichol, Sylvia Warsh, and Susanna Kearsley/Emma Cole. After the panel discussion, the Arthur Ellis Awards shortlist for 2008 will be announced. This is one of the top 3 crime writing awards in the world and you should be there for this announcement and what promises to be a great panel discussion.
Sunday, April 27, 2008 12:00-2:00 p.m.	Chapters Kennedy Commons 20 William Kitchen Rd Scarborough, ON	Rick tells us this is his third time signing in this busy store. Last time (near to Christmas 2006), two lovely women stopped by, bought about 5 books as Christmas presents, then came back to by 4 more! They certainly earned the Readers of the Year award for that!
Saturday, April 26, 2008 2:00-4:00 p.m.	Chapters, Square 1 189 Rathburn Rd West Mississauga, ON	This store is right across the road from the Square One Shopping Centre. Rick has signed here several time and always enjoyed himself. Drop by for a chat and a signed book.
Monday, April 21, 2008 7:00-9:00 p.m.	Burlington Library Central Building 2331 New Street Burlington, ON	One of Rick's favorite libraries to visit. He's again doing his Howhedunnit evening of tales from the trenches of crime writing. Get the inside scoop! Phone the library at 905-639-3611, x133 to pre-register. It's free but space iis limited.
Saturday, April 19, 2008 1:00-3:00 p.m.	Chapters 76 Barrie View Drive Barrie, ON	Rick's signed here 2 times previously. It's a great store just off the 400 south of town (it's the area where all the big box stores are). You know, with the weather warming up, it might be a good time to start stocking up for those long summer weekends.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 7:00-9:00 p.m.	Friends of the Athens Public Library Joshua Bates Centre 1 Main Street West Athens, ON	Down to the other end of the province he goes to participate in another literary evening, this time a fundraiser for the library. Appearing with Rick will be two great crime writing friends, Vicki Cameron and Mary Jane Maffini. It should be a lot of fun and what better cause is there than supporting a library?
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 7:00-9:00 p.m.	Runnymede Public Library 2178 Bloor St. West Toronto, ON	"It's not whodunnit, it's howhedunnit." Author Rick Blechta dishes the dirt behind the creation of his new crime novel, A Case of You. This is Rick's new library program for fans as opposed to aspiring writers. Come on out! Call the library at 416-393-7697
Sunday, April 13, 2008 1:00-3:00 p.m.	Indigo 1250 Brant St. #102 Burlington, ON	A great store. Rick signed a lot of books and met some terrific people, including an old student of his. Actually, she wasn't old; he was!
Saturday, April 12, 2008 2:00-4:30 p.m.	London Public Library 251 Dundas Street London, ON	Rick is presenting his workshop "It's not Whodunnit but Howhedunnit". His second time at the library, he's hoping aspiring writers will come to find out how to make research "work" for you, rather than against you, what part serendipity can play on your writing and how to make characters come alive. Participation is limited and you must register. Fee is $10 per person, Call 519-661-5122 for more information.
Saturday, April 12, 2008 11:00-1:00 p.m.	Chapters Richmond Centre 86 Fanshawe London, ON	On the last book tour, Rick was supposed to sign here, but waylaid by a reading at the London Public Library's main branch. This book tour, he's not to be denied. Please come by to chat and buy a signed copy!
Saturday, April 5, 2008 1:00-3:00 p.m.	Chapters Oshawa Centre 419 King St. West Oshawa, ON	Rick hasn't signed at this store before, but he's heard great things about it. Later: the stories were true. He had a great time. Terrific and enthusiastic staff and lots of interest from customers!
Sunday, March 30, 2008 2:00-6:00 p.m.	The Black Swan Pub 154 Danforth Ave, 2nd floor Toronto, ON	This is the official launch of A Case of You, and also happens to be where the very striking cover photos (4 different ones were used) for the book were actually shot. Rick is asking all his musically inclined friends to bring their instruments and help give this book the launch it deserves. That means you! Amps, drums and a keyboard will be supplied (for those who have to horse the heavy stuff) Featured musicians are the lovely Miss Nina Richmond, Pat Murray and Paul DeLong, who are both on the cover of the book (Paul is on the back cover too and also on the title page. (The lad does get around). Sadly, there will be no mellotron at this event. The stairs up are very long and steep and we ain't going there!
