groupofseven – North Noir

Hiking the Bruce Trail

November 19, 2020December 10, 2021 A.M. PotterLeave a comment

It’s the best time for hiking the Bruce Trail (Eva Naslund territory). Autumn leaves are down; you can see for miles …

#northnoir #brucepeninsula #tomthompson #groupofseven #georgianbay #hiking #brucetrail #exploreontario #greybruce #greatlakes https://www.instagram.com/p/CHbk_78gNth/?igshid=1p4j1nothavfg

Northern Lights by Tom Thomson

January 21, 2020March 25, 2023 A.M. PotterLeave a comment

Bay of Blood retells the story of Tom Thomson’s mysterious death.

“There are many clever details in Potter’s Bay of Blood with close parallels to Thomson’s life and death (1917). However, Potter takes his readers on a fascinating 21st-century chase, with bells and whistles never dreamt of 100 years ago.” ~ Dr. Sherrill Grace, UBC Killam Professor Emerita and Thomson Scholar.

A little winter levity: Why Aren’t Your Novels set in the Winter? They’re Supposed to be NORTH Noir

December 7, 2019April 20, 2024 A.M. Potter1 Comment

The first North Noir novel (Bay of Blood) is set in the summer; the second (The Color Red), in the spring; the next one, due out in 2024, in the fall. “Why no winter settings?” you ask. “No blizzards? No frozen bodies? It’s supposed to be NORTH noir.” Valid point. However, I have a reason – based on research. Well, on observation.

Not as many murders take place in the winter. “Why?” Because it’s winter. In the north, outside the cities, life slows down. Think human hibernation.

“Are you telling me that murderers are huddled next to their fireplaces? That it’s too cold to go out and kill someone?” Maybe. Hell, sometimes it’s too cold to go outside, period. Besides, murderers can’t risk harming their weapons. Take an axe. If you overuse it chopping wood, it’ll be too dull to whack someone. Consider a shovel. If you break the handle trying to clear ice, it won’t be available to crack someone on the head – a dozen times, of course (we’re talking noir, people). As for a shotgun, if you try to fire it at Minus-30, the barrel will explode or it’ll backfire. Forget about rendering it useless for murder. You’ll be dead yourself.