Picture a Canadian storyteller who swapped a desk job for the thrill of crafting chilling crime novels—meet Deryn Collier! With her knack for weaving suspenseful tales set against the rugged beauty of British Columbia, Collier has carved a niche in the world of mystery fiction. Her debut, Confined Space, hooked readers and critics alike, earning a spot on the Arthur Ellis Award shortlist and launching her as a rising star in Canadian crime writing.
Born in New Brunswick and raised in Ottawa and Montreal, Collier’s journey to becoming a novelist was anything but ordinary. Her love for mysteries, sparked by childhood favorites like Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie, simmered beneath a varied career path—until she finally embraced her true calling. Today, her stories captivate readers with their intricate plots and deeply human characters.
The Making of Deryn Collier
Deryn Collier’s early years were shaped by the vibrant cities of Ottawa and Montreal, where she soaked up the cultural pulse that later infused her writing. At sixteen, armed with a fake ID, she explored Montreal’s nightlife, from the Peel Pub to the Thunderdome nightclub, experiences that added grit to her storytelling. A McGill University graduate, Collier briefly worked as a federal bureaucrat before fleeing to the mountains of British Columbia. There, she juggled jobs—from brewery work to doctor recruiting—while nurturing her dream of writing. It wasn’t until 2006, when she walked away from counting beer at a brewery, that she committed to crafting mysteries, a decision that changed her life.
Influenced by the puzzle-like satisfaction of Christie’s novels and the plucky spirit of Nancy Drew, Collier found her voice in crime fiction. Her move to Nelson, British Columbia, surrounded by glacier-fed lakes and towering mountains, provided the perfect backdrop for her stories. It was here, amidst the quiet beauty of Kootenay Landing, that her characters came to life.
Deryn Collier’s Unforgettable Stories
Collier’s Bern Fortin series is the heart of her literary legacy. Her debut, Confined Space (2012), introduces Bern Fortin, a retired Canadian Forces commander turned small-town coroner haunted by his past in war-torn Rwanda. When a brewery worker’s death reveals a darker truth, Bern teams up with safety investigator Evie Chapelle to unravel a web of secrets. Praised by the Toronto Star as “close to masterful,” the novel’s taut suspense and vivid Kootenay setting earned it an Arthur Ellis Award nomination.
The follow-up, Open Secret (2014), deepens Bern’s story as he investigates a drug dealer’s murder and a mysterious border incident. Quill and Quire lauded its emotional depth, noting Collier’s ability to blend community dynamics with personal histories. Her latest work, A Real Somebody (2023), shifts gears to a historical mystery set in 1947 Montreal. Inspired by her aunt, June Grant, a noted Canadian essayist, the novel follows a stenographer navigating post-war expectations and family secrets. Critics have called it a “gentle suspense” that captures the era’s charm and challenges.
Collier’s style is marked by richly drawn characters and settings that feel alive. Her mysteries aren’t just about whodunit—they explore the human cost of secrets, trauma, and redemption, all wrapped in the atmospheric beauty of British Columbia or the nostalgic streets of Montreal. Whether it’s Bern’s quiet gardening or June’s bold dreams, her characters resonate with readers seeking both thrills and heart.
Why Deryn Collier Matters
Deryn Collier’s impact lies in her ability to bring Canadian landscapes and complex characters to the forefront of crime fiction. Her Bern Fortin series has earned a loyal following, with fans eagerly awaiting a third installment. By rooting her stories in the Kootenays, she’s put Nelson, British Columbia, on the literary map, offering a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by urban settings. Her shift to historical fiction with A Real Somebody showcases her versatility, proving she can tackle new eras while retaining her signature suspense.
Beyond her books, Collier inspires aspiring writers through workshops, like her 2024 session at the Nelson Public Library, where she shared practical tools for novel-writing. Her journey—from a government pamphlet discouraging her dreams to a celebrated author—reminds us that it’s never too late to chase your passion. In a crowded genre, Collier’s voice stands out, blending Canadian identity with universal themes of truth and resilience.
- Born: New Brunswick, Canada
- Key Works: Confined Space, Open Secret, A Real Somebody
- Awards: Shortlisted for Arthur Ellis Award (Best First Novel)
- Hobbies: Gardening, sewing, swimming in Kootenay Lake
Ready for a thrilling escape? Snag Confined Space and dive into Deryn Collier’s world of suspense, where secrets lurk in every shadow!