Saturday, March 29, 2008 1:00-3:00 p.m.	Chapters Bayview Village 2901 Bayview Avenue Toronto, ON	Rick's first time signing in this store. Come on out!
Saturday, March 22, 2008 12:00-3:00 p.m.	Chapters 1950 The Queensway, Toronto, ON	This is Rick's fourth or fifth time signing in this store and he always enjoys himself. The staff are terrific, the store is terrific and what would be even more terrific is to see your smiling face. Don't be shy, stop on by!
Sunday, March 16, 2008 1:00-3:00 p.m.	Chapters 873 Lansdowne Street Peterborough, ON	Another store Rick has signed at before. If you live in this lovely city, please drop by for a book -- or two!
Saturday, March 15, 2008 2:00-4:00 p.m.	Chapters Kanata Centrum 400 Earl Grey Drive Kanata, ON	After what will probably be a mad dash west on the 417 from the signing above, expect Rick to be out of breath, but still smiling as he signs in this store for the second time. Make him feel it's all worthwhile by purchasing several books!
Saturday, March 15, 2008 11:00-1:00 p.m.	Chapters 2401 City Park Drive Gloucester, ON	Another store Rick hasn't signed in. On the eastern side of Ottawa.
Friday, March 14, 2008 7:00-9:00 p.m.	Chapters 2376 Princess Street Kingston, ON	One of Rick's favourite stores to sign in. The staff are great, especially that on the ball dynamo, Barbara Bell. Please stop by for a chat and a book!
Thursday, March 13, 2008, 3:00-5:00 p.m.	Prime Crime 891 Bank Street Ottawa, ON	Rick has signed here for every book he's written with the exception of his first novel. It is the bestest little mystery book store you've ever seen and Linda Wiken and her staff are fantastic. In the Glebe which is also a quite exceptional neighbourhood in Ottawa.
Thursday, March 13, 2008, 12:00-2:00 p.m.	Coles Billings Bridge Plaza, 2269 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON	Rick has never signed here, so drop by and make him feel welcome.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008, 3:30-5:00 p.m.	Schulich School of Music, 555 Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, QC	Rick graduated from McGill's Faculty of Music in 1973. He will be doing a very special signing in the lobby. If you're in the area, please drop by because this is a last-minute addition to the tour and there hasn't been any time to publicize this event very much.
Wednesday March 12, 2008, 11:30-1:30 p.m.	Chapters, 6321 Trans Canada Highway (corner of St. Jean blvd.) Pointe Claire, QC:	The first signing in Rick's swing through Eastern Ontario in support of his sixth novel, A Case of You. If you're in the area, please drop by!
Sunday, September 30, 2007, 12:00 p.m.	Word on the Street, Queen's Park Crescent, Toronto, ON	Without a doubt, Rick's favourite literary event of the year. This is the largest literary event in Canada. He'll be signing books at the CWC booth which is right on the street this year, rather than among the trees in the park. The weather's always great. Drop by and say hello. Oh, yeah, and buy a book!
Monday, September 24, 2007, 7:00 p.m.	Burlington Central Library, Burlington, ON	Part of a series on crime writing in Canada, Rick will be discussing his 5th novel, Cemetery of the Nameless, and how it came to be written. Expect lots of background information on the exotic setting, the ins and outs of doing research and the serendipitous things that can happen along the way!
