Predators and Prey Book Launch

This afternoon was the official book launch of my crime novel, Predators and Prey, which took place at my favorite Toronto Restaurant, the Local Public Eatery in Liberty Village. 

I loved the sign they posted on their rotating board. It was a nice touch!

The turnout for it was great and the food excellent. Not to mention the service. Megan, our server, did an excellent job looking after everyone. She was friendly and made sure nobody did without.

It was a fabulous afternoon and I want to thank the Local for hosting and providing us  all with a good time.

Signing Predators and Prey at Book City on the Danforth

Today I was at Book City on the Danforth to sign my new novel, Predators and Prey, which they are currently stocking.

It was a fun time. June was friendly and helpful. In fact, she took the above photo and the one below.

Stop on in if you want a copy of Predators and Prey signed by the author.

Predators and Prey Now at Bookstores and Online

On October 6, 2022, Predators and Prey was published by Bookland Press. It is now available for ordering online from Amazon.ca and Chapters/Indigo or can be purchased from your favourite local bookstore.

Trophy killing for sport? Trent Corbett finally had enough of seeing Facebook posts showing African big game hunters, their long-range rifles in hand, kneeling proudly by their kill. The outraged comments below the photos were not enough. It was time for him to do something about it. 

His solution? Hunt the hunters. Kill them in their own neighborhoods, just like the hunters kill lions, elephants, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros in theirs.

Soon local police discover they have a serial killer on their hands. Led by Police Chief Avery Johnson, small town police forces unite in an effort to stop the man who calls himself the Predator's Predator before his death count rises further.

Buy or order your copy today.

Front and Back Cover of Predators and Prey

Here is the front and back cover of my upcoming novel, Predators and Prey, available for preorder from Chapters Indigo in Canada.

Trophy killing for sport? Trent Corbett finally had enough of seeing Facebook posts showing African big game hunters, their long range rifles in hand, kneeling proudly by their kill. The outraged comments below the photos were not enough. It was time for him to do something about it. His solution? Hunt the hunters. Kill them in their own neighborhoods, just like the hunters kill lions, elephants, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros in theirs. Soon local police discover they have a serial killer on their hands. Led by Police Chief Avery Johnson, small town police forces unite in an effort to stop the man who calls himself the Predator's Predator before his death count rises further.

My Novel, Predators and Prey, Now Available for Preorder

 Predators and Prey is now available for preorder from Chapters/Indigo or, from your favourite bookstore. The book will be released by Bookland Press on Thursday, September 1, 2022.

Trophy killing for sport? Trent Corbett finally had enough of seeing Facebook posts showing African big game hunters, their long range rifles in hand, kneeling proudly by their kill. The outraged comments below the photos were not enough. It was time for him to do something about it. His solution? Hunt the hunters. Kill them in their own neighborhoods, just like the hunters kill lions, elephants, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros in theirs. Soon local police discover they have a serial killer on their hands. Led by Police Chief Avery Johnson, small town police forces unite in an effort to stop the man who calls himself the Predator''s Predator before his death count rises further.

Reading from "Predators and Prey" at the Toronto International Festival of Authors: Crime and Mystery Festival

On Sunday, I was in the Crime Writers of Canada tent at the TIFA, Motive: Crime and Mystery Festival. I had a table for the day plus did a reading form my upcoming novel. Predators and Prey. (Bookland Press publisher). 

It was a fun and interesting day having the chance to talk with other authors and of course, readers. 

The video, which is 4 minutes and 47 seconds long, is too large to download to this website. Please go to You Tube to watch. You can also go to https://studio.youtube.com/video/CbN4q7PiF_Y/edit to view.

Saving Tiberius to Be Judged in the Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence

Today I was delighted to see my novel, Saving Tiberius, has been selected to be judged in the Best Crime New Novel, category in the Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence. The short list will be announced on April 22, 2021. 

My fingers are crossed!

My Author Event at the Ontario Library Association's Super Conference

This afternoon, I was interviewed at an Author's event at a conference hosted by the Ontario Library Association about my novel, Saving Tiberius. In attendance were representatives from libraries and archives from across Canada. The event was virtual as everything is these days.

