March 15, 2004
For Immediate Release

One Book, One Community
Brockville's 22,000 Member Book Club

They may not all be on the same page but it is hoped that for the month of April the citizens of Brockville will at least be reading from the same book.

As part of its centennial celebrations in 2004, the Brockville Public Library has chosen A Violent End by Eastern Ontario author Maggie Wheeler for its first One Book, One Community project.

Since it began in Seattle, Washington in 1998 the One Book, One Community concept has rapidly spread across North America and the United Kingdom. Brockville Public Library's One Book, One Community is the first event in Eastern Ontario.

Everyone is invited to read A Violent End, and then join in the discussions and events relating to the novel, the Lost Villages and the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Copies of this psychological mystery are available at the Brockville Public Library and at Leeds County Books, as well as at other area libraries and bookstores.

Margaret Williams, CEO of the Brockville Public Library, says this adult literacy project promotes much more than just a love of reading. One Book, One Community is a community builder that stimulates discussion within the community. "Maggie's novel and our criteria were a perfect match," she comments. "We wanted a living Canadian author who would be available for discussion. This character driven mystery and the history of the Lost Villages during the building of the St. Lawrence Seaway fifty years ago will appeal to both adults and older teenage readers."

Maggie Wheeler is honoured to have her novel selected, but is also excited by the dialogue and discussion One Book, One Community is sure to generate. "We are, in this part of Eastern Ontario, very connected to the St. Lawrence River," she explains. "I'm looking forward to learning more about the impact that the construction of the Seaway had, both historically and culturally, in the Brockville area."

On Saturday April 3, 2004, Ms. Wheeler will be available at Leeds County Books in downtown Brockville to sign copies of A Violent End.

On Wednesday April 21, she will be at the Brockville Public Library to read from her book, answer readers' questions and share stories about the history behind it. A member of the Lost Villages Historical Society will also be on hand to talk about the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project and the flooding of the Lost Villages. A tour of the Lost Villages area that was flooded fifty years ago is being arranged and there will be a draw for two free tickets on the bus

Past Reviews

In the wake of a highly successful launch in 200l, A Violent End garnered media attention throughout the region. Radio interviews in Brockville and Ottawa, in-depth coverage in The Iroquois Chieftain, The Chesterville Record, The Winchester Press and The Cornwall Standard Freeholder, and feature articles in regional/national publications such as The Ottawa Citizen and The Montreal Gazette brought the story of the Lost Villages and the continuing impact of the St. Lawrence Seaway back into discussion through the unusual format of a murder mystery.

Five months after its launch, A Violent End moved into its second printing.

WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT A VIOLENT END:

“Not only does this skillful writer bring together the mystery of a murder, but she also entwines it with the history of the Lost Villages...so well that it truly grabs hold of one’s imagination...until the final chapter is concluded.

This book is a must read!”

The Iroquois Chieftain

“...a strikingly clear portrait of 1958.

In its resolution, A Violent End remains true to its inspiration and comes to the conclusion a mystery reader would hope for...”

The Winchester Press

“As a mystery novel, it is more than just ‘a good read’, it is absolutely riveting. As an historical account, Wheeler has certainly done her homework. As literature, Wheeler’s style and choice of language, nuanced to the history of the Seaway, should please even the severest of literary critics.”

The Glengarry News

“A Violent End is well-researched, full of local and social history, and makes for fascinating reading. An added plus, being a murder mystery, you really don’t know who or how it was done.

Maggie Wheeler has a very deft hand at character development as well. Her people of the Seaway are realistically and sympathetically drawn.”

Jane Crosier, host, Literary Landscapes, CKCU-FM Ottawa

“George Hickey grew up and later taught in Aultsville, the second-largest of the villages that were flooded. He was one of the local experts who Wheeler spent hours talking to. Hickey says Wheeler’s novel captures the spirit of life in the village perfectly. ‘The whole time I was reading the book I was back in Aultsville. I heard my own voice coming out of the characters’ mouths. She brought it all back.’”

The Montreal Gazette

“With the publication of Ms. Wheeler’s book, the floodgates have opened, once again, but this time it’s an outpouring of feelings. For the first time, after having read Ms. Wheeler’s book, many of the survivors of the lost villages are talking about their loss and their bitterness.

And most of all, their sadness over the knowledge that for them, they truly can never go back home again.”

The Ottawa Citizen

“A captivating tale of an almost perfect murder that defines with precision the essence of life in the Lost Villages. Maggie Wheeler’s vivid imagery offers a precious glimpse into a world that is no more. Well done!”

Rosemary Rutley, author, Voices from the Lost Villages

“A drowned village, a seaway in the making...great place to hide a body! Maggie Wheeler skillfully brings it all chillingly together in this search into the past. Read it for the history! Read it for the characters. Just read it!”

Linda Wiken, Prime Crime Books, Ottawa, Ontario

“Maggie Wheeler has made her characters and situation come alive as they wait for their homes and businesses to be destroyed along with everything they know.

This is an interesting mix of history and present day mystery: a fascinating book about a vanished past.”

The Ottawa Westender

Site last updated May 11, 2007. Copyright © 2001, 2007 Maggie Wheeler. All rights reserved.