Saturday, June 9, 2007, 10:00 a.m.	Booked! Harbourfront Spiegel Tent, Toronto, ON	Rick is moderating a panel with some of the country's top criminal (writing) minds: Lyn Hamilton, Louise Penny, Maureen Jennings, Linwood Barclay and Jose LaTour. The subject? What's hot and what's not in Canadian crime writing. Part of Book Expo Canada. Come down and find out with Rick just what a spiegel tent is!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007, 7:30 p.m.	Look Who's Reading Canadian Mysteries, Toronto Reference Library, Toronto, ON	The GTA region of the CWC presents an evening of celebrity readings at Toronto's main library. There will be politicians, sports figures, broadcasters, actors all reading some of the best of the recent books.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007, 7:30 p.m.	St. Thomas Library, 153 Curtis St., St. Thomas, ON	Rick is reading and signing books with his good friend, Barbara Fradkin, and they're also being joined by local crime writer, Terry Carroll. Rick hasn't been back in St. Thomas since his Devotion days. That's over 30 years ago -- but who's counting?
Saturday, May 12, 2007	Genrecon, Lambton County Library, Sarnia, ON	This is an annual 1-day event that Rick has attended three times now. It mixes authors from all sorts of genres (crime, sci-fi, romance, fantasy) in mixed panels that are always engaging and thought-provoking. If you're in the area, it's well worth it to drop in!
Friday, April 27, 2007	Interactive Showcase, Montreal, QC	Part reading, part meet and greet, Rick has no idea what to expect. A number of his CWC comrades will also be present. Drop by to get a signed book or two (or three, or four!).
Thursday-Sunday, February 1-February 4, 2007	Left Coast Crime, Seattle WA	Rick's been told many times what a great convention this is, so he's decided to take the plunge. Not so large you'll get lost, but still with plenty of crime writers, it promises to be an enjoyable event. Rick is on a panel first thing Saturday morning with his good friend, Charles Benoit (among others.
Friday, November 24, 2006, 7:00-9:00 p.m.	Chapters, Kennedy Commons, 20 William Kitchen Rd, Scarborough, ON	A solo signing for Rick!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006, 6:00 p.m.	George Brown College, Downtown Campus, 290 Adelaide E., Toronto	Rick will be speaking to a writing class taught by Richard Scarsbrook.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006, 7:00-9:00 p.m.	Chapters, Durham Centre, 90 Kingston Rd, Ajax ON	Rick's first time signing in this store.
Thursday, Nov 30, 2006, 12:00-2:00 p.m.	Coles, BCE Place, Toronto	Rick will be signing books. Stop by for a look. This will probably be his last signing before the holidays, and you're last chance for that signed book for a special Christmas gift!
Saturday, November 25, 2006, 2:00-4:00 p.m.	Oakville Chapters, Trafalgar Road, Oakville, Ontario	Celebrate the anniversary of this store! Rick will be there along with a number of Oakville area authors -- including his good friend, Vicki Delany.
The RendezVous Crime Spree, October and November, 2006	Various Bookstores and libraries in Ontario and Quebec	Rick is touring with two other RendezVous Crime authors: Barbara Fradkin and RJ Harlick. All appearances are for all 3 authors, except where noted. Oct 12, Bayshore Coles, Ottawa, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Oct 13, Billings Bridge Coles, Ottawa, 2:30-4:30 (Barbara & RJ) Prime Crime Bookstore, Ottawa, 2:00-3:30 (Rick only) St. Laurent Coles, Ottawa, 5:00-7:00 Oct 14, Pointe Claire Chapters, Pointe Claire, QC, 11:00-1:00 Montreal Indigo, Montreal, 2:00-4:00 Oct 15, Pinecrest Chapters, Ottawa, 11:30-1:30 Kanata Chapters, Ottawa, 2:00-4:00 Oct 19, Valley Books, Perth ON, Evening Talk as well as signing Oct 20, Peterborough Chapters, Peterborough, ON, 12:00-2:00 Belleville Chapters, Belleville, ON, 7:00-9:00 Oct 21, Kingston Chapters, Kingston, ON, 11:00-1:00 As the Plot Thickens Bookstore, Kingston, 2:00-4:00 Oct 22, Brockville Coles, Brockville, ON, 12:00-2:00 Oct 