Friday at the Branches: The Good Doctor

The Good Doctor by Vince Agro 2011

The book is set during the onset of WW II and revolves around neighbourhood in the north end of Hamilton which was populated primarily by immigrants from a small town in Sicily. Through the eyes of his young nephew, it tells the story of the neighbourhood doctor, who was the community leader for these immigrants. As a leader, he tried to guide and protect his fellow immigrants from the influences of fascism and the ramifications of being a fascist in Canada during this time in our history. The narrator also describes the day to day lives of immigrants during this time. He tells stories of him and his friends growing up in the neighbourhood, the lives of the adults around them, the clubs and associations which were typical of the Italian community at this time.  Throughout the book, references and analogies are made to operas. The book would be of interest to those interested in local history, especially if you lived in the North End of Hamilton.

Fiction Pick of the Week: Tampered

Tampered by Ross Pennie 2011

Hamilton, Ontario public health officer Dr. Zol Szabo returns, this time investigating the food related deaths of residents at an upscale retirement residence. Somehow the deaths don’t seem either natural or accidental -- and as Zol digs deeper, he discovers that the victims were political and technological movers and shakers decades before. Could the deaths be murder? And if so, why now? Zol’s investigation is complicated by political pressures, extending right up to the Prime Minister’s office. With a colourful cast of characters, a brisk and complex plot and fascinating insights into our health and food protection systems, the Zol Szabo books are a particular treat for Burlington and Hamilton readers, with lots of local colour and locations, and some clever observations on politics and public service both locally and beyond.

Fiction Pick of the Week: The Accident

The Accident by Linwood Barclay

Linwood Barclay fans are going to love his latest thriller. The Burlington author has done it again with The Accident. When Glen Carver’s wife is killed in a car accident, he is left to raise their young daughter alone. Glen has trouble accepting that his wife Sheila was a drunk driver as the police conclude following their investigation into the accident that killed 2 innocent people. As he tries to get on with his life, unfortunate deaths and dangerous situations seem to be occurring all around him. The more he investigates the more dangerous things become, resulting in a climax that was totally unexpected. This is a fast paced, exciting read, so pick it up soon and enjoy a great book by a local author.

Fiction Pick of the Week: Tainted

Tainted: a Dr. Zol Szabo Medical Mystery by Ross Pennie 2009

A real treat for Burlington readers – a debut novel from physician and McMaster University professor Ross Pennie set in our own backyard. Dr. Zol Szabo lives on Hamilton Mountain, works on Concession Street and has a favourite restaurant in Lowville (the book is even dedicated to the Halton Region Health Department). Zol is a former chef, single father of young Max, and now a doctor working for the (fictional) Hamilton-Lakeshore Public Health Unit. When an outbreak occurs of a variant strain of Mad Cow disease, Zol and his team race to determine the cause: is it a new cosmetic treatment (in which health officials and academic leaders have significant financial stakes), or perhaps the ‘gourmet’ meat products made on a farm near Campbellville? The answer may even determine whether Zol and his son live or die. Along the way, Zol and his colleagues (including Natasha, whose dedication to the job has to compete with her mother’s attempts to find her a “nice Indian boy” to marry, and socially-awkward Hamish) contend with political turf wars, conflicts of interest and a maze of regulations. It’s fast-paced and suspenseful, but also has a feel of a cozy mystery, with lots of local colour and likeable characters (and some pointed commentary on the food safety system).

Fiction Pick of the Week: The Killing Circle

The Killing Circle by Andrew Pyper 2008

Widowed father of a young son, Patrick Rush has gradually sunk (often in a drunken stupor) from book reviewer at a national Canadian newspaper to watching endless tapes of mindless reality shows in his new position as TV critic. He decides to act on his old ambition to become a published author by joining a writing circle in his home of Toronto where everyone is advised to write what they know. Patrick is unable to come up with his own story but is inspired by that of another member of the group and eventually commits the crime most heinous to writers. While it is initially a thrill to finally be a celebrated author, Rush begins to realize that he is actually involved in a real-life thriller blurring the lines between fiction and reality. A suspenseful read with a shocking ending, made even more haunting by the familiarity of the Ontario locations in which the novel is set. Nominated for OLA’s 2009 Evergreen Award.