Hands Like Clouds: An Elias McCann Mystery

When environmental warrior Ira Connaught turns up hanging by the neck from an ancient rain-forest cedar overlooking the wasteland of a clear-cut on Clayoquot Sound, everyone seems content to declare his death a suicide. For reluctant community coroner Elias McCann, Ira's death looks increasingly like a murder.

Published by Dundurn Group Castle Street Mysteries, 2000: 315 pages.

Awards:

2000 Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel.

Reviews:

The Vancouver Sun: Mark Zuehlke's "protagonist in Hands Like Clouds is one of the most original I've ever encountered in crime fiction."

The Mystery Review: "I was completely swept up by Hands Like Clouds."

Carry Tiger to Mountain: An Elias McCann Mystery

When a freighter smuggling illegal immigrants from Southeast Asia sinks offshore, Tofino coroner Elias McCann finds himself in the heart of another mystery. Among the survivors of the tragedy is a young girl, whom Elias and his girlfriend, Vhanna, find themselves trying to protect from unknown kidnappers. Meanwhile, a relative of Vhanna's turns up among the immigrants, bringing back memories of her dark past and the Khmer Rouge. As the plot unfolds, compelling questions are raised: most importantly, who is responsible for the immigrants being here, and what do they want with Vhanna's cousin? Carry Tiger to Mountain marks the return of the popular Elias McCann.

Published by Dundurn Press Castle Street Mystery, 2002: 260 pages.

Reviews:

The Globe and Mail: "Zuehlke has brought back his successful cast of characters."

701.COM: ".head to your favourite bookstore and grab a copy of Carry Tiger to Mountain. Better yet, grab a few copies for your friends. Then you can celebrate the Canadian fall in fine fashion, curled up in front of a warm fire with a great book."

The Halifax Daily News: "Zuehlke skilfully sets the stage for a thrilling ride to the climax of his story."

Sweep Lotus: An Elias McCann Mystery

When the naked corpse of a girl known only as Sparrow is found wrapped in barbed wire on a storm-swept beach, community coroner Elias McCann must investigate the sadistic killing. Suspects abound in the One Earth Family, a gaggle of homeless youths led by a grizzled veteran of Canada's mean streets. But menace also seems to lurk around the neglected property that so fascinated Sparrow before her death. The property is slated for transformation into a seaside resort by a developer who seems intent on acquiring all of Tofino-and Elias's girlfriend, Vhanna Chan. To find the killer Elias must first unravel the mystery of Sparrow's past.

Published by Dundurn Press Castle Street Mystery, 2004: 272 pages.

Awards:

2004 Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Finalist for Best Novel.

Reviews:

The Globe and Mail: "Zuehlke has really caught the culture and pace of his Tofino setting, and McCann, the local coroner, is a well-developed character with smarts and charm. The plot is solid. Excellent."

701.COM: "Perhaps the most notable element of Zuehlke's narrative style is his attention to detail, which is essential for any good whodunit. Descriptions of setting are rich and almost poetic, demonstrating a profound admiration for the province's wildlife and natural resources. Zuehlke's knowledge of forensics and legal procedures lends a high degree of credibility to both the characters and the chain of events. The facts of the case, as well as local reaction to it, are given in great detail, through the eyes of an incredibly perceptive and empathetic protagonist. Both major and minor characters are fleshed out with attention to personal quirks and the intricate web of relationships within the community. Zuehlke's imaginative and disturbing construction of the murder itself is also effective. Not only does the author illustrate the base, cruel side of human nature, but also the heroics and compassion necessary to solve a crime of this nature."