26, Square One Chapters, Mississauga, ON, 2:00-4:00 The Mysterious Affair, Waterloo, ON, 7:00-9:00 Oct 27, Kitchener Chapters, Kitchener, ON, 2:00-4:00 Guelph Chapters, Guelph, ON, 7:00-9:00 Oct 28, London South Chapters, London, ON, 11:00-1:00 London Public Library, London, 2:00-3:00 (Rick only, with Mel Bradshaw) London North Chapters, London, 2:00-4:00 (Barbara & RJ only) Oct 29, St. Catharines Chapters, St. Catharines, ON, 2:00-4:00 Nov 2, Royal Bank Plaza Coles, Toronto, 12:30-1:30 (Rick only) Nov 9, Official Launch for When Hell Freezes Over, but RJ and Barbara will also be there to sign their new books. It's being held at the Chick'n'Deli where I play every month with the Advocats Big Band. Start time is 7:00 p.m. This launch is special: it will include live music played by me with help from some very good friends (and great musicians) and will feature my mighty Mellotron Mk2 in all its glory. Download a PDF of the invite by clicking HERE! Nov 10, Barrie Chapters, Barrie, ON, 2:00-4:00 World's Biggest Bookstore, downtown Toronto, 7:00-9:00 Nov 11, Queensway Chapters, Toronto, 1:00-4:00 Nov 12, Burlington Public Ligrary, Burlington, ON 1:30-3:30. This event will feature a roundtable discussion on Canadian crime writing, where it's at and where it might be heading. This should be a terrific event. For more info: Burlington PL's website.
Thursday-Sunday, September 29-October 1, 2006	Bouchercon 2006...a prairie plot, Madison Concourse Hotel, Madison, Wisconsin	The Godzilla of mystery conventions is in America's Dairyland this time out. I will be on two panels and also hosting Meet the Canucks on Thursday evening. Please stop me and say hello. I'll be happy to give you one of the handsome new bookmarks for my handsome new book -- and so will every other author there!
Sunday, September 24, 2006, 10:00-6:00 p.m.	Word on the Street, Queen's Park Circle, Toronto, Ontario	One of Rick's favorite events of the year. If you're interested in the written word, this is the place to be. There's also music, great food, contests, giveaways and lots of books. Rick will be around the Crime Writers of Canada booth and will be signing from 2-3. Stop by for a copy of his latest and also some of his previous novels.
Friday-Sunday, June 9-11, 2006	Bloody Words 7 Mystery Conference, Eaton Centre Marriot, Toronto, ON	A splendid event, not too big, lots of great people and authors, it's Canada's only mystery conference. This year, Rick will be reading in the Mystery Cafe, and appearing on a panel. The Canadian Guest of Honour is the very funny Mary Jane Maffini and the toastmaster is the equally funny Linwood Barclay. Info at: bloodywords.com. Further details will be posted here shortly. Don't miss this event!
Thursday, June 8, 2006, 6:00 p.m.	The 23rd Annual Arthur Ellis Awards Dinner, Mysteriously Yours Dinner Theatre, 2026 Yonge St., Toronto, ON	As president of Crime Writers of Canada, Rick will be the host of this stellar event. Our MC this year will be Jean Daigle, a very funny man. Who will win this year's crop of Arthurs? You'll have to come to find out. Ticket information can be obtained at: info@crimewriterscanada.com
Wednesday, June 7, 2006, 7:30 pm.	RendezVous Crime evening, Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St., Toronto, ON	Two evenings in a row at the Reference Library! Rick will be appearing with pretty well all of RendezVous' fine group of crime writers: Mary Jane Maffini, R.J. Harlick, Barbara Fradkin, Mel Bradshaw, Lou Allin, Mel Malton, the list goes on. It should be a terrific evening of repartee and reading!
Tuesday, June 6, 2006; 7:30 p.m.	"Look Who's Reading Canadian Mysteries!", Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St., Toronto, ON	Part of Crime Writers of Canada's National Crime Writing Week, this promises to be a terrific event! Hosted by Carolyn Weaver of TV's Fine Print, it will feature Toronto celebrities reading from their favourite Canadian crime fiction. CBC Radio's Jim Curran, will be reading! Stay tuned to find out just who else will be appearing.