It went well.

Here is a photo of my "studio", a word which I'm using quite loosely. 

Author Events at the Ontario Library Association's Super Conference

In February, the Ontario Library Association is putting on the province's largest book fair, Super Conference 2021. As with every event these days, the event will be a virtual one. My publisher, Bookland Press, will be in attendance with a virtual booth where I'll be putting on two author events.

The first will be from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on February 4, 2021, where I'll be talking about my novel, Saving Tiberius.

Morgan Watson has a problem. When word leaked that his cat, Tiberius, miraculously cured itself of diabetes and may hold the key to a cure, he is attacked in his home and almost killed in a bloody fight. Paula Rogers, a strong-willed dedicated police officer, has put herself in the line of fire protecting them, and for the first time is stretching the rules and hiding facts from her superiors. The two fiercely independent people find their romantic feelings for each other grow as they search to find who is behind the brutal attempts to get Tiberius before they find themselves intertwined with the growing list of dead bodies.

The next day, February 5, again, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm, I'll be discussing my non-fiction, Defending the Inland Shores. 

Newfoundland played a significant role in the defence of Upper Canada during the War of 1812. "Defending the Inland Shores: Newfoundland in the War of 1812" tells this incredible story. The book describes many key battles, including the siege and capture of Fort Detroit, taking of an American naval schooner on Lake Ontario, a surprise attack against Ogdensburg, New York, and desperate defence of a British ship on the Niagara River during an American night assault.

I hope you will join me.

Recent Reviews of "Saving Tiberius" and "Defending the Inland Shores"

In the past month there have been two new reviews of Saving Tiberius on Amazon. The review in November said: This book will appeal to readers of crime fiction and cat lovers (like me!). It is written in third person perspective with the focus on wherever the action. I liked the writing style and it moved along at a fast pace. It's got a bit of everything ... suspense, romance, action and a cat! What more could you want?! As a head's up, there is violence and adult activity.

Here's the newest one from a couple of days ago: Saving Tiberius is a suspenseful, action-packed crime thriller, with a terrific romantic arc. The two main characters, Morgan and Paula, are a dynamic duo, and Tiberius is the feline star of the show! If you like cop dramas and cats, you'll love Saving Tiberius!

Wow! Thanks.

This week I also found a new review in the online magazine, Canadian Military History. It's a thorough, two page review. The full review is in the above link. Here are some highlights: What stands out most in Jones’s book is the author’s passion for his subject. His enthusiasm is evident on every page, as is his esteem for the regiment and the officers and men who served in it. 

His book is a true labour of love, one that seeks to honor the men who served loyally and fought bravely in the war. 

They saw combat in many of the key battles across the region … Jones concludes his coverage of each of these clashes by listing the names of each member of the regiment recorded as falling in combat, which stands as the ultimate testament of the service they performed.

It's great reading such positive reviews. 

Note: Saving Tiberius currently is listed incorrectly on Amazon. It shows incorrect pricing and it ships from the UK. They are, in fact in a Canadian warehouse. My publisher and I are working on having this corrected.

Saving Tiberius is available in print and as an e-book from Chapters/Indigo and as an e-book on the Apple App.

Defending the Inland Shores is available in print from Chapters/Indigo.

Saving Tiberius #55 in Sales on Amazon

I checked the ranking numbers for my novel, Saving Tiberius on Amazon this morning.  Where it ranks in all 3 categories are excellent, especially in the Medical Thriller category, where it stands at #55.

In the other two categories, it's no slouch either. Of the tens of thousands of books listed on the website, Saving Tiberius, stands at #386 in Crime Action & Adventure and #658 in Mystery Action & Adventure.

Wow! Top 100 in one, top 500 in another and top 1,000 in an even broader category. I'm quite proud of this work.

It's also available in print and as an e-book from Chapters/Indigo and as an e-book through the Apple Books app.

Visiting the Media with Promotional Copies of "Saving Tiberius"

I spent much of last week visiting the various media outlets to give them promotional copies of my new novel, Saving Tiberius. 

