Step into the shadowy, soulful world of the Collins-Burke Mystery series, where a blues-playing lawyer and a sharp-tongued priest unravel crimes in the foggy streets of Halifax, Nova Scotia! Written by Anne Emery, this captivating mystery series blends gritty legal drama, complex characters, and a dash of Irish charm, following the unlikely duo of Monty Collins and Father Brennan Burke as they tackle murder, morality, and personal redemption.
With its richly drawn settings and thought-provoking themes, the series has carved a niche for readers who crave mysteries with heart and history. Ready to dive into a world where faith meets justice? Let’s explore the Collins-Burke Mystery series!
How Collins-Burke Mystery Began
Anne Emery, a Halifax lawyer turned novelist, launched the Collins-Burke Mystery series in 2006 with Sign of the Cross, which snagged the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel. Inspired by her legal background and fascination with Irish history, Emery crafted a series that pairs Monty Collins, a defense attorney with a penchant for the blues, with Father Brennan Burke, a worldly priest with a shadowy past. Their partnership was born from a high-stakes murder case, setting the stage for a dynamic crime-solving alliance.
Emery’s love for Nova Scotia’s vibrant culture and her deep dive into Catholic theology and the Irish diaspora shaped the series’ unique tone. Each book weaves real Halifax landmarks and historical nuances, making the setting as vivid as the characters.
The Heart of Collins-Burke Mystery
The series spans 13 books, with standout titles like Sign of the Cross (2006), where Monty defends Brennan against a double murder charge, uncovering secrets tied to faith and betrayal. Obit (2007) takes the duo to New York, unraveling a coded obituary linked to Brennan’s father’s IRA past. Ruined Abbey (2015), a prequel set in 1989, explores the Irish Troubles through Brennan’s family, blending war and whodunit. Though the Heavens Fall (2018) dives into 1995 Belfast, tackling justice amid a fragile ceasefire.
Themes of faith, guilt, and redemption pulse through the series, with Emery deftly exploring Catholic Church reforms, Irish political strife, and personal struggles. The Halifax setting, with its foggy docks and lively pubs, grounds the stories, while the duo’s banter—fueled by shared loves of music and whiskey—adds warmth. Critics praise the series for its leisurely pacing and rich character development, though some note the mysteries can feel secondary to the drama.
Emery’s legal expertise shines in courtroom scenes, and her knack for weaving history—Vatican II, the IRA—into fiction makes each book a cultural journey. Fans love the flawed, relatable heroes: Monty, grappling with a broken marriage, and Brennan, a priest wrestling with his past.
Why Collins-Burke Mystery Resonates
The Collins-Burke Mystery series has earned a loyal following for its blend of cerebral mysteries and emotional depth. Winning multiple Arthur Ellis Awards, it’s a gem in Canadian crime fiction, appealing to readers who enjoy Julia Spencer-Fleming or William X. Kienzle. Its exploration of faith and justice resonates in a world grappling with moral complexity, while Halifax’s vivid backdrop draws locals and tourists alike.
The series’ niche status only adds to its charm, offering a fresh alternative to mainstream thrillers. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about Emery’s wit and the duo’s evolving friendship, cementing the series as a slow-burn treasure for mystery lovers.
- First Book: Sign of the Cross (2006)
- Latest Book: Counted Among the Dead (2024)
- Awards: Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel (2007), Best Crime Novel (2019)
- Book Count: 13
Grab Sign of the Cross and dive into the Collins-Burke Mystery series’ world of murder, music, and moral dilemmas. Halifax is calling—will you answer?