Friday, April 28, all day	AY. Jackson S.S., Toronto	Rick will be meeting with Grade 10 students discussing writing in general, crime fiction and his writing in particular. It should be an interesting day. Not having been in a classroom recently will probably also feel strange.
Thursday, February 2, 2006; 12:30 p.m.	Ontario Library Association Convention, Toronto Convention Centre, Front St., Toronto, ON	Rick is the host for Crime Writers of Canada's trivia contest, Hang-in! Four of the province's top librarians will be vying for supremacy in this spine-tingling and fun event. Free books and other giveaways to be had. Be there!
Saturday, November 26, 2005; 12-5:30 p.m.	Stratford Book Festival, Stratford, Ontario	This should be a great event! Look for me signing books at the Book Market. One of the featured writers this year is the superlative Robert Sawyer, one of the great Science Fiction writers of our time. If you've never heard him read, you are in for a great treat! I don't know the location of the event, but I will post it as soon as I find out. Tickets for the readings are now available at The Stratford Public Library, Upper Case Books, Fanfare Books, Callan Books, Yesterday's Things and Books, and Chumley & Pepys. More ticket locations to be announced shortly. Tell your friends!
Saturday, November 19, 2005; 11-2 p.m.	Chapters Queensway 1950 The Queensway, Etobicoke, Ontario	Vick and Rick ride again! Of all the stores from this chain that we visited on the first go-round, we received the warmest welcome here. They have an enthusiastic staff and we had a great time. It's wonderful to be hosted again so soon! Please drop by and purchase a few signed books. They make terrific Christmas presents.
Monday, November 7, 2005, 1:30-7:30 p.m.	Willowdale Middle School, 225 Senlac Road, Toronto, ON	This is an appearance for the school's Book Fair. Also appearing will be my good friend, Lyn Hamilton. We're doing two panels for the students, discussing what we do, how we do it and why. Those sorts of things. In the early evening there will be a book sale, too which will raise money for the school, and heaven knows, schools need a lot of that these days! It will be fun to be in front of students again, especially since this is the age level I taught for all those years! Drop by if you can. The book sale is from 6:30 to 8, but I have a gig so I'm cutting out at 7:00 or so!
September 27, 2005; 7:30 p.m.	Ottawa Public Library, Nepean Branch, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean, Ontario	This is going to be an interesting event. I'm appearing along with Peter Schaffter who is a very talented writer -- and pianist. I play the French horn. (Can you see what's coming?) We're teaming up to do readings from our current novels and we'll also be playing! This should be a very special evening. I'll be performing some St. Saëns and Mozart.
September 21, 2005, 7:00 p.m.	McNally Robinson NYC, 50 Prince St. (between Lafayette and Mulberry) New York, NY	The Vick and Rick Magical Mystery Tour hits the Big Apple! McNally Robinson Booksellers is a Canadian chain, and while the NYC store isn't officially part of the chain, it is owned by one of the McNallys. We're very honoured to be doing a reading/signing there and we're being sponsored by the Canadian Consulate in NY, too. Also joining us for this special event is a very special guest: the truly delightful Lyn Hamilton who writes a terrific series of "archeological mysteries". If you live anywhere in the tri-state area, please make an effort to attend. For more information, please call the store at (212) 274-1160.
September 1-4, 2005	Bouchercon, Sheraton Chicago, Chicago, IL	I'm appearing on a panel called "Shedding Skin -What we Bring to the Table: Each of these writers has/had/ a successful career in the arts. How has this influenced their writing?" Charles Benoit -chair, S.J. Rozan, Melodie Johnson Howe Jonathan Santlofer, and me! As the current president of the CWC, I'll also be hosting the "Meet the Canucks" reception on Friday evening, Sep. 2nd at 6:30. Now THAT will be a good evening. Don't miss it!
