Dead Man Drowning

Magic? Dr. Hope Sze steers clear of magic.

But when "Elvis the Escape King" chains and nails himself inside a coffin and lowers himself into Montreal's St. Lawrence River, he can't break free.

So Hope restarts his heart and saves his life. But now Elvis demands to know who sabotaged his stunt.

Hope hung up her amateur detective badge two months ago in order to tend to cancer patients on palliative care. The only cases she solves right now are case studies on pain and over-stuffed emergency rooms.

Which gets just the tiniest bit boring.

Hope could escape Montreal any day now. She could transfer to Ottawa to join her beloved ex-boyfriend, Ryan. No more unspeakable Montreal drivers and stymied medical care. No more working with the charming yet infuriating Dr. Tucker.

Hope the Escape Artist can afford to act generous. As parting gift to Montreal, city of festivals (and murderers), she could help Elvis out. Just asking a few questions won't hurt anyone.

Right?

And so Hope plunges into her most unconventional and, possibly, her most terminal adventure yet. Where the magical art of escape and the dastardly art of crime vie for centre stage, and the better man may lose. Forever.

The third Hope Sze novel. Written by an emergency physician trained in the crumbling corridors of a Montreal.

"The most recent installment in a series comprised thus far of three novels and a radio play, this novel demonstrates familiarity with the conventions of mysteries without being constrained by them and with the realities of Canada's medical world. Although the tone is light, the author is not afraid to introduce darker themes. The three intertwining mysteries and Hope herself provide a narrative by turns entertaining and insightful." –Publishers Weekly

"Narrating in a sprightly style while sharing some of the nitty-gritty of a resident's job, Hope Sze is an utterly likeable character." –Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine

Book trailer: youtu.be/3qf3xbcskPA