Morgan Watson has a problem. When word leaked that his cat, Tiberius, miraculously cured itself of diabetes and may hold the key to a cure, he is attacked in his home and almost killed in a bloody fight. Paula Rogers, a strong-willed dedicated police officer, has put herself in the line of fire protecting them, and for the first time is stretching the rules and hiding facts from her superiors. The two fiercely independent people find their romantic feelings for each other grow as they search to find who is behind the brutal attempts to get Tiberius before they find themselves intertwined with the growing list of dead bodies.

I made stops in Toronto at the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail and Now Magazine. My hope is that they will either review my novel or mention it under New Releases. All three have print and on-line editions.

I then paid a visit to Canada Post to mail out copies to the Montreal Gazette, the Winnipeg Free Press, York Region.com and CBC Books. All have a print and online presence except for CBC books which is entirely online. 

Fingers crossed one of them decides to mention my book or contact me for an interview.

New Crime Thriller by Gordon K. Jones Now Available for Purchase

I'm excited to announce my new crime thriller, Saving Tiberius from publisher, Bookland Press, is now available for purchase. 

Morgan Watson has a problem. When word leaked that his cat, Tiberius, miraculously cured itself of diabetes and may hold the key to a cure, he is attacked in his home and almost killed in a bloody fight. 

Paula Rogers, a strong-willed dedicated police officer, has put herself in the line of fire protecting them, and for the first time is stretching the rules and hiding facts from her superiors. 

The two fiercely independent people find their romantic feelings for each other grow as they search to find who is behind the brutal attempts to get Tiberius before they find themselves intertwined with the growing list of dead bodies.

Saving Tiberius can be ordered through Chapters Indigo, Amazon or better bookstores near you.

Saving Tiberius Due For Release in July 2020

I am excited to announce that my publisher, Bookland Press, will be releasing my new crime thriller, Saving Tiberius, in July of 2020.

Morgan Watson has a problem. When word leaked that his cat, Tiberius, miraculously cured itself of diabetes and may hold the key to a cure, he is attacked in his home and almost killed in a bloody fight. 

Paula Rogers, a strong-willed dedicated police officer, has put herself in the line of fire protecting them, and for the first time is stretching the rules and hiding facts from her superiors. 

The two fiercely independent people find their romantic feelings for each other grow as they search to find who is behind the brutal attempts to get Tiberius before they find themselves intertwined with the growing list of dead bodies.

Saving Tiberius can be preordered through Amazon or Chapters Indigo or better bookstores near you. More updates to follow.

Douglas Coupland's Monument to the War of 1812

On the northwest corner of Lakeshore Blvd and Bathurst St. stands the Monument to the War of 1812 which was unveiled on November 3, 2008. I have written about it before but had much poorer quality photos.

The monument was done by Douglas Coupland, who is not only an artist, but a writer too with many books in publication. I have read a few and think he is brilliant. It was commissioned by condo developer Malibu Investments Inc. I'm glad to see a developer spend some of its money to highlight the history of a neighbourhood and, in this case, a city and a country.

Just north of the monument a major battle was fought on April 27, 1813, when between 1,600 to 1,800 American soldiers invaded Toronto (then York) in an amphibious attack. The attack is explained in detail in a chapter of my book, Defending the Inland Shores, available at Amazon and Indigo.

In an interview, Coupland said this of his work, "I wanted to create something that was just a quick haiku moment for people driving by or walking by to think about the War of 1812," said Coupland. "But once I began getting involved in the project and doing research, I began noticing that the Americans are now starting to change history and they're saying, 'Well actually we won that,' or, 'Actually, we didn't lose' or whatever.

"So it's a war monument but it's also an incitement for people to remember what's going on in the present as well as the past."

The standing soldier is gold and represents a soldier from the 1813 Royal Newfoundland Regiment, who fought valiantly in the attack. The other is painted silver and is an American soldier from the 16th U.S. Infantry Regiment.

The War of 1812 was an important part of Canadian history and I'm glad to see that we are still committed to remembering those who stood their ground to defend our country.

Signing Author Autographed Books for Chapters Rideau Ottawa

Today I was in Chapters Rideau in Ottawa signing copies of my book, Defending the Inland Shores, to be displayed for sale in the Canadian history section as "author signed". I must say that doing this never grows old.