August 13, 2005 12-2 p.m.	Indigo, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Dufferin and the 401, Toronto, Ontario	This is the closest store of the Chapters/Indigo chain to where I live and it seemed sort of silly that I hadn't yet done a signing here. It's a great store with a lot of traffic and Vicki and I are really looking forward to our appearance. Show up early! Buy lots of books!
July 30, 2005 2-4 p.m.	Barrie Chapters, 76 Barrie View Dr, Barrie, Ontario	This is the farthest north Vick and I have been. If you live in the Barrie area, please stop by for a chat and a couple of signed books. Summer is a great time to read mysteries! Call (705) 735-6735 for details.
July 23, 2005, 2-4 p.m.	The Mysterious Affair at Waterloo, 1200 King S, Waterloo, ON	The second leg of the Vick and Rick Magical Mystery Tour begins at this fairly new mystery bookstore in this very nice Ontario city. I've heard some great things about this store and we're looking forward to our visit. Drop by! Call Paul at (519) 747-8050 for information or to reserve a signed book.
June 10-12, 2005	Bloody Words Mystery Conference, Toronto Eaton Centre Marriott Hotel, Toronto, ON	This event is probably my favourite to attend, and I'm looking forward to my 3rd one. No word yet as to what panels I'll be on but I am giving a workshop on book production. I'm giving a seminar on self-publishing and also doing the Hang In quiz show with Mary Jane Maffini, one of my favourite people!
Wednesday, June 8, 2005, 7:30 p.m.	Robert Gill Theatre, Univeristy of Toronto, 214 College Street, Toronto, Ontario	The University of Toronto Reading Series is presenting "An Evening of Mystery" in honour of National Crime Writing Week. I'll be appearing with fellow RendezVous Crime authors Mel Bradshaw, Barbara Fradkin (both nominated for Arthur Ellis Awards!) and the effervescent Mary Jane Maffini. The Robert Gill Theatre is on the northwest corner of College and St. George -- on the third floor.) For more information call (416) 640-5829.
Sunday, June 5, 2005, 2-4 p.m.	Indigo, Yonge St., Richmond Hill, ON	By this time, Vicki and I will be (hopefully) suffering from writer's cramp from having signed so many books. (One can always hope!) But you can be sure that we'll still be enthusiastic. Please drop by and grab a couple of really entertaining books for your summer reading!
Saturday, June 4, 2005, 2-4 p.m.	Chapters, Oakville Town Centre, 310 North Service Road West. Oakville, Ontario	Vicki Delany and I will be on a roll by now, our second stop of the day! If you're in the mall on that day, please stop by and purchase a whole mess of books. They make great summer reading and have I mentioned that it's never to early to think about Christmas gifts? Think of that smug feeling when everybody else is stressed about getting their shopping done in December. Call (905) 815-8197 for more information.
Saturday, June 4, 2005 11:00-1:00	Chapters Queensway, 1950 The Queensway, Etobicoke, Ontario	The Vick and Rick Magical Mystery Tour does a doubleheader! We're going to be signing books and if you were one of Rick's music students in Etobicoke over his many LONG years of teaching, please drop by and get a signed book. Your old teacher needs your support.
Friday, June 3, 2005 7-9 p.m.	Chapters Woodside Centre, 3175 Highway 7 East, Markham, Ontario	Vicki and I seem to be 'collecting' Chapters stores. We're very pleased that they've been so generous rolling out the welcome mat. They'll be really pleased if a lot of people come out to buy books -- lots and lots of books. So will our publishers -- us too, for that matter...
Sunday, May 29, 2005, 2-4 p.m.	Chapters 135 Gateway Park Drive, Kitchener, Ontario	Kitchener is a very pretty town and one I always seem to be going by but never stop in. Vicki and will be this day, though, please come by and stop for a chat. We'll be reading and signing, and hopefully reading well enough that you'll feel compelled to get a signed copy!
