Afterbirth by Emma Cleary
Vancouver writer Emma Cleary's novel Afterbirth (Harper Collins) falls into the gynaehorror sub-genre, focusing on female sex, sexuality, and reproduction. The story follows Brooke, who returns to Vancouver from Japan after a breakup to help care for her sister Izzy, recovering from major reproductive surgery. As Izzy's rundown apartment takes on a life of its own—only Brooke seems to notice—the novel blends messy family drama with spooky, real-life fears. Best enjoyed in daylight, this is not your typical sun-soaked chick lit.
Guns Across the River by Sam Wiebe
Vancouver author Sam Wiebe delivers the sixth novel in his Wakeland detective series, Guns Across the River (Harbour Publishing). PI Dave Wakeland pulls 15-year-old Nicola from the water after she jumps off the Granville Street Bridge—but it's no suicide attempt. Wakeland and his partner Jeff Chen have resurrected their security firm, focusing on risk assessment, but Wakeland misses his old PI days. He digs into Nicola's dangerous story, running afoul of a crime family matriarch who believes a good lashing is good parenting.
The Road to Bard by Christopher Gaze
Christopher Gaze, founder and artistic director of Vancouver's Bard on the Beach Shakespeare festival, delivers a memoir tracing the festival's origin story. Now in its 37th season, the festival began when Gaze packed a trunk and left Britain in 1975 for Canadian theatre stages. Recently appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King's Birthday Honours, Gaze shares entertaining tales of a lifetime spent with colourful people.
Additional B.C. Books for Summer
The list also includes a romance and a road-trip memoir, rounding out five titles with B.C. connections. For more recommendations, check out the 10 B.C. book titles from a previous summer reading list and five books for National Indigenous History Month.