Here I am with the store's representative, Mat, who went to get the appropriate stickers for the cover of my book after I'd signed it.

You can buy a copy of the book at the store or online at Chapters/Indigo.

Canadian History Magazine Book Review for "Defending the Inland Shores"

In this month's (Feb-Mar 2018) edition of Canada's History Magazine, there is a review of my book, Defending the Inland Shores.

Here is the review in its entirety:

Defending Inland Shores: Newfoundland in the War of 1812
by Gordon K. Jones
BookLand Press
163 pages, $19.95

A key conflict in Canadian history, the War of 1812 was fought largely on the border between Canada and the United States and was far removed from the island of Newfoundland. However, in his book Defending the Inland Shores: Newfoundland in the War of 1812, Gordon K. Jones examines the unique role the Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Fencible Infantry played in this conflict.

Although many Newfoundland soldiers volunteered to fight against the Americans when the war began, they did not fight as a united regiment and were instead split up amongst the British units. As such, their experience has largely been overlooked and gone untold.

Despite their role in many key victories of the war, it wasn’t until two hundred years later that the Newfoundlanders earned any battle honours. Their regiment was disbanded following the conclusion of hostilities in 1816 and before most honours were granted. This was remedied in 2012, when the regiment’s successor, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, received three battle honours dating back to the War of 1812: “Detroit,” “Maumee,” and “For the Defence of Canada 1812–1815.”

Written in engaging and accessible prose, Defending the Inland Shores provides a long-overdue focus on the Newfoundland soldiers who were present at some of the war’s most famous battles and who played an important role in defending the British colonies from American attacks.

Signing Author Autographed Books for Indigospirit in Royal Bank Plaza

Hey, look what is sitting in the main display of non-fiction books at the Indigospirit Royal Bank Plaza. Yes, that's my book, Defending the Inland Shores, from Bookland Press right up beside Mike Myers.

The store has many clients with an interest in Canadian history so one of the managers, Natalia, ordered a few of my books and asked me to come in and sign them so their customers would be able to purchase autographed copies.

I gladly said, "Yes" and was there today to sign them.

I never knew signing my own name would take so much concentration!

Here are Natalia and I posing with an autographed copy by the entrance.

I enjoyed the experience and thank Natalia and Indigo for having a place for Defending the Inland Shores on their shelves.

My Live Interview on Rogers Daytime

Today I was interviewed about my book, Defending the Inland Shores, on Rogers Daytime TV.

Here is my segment.

It was so much fun to do.

Behind the Scenes of My Appearance on Rogers Daytime York Region with Jacqueline Betterton

Today I was interviewed on the set of Daytime York Region hosted by Jacqueline Betterton. This was my first time being interviewed as an author on TV. It was for my recently released book Defending The Inland Shores from Bookland Press and it was quite a thrill. (#47 this morning on Amazons Best Sellers List for Canadian History)

The green room.

By the media board, Sorry, Jacqueline, but I seem to have stood in front on the second half of your Twitter link on the board.

Getting miked up.

The interview.

Teena was there and I loved how she was invited into the studio to take photos during the interview. All these shots are hers.

Jacqueline was excellent. She has a very calm voice, which kept me settled down and did a terrific job of steering the interview. She was so professional and kept me grounded throughout.

Behind the scenes.

My segment had a commercial break in it. Here we are discussing what we would be doing after we came back.

Back from the break, I read a few quotes from the book which were from witnesses of the moments before the battle of Lake Erie and the memorial services after.

The monitor shows the Royal Newfoundland Regimental Colours as I discuss them. At this moment, what is on the monitor is what the viewer saw as I talked about it.

Here I am on the monitor.

Today was such a fabulous experience. I woke up this morning to find the book was number 47 for Canadian non-fiction on Amazons Best Sellers list and got to following it up with an interview. What a sweet day.

Thanks so much to Teena for coming out and keeping me settled down, making sure my outfit was "air worthy" and for taking all these great shots and, of course, to Jacqueline, who did a tremendous job of guiding me through this interview.

The actual interview will be posted when I get it from Rogers.