Saturday, May 28, 2005, 2-5 p.m.	Scene of the Crime Bookstore, 2464 Lakeshore Road West (on the corner of Bronte and Lakeshore), Oakville Ontario	Another signing at a brand new store in downtown Oakville. Joan Boswell who has her first novel out with RendezVous Press will be joining me. I'm looking forward to this one since Oakville on a (hopefully) sunny May afternoon is quite a delightful place. Take a stroll down Lakeshore, have an ice cream and drop into the store. It's right on your way. Call 905-469-6731 for more info or to have them put aside a signed book if you can't make it.
Friday, May 27, 2005 7-9 pm	Chapters New Fairview Mall, 285 Geneva Street St. Catharines, ON	Vicki and I are on the road again. (My wife will definitely be suspicious by this time!) Look for the posters to find us in the store. St. Kits (as I've heard it called) is known as "The Garden City" and with good reason. I hope to have a bit of time to see a few. You should too! After viewing the spring greenery, drop by for a book or two.
Saturday, May 21, 2005 2-4 pm	Chapters Square One, Mississauga, Ontario	Ontario's Annual "First Cottage Weekend". Well, we're banking that everyone who doesn't have a cottage will want to go to the mall. If that includes you, why not come out to Square One and purchase a brace of Delany and Blechta -- guaranteed great hammock reading!
Wednesday, May 18, 2005 6-8 pm	Official Launch of Cemetery of the Nameless, Sleuth of Baker Street, 1600 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON	I've been waiting a long time for this, and fans of Victoria Morgan and her husband, Rocky, have too! Marian Misters and JD Singh are once again hosting this event. There will be munchies, wine, and lots and lots of books. There may also be a few surprises since everyone loves surprises (the good kind). If you can't make it to the launch, but would like a signed copy of Cemetery, just call the store (416) 483-3111 and they'll take care of the rest. They're very good that way...
Sunday, May 15, 2005 1:30-3:00 p.m.	As The Plot Thickens Mystery Book Store 66 Brock Street, Kingston, Ontario	This is a new store and I've heard great things about it on DorothyL. It's in a beautiful part of town and I'm looking forward to enjoying downtown Kingston once again. I'm hoping there will be a lot of mystery lovers that will drop by, especially since this is the first signing ATPT has ever hosted. One of the people there should be you! It should be a really t'rrific afternoon. I'm planning on reading something from my novel-in-progress and you get to tell me what you think. If I use your idea, you'll even get credit for it! Phone 613-548-4664 for details about the signing.
Saturday, May 14, 2005 1:30-3:00 p.m.	Prime Crime, 891 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario	Part of an eastern swing through our fair province. Prime Crime is a really delightful store and a terrific place to just browse. (I dare you to get out of the store without buying at least one book!). The proprietor, Linda Wiken, is delightful, too, and it will be a pleasure to do a signing here. If you're anywhere near Ottawa, please drop by for a chat and book! Call (613) 238-2583 for details or to reserve a signed copy. Located on Bank Street, a lovely part of town.
Friday, May 13, 2005 7:30-9:00	The Double Hook Book Shop, 1235A avenue Greene, Westmount, QC	Now I have a lot of friends from my university days who are still in Montreal and I expect to see each and everyone of them at my signing! Seriously, I'd love as many of you to come out as possible, even if it's only to drop in, buy a book (of course) and say a quick hello before heading off to your gig. I've heard nothing but good things about this shop and its owner, Judy Mappin. Call (514) 932-5093 for details or to reserve a signed copy.
Saturday, May 7, 2005, 2-4 p.m.	Indigo, Burlington, ON	The other part of the Chapters/Indigo chain. If you're in the Burlington area, I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon. This is a really nicely laid-out store.
Sunday, May 1, 2005, 12-4 p.m.	Oxford Bookstore, 740 Richmond St., London, Ontario	If you're in the area, please drop by. I'll be with Vicki Delany whose new book, Scare the Light Away (already out in the States), has been getting some terrific reviews. How can you lose? Call (519) 438-8336 for details or to reserve a signed copy.
Saturday, April 30, 2005 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.	GenreCon, Lambton County Library, Sarnia Branch, 124 Christina St. S. Sarnia, Ontario	My second visit to this excellent and intimate one-day literary festival in Sarnia's library. The action starts at noon, but if you get there between 10 & 12, you can get an autographed book by Rob Sawyer, ace Sci-Fi and crime writer (he's a genre-spanning giant!). Fellow CWCers Vicki Delany and Julia Vryheid will also be joining us. Contact Ellen Dark or Jeff Beeler at ( 519) 337-3291 for more information.
Friday, April 29, 2005 7:30 p.m.	Bookroom, 2161 Wyandotte Street West, Windsor, Ontario	I'll be doing a reading at this store with my good friend, Vicki Delany, (we're doing a swing through Western Ontario together), in support of Independent Booksellers Day. You can certainly also buy books. If I read well enough, you may feel compelled to! Call (519) 258-2726 for more info or to reserve a signed copy of any of my books...uh, except, sadly, The Lark Ascending. Copies of that are long gone!
Oct 7-10, 2004	Bouchercon 2004 at the Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario.	The largest mystery convention comes to my hometown. Hot dog! I'm let off the hook on paying for transportation and hotel costs and get to be where the action is! There are a lot of plans afoot: more writers than you can shake a stick at, panel discussions, readings, interviews, a huge dealers' room and a heck of a lot more! Rick will be appearing on a panel called Sleuths of a Lesser God which will deal with protagonists who also have to overcome physical problems as well as solving mysteries. Also on the panel is Caroline Roe, Rosemary Aubert and possibly one other author. The moderator is Vicki Cameron. The CWC will be hosting a "Meet the Canucks" party on the evening of the 7th which will feature dishes made from Dishes to Die For...Again, a cash bar and every member of the CWC we can dig up. Be sure to attend and find out what's happening with crime north of the border!
Sep. 26, 2004	Word on the Street	Rick will again be behind the Crime Writers of Canada table at the granddaddy of all literary street festivals. Drop by for a chat, a copy of any of his books or the CWC cookbook, Dishes to Die For...Again!
Aug 7&8, 2004	Fifth Annual Manitoulin Island Authors Reading, Kagawong, Ontario	I'm honoured to be invited to this award-winning little festival held in one of the most beautiful places imaginable. Not sure what I'll be doing yet (other than reading) but I'm really looking forward to this weekend. It can be a bit of a hike to get there, but believe me, it's worth it! Coming from the south, you get to drive up the Bruce Penninsula and take a ferry across Georgian Bay, all of the scenery highly picturesque. And then there's Manitoulin Island at the end of the ferry ride...
Jun 13 & 14, 2004	BookExpo Canada, Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON	Rick will be at the launch of the cookbook he co-edited and designed for Crime Writers of Canada. It's called Dishes to Die For...Again and it will be presented to Canadian booksellers on Sunday, June 13th at 2:30 p.m. Rick will then be at the CWC booth on Monday the 14th chatting up the book and taking orders for stores or individuals.
May 1, 2004	GenreCon, Sarnia, Ontario.	This is a very intimate convention which focusses on all sorts of "genre fiction" (ie the kind of thing that people REALLY like to read). I'll post more details as I get them.
Feb 17, 2004	Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St., Beeton Auditorium, 7:30 pm	Part of the library's 2004 Author's series, "Mysterious Toronto". I will be doing a reading and signing after. John Worsley Simpson is also on the bill. The Reference Library building is a great venue for something like this. If you're in the area and like the idea of someone reading to you, drop on by!
Feb 17, 2004	CBC Radio's "Here & Now"	As a little promotional kick for the library appearance following, I've been asked to do a quick, drive-by reading for CBC's drive home show. It will be part of Marichka Melnyk's "Go to It Girl" feature of what's happening in Toronto. I can't say when the reading will be broadcast, so you'll just have to listen to the show which is on 94.1FM from 3:30 until 6:00 pm.
Feb 11, 2004	Newmarket Public Library, Newmarket, ON 7:30 p.m.	Crime Fiction: 3 Perspectives. This will be a panel discussion with fellow CWC-ers, John Worsley Simpson and Alvin Abram, both with interesting things to say about their stories and the craft of writing them.